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WORLD June 12, 1999 VNN4085 See Related VNN Stories | Comment on this story Don't Reject The Rose Because Of Thorns FROM THE SECRETARIES OF SRILA BHAKTIVEDANTA NARAYANA MAHARAJA USA, Jun 12 (VNN) — The ideal of pure love and affection (prema-bhakti) entices us all. In this common bond we should rejoice together, appreciating all who have gathered for such a unique quest. As many of you know, Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja beautifully articulates this universal truth, isolating the essence of prema-bhakti from all external distractions with an amazing, almost mystical, clarity. In Maharaja's art there is a delicate balance which many of the rest of us have not yet mastered. We do not have his divine insight nor do we command the respect to speak with his authority. We should regularly and introspectively monitor ourselves: "What is the specific effect of my words on the people to whom I speak? Was that person drawn or repelled by my behavior and presentation?" For those who try to represent Srila Narayana Maharaja (as well as for all who wish to distribute the nectar of Krsna consciousness) this attentive sensitivity is critical. Without this carefulness many devotees have exacerbated the already challenging situation of miscommunication among Vaisnavas. From time to time some of us make statements which do not carefully represent Srila Gurudeva. If we are not extremely sensitive our words can leave a mistaken impression discouraging others from further connection with him and his sastric books. It is natural that all devotees will be enthusiastic about what has greatly inspired them; but we must be careful not to speak inappropriately in our eagerness. This can easily be taken as invasive and disruptive by others. We must try to educate and guide each other so that, in our attempt to communicate, we may not misrepresent our good cause and create disturbance. Frankly, it is not a simple task. Throughout history groups are faced with members who will not be easily censored. It is also true that Srila Narayana Maharaja's style is not to monitor his followers in a hiearchical or institutional manner, rather only through love and affection. Ultimately this is most effective, but it takes time. With this in mind we humbly request the kind understanding of all devotees we meet. Remember Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's words of gentle apology and simultaneous support for his preachers whose approach was sometimes not appreciated: "'To err is human', so in the neophyte stage we may always expect some discrepancies are there. Kindly see the things in this light and forgive their small mistakes. The big thing is they have given their life, everything to Krsna-- that is never a mistake." (Letter to Lynne Ludwig 11/23/73) If you find yourself discouraged by inappropriate or inaccurate presentations please do not take it as representative of Srila Narayana Maharaja himself. He regularly instructs his followers to show proper respect to all devotees, not to disturb anyone and to speak carefully according to time and circumstance. Still, mistakes will be made. Most importantly, feel welcome to visit with or write to Srila Narayana Maharaja or his more mature senior devotees with your concerns. On the path to life's highest objective, pure love and affection (prema-bhakti), let us not reject the rose because of thorns. The secretaries of Srila Bhaktivadanta Narayana Maharaja Related VNN Stories | Comment on this story | Contact VNN about this story | Send this story to a friend
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