The Cr ee pe r of De v otion Grows - P a rt 2
Sādhu-saṅga Will Save You Let people do what they want to do. If you can help them, you should help. If they will not hear you, then give them up. Do not waste your time for them. That is why, at the time of sädhana, the devotee creates some fencing – so that aparädha (offences) will not come. What is that fencing? It is sädhu-saìga, association with pure devotees. Sädhu-saìga will save you; otherwise, you are bound to do so many wrong things. Even in joking, you may offend someone. I see nowadays that it is very easy to commit offences. Even to hear offensive words is also an offence, so do not hear offences. Ladies should try to maintain their chastity, not divorcing daily and marrying again and again. If you have already divorced, don’t marry again. Never, never, and never. One time is enough. This instruction is for men too. If your wife has divorced you, don’t marry again; don’t repeat that wrong thing. Otherwise, where is your bhakti? Make a determination, “I will not do so.” What new experience will be there with a new wife or husband? It will be the same thing that you have already tasted. This divorcing and re-marrying is like a burning fire. Oh, you will be burnt forever. Lord one can be freed from all kinds of sinful reaction, one may continue to act sinfully and after that chant Hare Kåñëa to neutralise his sins. Such a dangerous mentality is very offensive and should be avoided.) (8) To consider the chanting of Hare Kåñëa one of the auspicious ritualistic activities offered in the Vedas as fruitive activities (karmakäëòa). (9) To instruct a faithless person about the glories of the holy name. (Anyone can take part in chanting the holy name of the Lord, but in the beginning one should not be instructed about the transcendental potency of the Lord. Those who are too sinful cannot appreciate the transcendental glories of the Lord, and therefore it is better not to instruct them in this matter.) (10) To not have complete faith in the chanting of the holy names and to maintain material attachments, even after understanding so many instructions on this matter. (Nectar of Devotion 8)
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