Let’s be as we wish to seem

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i can portray myself to the world however i like. But it should be consistent with my own values and beliefs – in my case, it is Goudiya Vaishnav siddhanta.

What is truly important to me? Is the answer really ‘Gouranga and Prem’? What do i really want to get out of my life? The way i live my life should  reflect that.

We all hold high ideal for ourselves, that is to be a Vaishnav (the highest ideal), which is a good thing. Are we working to fill this lofty standard, by way of Bhajan and proper Vaishnavi conduct ? Or do we let good opportunities to prove ourselves as Vaishnavs slip by?

Do i think i am a great Vaishnav? Being a ‘Vaishnav’ isn’t just a title, but is something i have to prove by action as well. If i wish others to think i am a Vaishnav, and i want to seem like a Vaishnav, then i’d better behave like one. i’d better be  ‘Vaishnav’ not only fron outside but also from within. i can be anything i want. The choice is mine, not Krishna’s.

6 thoughts on “Let’s be as we wish to seem”

  1. The choice is ours yes. But Krishna may give it a push one way or other 😉 ultimately its up to Him. But yes, how poingnant a statement you make here Madhumatiji, with the help of Socratesji. How easy it is to just call it The Ideal, as if an unattainable utopia we just theorize about, and then remain in this plane of uncommitment and of undetermination. Copping out indeed is my game.
  2. Radhe Radhe! To a vaishnav, I don’t think it matters what he/she “seems”! What he is is what matters—for Krishna is the greatest of preceptors—sees the core of heart. Of course, wishing to be “seen” like a vaishnava may be a good motivation for the mind (to come with ourselves)! 😀 And the ideal is only the choice we can follow…wud anyone choose anybody short of ideal to follow if a choice is given? Well, still choice is indeed urs! 😆
  3. Radhe Radhe! It’s a high time to think! “What I want to get out of my life?” The greatest thing I miss in my life is (even close to) perfect chakora-nayan! So expert I am in labeling “good opportunities” as “good for Krishna” without considering if the willingness to get bound by golden chains is anyabhilāṣita-śunya & is going anukūlyena-kṛṣṇānuśīlanaṁ! (which is one of the things an ideal vaishnav wud consider anukūl to himself)
  4. Very apt Visvajeet, a vaisnava is not concerned about self image when it is about pratistha. But I think what Socrates meant was “be ideal” as in ‘becoming’, transform yourself into that which you consider the highest. That is, perfect yourself. Be all you can be, as the US Army proposes :mrgreen: To one day be our real selves, that indeed is inevitable, and in that sense only I say that ultimately we depend on the appearance of the Lord in our horizon to achieve such ideal. 🙂
  5. Radhe Radhe – yes Sunitaji ! What you have understood is exactly what Socrates is trying to say. Considering his statement from a Vaishnav perspective will certainly motivate us to get closer to Radha-Krishna-prem. And then we shall do all that is required to achieve it.

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