Faith mixed with the material modes of nature.

Nityananda! Gauranga! Hare Krsna!

Dear Swami Gaurangapada and assembled devotees, please accept my full obiesances.

Here is some of my posting on another forum. I thought some of its content may be of use for our forum. The quotes are taken from a certain context of discussion, so please use discernment when reading this, as my purpose may not be so self-evident, considering the conversation is not full here.

I was reading Gita today, and realized that I am ofcourse still a conditioned being. And some of my religious faith experience is still on the mental platform. Therefore influenced by the modes.

So in this regard, there needs to be an element of grace when we are having dealings with other people, and discussion about God. Liberated beings are very rare in this world. By realizing our position in humility (if we are still conditioned), and having deep faith in the elevated acaryas words, very soon we will be on the transcendental platform.

Ofcourse my ideas may not be perfect here. But maybe the essence is of some value. Thank you for this opportunity to share.

This idea of salvation seems to be well built into abrahamic faiths. Is the abrahamic concept of salvation necessary for all? I think not.

Maybe the vedic concept of mukti, and the abrahamic concept of salvation, have some key fundamental differences.

I am not qualified or studied enough to go into specifics about fundmamental differences. But one can see that processes do vary, by observing the practicioners of the various faiths. And the natures they have developed. And their behaviours, word usage, practices etc.

Some on this forum (not referring to nitaai.com here) like to class people like myself as, Hare Christians. So in this regard I just mentioned, they may well be right to some degree! If one is self-honest, that he is not yet on the transcendental platform, such may be the case, and criticism accepted. Such a devotees faith may be influenced by the modes of material nature to some extent. As long as one is aware of that, his progress is sure (for he has acknowledged a higher principle than his current nature and station). This is very important for progress on the spiritual journey. If he is not aware, or denies it due to pride, then his religion may be nothing but a dividing point for many, who do not understand higher principles. And as history has proven, sometimes that type of faith can even be harmful to others. Therefore humility is of utmost necessity for the practicioner of spirituality, for the one who wishes to progress without committing offence.

Those who are critical (of neophytes) and their current station, may (need to develop also), to realize that each living being is on the progressive path, one way or another. And that such a development is sanctioned by the grace of God. God's kindness is so great, that he wishes all souls to come home in due course.

There is a Bhagavad Gita verse in this regard (about faith mixed with the material modes):

Quote:
Chapter 17 verse 3 - click here for full verse and purport http://vedabase.net/bg/17/3/en
sattvanarupa sarvasya
sraddha bhavati bharata
sraddha-mayo yam puruso
yo yac-chraddhah sa eva sah

O son of Bharata, according to one's existence under the various modes of nature, one evolves a particular kind of faith. The living being is said to be of a particular faith according to the modes he has acquired. End Quote.


So really, unless one gets to the transcendental position, his faith may be still influenced by the material modes (of goodness, passion, and or ignorance) depending.

Pure bhakti in the Gaudiya tradition is said to be in the stage of suddha-sattva, not influenced by the material modes. Transcendental. If one has studied the Gaudiya sastras he will understand whether his devotion is suddha-sattva or not. Just as he will understand whether he is chanting suddha (pure) Holy Name or not.

If the so called Hare Christian ( personally I do not like this term) still has desires for salvation, it is not suddha-bhakti. But motivated bhakti. But due to his faith in the process, as taught by the Acaryas, very soon he will be elevated to the transcendental position.

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