Excerpts from Bhaktivinode Vani Vaibhava

Dear devotees,

        Nityananda Gauranga Hare Krishna! My humble pranams! Bhaktivinode Vani Vaibhava is the most important devotee handbook and it must be read compulsorily by all those wishing to advance. The Thakura has expressed all the profound teachings in very simple language.

       If you like to hear, we can discuss one topic every now and then in this thread. I hope this is of some service to everyone.

       The Philosophy of Synthesis

79-The Philosophy of Synthesis 

1. In what ways does one disregard the path of the mahajanas ?

You have concluded that the authorized sampraddyas are faulty, so you have become eager to purify yourself. You did not accept tilaka or tulasl beads. You renounced the trouble caused by accepting initiation and invented your own system of religion. (Kalydna Kalpataru Song 67)

2. What do the Harmonizers gossip about? How were the modern "Gaurarigas" chastised?

The same persons who practiced Vaisnavism four hundred years have now changed their mind and preached a new philosophy that harmonizes all religious systems. They thought this would be a universal religion. They further said that if one follows a particular religion, one could not pursue universal love. By merging all religious systems, universal love for all living entities can be awakened, they said. Last year, Srlman Mahaprabhu punished them completely. Some of them were removed all together from this planet. The rest quarreled among themselves and finally took up their respective  professions. Only one or two are still trying to pose as Gauraiigas, but being unable to get attention from civilized society, they are taking shelter of the cobblers. What a pastime Mahaprabhu is exhibiting! However Kali raises his head, Mahaprabhu smashes his attempts by hitting his head with a stick.
(Sajjana Tosanl 8/1)

3. Who are the real paramahamsas and how do they behave?

Those who have divine eyes consider the paramahamsas equipoised yogis, and those who are less intelligent or third-class people think they are attached to material enjoyment. Some people may even occasionally think the paramahamsas averse to the Lord. A swanlike person can identify another swanlike brother who possesses all the appropriate symptoms, whether he is from the same country or not. Although their dress, language, worship, Deity, and behavior may appear different, they should freely address one another as brothers. Such people are called paramahamsas, and Srlmad-Bhagavatam is the scripture meant for such persons. (Sri Krsna Samhita Introduction)

4.Why are there different modes of behavior and different sadhanas ?

According to one's nature one accepts his worshipable Lord, suitable sastras, and like-minded associates. According to the logic samasila bhajanti vai, or, "One associates with like-minded persons," various worshipable Lords, sadhanas, associates, and behaviors naturally enter the world. The worshipable Lord, however, is one without a second, despite these differences among His worshipers. (Sajjana Tosanl 11/3)

5. Is neutrality a principle of devotional service? Can it help manifest one's faith in the Absolute Truth?

Without developing faith in the eternal Absolute Truth, a living entity is never benefited. If everything is good in this world, then what is bad? If whatever one does is good, then where is the distinction between good and bad? Puffed rice and sugar candy would become one and the same. If there is no need for a living entity to perform sadhana, then what is the difference between a debauche attached to prostitutes and a paramahamsa completely free of such desires? Truth and illusion become one. Therefore, faith in the Absolute Truth is supremely beneficial, whereas attachment for temporary objects is abominable. Maintaining neutrality toward everything cannot be good. Rather, one should take the side of good and reject neutrality.
(Sajjana Tosanl 2/6) 

Daaso'smi,
Srinath

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