We recently had a discussion on Jayanatha (James) 5:1-11. As usual, after exploring various topics, we finally focused on one main point: can we apply Muktivedic principles uniformly everywhere? For example, should we always be humble and try to help others grow?
In my opinion, while we shouldn’t compromise our values and principles, we cannot apply them uniformly in all situations. There are three levels of application for me: family, mandali, and others.
Family
The first limitation is that others may not understand or uphold the same values we do, or at least not give them the same importance. We didn’t choose our family members, and we often have to go to great lengths to accommodate their needs, legitimate rights, and social obligations. They may try to exploit, abuse, or take advantage of us. Since we cannot abandon them and don’t want to compromise our principles, we need to apply our principles differently within the family context.
Mandali
The main purpose of the mandali is to help one another grow individually as people and as bhaktas of the Lord. Our primary interest is the personal growth of each bhakta. We need to help each person learn how to best serve one another. If this demands separation, we should let them go. We do not function like a corporation that prioritizes growth in numbers or retention of members. If separation helps a person grow more in the Lord, we should accept it without feeling hurt.
Others
For those outside the family and mandali, we should be very careful not to let others take advantage of our principles. Continuing with the example of helping others in humility: in a corporation, individuals are engaged for the common growth of the company, not for individual growth. The company may help individuals as part of its agenda, but ultimately, the individual is not its primary interest. This is different in a mandali or a home. If an individual manages to grow along with the corporation without harming its growth, it may be tolerated, but those in authority will always be alert to it.
So, without compromising our principles, we should be wise and discerning about how to apply them in these three areas. This is not about ‘situational ethics.’ In a family, we won’t fight for our rights as bhaktas and are ready to be mistreated. This may not help other family members grow, but our personal humility and sacrifice may yield results one day. This is the cost each bhakta has to pay for living in a family, especially when other members do not share our bhakti and values. As I often say, ‘We should try to bend, but if my bending breaks, it will hurt you more than me.’ How to live this out is an art in itself.
In a mandali, our interest is mutual learning and growth. All members should have this understanding (a common minimum program?). Outside the family and mandali, while upholding our values, we should be ‘as innocent as a dove and as shrewd as a snake.’
A Story of Wisdom
Here is a famous story that fits well. A poisonous snake, after receiving deeksha from a sannyasi, became very humble and did not threaten anyone who came to attack it. Knowing its ‘new’ nature (or value), children and others began to beat it, and it got severely wounded. Later, when its guru passed by and noticed the snake’s pathetic condition, he questioned it. The snake explained that it was upholding its value (humility) to the letter and spirit. Rebuking it, the guru said, ‘I never told you not to show your hood to warn others when they come to attack you. You need not bite them, but you should be wise enough to show your hood.’ The snake learned its lesson.
Date: 20-04-2016
Revised on: 19-07-2024
Gurukulam
We recently had a discussion on Jayanatha (James) 5:1-11. As usual, after exploring various topics, we finally focused on one main point: can we apply Muktivedic principles uniformly everywhere? For example, should we always be humble and try to help others grow?
In my opinion, while we shouldn’t compromise our values and principles, we cannot apply them uniformly in all situations. There are three levels of application for me: family, mandali, and others.
Family
The first limitation is that others may not understand or uphold the same values we do, or at least not give them the same importance. We didn’t choose our family members, and we often have to go to great lengths to accommodate their needs, legitimate rights, and social obligations. They may try to exploit, abuse, or take advantage of us. Since we cannot abandon them and don’t want to compromise our principles, we need to apply our principles differently within the family context.
Mandali
The main purpose of the mandali is to help one another grow individually as people and as bhaktas of the Lord. Our primary interest is the personal growth of each bhakta. We need to help each person learn how to best serve one another. If this demands separation, we should let them go. We do not function like a corporation that prioritizes growth in numbers or retention of members. If separation helps a person grow more in the Lord, we should accept it without feeling hurt.
Others
For those outside the family and mandali, we should be very careful not to let others take advantage of our principles. Continuing with the example of helping others in humility: in a corporation, individuals are engaged for the common growth of the company, not for individual growth. The company may help individuals as part of its agenda, but ultimately, the individual is not its primary interest. This is different in a mandali or a home. If an individual manages to grow along with the corporation without harming its growth, it may be tolerated, but those in authority will always be alert to it.
So, without compromising our principles, we should be wise and discerning about how to apply them in these three areas. This is not about ‘situational ethics.’ In a family, we won’t fight for our rights as bhaktas and are ready to be mistreated. This may not help other family members grow, but our personal humility and sacrifice may yield results one day. This is the cost each bhakta has to pay for living in a family, especially when other members do not share our bhakti and values. As I often say, ‘We should try to bend, but if my bending breaks, it will hurt you more than me.’ How to live this out is an art in itself.
In a mandali, our interest is mutual learning and growth. All members should have this understanding (a common minimum program?). Outside the family and mandali, while upholding our values, we should be ‘as innocent as a dove and as shrewd as a snake.’
A Story of Wisdom
Here is a famous story that fits well. A poisonous snake, after receiving deeksha from a sannyasi, became very humble and did not threaten anyone who came to attack it. Knowing its ‘new’ nature (or value), children and others began to beat it, and it got severely wounded. Later, when its guru passed by and noticed the snake’s pathetic condition, he questioned it. The snake explained that it was upholding its value (humility) to the letter and spirit. Rebuking it, the guru said, ‘I never told you not to show your hood to warn others when they come to attack you. You need not bite them, but you should be wise enough to show your hood.’ The snake learned its lesson.
Date: 20-04-2016
Revised on: 19-07-2024
Gurukulam
Leave a Reply