Question : Prabhupada states we shouldn’t try to imitate the guru. I understand this as referring to imitation with deception in mind or in a sahajiya mentality. But all devotees imitate Prabhupada to some degree, whether it’s 1%, or 5%, or 25%, 50%, 75%. It seems we all imitate Prabhupada, it’s just a matter of degree. Until we get there… isn’t everything a devotee does imitation? Is it okay to imitate with the knowledge that until we come to pure devotional service, that’s all we can do? Thank you.
Answer by Romapada Swami :
Prabhupada taught that there are 2 positions: ‘anukarana’ and ‘anusharana’, one is ‘imitation’ and the other is ‘following in the footsteps of a great personality’. We should follow in the footsteps and not imitate.
Prabhupada also said that “Imitation is the best form of flattery.” In other words, it is a mark of appreciation and respect for a person and his activities, that leads us to imitate, just like a child learns by imitating someone he/she looks up to. This is okay provided we are guided overall by appropriate instructions. Saintly acharyas recognize this tendency to imitate in their followers, and therefore they almost always act in a way that sets example for others in every sphere of life. This was Krishna’s advice to Arjuna: “Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.” (BG 3.21)
For example, initially devotees had no idea about Vaishnava culture or etiquette. So they imitated Prabhupada by copying his dress, the way he put on tilaka, the way he cooked and served prasadam, the way he played the cymbals or held his beads and chanted. Prabhupada encouraged it, and he personally set the right standards by his own example.
But such great persons also sometimes exhibit their extraordinary qualification and empowerment, for the sake of higher service, which should not be imitated. For example, although Prabhupada attended the Mantra Rock Concert making hundreds of wild youth dance and chant Hare Krishna, he cautioned the devotees that such engagements are very dangerous for a brahmacari’s spiritual life. Sure enough, those who attempted such things on their own became bewildered and attracted to their old ways. A powerful person like Lord Shiva can digest poison, but we cannot imitate it. Blind imitation is dangerous, just like a child attempting to imitate everything the mother does in the kitchen near the fire, for instance, ignoring the mother’s prohibitions against it.
Another example: Prabhupada would often preach with great force, sometimes calling atheistic scientists and leaders as ‘fools’ and ‘rascals’. We cannot imitate this, but instead should follow his instructions to always be humble, gentle and courteous in all our interactions. Prabhupada loved everybody equally, and he spoke out of deep love and compassion for those very persons he apparently criticized. His heart was completely free from any tinge of contempt or pride. People felt it, and so even if he called them mad to their face, they were not offended, but rather happily submitted to his wisdom! But without the deep realization, conviction & compassion and without the spiritual stature, if one imitates such aggressive style, they would be ineffective and antagonize others.
Particularly, when there is a difference between the actions and instructions of a great person, then we should follow the instructions. What you refer to as imitation is good when one tries to follow the *example* set the spiritual master, while being guided by his instructions.
Hare Krsna!
