Question: What is the definition of a Vaishnava? Can Hare Krishna devotees be classified under Vaishnavas?
Answer by Romapada Swami: One who is devoted to Lord Vishnu is called a Vaishnava. In the most broad and liberal definitions of a vaisnava, Lord Caitanya once described that one who even once chants the holy names of Krishna (or Vishnu) is to be considered a Vaishnava, and is worthy of all respect. Of course, there are further more elevated gradations amongst vaishnavas depending on the growing degree of faith in Krishna, His holy names and devotional service. But anyone who sincerely chants Hare Krishna is to be considered a Vaishnava.
Question: What is the difference between a Brahmana and a Vaishnava?
Answer by Romapada Swami: A brahmana is one who is firmly situated in the mode of goodness, above the influence of the modes of passion and ignorance. The character traits of a brahmana are described in the Bhagavad-Gita (18.42): peacefulness, austerity, simplicity, sense control, cleanliness, honesty, religiousness – these are the qualities of a brahmana. Literally, brahmana means one who knows or has realized Brahman.
Among the four social orders, the brahmana is considered to be the topmost, just as among the three material modes, goodness is the best. Nevertheless, a brahmana is also under the influence of modes of nature, since goodness is also one of the material modes.
A Vaishnava on the other hand, is imbued with devotion to the Supreme Lord, which is situated beyond the dutiful platform of religiousness. And by virtue of his devotion to the Personality of Godhead, a pure vaishnava actually transcends the modes of material nature; by direct service to the Supreme Lord he is situated beyond the four social orders. An unalloyed Vaishnava has all the qualifications of a brahmana (i.e. he is not influenced by ignorance and passion, which is a necessary qualification to approach and serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead), yet such a Vaishnava is more than a brahmana. Anyone who takes full shelter of the lotus feet of Krishna, whatever condition they may come from, is quickly promoted to the status of a brahmana and further becomes transcendentally situated.
