Question: When one has a goal of becoming a mature sadhaka in Krishna Consciousness, what exactly should we think of?
Answer by Romapada Swami: Here are some preliminary thoughts on this wonderful question. In addition to keeping your devotional practices intact with fixed regularity, here are some specific qualities that a mature devotee will exhibit.
1) One measure of maturity is how equipoised and balanced we remain in response to difficult or averse circumstances. See story of Brighu kicking Visnu. [Dhira means remaining undisturbed even in the face of provocation ( Sri Isopanisad Mantra 10 & 13)
2) Another measure of maturity is to be able to maintain proper respect and social decorum in the midst of multiple social relationships. A mature devotee is ALWAYS sensitive to social propriety even in complex circumstances, and acts appropriately.
3) A major measure of maturity is the degree of one’s internalization of living our life in genuine devotion to guru and Krishna; immaturity is to accept and act externally only, flickering in our ‘being in a mood of devotion’ depending on time and circumstance, OR exhibiting shallow bhakti without connecting with our natural deeper core of feelings of devotion.
In a word, a mature devotee is steady in their execution of devotional service. (Cf-SB 1.2.6, 1.2.18).
A common example of immaturity is to use the philosophy of Krishna consciousness as a stick to beat upon others who are not obeying the tenents of devotion as much as I am. Another example is to feel pride and superiority for one’s meager attainments in Krishna conscious life.
4) A mature devotee carefully deliberates FROM A SELFLESS AND SPIRITUAL PLATFORM what will be the outcome or consequences of my actions upon OTHERS, BEFORE I act. [“Do the right things, in the right way.”]
5) A mature devotee consistently sees others with love and compassion, wanting to be of some service to them in a meaningful way.
