Question : Too much information or knowledge is dangerous for those who don’t qualify. I may not be qualified to receive the level of knowledge we hear in classes or bhakti vriksha, so it disturbs me sometimes instead of giving me directions. For example, we hear two statements:
1. We should not associate with worldly minded people,
2. We should respect each living entity because Krishna Himself resides in each of them as Paramatma.
How can I detach myself unless I think of something as lowly or bad for me?
Likewise there are many such instances (of contradiction). What should I do about it?
Answer by Romapada Swami :
Your concern about hearing information beyond your present capacity of realization is quite legitimate. First, I will address this general principle. I will then separately address the specific example you have raised.
A very effective way to address your concern is hearing primarily from a mature, realized devotee and/or develop a personal relationship with such a devotee to guide your understandings.
Transcendental knowledge or ‘realized’ knowledge (vijnana) is transferred from the heart of a realized devotee unto the heart of hearer through the medium of a loving relationship consisting of submission, inquiry and service. (BG 4.34) Without such a relationship, knowledge received — even scriptural knowledge — would remain theoretical or academic; it is just additional information which one does not know how to apply, and thus dangerous. But when you do have a relationship with a qualified spiritual guide who knows your heart, then they can adjust or explain their message in an appropriate way for your understanding, clarify doubts in a timely way, and guide you in balanced application.
Scriptures are vast and varied. Even general instructions on devotional topics to a wide audience can contain varied instructions for different levels of devotees. It is the duty of the personal spiritual master or spiritual guide to select appropriate instructions for the student and focus on them, taking into account their level of understanding. Likewise, it is the duty of the student to promptly clarify doubts that bother them.
Therefore, regular interaction and hearing from or under the guidance of someone like that is very important for steady advancement.
Once you have such a personal relationship of submission, inquiry and service, even if you hear general discourses which address different levels of devotees, you can hear them in the light of the specific, systematic knowledge you are receiving, and thus you will not be confused.
(For related discussion, see Digest 227.)
Answer by Romapada Swami (part 2):Re. the specific example about respecting everyone but not associating with worldly minded people, this is a basic instruction applicable at all levels. Any seeming contradiction is resolved as follows:
We should mentally honor everyone by practicing to see them in relationship with Krishna, viz. as originally pure, but presently wayward sons and servants of Krishna. But we cannot approve or respect their non-devotional attitudes and activities. As they commonly say, “Hate the sin, not the sinner.”
Thinking lowly or condemning something is not factually helpful in bringing about detachment. Rather it ony leads to aversion, which is merely another side of the same coin of duality…namely attachment! We need not condemn or hate the worldly-minded, but simply not intimately associate with them, just as we would avoid a person with some infectious disease without really reproaching the person. One can think, “In the presence of a pure devotee like Srila Prabhupada, these persons might become purified and their dormant devotion might awaken. But I am not strong enough to remain uncontaminated by their materialistic habits and outlook. So, in order to maintain my own budding devotion, let me stay at a distance from them, without disrespecting them.”
Meanwhile, by positively cultivating attachment to Krishna and His devotees, our detachment will naturally develop.
(Please see Meditation 10 for a more detailed consideration of this topic.)
