Q: In addition to the standard instruction for a vaisnava that all forms of live, even an insect, are to be respected due to the presence of a soul within, plus the standard instruction that a Madhyama vaisnava is to respect all others in a standard way (e.g. ‘those more advanced; peers; those less advanced’ + ‘the innocent’), what further cultural or etiquette teachings should we be aware of and follow?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Eight Levels of Respect
Śrīla Thākur Bhaktivinode’s Śrī Caitanya-Śikṣāmṛta (chapter 2, part 2)
Proper respect should be given, considering the person’s status. This is called maryādā. Not giving proper respect is considered a great fault. One should give respect to all human beings, but one should give more respect to a man with position. Most respect should be given to the devotee.
The following is the order [given in the order of respect due]:
1) Respect to humans — naramātrera maryādā.
2) Respect to those who are civilized — sabhyatāra maryādā.
3) Respect to position — rāja maryādā or pada maryādā.
4) Respect to the educated — vidyāmaryādā.
5) Respect to those with good qualities (especially the brāhmaṇas, sannyāsis and vaiṣṇavas) — sad-guṇa maryādā.
6) Respect according to varna (brāhmaṇas) — varna maryādā.
7) Respect according to āśrama (sannyāsis) — āśrama maryādā.
8) Respect to devotion (bhakta) — bhakti maryādā.
