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Relationships

The modes of ignorance is actually affecting our behaviour and it is very difficult in the association of the vaisnavas to learn how to behave properly. But this is exactly what we have to learn. We have to truly become favourably disposed to everyone That is when we see great personalities - that is their nature. They are favourably disposed to everyone, and you see someone like Prabhupada - even he could chastise someone, but they still felt that actually he is very very merciful and kind, because underneath it he was totally favourably disposed.As the years go by - this becomes more and more prominent - vaisnava relationships. Day by day it becomes more important. Everyday in our spiritual life, the importance of vaisnava relationships is just slowly dawning upon us - little by little. As we are coming to the end of our life and realise that; "Actually my main fault is that I didn't do very well in the relationships of the Vaishnavas. I have offended many." And it says that a saintly person at the end of his life is inclined to ask forgiveness. Srila Prabhupada also did. He asked several of his god brothers for forgiveness.

Blessings of Vaishnavas

In our old age we will be confronted with our lack of advancement. When we are young; " Ah I'm in spiritual life - I'm already getting advanced! So many years you knowiphew! With so many things I'm advancing with big steps!"But as time moves along we realise;"I hardly advanced at all". As life is coming to an end we realise that; "If the little bit of service that I had done - if that goes in the scale, and if they weigh it - if it is enough to let me into the spiritual world. I don't know if it's going to be enough? I have serious doubts if the weight of my service will be enough.Therefore, I beg for the weight of the blessings - because if I add the weight of the blessings - the vaisnavas they all have goodwill with Krsna!They all serve Krsna: They all have goodwill with Krsna. If the vaisnavas will give me blessings - that will add weight in the scale - that just might tip the balance in my favour. So please give me your blessings." In this mood a vaisnava is thinking and therefore, one can never allow these remnants of the mode of ignorance in our nature to rise to the forefront. We must somehow or other check it, or control it by vaisnava etiquette.