By
H.H. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami
(On December 9th, 2021 (Odan Shasti), disciples and servants of H.H. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami will be celebrating his 84th vyasa all over the world. On this occasion we are pleased to share below excerpts from his lecture’s question/answer session.
The excerpts from chapter ‘Prayers’ are adapted from the book “Sripada in Switzerland – Lectures, conversations and instructions of His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami in Switzerland published by BI, Kolkata.)
Question
Devotee: What do we do when we perceive weakness in our authorities? How can we love them?
Answers:
H.H. Sacinandana Swami: It is a very important question. I wanted to say that we should love our authorities; as such I wanted to say the following is possible when there is either determination or love, because if there is force, we know it does not work so well.
H.H. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami: We are talking about genuine authority, we have the sampradaya and we have the acharyas, in other words the person who is delivering the message, he should be authorized, in other words he must be bona-fide. Otherwise, we do not follow unauthorized instructions or authority. When there is bona fide authority, it must be followed; in other words, we must follow whatever the authorities are recommending otherwise there is a breakdown in spiritual culture. When you say the authority is weak, but the authority can never be weak if it is purely authorized, I mean if it is bona-fide. In individuals there may be something like that but the proper authority cannot be weak; I am talking about the bona fide authority, real system of authority. For example, it is said in the scriptures, or it is given by the acharyas and therefore the principle of authority cannot be weak; as an individual person yes, it is possible to have weakness. Is this answer bona fide?
If the bond fide authority is there, then it should be followed. But if the person is weak, he is not able to give that authority and he is not properly representing. In other words, for example, the authority says follow four regulative principles, that is called bona fide authority but if someone is not following that he is not bona fide, in other words he is not representing that authority.
Question:
Devotee: Sometimes we read the instructions given by the authorities and just accept the instructions blindly. Can we follow them blindly or can we check the results before following them?
Answer:
H.H. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami: In such a situation for those who are trying to follow, definitely one will have to use their intelligence. We cannot be blindly following, because at least by exercising the intelligence the person should be convinced, yes it would be good for me; this commitment should be there as a part of those who is going to follow the authority. In that way, it will be a permanent or lasting understanding and a commitment. The person who is going to follow the authority should also be intelligent enough to make the judgement on herself or himself and that way it will be lasting. But otherwise, if you simply blindly follow, well, say for example we say ‘smoking is not good’, but when a person thinks deeper about it; smoking why is it not good? Because it causes cancer, because it has nicotine which reacts with the cell and protein molecules and then it forms some kind of strong cross-linked chemistry inside, therefore it causes cancer. Then if you make a little analysis by using your intelligence you know it is going to be so bad; then you are very assured this is not good for me. I must not smoke. This way if a little knowledge is there then it is very helpful but at the same time suppose if someone does not have that background, but at least they say, “Oh! The people, doctors, my seniors and scriptures are saying that smoking is not good, so therefore, I don’t smoke” that is also good indirectly.
These two personalities, one with knowledge and one is just following, so if you can do that is also good. But both these aspects are good in following the authorities. But the result or outcome is good even if one either understands or doesn’t understand. But one who has some knowledge oh! Yes, why the scriptures say, why the authorities are saying why I should not do these things and if there is some intelligent understanding then it becomes very permanent, very lasting and you apply that. But in either case authority is not some dogma, it is a proven kind of system and by following these things the generations of people or individuals become greatly benefited. Therefore, the principles of authorities are transferred, like this we follow the Parampara system; this is the authorized system for thousands and thousands of yugas. Therefore, even if I don’t know the intricate aspects still it is good if I adopt that, as it is only, for one’s benefit because the generations of very advanced souls have adopted it and have prescribed it; this is good for us and for me so if I accept that then this will be also good for me.
However, that requires generosity on the part of the individual and removing of the false ego i.e. ahankara. When the conception of ahankara is very prominent, one is not so willing to accept authority. Therefore, on the part of the individual when there is generosity; nobility and humility is obvious, yes because I don’t really know this, I must follow what the authorized process is there and this is only for my benefit. If one can develop that type of culture then it is easier to accept and adopt and apply it in one’s personal life.
All glories to H.H. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga
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