Krishna on Vaishnava Qualities
B.G. 12.13-20. Sri Krishna quite clearly lists the qualities that are dear to Him:
a) One who is not envious but is a kind friend to all living entities, who does not think himself a proprietor and is free from false ego, who is equal in both happiness and distress, who is tolerant, always satisfied, self-controlled, and engaged in devotional service with determination, his mind and intelligence fixed on Me – such a devotee of Mine is very dear to Me. (B.G. 12.13-14)
b) "He by whom no one is put into difficulty and who is not disturbed by anyone, who is equipoised in happiness and distress, fear and anxiety, is very dear to Me." (B.G. 12.15)
c) "My devotee who is not dependent on the ordinary course of activities, who is pure, expert, without cares, free from all pains, and not striving for some result, is very dear to Me." (B.G. 12.16)
Chaitanya Mahāprabhu on Vaishnava Qualities
Chaitanya Charitamrita (Mad 22.78-80) speaks about 26 qualities of a Vaishnava:
kṛpālu, akṛta-droha, satya-sāra sama
nidoṣa, vadānya, mṛdu, śuci, akiñcana
sarvopakāraka, śānta, kṛṣṇaika-śaraṇa
akāma, anīha, sthira, vijita-ṣaḍ-guṇa
mita-bhuk, apramatta, mānada, amānī
gambhīra, karuṇa, maitra, kavi, dakṣa, maunī
26 Qualities
1. Kṛpālu – merciful
To be merciful means to wish well to others and treat all living entities in such a way that they are able to understand the science of God and return home. If we are not qualified enough to deliver someone ourselves, we must serve great personalities who are merciful and do so. If a nurse saves patients, she does not necessarily have to be kind by nature, but her work is mercy. So do we, seeing how everyone suffers without God, help the mission of the mahatma – we preach. Krishna is merciful to everyone, and a Vaishnava wants to reveal this mercy of Krishna to everyone, therefore he is also merciful.
2. Akṛta-droha – humble
It manifests in thinking of ourselves as completely worthless, having spent our lives in vain. Humility is also sadness that we are still unable to surrender to Krishna, while others around us try so hard and succeed. It also means seeing others' efforts and being critical of one's own. This is not a pretend feeling, it comes from deep within, as the realization of one's true position in the material world deepens. A devotee does not order anyone around because he feels unqualified to do so. He asks people to accept Krishna Consciousness, to serve God. Humility also means feeling completely foolish before the spiritual master. Only in this way can one prepare oneself to open up for spiritual advancement.
3. Satya-sāra – truthful
To be truthful does not simply mean refraining from lying, first one must know the truth. One can learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master and serving him and inquiring submissively. The Absolute Truth is Krishna. Therefore, one who knows Krishna is always right. Having learned the truth, it is impossible to hide it from others, because then we become liars. This means that we must live in such a way that this Absolute Truth shines through in all our actions. Truthfulness is a brahminical quality and it is the only remaining leg of religion in Kali-yuga.
4. Sama – equal to everyone
He looks equally upon all living entities. This means seeing everyone as spiritual souls and not making distinctions on the bodily platform. It also means respecting everyone equally not for their material achievements, but for their spiritual qualities. Krishna maintains all living entities – both those who love Him and those who hate Him. Why should we make distinctions? This also means having no enemies.
5. Nidoṣa – faultless
All living entities have faults. The only one who has none is Krishna. One who completely sacrifices himself to Krishna, has given his body, mind and words to Him, all his actions are controlled by Krishna Himself and He uses him properly in devotional service. This means that the activities of such a devotee will be faultless. Even if a devotee accidentally deviates from this path, he should still be considered a saint. "Faults" are merely a figment of the imagination of materialistic people.
6. Vadānya – magnanimous
One who is above envy and revenge, unselfish and able to forgive. In other words, "big-hearted". Only one who gives us eternal good can be truly magnanimous. Chaitanya Mahāprabhu is mahā vadānyāya – the most magnanimous incarnation, because He freely, with an open heart, without ulterior motives, distributes love of God – the most secret commodity.
7. Mṛdu – mild
Only one who is peaceful can be mild, and peaceful is one whose senses are calm. A person whose goal is to satisfy the senses cannot be peaceful, because the senses, like insatiable streams, demand more and more. A devotee realizes that sensual happiness is illusory, so he does not look for joy in temporary things, but in eternal ones. He avoids suffering related to sense gratification, and therefore remains peaceful. Anxiety arises from thinking that someone might hurt you, but a devotee understands that no one can take Krishna Consciousness away from him. In BG 2.70 Krishna says that only he can achieve peace who is undisturbed by the incessant flow of desires, like rivers flowing into the ocean, which is ever-being filled but remains calm, and not he who strives to satisfy these desires. In BG 2.15 Krishna says that one who is steady in both happiness and distress is eligible for liberation.
8. Śuci – clean
This means internally and externally. Internally – by chanting the mantra and following regulative principles, externally – by following the rules of cleanliness. "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." Our spiritual advancement is a purification process. We are purifying ourselves from material contamination. A Vaishnava has already purified himself, therefore he is clean. Cleanliness is destroyed by illicit sex life, so Vaishnavas avoid it in every possible way. Some spiritual teachings can also be unclean, like jñāna. They are mixed with speculation and impersonalism.
9. Akiñcana – without possessions
No one is rich, but some think they have a lot of property, while others think they have nothing and therefore envy those who have. Everything belongs to Krishna, so only Krishna is rich. Wealth does not make a person happy because it encourages wrong thinking. Often money turns a decent person into a demon. Wealth meant for sense gratification becomes a cause of suffering and fear. Attached to wealth, we cannot think of nobler things, we trust no one and envy everyone. Then we rely only on the bank account, although a devotee must rely only on Krishna. However, a devotee who accepts nothing for himself can use all wealth in the service of Krishna. This is called yukta vairāgya.
10. Sarvopakāraka – working for the welfare of everyone
Every intelligent person must work for the good of others. This is what the scriptures order. Vishnu Purana (3.12.45) says that one should use one's actions, thoughts and words doing what will benefit all living entities in this and the next life. One who knows the technique of bhakti yoga can spread good to everyone. Spreading Krishna Consciousness is the real work meant for the benefit of all. Chaitanya Mahāprabhu said to Sanatana Goswami: "By your devotional service you purify the entire universe." He also said:
bhārata-bhūmite haila manuṣya janma yāra
janma sārthaka kari' kara para-upakāra
"One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of India should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people." The real good is Krishna consciousness.
11. Śānta – peaceful
He knows that Krishna is everything, so he is at peace with everyone and himself. He has reconciled with Krishna and no longer opposes Him. True peace comes when everyone understands who owns everything. Then no one will covet another's property, realizing that it does not belong to him. People divide territories, but the Earth belongs not to people, but to God. In BG 5.29 Krishna says that He is the proprietor of all worlds, the enjoyer of all sacrifices, and also the friend of all living entities. One who understands this attains real peace. This is Krishna's peace formula. A devotee depends on Krishna, so he does not need to struggle for existence and argue with everyone. He envies no one. He interacts peacefully with others, therefore he is peaceful.
12. Kṛṣṇaika-śaraṇa – surrendered to Krishna alone
Krishna eka – means to Krishna alone. Krishna is the only Lord worth serving. In Bhagavad-gita 18.66 Krishna Himself invites us to abandon all other secondary religious principles and surrender to Krishna alone (mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja). Only Krishna can protect us from the reactions of sinful life and bring us back to Himself. Krishna possesses wonderful qualities that encourage intelligent people to surrender to Him. Surrender also means determination to follow the rules of sādhana bhakti, to rise early in the morning, to attend mangala arati, even if we do not feel spontaneous love.
13. Akāma – desireless
This does not mean inner emptiness. Spiritual life means fullness, not emptiness. Desire is a symptom of life, so it is impossible to desire nothing. However, a devotee, thanks to devotional service, satisfies all his desires and becomes full. He is not tormented by unfulfilled desires. Literally translated, akāma means without lust.
14. Anīha – indifferent to material acquisition
He does not strive to possess much, thinking that otherwise he cannot serve Krishna. Having millions of dollars he serves just as well as having not a penny, because real service is performed in the heart. He does not seek to stand out by his material qualities, nor does he seek any position in society. He is ready to accept the position offered to him by Krishna. Everything in this world is temporary, so there is no point in striving for temporary things. It is another matter if they come without effort.
15. Sthira – steady
His faith in Krishna does not waver for a moment, even if he has to debate and lose in philosophical arguments. He understands that Krishna is the ultimate truth and no one will refute that. He does not depend on circumstances and always performs his duties in devotional service. Materialists constantly change their occupations, appearance, behavior, habits, because there is absolutely no steadiness in their lives. A devotee is always engaged in the same thing – trying to attract Krishna's attention. He does not chase fashions and does not change his occupations due to the flickering of the mind. A devotee does not give in to various temptations. A devotee's faith in his guru is also steady. Steadiness in Krishna consciousness is achieved by constantly practicing bhakti yoga.
16. Vijita-ṣaḍ-guṇa – conqueror of the 6 faults
He fully controls the six bad qualities:
- kāma (lust)
- krodha (anger)
- lobha (greed)
- moha (illusion)
- mada (madness)
- mātsarya (envy)
17. Mita-bhuk – eating only as much as required
This is a secondary quality, although failure to follow it can also cause difficulties on the spiritual path. BG 6.16 says that one should eat neither too much nor too little. This means that one must choose individually according to body constitution. Prabhupāda said that one can make two mistakes when eating: eating too little and overeating, but if a person has already made a mistake, it is better to make the first one. According to yoga teachings, the tongue, stomach and genitals are in one line and directly related. One who controls the tongue can also control the stomach and genitals. The best way to control the tongue is to eat Krishna prasādam. Although it should not be abused either. Prabhupāda said that in Krishna consciousness fasting is a feast and a feast is fasting. In other words, whether a devotee eats or fasts, he does it for Krishna.
18. Apramatta – not mad (sober)
He is not intoxicated by the mad race for sense gratification. In this world, the majority of people are "mad" because they do everything to increase their suffering. A devotee knows what is what and therefore does not try to seek pleasure in suffering, as only mad people do.
19. Mānada – respectful
A devotee shows respect to others without expecting such respect for himself. This is called mānada. He sees all living entities as parts and parcels of Krishna. He does not want to cause anxiety or suffering to other living entities because he respects their right to life. A mahā-bhāgavata Vaishnava sees that even demons serve Krishna, so he shows respect to them as well.
20. Amānī – free from false prestige
Prestige is the ability to impress. In French it means a magician's wand, or an illusion created by a magician. False prestige can be analyzed in two aspects: 1) the prestige of objects is false and 2) our claims to any prestigious object or position are false. A devotee is free from both aspects. He is not attracted by the glitter of the material world. Everything that is wonderful is just a reflection of Krishna's opulence. Dividing social position into first class, second or third is also false. Although one position may be said to be more favorable than another, in this material world every position is unfavorable. Therefore, attaching great importance to material distinctions is unwise. It is the same as distinguishing between dry stool and liquid stool. The illusion of false prestige is very great. The driver of an expensive car considers himself a solid person. But this does not change his qualities at all and does not make him a noble person. Another form of false prestige is thinking that the credit for achievements belongs to me. Krishna says in the BG that He is the ability in man, and intelligence and memory also come from Him. A devotee's prestige is that he is a servant of Krishna. Such a position is quite enough for him.
21. Gambhīra – grave
"Nectar of Devotion" says that a grave person is one who does not reveal his thoughts to everyone, or one whose thoughts and plans are difficult to predict. Thanks to such gravity, a devotee's mood or focus does not disappear as soon as his head spins or his mood spoils. He does not want to interrupt his meditation on Krishna just because his neighbor wanted to chatter. The main rule is to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. Therefore, a devotee thinks that if he can help another person, it is only by being focused on Krishna. Also, a serious person always thinks about the future and makes serious plans, while a frivolous person does not care about the future. Even serious materialists are unable to make plans further than this life, so their plans are usually very limited and imperfect. A devotee makes plans on how to reach Krishna's abode.
22. Karuṇa – compassionate
Compassionate is one who cannot bear the suffering of others. Krishna is very compassionate, so devotees sometimes bow down not to Krishna directly, but to His compassionate nature. Krishna is an ocean of mercy, the friend of the distressed and the Lord of the universe, and therefore in every age He comes Himself to protect the pious from suffering. Krishna's mercy is embodied by Radharani. She also embodies devotional service. This means that only a devotee can be truly compassionate, because without the mercy of Srimati Radharani it is impossible to give mercy to others. A Vaishnava naturally wants to help all those who are suffering. He wants to bring them to the lotus feet of Radharani. Preaching is the essence of compassion. But the driving force of preaching is purity.
23. Maitra – friendly
Krishna is the best friend of all living entities. He lives together with every soul in the heart of its body. He does not leave us even when we completely reject Him. In the material world, it is difficult to find such a friend. A friend is one who is with us in difficult moments and extends a helping hand. Even the best friend cannot help at the moment of death. However, the best friend is the one who can offer us to chant Hare Krishna. Therefore, a devotee is friendly because he directs us towards Krishna. Devotees also enjoy associating with each other because they have something to talk about. Talks about Krishna never bore pure souls. Therefore, devotees experience great joy associating with each other and enlightening one another. Devotees have many friends. Friends share their achievements in Krishna consciousness, their understanding.
24. Kavi – poet
A pure Vaishnava is a poet. His poetry is the beauty of Krishna. Nothing is as attractive and wonderful as Krishna, but at the same time, no one can describe Krishna's beauty without having seen Him. Therefore, those who do not know Krishna are prone to impersonalism. One who pleases Krishna receives the gift of poetry. Thus Prahlada Maharaja received the gift of poetry when Lord Nrisimha touched his head with His hand. Rupa Goswami received Lord Chaitanya's mercy at Prayaga. One of the Lord's names is uttamaśloka – one who is praised in choice poetry. Only in verse is it possible to describe Krishna's beauty, His pastimes, His glory and His holy name, His love. All those who compiled the shastras – Srila Vyasadeva, Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami were wonderful poets. But first of all, they pray for Krishna's mercy to be allowed to describe Krishna properly. Lord Brahma spontaneously recited the "Brahma Samhita" after Krishna revealed His abode to him. On the other hand, a devotee is a poet not because he writes in verse, but because his perception of the world is poetic. He feels Krishna in the taste of water, and the Sun to him is Krishna's eye.
25. Dakṣa – expert
In Krishna consciousness, devotees use a wide variety of knowledge. A devotee may even study somewhere in order to use his knowledge in Krishna consciousness. However, this material knowledge is not what makes a devotee truly expert. What no one else knows how to do and is only a devotee's prerogative is that he knows how to get out of the dense forest of this material world and is able to help others do so. He is also very experienced in finding methods to effectively preach Krishna consciousness to people. Surely one cannot call a person expert who finds new methods of satisfying the senses. Such a person expertly creates suffering for himself. Prabhupāda spoke about the qualification of devotees as follows: "A devotee has high qualifications because he agrees and wants to do everything that is necessary. He does not say that he will not clean the house because he is a brahmana."
26. Maunī – silent
A devotee never talks nonsense – this manifests his silence. This does not mean a vow of silence or refusal to communicate, as practiced by some yogis. Sometimes, when a person does not know how to speak and what to speak, he receives advice from the guru – to practice mauna – silence. Speech is very important. A person's stupidity is often revealed only when he starts speaking. If a person does not know how to speak about Krishna, it is better for him to be completely silent and practice meditation than to offend God. A devotee can speak much and incessantly about Krishna or chant Hare Krishna for a long time. He does not need to be silent. Prabhupāda never tired of speaking. But he never deviated from the Absolute. At the same time, Prabhupāda was very silent because he spoke only about Krishna consciousness. Silence also means that a devotee does not have to speak to a crowd of fools about the intimate pastimes of the Lord, even if people ask for it. Also, Prabhupāda told his disciples that in the evening a devotee should silently reflect on what he spoke during the day.
Summary
All these qualities are already in every living entity, just like love for Krishna. We do not need to create these qualities in ourselves, we just need to awaken them. Naturally, these qualities awaken by performing devotional service to Krishna. In fact, a devotee should not desire to acquire each of these qualities separately.
They develop naturally when a devotee practices devotional service. Chaitanya Mahāprabhu listed these qualities to show the richness of a Vaishnava's character and to glorify him. On the other hand, He gave these qualities so that we could control whether they are developing in us. Prabhupāda in his purport to the Bhagavad-gita says that one should constantly check one's progress on the spiritual path. And we can evaluate progress by these symptoms.
All these qualities manifest on the transcendental platform, therefore they cannot be analyzed separately from devotional service.
Self-Check Questions
- Mention at least ten qualities of a Vaishnava.
- Describe in more detail at least three qualities.