Definition Of Devotee

Hare Krishna,

Can someone please explain to me  the definition of a "Devotee"? Does this mean someone who has received initiation? For instance, without initiation are we expected to wear Sikha and Tilak, or can we?

Apologies for so may silly questions.

Kindest regards,

Tony _/\_

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Replies

  • Who would want too shave their own head & jump about like a madman hopping & singing like a too-happy discraced slave anyway? Bhaktee Tony (kc) is no joking matter, no Olympic medal it is a broken hearted crippled minded situation that only the most broken Souls are forced to take shelter of. Tony, the Guru used to say "only after existing all other options does the Soul turn to God." So your honouring of the status of the Vishnava (s) is actually not a great compliment to self because it indicates you are (Severely fallen) extremely desperate) & completely co-dependent on the guidance of another. & if that sounds like a safe place to grow wise & prosper?
    listen closely' this is not just another' Boy Scout Badge!
  • Chanting & Sharing/teaching others about the Glorys of chanting the Holy Names of Haray
    These are the only prezrecwasits. Prechng & chanting hearing chant & preaching devotees. Love to shear & listen about Krishna so there you go. Chant share & listen
  • E-Counselor

    Hare Krsna Prabhuji,

    PAMHO.

    There are various definitions of devotee - ranging from someone who has taken the name of the lord even once, that too accidentally to someone who is absorbed only in thoughts of the lord, regardless of external position.

    Initiation is an external activity for most people I have seen. Surrender is an internal activity and does not require any external sanction. Yes, initiation is like a degree - then a person is expected to have a certain level of knowledge, and is supposed to be following a minimum level of sadhana.

    Regarding tilak and shikha, there is no pre condition for us to become initiated to have either. This is not only an external manifestation, it is also purifying. Unless one does it and experiences for himself, it is not possible to understand this.

    Haribol,

    Your servant,

    Radha Rasamayi DD

    • In the process of (the purification of the heart some austeritys are required for the simple fact that self isolation in the exclusive association of (Krishna) is recommended. This is the most expeditious and impressive path, as it is distractions of the mind that needs to remember Krishna under every circumstance. These austeritys are a measure of our sincerity as well as an expression of our devotion to our own (future) well being. A training of the mind, like an athlete trains Hi's body devotees train their minds, to remember it's experience of Krishna! Ultimately the quality of our future will rely upon this.I.e. where our mind task shelter (remembrance) is the most pivotal factor between a truly well traind devotee and a lookylu-or an wishyWashy myavatty devotee. Haray Haray
  • As parts and parcels of Krishna we are all His eternal servants. A devotee is one who devotes his life to God. Prabhupada has told us that there is "no difference" between a pure devotee of Krishna and a pure Christian. Therefore devotees come in many different forms.

    Outwardly one may not appear to be a devotee, while inside he is crushed by separation from his beloved Krishna.

    Krishna never said in the Gita "wear Tilak and saffron," but he said "be My devotee, think of Me always and offer everything unto Me."

    He also says "to those who are constantly engaged in serving me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to me."

    Love for Krishna is the only requirement to be His devotee. Though advanced devotees may show other characteristics as well.


    Hare Krishna
    Please forgive me if I have spoken incorrectly
    I hope I have helped you prabhu
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