Modesty or doctrinal/factual position?
Philosophy · asked by user [] · 2010-10-23 · 4 answers
Hare Krishna.
Sometimes, it is difficult to discern whether someone means something as a statement of fact or a doctrinal position, or whether, on the other hand, they are making an exaggeration due to modesty.
For example, devotees sometimes say, about themselves or others, that they have "no devotion", "no good qualities" or "no faith", or that "we do not deserve the Lords mercy".
Srila Prabhupada said that he was "the most fallen".
How can one distinguish between expressions of modesty and doctrinal/factual positions?
Thank you for your replies.
Sometimes, it is difficult to discern whether someone means something as a statement of fact or a doctrinal position, or whether, on the other hand, they are making an exaggeration due to modesty.
For example, devotees sometimes say, about themselves or others, that they have "no devotion", "no good qualities" or "no faith", or that "we do not deserve the Lords mercy".
Srila Prabhupada said that he was "the most fallen".
How can one distinguish between expressions of modesty and doctrinal/factual positions?
Thank you for your replies.
user [645] · 2010-10-25
Hare krishnaIts really hard to discern without really knowing the personality you are dealing with.
user [38] · 2010-10-25
Desa, kala, patra thing.user [591] · 2010-11-01
See the practical service attitude ,does the devotee preach and serve constanly.Is he or she determined to serve and preach even when faced with severe impediments.Do they go to mangal arti ,and perform regulated devotional service...effortlessly with a humble happy mood.Are they surrendered to the senior devotees and there service attitudes effortlessly almost...?user [591] · 2010-11-01
Does the devotees do this year after year .....for ten, twenty, thirty ...forty years.... without payment...out of love ? simple sweet bhakti....