Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

When we say "devotees" we have to discern. You reveal your mind only to devotees that can help you. The rest you can proceed with regular activities, chanting, prasadam etc.
Problems come if we kind of lump everybody in a category, be that "pure devotees" just because they happen to follow certain rules or make a huge offense lumping all devotees in to a rascal category.

how to find out if they can help you without associating with them? I dont say all the devotees are rascals. I just try to protect myself.

how do you take up or begin relationships with others who arent devotees? you have to get to know them, somehow. recommendations from friends you already trust may help, but theres always a little risk involved: you may be disappointed.

in the beginning, before i get to know somebody, i usually try to assume the best--and often get disappointed. but the other option is to assume the worst, and i find that even more disappointing on the whole.

You can associate in a "safe" way, meaning you maintain some respectful distance while checking. You might become cheated sometimes, I am afraid that'b4s the main way to learn. From experience you will be able to discern more and more. And pray to Krishna, He will direct helpful devotees in your way.

[p][cite][/cite][/p][p]So we shall not expect that anywhere there is any Utopia. Rather, that is impersonalism. People should not expect that even in the Krsna Consciousness Society there will be Utopia. [/p][p] Letter to Atreya rsi, 4 February 1972.[/p][p][cite][/cite][/p][p]Because devotees are persons, therefore there will always be some
lacking--but the difference is that their lacking, because they have
given up everything to serve Krishna--money, jobs, reputation, wealth,
big educations, everything--their lackings have become transcendental
because, despite everything they may do, their topmost intention is to
serve Krishna.
[/p][p]Letter to Jayarge, Lindon Linese, 25 May 1972. [/p][p] [/p][p] Artha-sastra 217: No one should be disrespected. Everyones opinion should be heard. The wise one should utilise even a childs sensible words. [/p][p] [/p][p] Our spiritual sentiments are soft and vulnerable, and even in the association of devotees they sometimes get bruised. But the benefit of devotee association is so great, the possibilities of Prabhupada-remembrance so pronounced, that the possibility of a little emotional pain caused by the mixed motives of others is worth the risk. We have to have faith, and most of us have the experience that only devotees can appreciate anothers love for Prabhupada. Prabhupada Meditations 4.2.5 by [url=http://www.sdgonline.org/]SDG[/url][/p]

Love cant be developed. It either happens; or doesnt. Period.