Why the appearance and conduct of disciples should match?
Do you know what it means after getting initiated?
We represent whatever tradition or spiritual movement (for example ISKCON) that has trained us and helped us to get this guru.
That is, we also represent ISKCON.
So what?
Whatever achievements we make, the glory goes to our Guru and to ISKCON!
If so?
Yes, the same! Whatever wrong/crime or sin we commit, it also brings disrepute to our Guru and the ISKCON Movement!
We have heard the sayings, “like a bull that we protected kicking on our chest” and “like pinning our own eyes with our finger”.
Similarly, ISKCON is a sathsangha that helps us to recognize and bring out the dormant Krsna Consciousness from within us, that trains us to grow to this level in Krsna Consciousness and that helps us to get a great bonafide Guru. If we bring the movement into disrepute, does that mean we have failed in our responsibility? Is there any other meaning?
(How to repent for not following the Vows given to Guru? READ HERE!)
How do our mistakes tarnish the image of our Guru and the name of the ISKCON movement?
We wear uniforms, ie, Vaishnava clothes and symbols! Beautifully adorned with Tilak, wearing tulsi garlands and Chanting beads around our neck, wearing a dhoti, we present ourselves to the outside world as the great Vaishnavas!
All our symbols proclaim to the outside world that we are a Vaishnava!
What happens next?
All the other devotees start showing us immense respect to us!
Why?
They look at our appearance and give us respect believing that we are a humble, disciplined and a responsible Vaishnava!
Did we receive such a honor before wearing those marks? No.
So what does it mean?
They believe that just as we dress ourselves like a Vaishnava on the outside, our inner qualities should also be that of a Vaishnava.
Therefore, when we outwardly present ourselves as a Vaishnava, our thoughts and actions should also reflect the Satva nature of a Vaishnava.
A Vaishnava respects other Vaishnavas.
A Vaishnava respects women as mother and sister.
A Vaishnava does not hesitate to apologize immediately if he commits a mistake perhaps unknowingly.
A Vaishnava does not present himself as a big and important person. He always thinks that he is only a servant of other Vaishnavas.
Just imagine: if you saw a devotee in a beautiful Vaishnava dress yesterday in a temple, but drinking alcohol in a bar today, what would your mind say?
Be honest in reply. It says:
“Oh.. is everything in this world a disguise?”
Does that seem common or not?
So what?
For devotees, a disciple who presents himself as a Guru’s disciple to the outside world MUST somehow avoid making mistakes/violations/offenses.
How to avoid offenses?
(WHAT IF A DISCIPLE IS UNABLE TO SURRENDER TO GURU? READ HERE!)
Some may have mental stimulation to commit violations. It’s nature.
The Lord says in Gita (6-35): “Controlling the mind is undoubtedly difficult”
He did not stop there. He goes on to say: “But with proper training it is possible.”
Therefore, when we make it a habit to take satsang with humble, excellent Vaishnavas as much as possible, take only Krishna prasadam, read about the Lord daily, pray regularly – all these things if done from the heart, it is easy to control our mind.
You buy a soap that says that it is a sandalwood soap on the outer packaging. When you take it apart at home, it’s lemon-scented soap. How will be your mood?
Soap can be replaced at the store. How can we correct the harm caused to others by our wrong actions? It is difficult to fix a broken life!
Therefore, a Vaishnava, especially a disciple, should realize that he is a representative of his Guru and the ISKCON movement and behave in such a way that he does not harm even an ant.
Therefore, a Vaishnava should not stop at giving importance only to external appearances. Even their thought and action should declare them as Vaishnavas.
What does Srila Prabhupada say about this?
(1) Observance of etiquette is the ornament for the devotee:
“It is the attribute of a devotee to observe and protect Vaishnava ethics. Observance of Vaishnava etiquette is the ornament of a devotee.”(Chaitanya Charitamruta – Anthya-lila – 4.129-130).
(2) Character is paramount:
“Act in such a way that they know we are of good character.”
(Will accepting a Guru alone elevate a devotee to attain perfection? READ HERE!)
(3) How to convince a Vaishnava?
“How to recognize a Vaishnava?”
Srila Prabhupada replied: “He would be a gentleman.”
(Said by HH. Bhakti Charu Swami)
(4) “Apane akare keha, na kare prasara prasara karena keha, na karena asara”
“Some people behave well but do not teach the culture of Krsna consciousness, others teach but do not behave properly.
(5) Our behavior is a propaganda:
“By your personal conduct and by your preaching you are simultaneously doing both in relation to the Holy Name. So you are the most advanced devotee in the world.” (CC- Anthya Lila 102-3 Sanatana Goswami, to Haridas Thakura.)
(6) The devotee is excellent in conduct:
“A devotee is always excellent in conduct.” So we all should cooperate among ourselves, otherwise what will people think if we fight with each other? A devotee is always excellent in conduct.” – Letter to Patitha Uttarana (December 12, 1974)
(7) Vaishnava Sign of Humility:
“Lord Caitanya taught me to be humbler than the grass in the street and more tolerant than the tree. So these signs are Vaishnava signs. (Letter to Kargamuni, 5.2.1963).
Thus, the appearance and conduct of disciples should match that will help them to avoid offenses against their guru.