Why should the devotees be Simple and Pure in their daily life?
PURITY AND SIMPLICITY REFLECTS THE INNER BEAUTY of SOUL.
Where there is purity, Simplicity will naturally follow because pure devotees will not have attachment to their great appearance.
This is true.
Until a person is identifying himself with his body, he will be interested more in decorating his body and surroundings.
(What are the recommended colours of clothes to wear in temples? READ HERE!)
Whitening fairness creams, base cream and then talc, hair cream when there is a natural coconut oil, body sprays, attractive dress more sets than required, fashionable footwear, latest and costliest mobile phone, etc, etc, will decorate a person if he is concerned with his body alone.
They do this because they are thinking that this body is giving them prestige and status.
Srila Prabhupada looked simple and old. He did not use sprays, talc, etc. Still, he could attract lakhs of devotees to His organization.
Mahatma Gandhi never decorated his body after a certain period and remained even without shirts. He even went to London in that dress only to meet British authorities. But, he is glorified as the father of country.
(It is wrong going to temples without bathing and wearing unwashed dress? READ HERE!)
Why were they respected though they did not care the decoration of their bodies?
Because, only our thoughts and actions determine our personality. How can we make our thoughts and actions to be respected by all?
Only when we care the athma, ie, self. In other words, when we realize that we are actually souls and we are now temporarily residing in this body.
When will we leave this body? We do not know. It may happen at any time. So, we need not spend much time and attention to decorate this body. Just some basic cleanliness and touches are enough for this body.
Simple dressing derives much respect even from poor people because they are unable to afford rich dresses. So, when they see us simple, they too feel satisfied with their simplicity.
Our actions and appearance should not irritate the eyes of others. It should please all sections of people.
(Why Purity is important in devotion while Krishna Himself gave genitals to all? READ HERE!)
If we seem rich, we can attract only rich people. Whereas, if we remain pure and simple, we can attract all sections of people.
And, if we are not pure in character and involve in immoralities, we can attract only a small section of people who are also immoral and risky. Whereas, if we are pure in thoughts and character, we can attract all the sections of people. Even such immoral people will get reformed seeing our purity as seen in the life of Srila Prabhupada and a few other pure acharyas.
So, if we claim as good devotees, we should always remember that we are the athmas and servants of Lord and His devotees and we should always remain pure and simple.
If you want me to evaluate my own case, I am seriously trying to be a simple guy though not 100% and I am trying my level best to improve my simplicity day by day. In each and every step of my life, I am evaluating whether we are going in a right way or not. This gives me a feeling of being safe in the hands of Krishna. That is why, I am explaining this topic with much interest and satisfaction. I do not use a material unless it is really needed for me without which I can not manage this service to Krishna.
Because when we are surrounded by excessive belongings, we will not leave this world peacefully, but with pain of leaving everything. Such luxurious death will not take us to Krishna after leaving this body.
So, if you have anything in excess, help those who are not able to afford such things. Share your belongings to others. Giving Up will give more happiness than acquiring.
These are the reasons for the devotees to be simple and pure. You will feel very safe and feel going near to Krishna.
(PURITY or LOVE – WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR DEVOTIONAL GROWTH? READ HERE!)