Title: Name & Fame

User: Swami Gaurangapada Date: 2007-03-11 20:01:06

 

Q. I have been reading a bio of Srila Gaura Kisore das Babaji Maharaja. In it it makes reference to renunciationalists, but doesn't go into specifics of why their association is to be avoided. I am thinking if they are making show of renunciation only? I am wondering if this is correct?

 

Answer by Swami Gaurangapada:

 

Yes, because it was a show of markata vairagya (monkey renunciation) to achieve some name and fame that is why Shrila Gaura Kishore dasa babaji rejected it. You see it is better to honestly live a life of a non-renunciant and practice nama bhajana then to dress in a garb of a renunciant and display and show off one's renunciation in different ways to simply achieve name, fame and following. That is sometimes even more unfortunate and dangerous than being a non-devotee in ignorance about spiritual knowledge.