What are the characteristics of a person who has taken complete shelter of the holy names?
By misusing the six propensities of the heart (lust, anger, greed, illusion, pride, and envy) one commits sin. One who has taken complete shelter of the holy name does not commit sin.
He engages his lust in discussing topics about Krsna and maintaining his Vaisnava family based on service to Krsna.
He never engages in sinful activities, such as enjoying the wives of others, accumulating more money than he requires, desiring name and fame, cheating, or stealing. He uses his anger against those who are envious of Krsna and the Vaisnavas. In this way, he remains aloof from materialistic association. He avoids subduing and torturing others. Thus, his anger transforms into the tolerance of a tree.
He uses his greed to relish the mellows of ecstatic love for Krsna and thereby does not bother to eat palatable foodstuffs, wear opulent clothes, enjoy beautiful women, or accumulate unlimited wealth.
He uses illusion in experiencing transcendental mellows and thus becomes bewildered by the beauty of Krsna’s pastimes and the Vaisnavas’ characteristics. Wealth, followers, and material happiness do not enamor him. Not bewildered by their improper conclusion, such a person does not become involved in impersonalism, atheism, or false argument.
He engages pride in Krsna’s service and thus renounces the pride coming from high birth, wealth, beauty, education, followers, and bodily strength.
He totally renounces envy and violence toward others. By regulating his life in this way, he does not have the opportunity to commit sin. Rather, his propensity for sinful activities is uprooted. If, however, he accidentally commits a sin, it is nullified without his having to practice atonement.
Sri Bhaktivinoda Vani from Bhaktivinoda Vani Vaibhava
(Sajjana Tosanl 8/9)
ambhodhih sthalatam sthalam jaladhitam dhuli-lavah shailatam
