What I've Learned on the Spiritual Path

Irrelegion is not a set of forbidden activities. Irreligion is simply the renunciation of activities that God wills us to perform in the moment and instead performing selfish acts. The austerities we perform allow us to approach liberation. However, better than liberation (gold) is to be engaged in pure devotional service (touchstone). And pure devotional service is beyond the duality of good and bad, beyond all attractions and aversions. Thus, all good and evil activities are acceptable when favorable for devotional service and must be rejected when they are unfavorable. This discernment is available only to those with pure intentions and zero false pride. Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Antya Lila 4.174: Dvaite bhadrābhadra jñana saba manodharma Ei bhala ei manda ei saba bhrama Translation: In the material world, conceptions of good and bad are all mental speculations. Therefore, saying "This is good" and "This is bad" is all a mistake.

Every community starts with an ideal. That ideal is generally lost through irrelevance and distractions. Other less important aspects become prioritized and the community loses their integrity, without ever intending to abandon the truth. Sustainable intentions are consistent values of the members of a community. They keep a community true to it's foundation and goals. As soon as there is a discrepancy, those who notice it must immediately draw attention to the contradiction and resolve conflicts that result in human frailties such as greed, lust, and anger. However,  until those who are corrupt (narcissists or nephilim) do not reform their attitudes, the community is at a great risk of unraveling and eventually becoming obsolete. A simple secret that enables us to maintain integrity and stay true to our values is to constantly evaluate our intentions and purify them. When the intention is to exclusively please Krishna, the entire atmosphere is surcharged with devotion, free from d...