Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c10.s1.83

c10.s1.83

After performing the rites and ceremonies described above, a Vaiṣṇava should adorn himself with sectarian Tilaka marks and repair humbly to the assembly of Vaiṣṇava devotees. The characteristics of a Vaiṣṇava devotee are then enumerated and illustrated by the citation of a large number of authoritative texts. The general definition is that one whose deity is Viṣṇu is a Vaiṣṇava.¹ Even those devotees of Śiva, who do not make any distinction between Śiva and Kṛṣṇa, and observe Vaiṣṇava usages are good Vaiṣṇavas. After mentioning the general excellences of piety, good birth, learning, devotion, humility, compassion and good conduct. Gopāla Bhaṭṭa deals with the special qualities in detail. They are: (i) attachment to the Bhāgavata Śāstras and Bhāgavata religion (Bhagavacchāstra-dharma-paratā), (ii) paying honour to the Vaiṣṇavas (Vaiṣṇava-sammāna-niṣṭhā), (iii) devotion in the service of Tulasi (Tulasi-sevā-niṣṭhā), (iv) joy in the sacred names (Nāman) and in the recollection (Smarana), meditation (Dhyāna) and worship (Pūjā) of the deity, (v) exclusive devotion (Ekāntikatā), causing undivided intentness (ananya-paratā) by the knowledge (vijñānena) of the Bhagavat. This exclusive devotion presents four aspects, namely, faith in the religion, indifference to other things like Jñāna and Karman, deep affection (Manorati) in spite of hindrance (vighnākūlatve'pi), and absoluteness of love for the deity (Premaika-paratā). There are three grades in this love or Preman. That love is superior which sees the deity in all creatures and all creatures in the deity, and attains the consciousness of identity (Abheda-jñāna). That love is middling which is devoted to the deity, friendly to his devotees and compassionate to the ignorant but which disregards the hostile and thus adopts an attitude of distinction (Bheda-jñāna). That love is inferior and common (Prākṛta) which concerns itself only with the worship of the deity and does not respect his devotees nor regard anything else.