Strong faith vs fanaticism.
October 22 , 2007
Hare Krishna,
Thanks so much for contacting us here at Krishna.com with your question, "what is difference between strong faith and fanaticism." This is a very interesting question.
The simple answer is knowledge and realization. The beginning of Krishna Consciousness is faith, for without some faith in the process of self realization presented by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita and distributed by His sincere devotees coming in the parampara, the disciplic succession of bonafide spiritual masters, one cannot advance in spiritual life. But this faith is not blind faith, Krishna or His bonafide representative is fully qualified to impart transcendental knowledge because they are not under the influence of the illusory material energy. This faith increases as one hears from the bonafide spiritual master and takes advantage of his saintly association. This leads to gradual acceptance of his instructions as one develops some determination, more advanced faith, to take up the spiritual practice of devotional service for his purification. As one advances in devotional service all the unwanted desires in the heart are gradually eradicated as the mirror of the mind is cleansed. Then the faith is further solidified as one become steady in devotional practice.
So as you can see, true faith is gradually developed in the process of Krishna Consciousness as the aspiring devotee becomes more and more enlivened by association with the spiritual master and the following his instructions.
This is a far cry from the senseless and fanatic adoption of some religious doctrine devoid of a firm grounding in transcendental knowledge descending from the Supreme Lord Himself.
Again my thanks for visiting Krishna.com and please sincerely chant Hare Krishna, your life will become sublime.
Sincerely,
Dulal Chandra dasa
Thanks so much for contacting us here at Krishna.com with your question, "what is difference between strong faith and fanaticism." This is a very interesting question.
The simple answer is knowledge and realization. The beginning of Krishna Consciousness is faith, for without some faith in the process of self realization presented by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita and distributed by His sincere devotees coming in the parampara, the disciplic succession of bonafide spiritual masters, one cannot advance in spiritual life. But this faith is not blind faith, Krishna or His bonafide representative is fully qualified to impart transcendental knowledge because they are not under the influence of the illusory material energy. This faith increases as one hears from the bonafide spiritual master and takes advantage of his saintly association. This leads to gradual acceptance of his instructions as one develops some determination, more advanced faith, to take up the spiritual practice of devotional service for his purification. As one advances in devotional service all the unwanted desires in the heart are gradually eradicated as the mirror of the mind is cleansed. Then the faith is further solidified as one become steady in devotional practice.
So as you can see, true faith is gradually developed in the process of Krishna Consciousness as the aspiring devotee becomes more and more enlivened by association with the spiritual master and the following his instructions.
This is a far cry from the senseless and fanatic adoption of some religious doctrine devoid of a firm grounding in transcendental knowledge descending from the Supreme Lord Himself.
Again my thanks for visiting Krishna.com and please sincerely chant Hare Krishna, your life will become sublime.
Sincerely,
Dulal Chandra dasa