Vaisnava Behavior: The Twenty-Six Qualities of a Devotee

by Satsvarūpa dāsa Goswami

People are aware that no matter how hard they try to be happy in this life, they still experience hardship. Yet, they may not be aware that just one blessing can relieve this constant suffering--experiencing the genuine, God conscious behavior of a Vaishnava (devotee of Krishna). Anyone who encounters a devotee's behavior can be directly reminded of one's personal relationship with God. In the words of a 14th-Century Vaishnava saint, Sri Caitanya, a devotee establishes the true purpose of religious principles by one's behavior. Studying the twenty-six qualities of a devotee gives us a glimpse into how a devotee expresses and experiences one's relationship with God and others. The way to cultivate these qualities is to associate with those souls who are examples of living devotion and to serve them. This service in association requires careful attention to one's behavior. Development of devotional attitudes and moods that fulfill the relationship between the soul and God is the true purpose behind religion.

239 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami (सत्स्वरूप दास गोस्वामी)(born Stephen Guarino on December 6, 1939) is a senior disciple of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), better known in the West as the Hare Krishna movement. Serving as a writer, poet, and artist, Satsvarupa dasa Goswami is the author of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's authorized biography, Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta. After Prabhupada's death, Satsvarupa dasa Goswami was one of the eleven disciples selected to become an initiating guru in ISKCON. Satsvarupa dasa Goswami, is one of the first few westerners ordained by Prabhupada in September 1966. He has been since established as a prolific Vaishnava writer and poet. While traveling, lecturing on Krishna consciousness, and instructing disciples worldwide, he published over hundred books including poems, memoirs, essays, novels, and studies based on the Vaishnava scriptures. In his later years he created hundreds of paintings, drawings, and sculptures that attempt to capture and express his perspective on the culture of Krishna consciousness.