Create Faith

Exemplary renunciates also inspire confidence. Their strict practice, spotless character and selfless disposition inspires people to place their faith in a relationship with God. An ancient tale tells of how Kali was conspiring to wreak havoc in the world. His agents set off in different directions to spread the dark influence and soon returned to report back. When one agent explained that he had caused a saintly person (sadhu) to give up his vows, Kali was especially pleased: “You have done the best job – sadhus create great faith, and by causing him to deviate, that faith has been shaken, and the doors to material influence have opened up.”

Renunciates leave behind the small world of family life to embrace the entire world as their family. Thus, they have the freedom and opportunity to travel extensively for the purpose of preaching, teaching, counselling and enlightening people with Krishna Consciousness. Narada Muni, the travelling spaceman, is an ideal example of this. For most, inspirational practitioners are the single biggest source of faith and motivation to seriously adopt the spiritual process. Their strong faith can kindle a similar faith in others.

Srila Prabhupada wanted to produce such saintly renunciates. In Vrindavana, he especially outlined the need for some modern-day goswamis:

“Our Vrindavana temple is perhaps our nicest building in the whole movement and I want at least 25 good men here at all times. Because it is Vrindavana, those who come should be exemplary so that all the people of Vrindavana, even those who would be prone to criticise, will see that we are actually following the Six Goswamis headed by Rupa Goswami.” (Letter, 23rd March 1974)