Neophyte devotees have an increased tendency toward envy, which can lead them to commit Vaishnava aparadha, or offenses against other devotees. This is characteristic of their early stage of spiritual development, where material attachments and a lack of proper understanding of pure devotional service still persist. 🪷Why neophyte devotees may be prone to envy: A neophyte devotee may have material desires for name, fame, and position. When another devotee's success or service appears to threaten their own status, an envious sentiment can arise. 🪷 Incomplete understanding of scripture: At the neophyte stage, a devotee may perform worship and follow regulations with sincere faith but has not yet fully assimilated the scriptural teachings. This can lead them to judge or criticize others based on external factors without understanding the deeper principles of devotion. 🪷Spiritual insecurity: Lacking the deep spiritual realization of a more advanced devotee, a neophyte may feel insecure about their own standing. This insecurity can manifest as envy when they see an advanced devotee receiving special favor or recognition from the guru. 🪷Limited scope of vision: The neophyte devotee focuses primarily on the Deity in the temple. They may not show proper respect to other devotees because they do not yet fully understand that the Lord is present within everyone's heart. 🪷Past conditioning: The material world is described as a world of jealousy and envy. Neophyte devotees are still working to abandon these past material conditionings of fear, duplicity, and envy, which can "adulterate their vision" and lead to committing offenses. 🪷How this envy leads to Vaishnava aparadha: The Skanda Purana and other Vaishnava scriptures explicitly state that being envious of a devotee is one of the most serious offenses. A neophyte's envy may lead to blasphemy and slander. Out of envy, a neophyte may criticize the words and deeds of a more advanced devotee, or even begin a slander campaign against them if their position is perceived as a threat. They may fail to offer proper respect to senior Vaishnavas or not show joy upon seeing them. 🪷Justifying their own failings: An immature devotee may chronically find fault in others to justify their own spiritual deficiencies and lack of happiness. 🪷The path forward for neophyte devotees: While envy is a common obstacle, it is not insurmountable. Vaishnava teachings offer a path for neophyte devotees to overcome this tendency. The key is to cultivate humility and accept instructions from a bona fide spiritual master and advanced devotees. The sincere devotee should concentrate on their own service and spiritual advancement rather than fault-finding others. 🪷Seek forgiveness: If an offense is committed, one should seek forgiveness from the offended Vaishnava. 🪷Learn to appreciate others: Instead of being envious, one should appreciate the service of other Vaishnavas. 🪷Associate with advanced devotees: By associating with and serving more advanced devotees, the neophyte can gain deeper realization and purify their heart of unwanted tendencies.
