The last time I was in Vrindavan, I visited a dear friend. He was having a problem with a mouse in the house. As soon as he opened the front door, the mouse would come in, and every time he removed him, the mouse would find a way to come back.
Mouse in the house is a big problem. They bring diseases, contaminate food and damage the house. Nothing positive is there when he enters the house.
My friend caught the mouse again. He carefully took him out and placed him safely by the Yamuna River, far from his own residence, hoping that the mouse would not return.
A devotee’s understanding is that all the living beings residing in Vrindavan, including the animals and the insects, are great souls who had pleased the Lord in their previous lives – such that they are able to live in a Holy place in this life. Devotees will never harm animals or any other living entity, especially not those residing in the Holy place.
Devotees who don’t practice spiritual life sincerely can be compared to the mouse.
They enter the community (house), and due to their spiritually-weak consciousness, they disturb the minds of other devotees around them.
Eventually such a devotee, if he stays longer in the house and does not have the intention nor desire to change, creates further disturbance with his lack of good character and spiritual commitment, and can potentially destroy the house.
What is the solution for such a devotee?
My friend gave a good solution whilst dealing with the mouse.
He took the mouse out of the house and placed him carefully into the holy place where he can freely roam around without any pressure, as he wishes. Eventually, he will find another “house” that may be better suited for him.
Having a mouse in the house and removing him is always challenging.
Having a devotee around who is neither committed to the spiritual practice nor ready to listen or learn is always a challenge.
Sometimes it is better to encourage such a person to move on and go to a place where he can dedicate himself.
Question for us: Are we one of those mice who enters another’s house and simply causes disturbance?
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.12- As long as a person is fully in cooperation with the wishes of the Lord, guided by the bona fide brāhmaṇas and Vaiṣṇavas and strictly following religious principles, one has no cause for despondency, however trying the circumstances of life.
Ananta Gopal das
20.11.2023
Bhakti Wisdom 