A diplomat in the material world knows how to deal with people, especially in political affairs. Some of the great devotees of the Lord-like Ramananda Raya, Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sanatana Gosvami and Rupa Gosvami-were government officers and had a background of very opulent householder life. Consequently they knew how to deal with people. In many instances we have seen the diplomacy of Rupa Gosvami, Raghunatha dasa Gosvami and Ramananda Raya employed in the service of the Lord. When Raghunatha dasa Gosvami's father and uncle were to be arrested by government officials, Raghunatha dasa Gosvami hid them and personally met the government officers and settled the affair diplomatically. This is but one instance. Similarly, Sanatana Gosvami, after resigning his ministership, was thrown in jail, and he bribed the attendant of the jail so he could leave the clutches of the Nawab and live with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Now we see Ramananda Raya, a most confidential devotee of the Lord, diplomatically soften the heart of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, despite the fact that the Lord definitely decided not to meet the King. The diplomacy of Ramananda Raya and entreaties of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and all the other great devotees succeeded. The conclusion is that diplomacy used for the service of the Lord is a form of devotional service.