SB 3.29.9

PURPORT

The word "separatist" has to be understood a little carefully. The Sanskrit word in this connection has been used as bhinna-drk (b-h-i-n-n-a d-r-i-k) prthak-bhavam (p-r-i-t-h-a-k; bhavam-b-h-a-v-a-m). So this separatist means one who sees his interest separate from the interest of the Supreme Lord. The mixed devotees, or the devotee in the modes of passion and ignorance, he thinks that the interest of the Supreme Lord is to supply order of the devotee, and the interest of the devotee is to draw as much as possible things for his sense gratification. This is separatist mentality. Actually pure devotion, as it is explained in the previous chapter, that the mind of the Supreme and the mind of the devotee should be dovetailed. A devotee should not wish anything else except to execute the desire of the Supreme will; that is oneness. And as soon as the devotee has got a separate interest other than the interest of the Supreme Lord, that is called separatist mentality. When a so-called devotee in the modes of passion desires material enjoyment, without any interest of the Supreme Lord, or wants to become famous or opulent by utilizing the mercy or grace of the Lord, such kind of devotional activities are called in the modes of passion.

Mayavadis, however, interprets this word "separatist" in a different way. They say that while worshiping the Lord, one should think himself as one with the Supreme Lord. This is another, I mean to say, adulterated devotion in the modes of material nature. Because such kinds of conception that a living entity is one with the Supreme is also in the modes of ignorance. The oneness is on the base..., basis of oneness of interest. A devotee, pure devotee has no personal interest except to execute the interest of the Supreme Lord. That is called pure devotional service. And as soon as there is tinge of personal interest, that becomes adulterated or mixed with either of the three different modes of material nature.