Will hearing regularly from few devotees not broaden our understanding of bhakti – do we need to hear from many devotees?

Answer Podcast

Will hearing regularly from a few devotees not broaden our understanding of bhakti – do we need to hear from many devotees?

Question: Why is it necessary to hear from different speakers to find out which ones influence me in my practice? If I regularly hear from a few speakers, isn’t that enough to broaden my understanding of bhakti?

Answer:
It depends. The context in which I previously mentioned the need to hear from different speakers was in response to the question of how we can broaden our understanding of bhakti. That implies the person asking the question already feels their current understanding is somewhat narrow and is looking to expand it. My answer was based on that assumption.

Certainly, it’s important to hear regularly from some specific devotees. We can’t constantly hear from too many speakers, because their perspectives may vary widely, and we may find ourselves more connected with some than with others. I assumed that the person in question was already regularly hearing from certain devotees with whom they are well connected.

However, even after such regular hearing, if they still feel that their understanding of bhakti is not broad enough, then hearing from other speakers might help. Generally, regularly hearing from one teacher deepens our understanding, but may not necessarily broaden it. Every teacher has a unique perspective based on their individual realization and focus. They will naturally apply their perspective while explaining scripture.

For example, one speaker may emphasize obedience to the spiritual master, another may focus on book distribution, and yet another on deep study or relishing of the Bhagavatam. Their analysis of various pastimes or scriptural principles will reflect these emphases. As a result, hearing from only one perspective will help deepen our understanding in that direction, but it may not expose us to the broader landscape of devotional insights.

That said, broadening our understanding is not always essential. Sometimes, when we try to broaden too much, we might be exposed to widely differing conceptions of bhakti, which may be difficult to reconcile. This can be confusing and even mentally exhausting. So, whether broadening is necessary is itself a valid question.

We are finite beings, with finite time and intelligence. Ultimately, the goal is to connect with Krishna. And for that, what is usually most helpful is the deepening of our bhakti, rather than just broadening it.

Broadening might be necessary if, for example, we are associating with devotees who practice bhakti in significantly different ways, or if we are engaged in services where interacting with diverse perspectives is important. In such situations, hearing from other sources may help us better understand and appreciate why those devotees approach bhakti differently.

In summary, regularly hearing from a few trusted devotees is essential for deepening our bhakti. Broadening our understanding may also be beneficial in some contexts, but it should be purposeful. If broadening is needed, continuing to hear only from the same sources may not suffice. So, hearing from multiple speakers can help broaden our perspective—if that is indeed what our situation calls for.