I like to talk about Krishna and feel nourished by speaking Krishna-katha, do I have a pure devotee syndrome – what should I do?

Answer Podcast

I like to talk about Krishna and feel nourished by speaking Krishna-katha — do I have a ‘pure devotee syndrome’? What should I do?

If we relish hearing and speaking about Krishna, and if we are able to speak in an organized way — remembering things and expressing them systematically — then sometimes our peers may start feeling insecure. This may happen either because we remember and speak well, or because we prefer to talk about Krishna rather than mundane topics. That can create a wall between us, as they may perceive us to be “too advanced” or “too serious.” What should we do in such situations?

This is an important and delicate challenge. One of the keys is to seek like-minded association. If we have specific interests, it’s best to connect deeply with devotees who share those interests. With others whose interests differ, we can consider three broad approaches, depending on the importance of the relationship:

1. See the relationship as a duty, not as nourishment

If the relationship is important, but not spiritually nourishing, treat it as a duty — a service to Krishna. We may naturally want to bring Krishna into every conversation, but service also means expressing love in a language the other person understands.
If someone feels valued when we speak about things that matter to them — even if we consider those topics mundane — then as an act of care and service, we may need to engage in those conversations. For example, if someone cares deeply about politics, we might respectfully talk about it, even if it’s not our personal interest.
As HH Jayapataka Maharaj once shared, out of all his interactions, only a small fraction involves directly discussing philosophy — most of his time goes into dealing with devotees’ family, financial, or community issues.

2. Limit or reprioritize the relationship

If the relationship isn’t essential or doesn’t serve a mutual purpose, we can reduce the time and emotional energy we invest in it. We can still be polite and respectful, but we don’t have to force a deep bond with everyone.
Use your time wisely. Focus on relationships that are spiritually uplifting and in which mutual respect and understanding exist. In more superficial relationships, avoid coming across as “aloof” or “too spiritual” — instead, connect on the other person’s interests, even briefly, so they feel seen and respected.

3. Find a middle ground within Krishna-katha

Try to discover what kind of Krishna-katha resonates with them. Some devotees love directly studying scriptures like the Bhagavatam. Others may prefer discussing how scriptural principles apply to current events, social issues, or even politics.
Rather than taking an all-or-nothing approach (either only Krishna-katha or no Krishna-katha), tailor the conversations to align with their interests while gently bringing Krishna into the picture. Many people come to spiritual communities not just for spirituality, but also for community, belonging, and connection.

If you are in a position of relative leadership, this becomes even more important. Srila Prabhupada states in the Bhagavatam (1.4.1) that realization means to speak the truth in a way that is interesting and relevant to the audience. If you have the ability, try to frame Krishna-katha in a way that connects with the people you’re talking to.

What if others think I’m acting like a “pure devotee”?

The more we talk about Krishna, especially among peers, the more others may perceive us as being or acting like a pure devotee. To counteract that impression, even spending a little time showing interest in them — in their lives, thoughts, or struggles — can make a huge difference. That impression will gradually dissolve, and the relationship can soften.

Krishna-katha is vital nourishment for the soul, and we should never feel guilty for seeking or speaking it. However, unlike material hunger, which is generally uniform, spiritual hunger varies based on one’s level of advancement. The more we advance, or the more we understand the value of Krishna consciousness, the more we crave Krishna-katha.

If our spiritual hunger is greater than those around us, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re more advanced — it could simply mean we’ve been blessed with that hunger, even without full purity or seriousness. That hunger is a gift — a treasure — and we should cherish it.

At the same time, if someone is not hungry, no matter how nourishing the food we offer, they won’t appreciate it. They might even become critical. So we must be sensitive. Find those who are hungry like you, and make their association your primary source of nourishment.

With others, interact in a mood of service, maintaining relationships in a way that is appropriate to their level of interest and engagement in bhakti. Krishna sees our intention, and if we are trying to serve and support others without judgment, He will give us the strength and intelligence to do the needful.