What is an ornament? Thesaurus describes it as “something that lends grace, beauty, or festivity.” Ornaments tell about the wealth of a particular person without explicitly mentioning it. If we see someone wearing a diamond necklace, we can understand that the person wearing it is from a very wealthy background.
In devotional service, how to understand who is rich? Can a devotee be identified by the kind of ornament he or she wears? We have many slokas from Srimad Bhagavatam and other scriptures wherein devotees consider themselves as beggars (eg: prema dhana vina vyartha daridra jivana). In fact, Queen Kunti says that Lord Krishna is the property of an impoverished person – namo akincana vittaya. And she also says that high birth, beauty etc. are causes of pride, and such people cannot take to bhakti very easily unless they become akincana.
Wealth of a Vaishnava cannot be calculated in terms of money. The wealth of a devotee cannot be seen by how much popular he or she is, how much vastness of knowledge he or she has, or how many years he or she has spent in the association of devotees.
A wealthy Vaishnava can be seen by how much one has developed Vaishnava qualities. Those are the real ornaments of a Vaishnava. Shrila Prabhupada would say, “My devotees are perfect gentlemen.”
When we read Caitanya Caritamrita, Srimad Bhagavatam, we see that all devotees possessed this wealth. When Lord Caitanya first met Rupa and Sanatana, he was enamored by their Vaishnava qualities, especially their humility. He saw that ornament which was so clearly visible. And He was naturally inspired to bless them with His grace.
Unless we develop those Vaishnava qualities, we are beggars. The verses which describe devotees talking of themselves as beggars and unfortunate are actually bright jewels of Vaishnava character that adorn their personalities. Their humility shines forth in their adopting a meek attitude.
When Vallabha heard about the glorious nature of Mahaprabhu’s devotees, he was so inspired and so captivated by their profound qualities that he invited all of them at his home for prasad. And he himself felt like a crow amongst the swans.
Every Vaishnava’s greatness is the result of the contribution of many other Vaishnavas. When we associate with devotees, observe their wonderful qualities, and try to imbibe them in our lives, we can consider ourselves fortunate. Development of these Vaishnava qualities is THE way to become richer in devotional service.
