by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura
In his Sārārtha-darśini commentary on verse 4.4.12 of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura crafted a detailed taxonomy of broadmindedness, “mahat”, by categorizing individuals from "Aty-asādhutama", extremely wicked, to "ati-mahattama", extremely great, based on their ability to perceive good and faults in others.
This classification guides people in their spiritual progression, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing the divine qualities in everyone.
Ati-mahattama - Extremely great
Sees good qualities even where there are none, believes everyone is inherently good.
Progress to the Next Level
Progression here is not applicable as this is the pinnacle of broadmindedness.
Mahattama - Especially great
Sees and magnifies good qualities in others, does not see faults.
Progress to the Next Level
Aim to see good in others even where it may not be obvious, creating a more inclusive and positive view of the world.
Mahattara - Greater person
Sees both good and bad but focuses on and praises the good.
Progress to the Next Level
Develop the ability to magnify good qualities even further, reducing the visibility of faults to reach an especially great level of broadmindedness.
Mahat - Great person
Sees some good in everyone, perceives faults but believes they can be transformed into good. May discuss faults if beneficial.
Progress to the Next Level
Cultivate an even more positive focus, where the good qualities are not only acknowledged but also celebrated, progressing towards a greater appreciation.
Asadhu - Wicked person
Sees some good but expects it to be overshadowed by faults. Generally pessimistic about others' intentions.
Progress to the Next Level
Recognize the persistence of good in others and question the inevitability of fault overshadowing virtue.
Asādhutara - Very wicked
Focuses only on faults, overlooking any good qualities Magnifies faults and sees no good qualities at all.
Progress to the Next Level
Make a conscious effort to identify and acknowledge good qualities in others, even if small or seemingly insignificant.
Asadhutama - Especially wicked
Magnifies faults and sees no good qualities at all.
Progress to the Next Level
Challenge your own perceptions by seeking out and recognizing good qualities or intentions, regardless of past biases or judgments.
Aty-asadhutama - Extremely wicked
Sees faults in all, even where there are none. Believes no one is good.
Progress to the Next Level
Begin your personal transformation by acknowledging that goodness does exist in the world and in people, challenging the assumption that all are inherently bad.
Same text to download:
Visvanatha_on_Broadmindedness.pdf
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