WHO CAN TOUCH A SANNYASI’S FEET?

WHO CAN TOUCH A SANNYASI’S FEET?
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada
One should not touch the lotus feet of a saintly person or sannyāsī with his enjoyment-prone body or sinful body. If the saintly person becomes displeased because of our touching his lotus feet, then it will certainly create inauspiciousness for us. Sannyāsī devotees do not like people touching their feet. It has currently become a fashion — a disease — to touch the lotus feet of guru and sādhu. We should pay close attention to whether the spiritual master and Krishna are being pleased by each one of our actions. If we do not do so, then we will dig our own grave. Let me tell those who, under the control of their emotions, attempt to touch the feet of a sannyāsī like me. In the language of my spiritual master, “Why should they dare to stretch their hands to take dust from the feet of the saintly persons? Is such boldness proper? What qualification do they have? What right?” An attached householder, who has no real interest in serving the saint, is certainly unjustified in touching his lotus feet. Better that we offer one another obeisances from a distance. If an attached householder forcibly tries to touch the saint’s feet, it means his mind is attracted to gross matter. That will cause him more harm than good. Those who desire fortune should carefully refrain from committing such offensive activities.
— Amrta Vani, p. 261. Touchstone Media. Mumbai. 2004

– An expert from Sri Krishna-kathamrta Bindu, a free bi-monthly magazine service provided by Gopal Jiu Publications.