The great exceptions

In India, princes and princesses used to eat sumptuous food, dress well and travel extensively. One day, however, a prince thought, 'Why do humans suffer from so much pain and affliction? What is the cause of this suffering? What is the reason behind it? I will have to go deep into the matter to find out why. I will have to step down from the throne to make a thorough investigation.' This exception to the rule occurred in a prince's mind and led to the birth of Buddhism.

There was a great scholar who had a sudden realisation that mere pedantry would not lead to the cessation of misery; it would not bring any lasting joy or happiness, so he gave up his worldly life and started wandering through the streets. This led to the birth of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

We must also become exceptional. Those who are treading a new path, who are constructing something new, understand that being an exception is as valuable to them as their very lives. Those who lead licentious lives get involved in brawls and fights, but exceptional people do not want to live such a life.


Missionary life was initiated by such people, and they will create history. Others cannot and will not be able to accomplish it. These exceptional people are sometimes seen as eccentrics by others, but they do something new and constructive for society. You should also know that you are an exception. You, too, will do something great, build something historic.