Hare Krsna,
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in his Sri Caitanya Siksamrita describes the demons Krsna killed in His Vrindavana pastimes and the anarthas (unwanted things) that they represent. Bakasura represents cunning duplicity, deceptiveness, and false types of behavior.
I have been spending some time collecting scriptural references about this anartha (represented by Bakasura) and how it can affect our bhakti. Without eliminating these, suddha-bhakti (pure bhakti) does not appear.
Krsna Samhita says that the most clever Bakäsura, who is the personification of cheating religion, is the fifth obstacle for Vaiñëavas. This is called nämäparädha, offenses against the holy name of the Lord. Bakasura appears in our day-to-day life in various ways. It appears among those who prematurely seek advanced realization. Those who do not understand their qualification but accept the instruction of a bogus guru and engage in the process of worship meant for exalted devotees are cheated ass-like people. Bakasura also appears in the guise of labha, puja, pratistha (profit, adoration and worship). They appear in those who have understood their ineligibility yet with a goal to accumulate money and prestige still follow the process of worship meant for exalted devotees.
Bakasura appears in the form of duplicity either by the teacher who instructs above the disciple’s realization or by the disciple who accepts such instructions. Until this defect is discarded, there can be no appearance of the principle of spontaneous liking for Krsna. The hypocrites only deceive the world by the display of the external insignia of sectarianism and pseudo-renunciation.
“The impersonalists are full of duplicity. Sometimes they pretend to execute devotional service, but their ultimate idea is to become one with the Supreme. This is duplicity, kapaöa. The Bhägavatam does not allow this duplicity. In the beginning of Çrémad-Bhägavatam it is clearly stated, paramo nirmatsaräëäm: [SB 1.1.2] “This treatise Çrémad-Bhägavatam is meant for those who are completely free from envy.” The same point is again stressed here. Unless one is completely faithful to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and engages himself in the process of hearing and chanting the glories of the Lord, there is no possibility for liberation.” (SB 3.27.6 Purport)
“Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté Öhäkura comments that saralatä, or simplicity, is the first qualification of a Vaiñëava, whereas duplicity or cunning behavior is a great offense against the principles of devotional service. As one advances in Kåñëa consciousness, one must gradually become disgusted with material attachment and thus become more and more attached to the service of the Lord. If one is not factually detached from material activities but still proclaims himself advanced in devotional service, he is cheating. No one will be happy to see such behavior.” (CC Antya 2.117, purport)”
“The word kuöi-näöi means “duplicity.” As an example of pratiñöhäçä, one may attempt to imitate Çréla Haridäsa Öhäkura by living in a solitary place. One’s real desire may be for name and fame—in other words, one thinks that fools will accept one to be as good as Haridäsa Öhäkura just because one lives in a solitary place. These are all material desires. A neophyte devotee is certain to be attacked by other material desires as well, namely desires for women and money. In this way the heart is again filled with dirty things and becomes harder and harder, like that of a materialist. Gradually one desires to become a reputed devotee or an avatära (incarnation).” (CC Madhya 12.135, purport)
What is the remedy to get rid of all these anarthas?
Bhaktivinoda Thakura says: “The devotee who worships the holy name should first petition the Lord for the strength to cast out all these unfavorable tendencies—and should pray thus before Lord Hari on a daily basis. By doing this regularly, the devotee’s heart will eventually become purified. Sri Krsna has killed a number of demons which may arise in the kingdom of the heart—so in order to destroy these problems, a devotee must cry very humbly before the Lord and admit defeat—then the Lord will nullify all contaminations.”
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Krsna Katha 