Answer
First, you have to understand these principles properly. Only then can you apply them correctly.
Ultimately, we should understand that respect is not merely about external actions. It is not simply a matter of outward behavior. Therefore, we need to define respect very carefully.
External conduct by itself is not equal to either respect or disrespect.
For example, if you kick a dog, that is disrespect. But if a dog is simply walking by and you do not pay special attention to it, that is not disrespect. One should not think, "Oh, I must show respect to this dog. Since I am not offering respect, I am disrespecting it."
In fact, you may be respecting the dog's free will by allowing it to walk peacefully without interference. If you suddenly approach it to offer obeisances, the dog may become frightened and run away. If you bend down before it, it may think you are picking up a stone to throw at it.
Therefore, respect has to be understood in the broader context of Kṛṣṇa conscious principles.
When we discuss these topics in Bhāgavatam class, we are discussing fundamental principles at the level of the soul and spirit. However, when it comes to practical dealings (vyavahārika) in devotional service—dealing with employees, management, responsibilities, and social interactions—we are operating on another plane.
On that plane, the law of karma itself is a manifestation of divine justice and respect. As you sow, so shall you reap. Therefore, we must execute our duty properly.
The first question should always be: "What is my duty?"
We should not allow sentimentality to override duty.
Arjuna became sentimental. He said, "I will not fight." In one sense, his compassion was a good quality. He was showing concern for others. But Kṛṣṇa corrected him.
Kṛṣṇa essentially told him, "Your soft-heartedness is a good quality, but this is not the place to apply it in that manner. This battle is part of My plan. I have decided that this war must take place in order to cleanse the world. Therefore, perform your duty."
So we must be very careful.
You cannot create a universal rule that a particular external action always means respect and another action always means disrespect.
Actions must be guided by knowledge, not sentiment.
Respect means recognizing and honoring another living being's position within the will of the Lord. Every living entity is situated in different circumstances according to karma and according to the Lord's arrangement.
Suppose you are responsible for employee compensation. One employee wants a salary increase. If you deny the increment based on objective policies and performance standards, are you disrespecting him?
Not necessarily.
His desire may be to receive more money, but respecting someone does not mean fulfilling every desire they have.
The material world operates according to the laws of karma, which themselves function under the will of the Lord. Therefore, we cannot become sentimental and think, "Since he wants this, I must give it to him in the name of respect."
Devotees are not sentimental.
Sentimentality means acting merely according to one's emotions without considering higher principles. A devotee acts according to the larger framework of duty, dharma, and the Lord's arrangement.
Therefore, duty is essential.
For those who are unable to understand these deeper philosophical principles, a simple rule can be given:
Do your duty. Do not be driven by sentiment.
This is one of the first teachings of spiritual life.
Now, regarding the difference between desire and ambition:
When a desire becomes very intense, it is often called ambition.
They are closely related concepts. You can have a mild desire or a strong desire. When a desire becomes deep, persistent, and accompanied by a strong aspiration to achieve it, we call it ambition.
So ambition is essentially a strongly intensified desire.
