The Fault Lies Within

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The Fault lies Within

 

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura said, "The best of all persons thinks himself to be less than all others. Why should a person be anxious to pry into the defects of others when he does not seek to scrutinize his own conduct? The acts and expressions of the Vaishnavas cannot be understood even by the wise. Let us not be misled by the apparent sight. Many a person has mistaken a pebble for a pearl; a snake for a rope; evil for good; by falling a victim to delusion by relying on apparent sight. When faults in others misguide and delude you, you should have patience, be introspective, and find the faults in yourself. Know that others cannot harm you unless you harm yourself." (Sri Chaitanya's Teachings)

 

Some people think if devotees commit forbidden acts, it is not offensive to criticize them, since it is simply stating the facts. In his commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam, Sridhara Swami says, nindanam dosa-kirtanam, "Whether it is true or not, narrating the faults of a sadhu constitutes blasphemy." The Srimad Bhagavatam warns that hearing blasphemy of a devotee will send one to hell:

 

nindam bhagavatah srnvams, tat-parasya janasya va

tato napaiti yah so 'pi, yati adhah sukrtac cyutah

 

Anyone who fails to immediately leave the place where he hears criticism of the Supreme Lord of His faithful devotee will lose his piety and fall down to hell (SB 10.74.40)

 

But shouldn't a sadhu be corrected if he is really guilty? Rectification is the duty of the guru or other potent guardians, not the ordinary sadhaka. One will only incur an offense by engaging in faultfinding or discussing someone's fault with others. In this regard, the Bible says, "Judge not, lest you be judged."

 

"Persons who do not blaspheme the Vaishnavas attain Lord Krishna. They attain pure love and devotion for the Supreme Lord's lotus feet. The only thing obtained by blaspheming Vaishnavas is sin. Thus one should never blaspheme the Vaishnavas. Krishna easily delivers those who chant even once His name without blaspheming anyone." (Cb. Madhya 9.244-5)

- Excerpts from Srila Mahanidhi Swami's "Art of Chanting Hare Krishna"