Criticism

11-05-2006, 03:20 PM

On Criticism
by Praghosa Prabhu
(from www.dandavats.com)

Although most persons generally do not appreciate others’ criticism of them,
the Vedic literatures say that tolerating and forgiving our critics is
beneficial.

Forgiving our critics is a course recommended in the Bible, the Koran and
other religious traditions. Yet, what happens to the critic? The English
writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley has described:

“The effects that follow the constant and intense concentration upon
evil are always disastrous. Those who crusade, not for God in themselves,
but against the demons in others, never succeed in making the world betteri.
No man can concentrate his attention on evil, or even the idea of evil, and
remain unaffected. To be more against the demon than for godliness is
exceedingly dangerous. Every crusader is apt to go mad. He is haunted by the
wickedness that he attributes to his enemies; it becomes sort of a part of
him.”

The following are some verses describing the Vedic teachings on this point:

"Whoever indulges in praising or criticizing the qualities and behavior of
others will quickly become deviated from his own best interest by his
entanglement in illusory dualities."
(Krishna to Uddhava. Bhag. 11.28.2)

"Throughout his life, a brahmana should consider material prestige to be
like poison and dishonor to be like nectar. After all, if one learns to
tolerate dishonor, then his agitation will subside and he will happily
sleep, happily wake, and happily move about. The person who insults him
will, because of his sin, become regretful, and his happiness in this and
the next life will be vanquished."
(Manu-samhita 2.162-163)
Quoted by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura in "Brahmana O Vaisnava".

"The ignorant seek to injure the wise by malice and back-biting; by doing so
the critic takes upon himself the load of the wise man’s sins, which he, the
wise man, casts off by forgiving the ignorant."
(Vidura to Dhritarastra, Mahabharata, Udyoga parva 34.74)

"A person being criticized should not criticize in retaliation, for the pain
felt upon receiving criticism, if endured, will itself consume the critic
and bring in exchange the results of his good deeds."
(Dattatreya to the Saddhyas, Mahabharata, Udyoga parva 36.5)

"One who remains tolerant, not becoming angry, certainly attains the
abuser’s pious credits. Indeed his own sins are transferred to that wrathful
person."
(Bhishma to Yudhisthira, Mahabharata, Santi-parva 115.3)

"A person who praises someone in his presence, but criticizes him behind his
back, is no better than a dog. His chances for elevation to higher planets
are completely spoiled in this world."
(Bhishma to Yudhisthira, Mahabharata, Santi parva 115.11)