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EDITORIAL May 14, 1999 VNN3863 See Related VNN Stories Offence And Forgiveness BY BHUDHARA DAS EDITORIAL, May 14 (VNN) — It is true that one should not sit idly by, disinterested in how others treat one's Gurudeva or the Vaishnavas. There are types of action approved the scriptures to guide us in difficult circumstances where they are criticised or attacked. We can also look to the behavior of our Gurudeva, the acharyas or other saints in our line to see how they followed the guidance of scripture when dealing with the bad behavior of others. In the Nectar of Devotion Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's tells us that the first thing we should do in such circumstances is defeat the offense by sound argument and scriptural reference. The emphasis is on defeating the ignorance that causes offense. Of course this can work only work when the offending person open to correction. This implies that the offender is more na•ve than engaging in a will act to offend or cause harm. In the case where the person is not open to discussion, is arrogant and un-gentlemanly, then scripture advises a more radical reaction. You will know for instance the reference that suggests that the offender should be punished, by "cutting out his tongue". Failing one's ability to do that one should immediately leave the place, blocking one's ears. In some cases it is even advised that one should give up one's body having heard such offenses, as per Sati's refusal to hear her husband Sri Shivaji be vilified by her father. Instructions like this set forth the principles, not just of how we act but more importantly - why we act. First we try understand the principles and then try to reconcile their practical application into circumstances of our own lives. You can imagine, for instance, how hard it would be cut out all the offensive tongues that we encounter in our efforts to preach! Acts of compassion and forgiveness are part of the very foundation of our line, with Sri Nityananda Prabhu at the head of a long list of fine examples. You ask a very good question. "Sometimes I wonder how Srila Swami Maharaja or Srila Guru Maharaja would have reacted, if their spiritual masters had been attacked in the same manner.?" The sad reality is - that is happening right now. In some quarters, certain people are questioning the very legitimacy of our Bhaktisiddhanta line. Srila Narayan Maharaja has shown by example and precept how to deal with such shameful behavior. He has written extensively and preached around the world in defense our line, presenting scriptural reference, sound argument and historical facts. Srila Narayana Maharaja silences the offenders, not by "cutting the tongue", but by rendering null and void their arguments. He also avoids their offensive association, until the time they correct their behavior and humbly present themselves to the Vaishnava community asking for forgiveness. Meanwhile, he patiently waits for them to correct themselves and wherever possible offers encouragement and support. It is not actually possible for people, especially those who are offensive, to shake off the dirt of the Kali Yuga without kindness from advanced Vaishnavas. History shows that Krishna protects his devotees and redresses imbalances. He is in charge of punishing offenders. The truth will always come out. It may take more time than we would like, but Krishna has His own sense of time, and His own plan - into which all things fit. I accept that you never intended to "pronounce an absolute verdict" against Srila Sivarama Swami, and take your point that we are all looking for a genuine - and public rectification. Our expressions were presented to clarify the principles that we have learned from the example of Narayana Maharaja's behavior towards others. Your response confirms that the apparent discrepancy in your first letter was an error of omission, rather than an intention to judge others. Finally, I always question whether my heart is soft enough to participate in a process of forgiveness. If my heart is hard then, whether spoken or not, I may block the chance for others to enter the path of rectification - because they may perceive me to be judgmental and be thus discouraged. In all cases we should be strong and adhere to the path of our acharyas, while simultaneously soft and endearing to others thus encouraging them to the feet of our compassionate acharyas. Your servant, Bhudhara das See Related VNN Stories | Comment on this story | Contact VNN about this story | Send this story to a friend
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