Art of Chanting Hare Krsna Japa Meditation Techniques By Mahanidhi Swami Page 37-38 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 Vaiavas 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 Caitanyas 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, nindana doa-krtanam, 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: nind bhagavata vas, tat-parasya janasya v tato npaiti ya so 'pi, yty adha suktc cyuta Anyone who fails to immediately leave the place where he hears criticism of the Supreme Lord or His faithful devotee will lose his piety and fall down to hell. (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.74.40) But shouldnt 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 someones fault with others. In this regard, the Bible says, Judge not, lest you be judged. Persons who do not blaspheme the Vaiavas attain Lord Ka. They attain pure love and devotion for the Supreme Lords lotus feet. The only thing obtained by blaspheming Vaiavas is sin. Thus one should never blaspheme the Vaiavas. Ka easily delivers those who chant even once His name without blaspheming anyone. (Caitanya bhagavat Madhya 9.244-5)