Question & Answer sessions with HH Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji – 2015
Speak – Silence
Question :
We are told to help others with unselfish good intentions. But when we try to share our spiritual knowledge with them, some people ridicule us. Should we continue to speak with them or should we keep quiet and leave them to their karma?
Answer :
It is best to be silent. There is no need to tell others. But there is no need to keep mum when our Dharma is being insulted. It is our duty to preserve our Dharma. But avoid quarreling. Explain the point clearly and gently. If they disagree, leave them to their Karma.
Should we make suggestions? With children, grandchildren, and those whose lives are dependent upon us, it is our responsibility to teach and guide them to follow the right path.
But even a child, after age 16, is to be treated only as a friend. One may suggest, without using force or compulsion.
Spirituality does not mandate instructing others. Spirituality is only self-instruction.
But concerning the preservation of Dharma, we must take a definite stand and express our conviction. One should not ignore abusive comments. A person may declare that the Vedas permit killing cows and eating beef. He speaks from ignorance. Demand that he shows where in the Vedas it says so. When a mantra is quoted completely out of context, it totally misrepresents the truth. This should not be allowed. The statement should be supported by other scriptures and corroborated elsewhere, to carry any weight.
Killing cows is a heinous sin. Any such radical statements must be refuted uncompromisingly.
Today is Krishna Ashtami. Krishna loves Gokula. Take a vow that you will safeguard the lives of cows. Promise that you will denounce such false statements. It is very important. When required, you must boldly defend our Dharma.
But in spirituality, silence rules.
Jaya Guru Datta