Hate the sin, but love the sinner

22.09.2009

Criticize cheaters and swindlers, not struggling devotees

And that too with care and a sympathetic heart

Don't shout on his face, "you are a hypocrite"

Speak pure principles in a general gatherin

Don't focus too much on his external deficiencies

Appreciate his good past and sincere intentions and deeds

If you come down on him with force to prove him bad

You will break his heart, discourage him to become mad or sad

Don't make a fault, to counteract another fault

Then what makes us different from the one we criticize

Mend him, don't break him' Srila Prabhupada said

We want him to continue as a devotee till death

If operation is successful but patient is dead,

what have we accomplished by that bogus bet?

Lord is the owner, we are His sincere servants

Let us act on His behalf and not think we are autonomous

To err is human and to forgive is divine

Punish him with love, not to delight in his misery

Krsna is the Supreme Emperor of all sweetness

Sri Radha is His intimate and beloved sweetheart

Lord Caitanya is Sri Krsna in Radharani's mood

Then how can we deliver bitter goods?

We are not yamaraj, to chastise the sinful

We are Prabhupada's dog to safeguard his sweet will

We are dealing with Krsna's servants, however sinful they may be

Let us do it with care and caution, with no offences and prejudice

If punishment does not purify a person's heart

But pains him and make him pretentious in deeds

With bitterness for superiors and fear of authority

Then Prabhupada and acaryas will not be pleased

To hate the sin and love the sinner

Is the prerequisite for a punishment awarder

Pride and arrogance, wrath and revenge

Disqualify one from being a vaishnava leader

Pray to the Supreme Lord and beg Him for the right wisdom

Seek the shelter of Guru for spiritual strength and mercy

With humility at heart and good wishes for sinner

Approach the issue with Guru, Sadhu and sastra.

Radheshyam Das

ISKCON, Pune