Hati mata – the mad elephant offense

Certainly one should be careful – and not enter into criticism of a devotee lightly. But we cannot function effectively where there is some absolute prohibition in raising concerns – where legitimate concerns are shouted down with accusations of “you’re being offensive”.

K.D. McComb (Krishna Devata) prefaced her recent and brilliantly composed analysis with the following reference.

 

“To blaspheme pure Vaisnavas is an offense, but even blaspheming other jivas is a sin. Vaisnavas have no interest in performing such a sinful act. However, provided one has the right motive, the scriptures have not condemned a careful critique of someone’s faults. Proper motive is of three types: desiring the welfare of the person criticized, desiring the welfare of the world and desiring one’s own welfare. There are three types of proper motive:

 

1. If the intention in analyzing someone’s sins to ensure that he attains his ultimate welfare such reflection is auspicious.

2. If the motive behind reflecting on someone’s sins is to benefit the whole world, then this is to be counted as an auspicious act.

3. If such reflection is undertaken for one’s own spiritual welfare, then it too, is auspicious. There is no fault in such reflection.”

~ Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur ~

The sought result in this case is the effective administration of due process with regards child protection by the Society’s leadership. There is no malice intended towards anybody.

It’s understandable that mild mannered devotees find the whole matter disturbing. But it is the violation of a child that should provoke our disapproval – not the surfacing of the details of the poor handling of the case.

Neither I nor others have taken leave of our senses or the due regard we have for Vaisnavas