Radhe Radhe !  This is the frontpage editorial from  the noted Harinam magazine (of the Harinam press group) founded by none other that Sri Shyamlal Hakimji published from Vrindaban –

The universe is full of variegatedness. No two beings are exactly alike. There are different kinds of objects and people differ in their likings. Similarly, we have various means; different sampradayas or sects. The paths of worship are diverse. A single sect has so many different parivars – diverse opinions.

We have our nishtha and shraddha (faith) in a particular sect, we feel nourished when we associate there. It is alright. But, what if I say that just because I like the color red, the person whose favorite color is green, is not OK, then what ? If he says he prefers the color green, I feel insulted. This is  a big mistake on my part.

If an ignorant or common man loses his temper due to a difference of opinions, we can understand. However, there are times when a scholar, supposedly a saint, garbed as a monk, loses self-control, and abuses a scholar having a different belief. He calls him a fool, rascal, and writes derogatory remarks about him. In this case, can we call him a saint, scholar and renounced ? When we write a text in the glorification of the Beloved Lord, if we hurl abusive words in such a text / commentary, then are we not polluting that Divine Text, that is Sri Krishna personified ?

Certainly we are free to put forth our views. We must indeed have strong faith in our Ishtadev and respect Him. We can express our love and reverence without resorting to humiliating another person. We should respect one and all, never insult another faith, or path of worship. We can put forward our views and propagate our religion by resorting to sweet words as well. In reality, what happens is this – we have malice and hatred concealed in our hearts. As a result, when we speak or write, such words spill out unwittingly. This gives a glimpse to the audience or readers about the filth present in our sub consciousness, although we may try to conceal our true nature in the mesh of dramatic, colorful words.

If I humiliate  you and you do not accept it, then it returns to me. Undoubtedly, the mouth of the one who perpetrates an insult is defiled, not the one who hears it.

The Lord is Vibhu. He relishes a variety of ras. In His creation, there are various means and opinions. If we disrespect any path or premi, we are disrespecting our Beloved. We have to respect all – this is Vaishnavism.