Displaying anger to nondevotees and oneself

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50. Is anger toward those envious of devotees a limb of devotional service?

 

We should display anger toward those who are envious of devotees. This is a

particular limb of devotional service. A lack of anger against blasphemers

is unjustified. But we need to understand who is actually envious of

devotees. Those who do not serve the Supreme Lord, the Supersoul and most

blissful friend of all living entities, do not benefit themselves but

instead invite trouble by their envy of Krsna and the Vaisnavas. Such people

are branded as envious, and we should not show them mercy. These people

become intoxicated by worshiping materialists. We should both ignore them

and display our anger toward them.

But before that, we have to see whether we ourselves are envious of

devotees, whether we ourselves are actually serving Krsna. Or are we serving

something else on the pretext of serving Krsna How much are we attached to

Krsna? Are we trying to enjoy the objects meant for Krsna's enjoyment?

I think my enjoyment-prone material body is fiercely envious of Krsna and

His devotees, because instead of thinking constantly of Krsna's lotus feet

and happiness, I am busy worrying about my own happiness, blaspheming

others, and looking for faults. I do not look at myself at all. I am such an

offender at the feet of devotees that I should first learn to display anger

toward myself. I am so envious of devotees that I should beat myself with

shoes simply to purify myself. Then I can set an example for others and

sincerely engage in the service of Hari, guru, and the Vaisnavas. I must

remember that everyone is worshiping Hari but me. I am unable to do so. I

should also remember that I may die at any moment.

So first we should show anger toward our own sinful propensities, such as

our desire for profit, adoration, and distinction and our propensity to

cheat others. We must correct ourselves first. Otherwise, we cannot correct

others. Then we have to correct those who are related to us, who are envious

of the spiritual master and Krsna and who are pulling us toward material

enjoyment by tempting us. This is the secret of success.

 

(from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's Vani)