Question: Maharaj, as I intensified my bhakti, I began receiving more and more kṛpā—either from Srila Prabhupada or Srila Gaura Govinda Swami Maharaj—while staying near the ISKCON temple. I have some doubts about devotees, and I fear I may be committing Vaiṣṇava-aparādha even by asking. I started feeling as if my mercy was being taken away by other devotees. Can mercy be stolen or taken away by someone? If so, how can I protect myself so this does not happen again?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Mercy is something that descends from higher authority. Others may meddle with or interfere with descending mercy, but they certainly cannot steal it. The main concern that Vaisnava should have is that those who are mercy-givers should be pleased by us and our service as far as possible. When that descending mercy comes, someone may try to steal it, but that’s not possible. The mercy giver, who is above us, will continue to shower mercy, and mercy cannot be stolen.
