Question: What should be done when a devotee can’t help himself from disliking another devotee?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
Likes and dislikes of the material world are based on a bodily or an external conception of life. When considered carefully, we can see that one’s dislike of another has hardly anything to do with the other individual’s soul proper, but is due to some external aspect of their life only. By understanding this and by practicing to see everyone as spirit soul, with Krishna seated in their heart, we can learn to respect everyone and overcome aversion or hatred.
Specifically in the case of devotees, not only are they pure spirit souls distinct from the soul’s covering, but they are very special and rare souls who have taken to devotional service. We may be unable to immediately transcend all our likes and dislikes and come to the point of loving exchanges with that devotee, but our dealings and feelings towards the other devotee should minimally be one of respect. Putting aside the external aspects of a devotee that one may have difficulty adjusting to, keep in mind how dear they are to Krishna because of the offerings of service they are rendering to Him; with this appreciation we can offer them all respects. Harboring ill feelings toward a devotee is simply harmful to our own relationship with Krishna.
Offering obeisances, trying to focus and express appreciation for some of their good qualities (every person has at least some good qualities!) and when possible taking the opportunity to render some direct and humble service to them — these are some positive and potent ways of dissolving negative feelings of the heart.
Meanwhile, as we continue to diligently purify our own hearts by the practice of devotional service, we can come to a higher stage where we may begin to genuinely appreciate their true nature. Through passage of time, the other devotee, also having taken shelter of the all- purifying process of bhakti, may have become a transformed person altogether, as well! Let our prayers be for both outcomes to come to pass, by contact with Krishna’s all-merciful devotional service!
