The Real "No Criticism" Philosophy - from Prabhupada's books

I knew I could remember this from somewhere - thanks to Google:

Real unity is advancing in Krsna consciousness....In the Kali-yuga you cannot strictly follow, neither I can strictly follow. If I criticize you, if you criticize me, then we go far away from Krsna consciousness

- Srila Prabhupada, quoted in Srila Prabhupada Lila vol 6 pg.172

In the pastime of Ramacandra Puri, (Sri Caitanya-caritmarita Antya-lila Chapter 8), the Srimad Bhagavatam verse 11.28.1 is quoted:

One should see that because of the meeting of material nature and the living entity, the universe is acting uniformly. Thus one should neither praise nor criticize the characteristics or activities of others.

Especially a brahmacari - one whose actions (acar) are (should be) on the level of brahman, should see things this way. Otherwise very quickly his external situation will harmonize with his internal consciousness.

Further to this, Srila Prabhupada explains:

The above-mentioned verse from Srimad-Bhagavatam gives two injunctions. The first, called purva-vidhi, is that one should not praise, and the second, para-vidhi, is that one should not criticize. As will be apparent from the following verse, the injunction against praise is less important than the injunction against blasphemy. One should carefully observe the para-vidhi, although one may neglect the purva-vidhi. Thus the actual injunction is that one may praise but should not criticize. This is called sleshokti, or a statement having two meanings. Ramacandra Puri, however, acted in just the opposite way, for he neglected the para-vidhi but strictly observed the purva-vidhi. Since he avoided following the principle of not criticizing, Ramacandra Puri broke both the rules.

- Sri Caitanya-caritamrita Antya-lila 8.79

The other day someone claimed that I subscribe to a "no-fault-finding" philosophy.

First of all, I think the above quotes speak volumes about how a Vaisnava should conduct themselves, and I'd like to point out that my whole program is based around identifying faults and then providing solutions for them. That's what the Climate Change Harinam is all about, that's what Atma Yoga is all about.

I can find faults as well as, if not better than the next person. However, my personal realization (that means my practical application of what's in the books) is that the only valid critique is a superior result.

There is no value in being able to point out the faults. The value is in fixing them.