Is anger towards those who are envious of devotees a limb of devotional service?

Is anger towards those who are envious of devotees a limb of devotional service?

By Srila Shyam Das Baba

Gauḍīya Goṣṭhī Patiḥ Śrī Śrīla Prabhupāda Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Ṭhākura—Paramahamsa Jagad Guru answerd to this specific question by somebody as is mentioned above—which we can find in the Upadeśāmṛta compiled by him that— “We should display anger towards those who are envious of devotees. This is a particular limb of devotional service. 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 Kṛṣṇa and the Vaiṣṇavas. 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 towards them.

But before that, we have to see whether we ourselves are envious of devotees, whether we ourselves are actually serving Kṛṣṇa. Or are we serving something else on the pretext of serving Kṛṣṇa? How much are we attached to Kṛṣṇa? Are we trying to enjoy the objects meant for Kṛṣṇa's enjoyment?

I think my enjoyment-prone material body is fiercely envious of Kṛṣṇa and His devotees, because instead of thinking constantly of Kṛṣṇa’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 Vaiṣṇavas. 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 Kṛṣṇa and who are pulling us toward material enjoyment by tempting us. This is the secret of success.” (Upadeśāmṛta)

Gaura Hari Hari Bol