Bhakti is a personality; śraddhā is a personality. So, if anyone offends the Vaiṣṇavas, then what becomes of him? Śraddhā will quickly go away. When the root of one’s devotion—śraddhā—will go away, then what will remain? The following stages of devotion, like niṣṭhā, ruci, and āsakti, will also quickly go away; then you will be like zero. Tilaka may be there; kanṭhī may be there; but gradually they will also disappear. So, try to know this. Don’t make offenses. You should not criticize anyone. It is not your responsibility to look after a bad person. You should go on with your devotion and not associate with such a person. You should offer your praṇāma from far away.
June 07, 1996 Houston