Blaspheming God - The Ultimate Transgression
Blasphemy against the Supreme Personality of Godhead is not merely a matter of rude speech; it is a fundamental deviation from truth that endangers the soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that denying the Lord's form, equating Him with ordinary beings, or minimizing His position are all severe offenses. While the Lord remains situated in His transcendental glory, unaffected by such foolishness, His devotees are strictly enjoined not to tolerate such insults.
What Constitutes Blasphemy?
Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that blasphemy takes many forms. The most common philosophical blasphemy comes from the Māyāvādīs, who claim that God has no eyes, legs, or hands, effectively calling Him invalid. Additionally, claiming that the Supreme Lord has become "poor" (daridra-nārāyaṇa) or that the living entity is God ("I am God") are statements that incite the anger of a pure devotee. Even claiming the material world is "false" is considered blasphemy, as the world is a creation of the Lord's energy.
- In this way (saying that God has no eyes, no legs, no hands), they are indirectly insulting God. This is blasphemy. God does not want to hear such nonsense.
- Mayavadi philosophers wrongly think that because the Supreme Person has entered the body of a poor man, the Supreme Lord has become daridra-narayana, or poor Narayana. These are all blasphemous statements of atheists and nondevotees.
- As soon as one says, blasphemes, that "I am God. There is no God," immediately devotee should be very angry because he is preaching false things. He's blaspheming against the Supreme Lord, that he is making God as very cheap.
- Vaisnava philosophers say that the cosmic creation is not false but temporary. It is separated from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but since it is wonderfully created by the energy of the Lord, to say that it is false is blasphemous.
The Duty Not to Tolerate
While a devotee is advised to be "humble like a blade of grass" regarding personal insults, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that this humility does not apply when God is blasphemed. Following the example of Satī, who gave up her body rather than hear her father Dakṣa insult Lord Śiva (the greatest devotee), one must take a strong stand. If a devotee cannot defeat the blasphemer or stop them, they must leave the place immediately to avoid sharing in the sinful reaction.
- Vasudeva is that state from which Krsna, Vasudeva, is born, so Lord Siva is the greatest devotee of Lord Krsna, and Sati's behavior is exemplary because no one should tolerate blasphemy against Lord Visnu or His devotee.
- This is the duty of a devotee. Although a devotee maintains an attitude of meekness and gentleness, it is a great fault on his part if he remains silent when the Lord or His devotee is blasphemed.
- Similarly, anger can be controlled. We cannot stop anger altogether, but if we simply become angry with those who blaspheme the Lord or the devotees of the Lord, we control our anger in Krsna consciousness.
- If one does not immediately leave upon hearing the Lord or the Lord’s devotee blasphemed, he falls down from devotional service.
God is Unaffected
Despite the insults hurled by atheists and ignorant persons, the position of the Supreme Lord remains unchanged. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that God is sac-cid-ānanda-vigraha—eternal, full of knowledge, and bliss. He is above the dualities of the material world. He does not feel insulted, nor is He flattered by prayers. His interactions, even chastisements, are always for the ultimate good of the living entity.
- Since the body of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is not material but sac-cid-ananda-vigraha (BS 5.1), He is unaffected by insults or greetings, blasphemy or prayers.
- Thus He has no enemy and no friend. When He chastises the demons it is for their good, and when He accepts the prayers of the devotees it is for their good. He is affected neither by prayers nor by blasphemy.
- Mudhas, rascals, blaspheme the Supreme Lord because He appears exactly like a human being. They do not know the unlimited opulence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Consequences of Blasphemy
The repercussions of blasphemy are severe, both for the individual and society. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that a civilization that disrespects the authority of God is destined for ruination. For the aspiring devotee, hearing blasphemy is poisonous; it destroys the merit of pious activities and can stop one's spiritual advancement completely.
- When human society individually or collectively becomes godless and blasphemes the authority of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, it is certainly destined for ruination.
- Sukadeva Gosvami tells Pariksit Maharaj, "My dear King, if a person, after hearing blasphemous propaganda against the Lord and His devotees, does not go away from that place, he becomes bereft of the effect of all pious activities."
- Such a civilization (that blasphemes God) invites all kinds of bad fortune due to not appreciating the mercy of the Lord.
- Because they are constantly blaspheming the Supreme Personality of Godhead by saying that He has no head, hands or legs, Mayavadi philosophers remain offenders for many, many births, even though they have partially realized Brahman.
Conclusion
The path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness requires not only positive service but also the careful avoidance of offenses. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs that we must guard our ears from the poison of blasphemy and use our energy to glorify the Lord, who is the source of all existence.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Blaspheming God. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.