Should I back-answer my critics or keep silent?

[Smt. Anita Renkuntla asked: Śrī Datta Swāmiji, pādanamaskāramulu! As and when I read Your discourses, some incidents or experiences I faced in my life pop up in my mind. I was a silent and quiet person from childhood. I used to feel very bad whenever I was humiliated or criticised, even though I was right, by my own people or by people at work. Is being quiet and calm a bad quality? Is not back-answering them a sin? Have they exhibited good qualities? I have developed hatred towards them. How should I overcome this? Do guide me, Swāmiji. At Your Lotus feet.]

Swāmi replied: Keeping silent for every criticism is not correct. You can keep silent, only if you think that answering that criticism will bring more problems to you, in which case, there is meaning in your keeping silent. Even in that case, you can answer them in a talented and sweet way, so that the adverse reactions from them can be avoided. Always pray to God Subrahmaṇya. You will be happy.

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