What should be the response towards a person who insults me?

[Shri Hrushikesh asked: What should be the response towards a person, who insults me? Should I retaliate and insult the other person? or should I leave the Justice to God to decide? As God is the real administrator and no injustice happens in his administration.]

Swami replied:- If you are stronger than the other person, you can retort the humiliation after thoroughly analyzing the whole situation. It may be possible that the other person is advising you strongly since you are thick skinned. In such case, he is your sincere and real well-wisher. Your real well-wisher scolds you and he/she often looks like your enemy. Your enemy desiring your fall often praises you and he/she always looks like your beloved friend. However, if you realize that the other person is scolding you due to jealousy, you can retort if you are efficient. If you are weaker than the other person, don’t retort and get insulted once again! In such case, leave to God and God will take care of the protection of justice and destruction of injustice.

Q. Is it important not to hurt the people through our words and actions?

[Shri Hrushikesh asked:When we are dealing with people, it is important not to hurt the people through our words and actions. Is this the right way to approach? In case if the above quoted approach is right, there are times when our softness and kindness is taken for granted and people tend to exploit us. Should we change the approach ? or should we accept this exploitation from the others thinking that this is the result of our past karmas? I am trying to accept that this exploitation of kindness from others is the result of my past karma and leaving it to God as He is the best Judge. Is this approach correct? At Your Lotus feet, Hrushikesh]

Swami replied:- You should not hurt anyone including your own self and this is the general rule. If anybody has the nature of exploiting others, you should be careful about such person in identifying him/her in advance and change your rule. Even then, if they cheat you, it is due to the bad fate, which is the fruit of your past bad actions. God is the last resort and you should not trouble Him by becoming lazy and inactive in your responsibilities.

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