07 Feb 2005
The Lord preached the Gita only when Arjuna fell at His feet and craved for the divine knowledge. The Lord said that trying to give the divine knowledge to people who are not interested in it, due to their ignorance, egoism, jealousy and greed, is like throwing a stone in the pond of mud (Krutstnavit Na Vichalayet). But Shankara went to the house of Mandana Mishra and begged for a debate. Then Mandana Mishra abused Shankara and refused the debate. But Vyasa and Jaimini who were present there objected to such an attitude. Finally, Mandana Mishra entered into a debate and it continued for twenty-one days. At the end Mandana Mishra realized the truth and became a disciple of Shankara. Here Mandana Mishra was benefitted and not Shankara. Therefore you must try to uplift all the souls in this world. Even if some mud falls on you, you must have patience. Shankara did not turn back even though Mandana Mishra abused Him in a pungent way. The father tries to correct his son even if his son scolds him. Such a kind attitude is divine nature. Krishna tried to prevent the Kauravas from destruction and Hanuman tried to stop Ravana even though both Krishna and Hanuman were insulted. Of course you should leave a rigid person, which should be your last resort because such a person is destined to his fate.