Mercy is like water. It naturally goes to the lowest level. One who feels oneself impoverished—impoverished in knowledge, impoverished in material ability, impoverished in every way—that person alone can receive the complete mercy. When we are in a helpless state, and we cry out then we get mercy. This is like a criminal’s trial. If a criminal fights for freedom, he doesn’t get mercy; he gets punishment. But if a criminal confesses, ‘I did it, I am fallen, I am useless, I am the worst, please be merciful to me,’ then the judge may give him mercy.
By Radhanath Swami
