The story of an offence

One day in Vrindavan, the grate saint Sri Rupa Goswami had a visit from a grate scholar of a different school of Vaishnavism. The two sat down and, as customary between vedic scholars, had a conversation about spiritual subjects. Sri Jiva Goswami, the nephew of Sri Rupa, was also present, listening to the conversation. At some point, Sri Rupa suggested his own commentary on a cirtin topic to the scholar, at which point the gap between the two philosophies had arise. The scholar politely commented to Sri Rupa that it is to his opinion that this commentary was wrong. While Sri Rupa took no offense to this comment, Sri Jiva could not bear such criticism against the doctrine of his friend and teacher. Out of respect, Sri Jiva remained silent, not disturbing the conversation.

It was later that day when Sri Jiva could not bear it no more. Knowing the scholar went to bath in the river, Sri Jiva decided to go there to get some water. Then he decided to take the chance and explain to the scholar his mistake. After the conversation, the scholar was indeed impressed by the knowledge of the young swami. A few days after, when he re encountered Sri Jiva Goswami, the scholars praised the young Sri Jiva in his ears, describing their conversation by the river. Though the scholar seemed very pleased, Sri Rupa was indeed unpleased. And after the the departure of the scholar, he called his disciple Sri Jiva and had a conversation with him. "You're act was unpolite" he said. "When engaged in a philosophical conversation, we should first consider the other side as our Guru to whom we bow down to. Only after such respect is offered should we debate as equals." And then Sri Rupa said: "Return home now. Leave Vrindavan until the day you'll be able to show more control."
So tormented was Sri Jiva by this instruction. He wondered around the roads lamenting his separation from his master and the land of Vrindavan. Then one day Sri Rupa's brother, Sri Sanatana Goswami found him in a temple at Nanda-Ghat, weak from days of fasting and crying. He took Sri Jiva back to Vrindavan where Sri Rupa Goswami was glad to welcome him back.

"Om! May God protect us both together by showing us the way through knowledge. May He sustain us both by that knowledge. May we attain that knowledge together. Let what we learn enlighten us. And may we not quarrel among ourselves. Om Peace Peace Peace!"

(The Upanishads)

Samadhi Mandir of Sri Rupa Goswami
Radha-Damodara temple - Vrindavan, India