Bhaktivinoda Thakura on "Material" Compassion
That which is material is devoid of a desire to please Krsna, and instead is done out of material motivations, such as desire for prestige, profit and adoration. Such motivations can taint the heart of the altruist, and therefore it is not the activity alone, but the motivation, which is purifying. The right motivations for charity work so that it becomes pleasing to Krsna and part of bhakti, is herein given by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Here we see that the bonafide giver's qualification is kindness and the qualified recipient's is neediness.
Bhaktivinoda Thakur: "Those who think that devotion to God and kindness to the jivas are mutually different from each other, and perform accordingly in their life, such persons will not be able to follow the devotional culture. Their performance is only a semblance of devotion. Therefore, all the types of beneficence to others, like kindness, friendliness, forgiveness, charity, respect, etc. are included in Bhakti. Charity of medicines, clothes, food, water, etc. shelter during adversities, teaching of academic and spiritual education, etc. are the activities included in the devotional culture"
It is not a sign of spiritual consciousness that one doesn't give a shit about the material conditions that people are in, it is simply a sign of narcissism. This disease has infected Iskcon to a certain extent as well and thus some devotees justified the abuse of the children to be just their karma. It is a sick, sick,sick misuse of the philosophy. (Niscala)
