It is not the nature of a spiritual aspirant to search for faults in others and hide their own. If your faults are pointed out to you by someone, don’t argue and try to prove that you were right, and don’t bear a grudge against them for it. Reason out within yourself how it is a fault and set right your own behaviour. Rationalising it for your own satisfaction or wreaking vengeance on the person who pointed it out —these should not be the traits of a spiritual aspirant or devotee. The spiritual aspirant must always seek the truthful and joyful, and must avoid all thoughts of the untrue, sad and depressing. Depression, doubt, conceit — these are as detrimental as Rahu and Kethu (evil planetary influences) to the spiritual aspirant. They will harm one’s spiritual practice. When your devotion is well established, these can be easily discarded if they appear. Above all, you must be joyful, smiling, and enthusiastic under all circumstances.

- Prema Vahini, Ch 63.