Praise or Abuse 

In the Mahabharata when Shishupala abused Sri Krishna in Yudhishtira’s audience hall and after Shishupala was slain by Sri Krishna, a flame emerged from Shishupala’s body and merged in Sri Krishna. Yudhishtira was surprised at this phenomenon. He questioned Narada how a vile enemy of Krishna like Shishupala could have such a glorious end as the merger of his spirit in Sri Krishna. Narada explained as follows, “Abuse or praise relates only to the body and not to the atma. That being the case, who is the cavalier and who is it that is caviled? Who is a friend and who is an enemy? All are the same. The blood that constantly remembers God becomes an offering to God. (This is a reference to the blood flowing from Shishupala’s body to the feet of Sri Krishna). Whether out of hatred or jealousy or attachment, if the Lord’s name is remembered that is sufficient. Shishupala remembered Sri Krishna’s name more often than many devotees. Devotees remember the Lord at the time of worship alone. Shishupala in his intense hatred of Krishna had Krishna in his mind all the time, whether waking or sleeping. It was because of this constant remembrance of Krishna’s name that Shishupala’s soul could merge in Krishna.”

Laymen look only at the superficial aspects of things. The Lord does not see things that way. He is free from hatred or envy, likes and dislikes. When these are attributed to the Lord they are only a reflection of one’s own feelings. God is like a mirror. What you see is only a reflection of your own action and posture. God neither punishes nor rewards any one. Punishment or reward is the outcome of your own actions. Hence, no one is entitled to question the actions of God, accusing God of favoritism or indifference to someone or the other. Who has the authority to prescribe to God how He should conduct Himself?

Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 23