TUCSON Prabhupada devotee sangha: You can also list our address if you like in Tucson area for devotees who want to connect. Gaurahari dasa, 5209 E Bellevue St. Apt A Tucson, AZ 85712
" Make your own field and continue to be Ritvik and act on my behalf." - Śrīla Prabhupāda: July 31, 1977.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
How can a Guru be subjected to the discipline or restrictions of a GBC?
http://pratyatosa.com/?P=24
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s “DECLARATION OF WILL” states, “The Governing Body Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness.”
The bottom line of the [ISKCON guru] issue is whether or not any guru is subjected to the dictates and discipline of the GBC. The fact that Prabhupāda established the GBC as the Governing Authority for ISKCON rules out the possibility of any diksha gurus in ISKCON except him. Prabhupāda ruled out the diksha guru system in ISKCON by saying that a bona-fide spiritual master is never subjected to the discipline or restrictions of a GBC or anyone else. The fact that the GBC is in the position of having to regulate and restrict the activities of the ISKCON gurus shows that indeed there can be no gurus in ISKCON except Prabhupāda. A real guru is never subjected to the control and discipline of any committee, Godbrother, disciple or anyone else. Śrī Guru is a free agent independent of committee regulation or control. ISKCON clearly has a whole set of rules and laws that regulate, discipline and restrict all the diksha gurus in ISKCON. This situation is clearly in violation of the teachings of Śrila Prabhupāda. We find his instructions in the matter in the Nectar of Instruction text 6 purport:
"It is also an offense to consider an empowered Vaishnava an object of disciplinary action. It is offensive to try to give him advice or to correct him…The spiritual master must not be subjected to the advice of a disciple, nor should a spiritual master be obliged to take instructions from those who are not his disciples. This is the sum and substance of Śrīla Rūpa Goswami's advice in this sixth verse."
Śrila Prabhupāda is saying here that in the Rūpānuga sampradāya a spiritual master should not be subjected to the discipline or regulations of any committee, individual or group of individuals. A real spiritual master is not subject to such regulation.
Therefore, by establishing the GBC as the managing authority of ISKCON, Śrila Prabhupāda ruled out the possibility of a multiplicity of gurus in ISKCON by making the GBC the functioning authority over all ISKCON affairs. In ISKCON today there is a class of spiritual masters who are all subjected to the regulation and discipline of the GBC. This is totally in-congruent with the concept of a traditional spiritual master who is above and beyond all such committee regulation.
Prabhupāda said it is an offense to try and discipline or regulate a spiritual master. Therefore either the regulating of ISKCON spiritual masters by the GBC must stop or [the ISKCON] diksha guru system must stop. Refusing to do so results in offenses which will destroy devotional service and make [devotional service] fruitless and futile.
The Bottom Line on the ISKCON Guru Issue
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s “DECLARATION OF WILL” states, “The Governing Body Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness.”
The bottom line of the [ISKCON guru] issue is whether or not any guru is subjected to the dictates and discipline of the GBC. The fact that Prabhupāda established the GBC as the Governing Authority for ISKCON rules out the possibility of any diksha gurus in ISKCON except him. Prabhupāda ruled out the diksha guru system in ISKCON by saying that a bona-fide spiritual master is never subjected to the discipline or restrictions of a GBC or anyone else. The fact that the GBC is in the position of having to regulate and restrict the activities of the ISKCON gurus shows that indeed there can be no gurus in ISKCON except Prabhupāda. A real guru is never subjected to the control and discipline of any committee, Godbrother, disciple or anyone else. Śrī Guru is a free agent independent of committee regulation or control. ISKCON clearly has a whole set of rules and laws that regulate, discipline and restrict all the diksha gurus in ISKCON. This situation is clearly in violation of the teachings of Śrila Prabhupāda. We find his instructions in the matter in the Nectar of Instruction text 6 purport:
"It is also an offense to consider an empowered Vaishnava an object of disciplinary action. It is offensive to try to give him advice or to correct him…The spiritual master must not be subjected to the advice of a disciple, nor should a spiritual master be obliged to take instructions from those who are not his disciples. This is the sum and substance of Śrīla Rūpa Goswami's advice in this sixth verse."
Śrila Prabhupāda is saying here that in the Rūpānuga sampradāya a spiritual master should not be subjected to the discipline or regulations of any committee, individual or group of individuals. A real spiritual master is not subject to such regulation.
Therefore, by establishing the GBC as the managing authority of ISKCON, Śrila Prabhupāda ruled out the possibility of a multiplicity of gurus in ISKCON by making the GBC the functioning authority over all ISKCON affairs. In ISKCON today there is a class of spiritual masters who are all subjected to the regulation and discipline of the GBC. This is totally in-congruent with the concept of a traditional spiritual master who is above and beyond all such committee regulation.
Prabhupāda said it is an offense to try and discipline or regulate a spiritual master. Therefore either the regulating of ISKCON spiritual masters by the GBC must stop or [the ISKCON] diksha guru system must stop. Refusing to do so results in offenses which will destroy devotional service and make [devotional service] fruitless and futile.
Important Prabhupada quotes on Telling facts,Judging and Testing and Faultfinding
Satyam, truthfulness, means that facts should be presented as they are,
for the benefit of others. Facts should not be misrepresented. According
to social conventions, it is said that one can speak the truth only
when it is palatable to others. But that is not truthfulness. The truth
should be spoken in a straightforward way, so that others will
understand actually what the facts are. If a man is a thief and if
people are warned that he is a thief, that is truth. Although sometimes
the truth is unpalatable, one should not refrain from speaking it.
Truthfulness demands that the facts be presented as they are for the
benefit of others. That is the definition of truth. [BG.10.4-5]
Of course to call a thief a thief is not faultfinding.[BG.16.1-3]
Prabhupāda: No, judgment is there everywhere. Unless there is judgment, how you can discriminate, “This is spiritual; this is material”? Judgment must be there for intelligent person. Otherwise how you can distinguish? We are distinguishing every moment–”This is good. This is bad”–in the relative world. So there is judgment. So God–the supreme judge. So as soon as there is question of judgment, then what is our position? There must be good and bad, so that if we have lived a very nice, good life, then by the judgment of God we get better position. And if we have not done so, then you get degraded position. Therefore, for human being it is very sanguine to understand how we are going to be judged by the Supreme. So if we are following the rules and regulation given by God, then the judgment will be better. And if we are not following the laws, the judgment will not be in favor. This is natural to conclude. Then we have to judge what is sin, what is piety, how to be pious, how one becomes sinful. So many things will come. [Room Conversation with Yoga Student March 14, 1975, Iran]
Allen Ginsberg: What is the difference between holy man and spiritual master?
Prabhupāda: No difference, but one has to test whether he is holy man. Then you have to, he has to corroborate with the statement of the scripture. Spiritual master is to be tested whether he is holy man, and whether there is corroboration in the statement of the scriptures. Sādhu śāstra guru vākya tinete koriyā aikya. Just like the law court, the experienced lawyer’s speaking and giving evidence. Sādhu-śāstra, and the judge is giving judgement, “Here is a statement, here is this lawbook.” He has (indistinct). He also testing, the judge is also testing how the lawyer is speaking, and how it is corroborates to the lawbook. So similarly everything has to be tested in that way. The scripture should be consulted, and we should have to see whether it is corroborated. So we should not accept any man as spiritual master or holy man if he does not corroborate with the statement of the scripture. So we should not accept any man as spiritual master or holy man if he does not corroborate with the statement of the scripture. He’s at once rejected. [Conversation Allen Greensburg: May 11, 1969]
Of course to call a thief a thief is not faultfinding.[BG.16.1-3]
Prabhupāda: No, judgment is there everywhere. Unless there is judgment, how you can discriminate, “This is spiritual; this is material”? Judgment must be there for intelligent person. Otherwise how you can distinguish? We are distinguishing every moment–”This is good. This is bad”–in the relative world. So there is judgment. So God–the supreme judge. So as soon as there is question of judgment, then what is our position? There must be good and bad, so that if we have lived a very nice, good life, then by the judgment of God we get better position. And if we have not done so, then you get degraded position. Therefore, for human being it is very sanguine to understand how we are going to be judged by the Supreme. So if we are following the rules and regulation given by God, then the judgment will be better. And if we are not following the laws, the judgment will not be in favor. This is natural to conclude. Then we have to judge what is sin, what is piety, how to be pious, how one becomes sinful. So many things will come. [Room Conversation with Yoga Student March 14, 1975, Iran]
Allen Ginsberg: What is the difference between holy man and spiritual master?
Prabhupāda: No difference, but one has to test whether he is holy man. Then you have to, he has to corroborate with the statement of the scripture. Spiritual master is to be tested whether he is holy man, and whether there is corroboration in the statement of the scriptures. Sādhu śāstra guru vākya tinete koriyā aikya. Just like the law court, the experienced lawyer’s speaking and giving evidence. Sādhu-śāstra, and the judge is giving judgement, “Here is a statement, here is this lawbook.” He has (indistinct). He also testing, the judge is also testing how the lawyer is speaking, and how it is corroborates to the lawbook. So similarly everything has to be tested in that way. The scripture should be consulted, and we should have to see whether it is corroborated. So we should not accept any man as spiritual master or holy man if he does not corroborate with the statement of the scripture. So we should not accept any man as spiritual master or holy man if he does not corroborate with the statement of the scripture. He’s at once rejected. [Conversation Allen Greensburg: May 11, 1969]
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Monday, 28 May 2012
SRI SRI RADHA KRISHNA DIAMOND TEMPLE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY MALAYSIA
SRI SRI RADHA KRISHNA DIAMOND TEMPLE & VEDIC CULTURAL CENTRE
BHOOMI POOJA
SUNDAY, 27 MAY 2012
SEE VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM_4N88Idww&feature=share
SEE PICTURES
Click here to view images
SEE VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM_4N88Idww&feature=share
SEE PICTURES
Click here to view images
A Significant Day
27th May 2012 marked a significant day in the history of Hare Krishna Ashram, Malaysia. Devotees observed the Bhoomi Pooja (ground-breaking) consecration rites, a first step in the construction of the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Diamond Temple and Vedic Cultural Centre Project. The grand project would comprise a beautiful temple featuring a seamless blend of the best of traditional Indian architecture and modern technology, exhibition halls along with a guest house and residential quarters for devotees. Upon completion, the complex would function as a beacon transmitting the much needed light of spiritual knowledge and culture throughout all sections of society.
Ground-breaking Consecration Rites
The festivities commenced with the ground-breaking consecration rites conducted by priests well-trained in Agamic rituals who had especially arrived from Chennai, India for this purpose. Many devotees and well-wishers came from far and wide to participate in the festivities.
Bhoomi Pooja was presided by His Grace Madhu Pandit Prabhu, His Grace Stoka Krishna Prabhu and His Grace Chitranga Chaitanya Prabhu from ISKCON Bangalore. Sriman Madhu Pandit Prabhu and his team have been pivotal in designing the architectural style of the temple project.
An Opportunity to Shine
In his speech, Madhu Pandit Prabhu noted that it was the desire of the Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to open beautiful temples throughout the world to attract the population to spiritual culture through dynamic activities and spiritual sound vibrations, particularly the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. He added that all living entities are spiritually beautiful, being parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna. When a soul participates in serving the Lord by channeling his energies towards His glorification, he shines like a diamond. The efforts of all involved in developing the temple project would epitomize this quality.
Spiritual Programmes - Vital for the Society’s Well-being
Following Madhu Pandit Prabhu’s speech, the Guest-of-Honour, YB Tuan Law Choo Kiang, Representative from the Penang Chief Minister’s Office expressed his delight in being able to attend the event. He noted the impressive plans for the project and highlighted the importance of the spiritual dimension in the growth of Penang state. He iterated the immense benefits that such a project would bring to everyone involved. Tuan Law was also very keen to learn the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, took darshan of Their Lordships Sri Sri Gopinatha and offered flowers to Srila Prabhupada. He thanked all guests present and encouraged the devotees in their efforts to realize the completion of the temple complex.
More than 1000 devotees attended Bhoomi Pooja and relished sumptuous Krishna Prasadam.
Hare Krishna Ashram invites everyone to participate in its efforts to
build the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Diamond Temple Project and Vedic
Cultural Complex. This sublime effort will bring spiritual benefits for
everyone involved and would benefit generations to come.
“When a diamond is set in a golden ring, it looks very nice. The
gold is glorified, and at the same time the diamond is glorified. The
Lord and the living entity eternally glitter, and when a living entity
becomes inclined to the service of the Supreme Lord, he looks like gold.
The Lord is a diamond, and so this combination is very nice.”His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Purport to Bhagavad Gita 9.29
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Srila Prabhupada Meets Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura - 2
So when I met Bhaktisiddhanta
Sarasvati Thakura...
It is a long story, how I met
him. One of my friends,
he dragged me. (laughing)
(laughter)
So when I met Bhaktisiddhanta
Sarasvati Thakura... It is a long story, how I met him. One of my
friends, he dragged me. (laughing) (laughter) I was at that time
nationalist and manager in a big chemical factory. My age was about
twenty-four years. So one of my friends, he asked me that "There is
a nice sadhu, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. He has come in
Calcutta. So let us go and see." So I was reluctant. I thought just
like so, there are so many sadhus. So I was not very much... Because
I had very bad experience, not very good. So I said, "Oh these kind
of sadhus, there are many." You'll be glad to know that even my in
young age or early age or early age--it was Krsna's grace--even
amongst my young friends, I was considered the leader. (laughing)
(laughter) In my school days, in my college days, in my private
friendship, some way or other I became their leader. And one
astrologer sometimes he read my hand. He said in Hindi, kukum calena(?).
Kukum calena means "Your hand speaks that your order will be
executed."
Devotees: Jaya!
Prabhupada: So anyway, it was Krsna's grace. I would not go, but their point of view was that unless I certify that sadhu, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, he'll not be accepted. Therefore he dragged me. So I went to see Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on that day. On the first meeting, just we offer our obeisances. It is the practice. So immediately he began his talking that "You are all educated young men. Why don't you take up Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult and preach all over the English knowing public? Why don't you take up this matter?" So I argued with him in so many... At that time I was nationalist. So I told that "Who will accept our message? We are dependent nation. Nobody will care." In this way, in my own way, in these younger days... But we belonged to the Vaisnava family, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda, Radha-Govinda. That is our worshipable Deity. So I was very glad that "Radha-Krsna cult, Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult, this sadhu is trying to preach. It is very nice."
So at that time we had some talks, and of course I was defeated by his argument, my argument. (laughter) And then, when we came out, we were offered prasadam, very nice treatment, the Gaudiya Matha. And when I came out on the street, this my friend asked me, "What is your opinion of this sadhu?" Then I said that "Here is the right person who has taken up Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's message, and now it will be distributed."
Devotees: Jaya!
Prabhupada: So I was at that time a fool, but I opined like this. And I accepted him as my spiritual master immediately. Not officially, but in my heart. That was in 1922. Then, in 1923, I left Calcutta on my business tour. And I made my headquarter at Allahabad. Allahabad is about five hundred miles from Calcutta. So I was thinking that "I met a very nice saintly person." That was my thinking always. So in this way, in 1928, there was a Kumbhamela. At that time, these Gaudiya Matha people came to Allahabad to establish a center there, and somebody else said, somebody informed them that "You go to that Prayaga Pharmacy." My drug shop was named as Prayaga Pharmacy. My name was also there. "You go and see Abhaya Babu. He is religiously... He will help you." These Gaudiya Matha people, they came to see me. So "Sir, we have come to you. We have heard your good name. So we want to start a temple here. Please try to help us." And because I was thinking of these Gaudiya Matha people that "I met a very nice, saintly persons," and as soon as I saw them, I was very much engladdened: "Oh, here are these persons. They have come again."
So in this way, gradually, I became attached to these Gaudiya Matha activities, and by the grace of Krsna, my business also was not going very well. (laughter) (laughs) Yes. Krsna says yasyaham anughrnami harisye tad-dhanam sanaih. If somebody wants to be actually devotee of Krsna, at the same time, keeps his material attachment, then Krsna's business is He takes away everything material, so that cent percent he becomes, I mean to say, dependent on Krsna. So that actually happened to my life. I was obliged to come to this movement to take up this very seriously. And I was dreaming that "Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is calling me, 'Please come out with me!' " (pause) So I was sometimes horrified, "Oh, what is this? I have give up my family life? Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is calling me? I have to take sannyasa?" Oh, I was horrified. But I saw several times, calling me. So anyway, it is by his grace I was forced to give up my family life, my so-called business life. And he brought me some way or other in preaching his gospel.
So this is memorable day. What he desired, I am trying little bit, and you are all helping me. So I have to thank you more. You are actually representative of my Guru Maharaja (Srila Prabhupada starts to cry) because you are helping me in executing the order of my Guru Maharaja.
Thank you very much. Chant Hare Krsna.
Devotees: Jaya!
Prabhupada: So anyway, it was Krsna's grace. I would not go, but their point of view was that unless I certify that sadhu, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, he'll not be accepted. Therefore he dragged me. So I went to see Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on that day. On the first meeting, just we offer our obeisances. It is the practice. So immediately he began his talking that "You are all educated young men. Why don't you take up Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult and preach all over the English knowing public? Why don't you take up this matter?" So I argued with him in so many... At that time I was nationalist. So I told that "Who will accept our message? We are dependent nation. Nobody will care." In this way, in my own way, in these younger days... But we belonged to the Vaisnava family, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Nityananda, Radha-Govinda. That is our worshipable Deity. So I was very glad that "Radha-Krsna cult, Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult, this sadhu is trying to preach. It is very nice."
So at that time we had some talks, and of course I was defeated by his argument, my argument. (laughter) And then, when we came out, we were offered prasadam, very nice treatment, the Gaudiya Matha. And when I came out on the street, this my friend asked me, "What is your opinion of this sadhu?" Then I said that "Here is the right person who has taken up Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's message, and now it will be distributed."
Devotees: Jaya!
Prabhupada: So I was at that time a fool, but I opined like this. And I accepted him as my spiritual master immediately. Not officially, but in my heart. That was in 1922. Then, in 1923, I left Calcutta on my business tour. And I made my headquarter at Allahabad. Allahabad is about five hundred miles from Calcutta. So I was thinking that "I met a very nice saintly person." That was my thinking always. So in this way, in 1928, there was a Kumbhamela. At that time, these Gaudiya Matha people came to Allahabad to establish a center there, and somebody else said, somebody informed them that "You go to that Prayaga Pharmacy." My drug shop was named as Prayaga Pharmacy. My name was also there. "You go and see Abhaya Babu. He is religiously... He will help you." These Gaudiya Matha people, they came to see me. So "Sir, we have come to you. We have heard your good name. So we want to start a temple here. Please try to help us." And because I was thinking of these Gaudiya Matha people that "I met a very nice, saintly persons," and as soon as I saw them, I was very much engladdened: "Oh, here are these persons. They have come again."
So in this way, gradually, I became attached to these Gaudiya Matha activities, and by the grace of Krsna, my business also was not going very well. (laughter) (laughs) Yes. Krsna says yasyaham anughrnami harisye tad-dhanam sanaih. If somebody wants to be actually devotee of Krsna, at the same time, keeps his material attachment, then Krsna's business is He takes away everything material, so that cent percent he becomes, I mean to say, dependent on Krsna. So that actually happened to my life. I was obliged to come to this movement to take up this very seriously. And I was dreaming that "Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is calling me, 'Please come out with me!' " (pause) So I was sometimes horrified, "Oh, what is this? I have give up my family life? Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is calling me? I have to take sannyasa?" Oh, I was horrified. But I saw several times, calling me. So anyway, it is by his grace I was forced to give up my family life, my so-called business life. And he brought me some way or other in preaching his gospel.
So this is memorable day. What he desired, I am trying little bit, and you are all helping me. So I have to thank you more. You are actually representative of my Guru Maharaja (Srila Prabhupada starts to cry) because you are helping me in executing the order of my Guru Maharaja.
Thank you very much. Chant Hare Krsna.
[Srila Prabhupada from His Divine
Grace, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada's
Disappearance Day, Lecture Los Angeles, December 13, 1973]
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Srila Prabhupada-an incarnation of krsna's mercy,a paramahamsa-thakura
Antya 7.12
"in the Dvapara-yuga one could satisfy Krsna or Visnu only by worshiping opulently according to the pancaratriki system, but in the age of Kali one can satisfy and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead Hari simply by chanting His holy name." Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura explains that unless one is directly empowered by the causeless mercy of Krsna, one cannot become the spiritual master of the entire world (jagad-guru). One cannot become an acarya simply by mental speculation. The true acarya presents Krsna to everyone by preaching the holy name of the Lord throughout the world. Thus the conditioned souls, purified by chanting the holy name, are liberated from the blazing fire of material existence. In this way, spiritual benefit grows increasingly full, like the waxing moon in the sky. The true acarya, the spiritual master of the entire world, must be considered an incarnation of krsna's mercy. indeed, he is personally embracing krsna. he is therefore the spiritual master of all the varnas (brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sudra) and all the asramas (brahmacarya,
grhastha, vanaprastha and sannyasa).
Since he is understood to be the most advanced devotee, he is called paramahamsa-thakura. Thakura is a title of honor offered to the paramahamsa. Therefore one who acts as an acarya, directly presenting Lord Krsna by spreading His name and fame, is also to be called paramahamsa-thakura.
"in the Dvapara-yuga one could satisfy Krsna or Visnu only by worshiping opulently according to the pancaratriki system, but in the age of Kali one can satisfy and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead Hari simply by chanting His holy name." Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura explains that unless one is directly empowered by the causeless mercy of Krsna, one cannot become the spiritual master of the entire world (jagad-guru). One cannot become an acarya simply by mental speculation. The true acarya presents Krsna to everyone by preaching the holy name of the Lord throughout the world. Thus the conditioned souls, purified by chanting the holy name, are liberated from the blazing fire of material existence. In this way, spiritual benefit grows increasingly full, like the waxing moon in the sky. The true acarya, the spiritual master of the entire world, must be considered an incarnation of krsna's mercy. indeed, he is personally embracing krsna. he is therefore the spiritual master of all the varnas (brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya and sudra) and all the asramas (brahmacarya,
grhastha, vanaprastha and sannyasa).
Since he is understood to be the most advanced devotee, he is called paramahamsa-thakura. Thakura is a title of honor offered to the paramahamsa. Therefore one who acts as an acarya, directly presenting Lord Krsna by spreading His name and fame, is also to be called paramahamsa-thakura.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
“Spiritual Master must be bona fide representative of Krishna”
Montreal, Quebec, August 7, 1968: My Dear Nathan Baruch, please
accept my blessings. I am so glad to receive your letter. I received
your letter a couple of days ago, but could not reply you due to the
mail strike. It is expected that the mail strike will end by tomorrow,
as it is announced about their settlement, but still I am not certain. I
am therefore replying your letter by posting at Boston. Hope you will
receive it duly.
Your letter is very encouraging, and I think in future your enthusiasm and energy can very suitably be engaged in the transcendental loving service of Krishna. Everyone of us has got a certain amount of good energy derived from Krishna, and when that energy is employed under the expert direction of Spiritual Master, one’s life becomes successful. That is the secret of Krishna Consciousness. The Spiritual Master must be bona fide representative of Krishna, by disciplic succession, receiving orders from the superior, and the disciple must agree to abide by the orders of the Spiritual Master. This is the simple method of spiritual advancement; if you remember this principle it will be very nice.
If you can carve Radha Krishna Murti very nicely, it will be a great service to the society. There is a quality of wood, which is very hard and strong and black and heavy; in India we call it iron wood. I think it is called ebony here. If you can carve Krishna from this ebony wood, and Radharani from another wood, one which is very hard, and of golden color, and from this same golden wood, Lord Caitanya (all of Them 24″ in height, and Radharani a little less) then you can begin this work immediately.
I’m so glad to learn that you are eager to serve Krishna in every way possible. This mentality is very rare, and I guess that you must have been engaged in Krishna’s service in your previous life. To begin eager to serve Krishna is the greatest achievement after many many duration of pious life. So I entrust you to begin this work immediately. And concentrate your energy making this art perfection.
So far Radha Krishna Murtis are concerned, you have many pictures in San Francisco, and you can do accordingly, and so far Caitanya Mahaprabhu Murti is concerned, I am giving you a rough diagram herewith. (Murari has got one diagram drawn by Gaurasundara under my supervision which you can also see.)
So far Sankirtana is concerned, that should be continued in all circumstances. Chanting of Hare Krishna, Sankirtana is our life and soul. Side by side, if possible, then you can attempt for the ISKCON restaurant and Krishna Prasadam distribution, but this I think is secondary.
I can understand from your letter that you have varied energies, and you want to employ all of them into the service of Krishna. Please try to do as above mentioned, and it will be a great pleasure for me and a delight for all others.
Hope you are well and I shall be glad to hear from you by return of post. Please convey my blessings to all the disciples and inform Krishna das that I have received one letter from his good mother, and I shall reply it within a day or two.
I am very much obliged to Krishna das’s mother for her kind letter to me, and hope she is well and happy.
Your ever will-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Your letter is very encouraging, and I think in future your enthusiasm and energy can very suitably be engaged in the transcendental loving service of Krishna. Everyone of us has got a certain amount of good energy derived from Krishna, and when that energy is employed under the expert direction of Spiritual Master, one’s life becomes successful. That is the secret of Krishna Consciousness. The Spiritual Master must be bona fide representative of Krishna, by disciplic succession, receiving orders from the superior, and the disciple must agree to abide by the orders of the Spiritual Master. This is the simple method of spiritual advancement; if you remember this principle it will be very nice.
If you can carve Radha Krishna Murti very nicely, it will be a great service to the society. There is a quality of wood, which is very hard and strong and black and heavy; in India we call it iron wood. I think it is called ebony here. If you can carve Krishna from this ebony wood, and Radharani from another wood, one which is very hard, and of golden color, and from this same golden wood, Lord Caitanya (all of Them 24″ in height, and Radharani a little less) then you can begin this work immediately.
I’m so glad to learn that you are eager to serve Krishna in every way possible. This mentality is very rare, and I guess that you must have been engaged in Krishna’s service in your previous life. To begin eager to serve Krishna is the greatest achievement after many many duration of pious life. So I entrust you to begin this work immediately. And concentrate your energy making this art perfection.
So far Radha Krishna Murtis are concerned, you have many pictures in San Francisco, and you can do accordingly, and so far Caitanya Mahaprabhu Murti is concerned, I am giving you a rough diagram herewith. (Murari has got one diagram drawn by Gaurasundara under my supervision which you can also see.)
So far Sankirtana is concerned, that should be continued in all circumstances. Chanting of Hare Krishna, Sankirtana is our life and soul. Side by side, if possible, then you can attempt for the ISKCON restaurant and Krishna Prasadam distribution, but this I think is secondary.
I can understand from your letter that you have varied energies, and you want to employ all of them into the service of Krishna. Please try to do as above mentioned, and it will be a great pleasure for me and a delight for all others.
Hope you are well and I shall be glad to hear from you by return of post. Please convey my blessings to all the disciples and inform Krishna das that I have received one letter from his good mother, and I shall reply it within a day or two.
I am very much obliged to Krishna das’s mother for her kind letter to me, and hope she is well and happy.
Your ever will-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
A Public Statement From Iskcon "Guru" Bhakti Vikasa Swami
I do not support ISKCON’s pronounced tendency toward
Hinduization and to secular influences such as those of bodily welfare
work, mundane feminism, mundane psychology, and mundane scholarship.
In accord with Srila Prabhupada’s instructions, ISKCON continues to widely distribute his books, the Holy Name, and Krsna-prasada. However, apart from performing these laudable services, ISKCON has also incorporated policies that I strongly feel are not in line with Srila Prabhupada’s stated desires. Over the years, I and others have expressed objections to several of these policies, but to no avail. Thus today ISKCON no longer adheres to many of the essential, non-negotiable principles Srila Prabhupada taught, for which I joined ISKCON and dedicated my life to spreading.
In accord with Srila Prabhupada’s instructions, ISKCON continues to widely distribute his books, the Holy Name, and Krsna-prasada. However, apart from performing these laudable services, ISKCON has also incorporated policies that I strongly feel are not in line with Srila Prabhupada’s stated desires. Over the years, I and others have expressed objections to several of these policies, but to no avail. Thus today ISKCON no longer adheres to many of the essential, non-negotiable principles Srila Prabhupada taught, for which I joined ISKCON and dedicated my life to spreading.
I do not wish to leave ISKCON, but also I do not see it proper that
I spend the rest of my life being identified with much that I do not
believe in. Hence, as an ISKCON sannyasi, as someone naturally seen as a
representative of all that ISKCON stands for, I make this public
statement:
I do not support ISKCON’s pronounced tendency toward
Hinduization and to secular influences such as those of bodily welfare
work, mundane feminism, mundane psychology, and mundane scholarship.
By stating this, I do not expect to effect any major changes.
ISKCON’s administrators are upbeat about the society’s present course,
which however I opine is in many ways different from that given by Srila
Prabhupada.
I do not claim to be absolute and incapable of error. But as a
follower of Srila Prabhupada and as a member of the sannyasa order, I
have an obligation to communicate what I understand to be correct,
according to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, to the members of ISKCON and
especially to those who have formally reposed their faith in me as their
spiritual guide. If I were to neglect this duty, I would add to the
misguidance that many devotees now unofficially and officially receive
in the name of Srila Prabhupada instead of protecting them from it.
Below is a list of lectures by myself that explain my position on
various issues. Following that is some correspondence with GBC members
concerning this public statement.
Thank you.
Dasanudasa, Bhakti Vikasa Swami
Addenda: Recent Correspondence Between Myself and Two Senior GBC
Members (names have been elided so as to focus on issues rather than
personalities)
18 April 2012; BV Swami to X Swami and Y Swami
Please excuse the length of this letter, and the unhappy nature of it.
Two days ago a devotee sent me the following.
[Here was a long report on the presenting of an award to an ISKCON
trust (which includes the name of ISKCON) as the “Best Organization in
Social Work” for providing nutritious meals to slum children.]
The statement of Z Swami that begins “It is actually an honor that
we get to serve” would be fine if made in the context of serving Krsna
and His devotees. But as it refers to feeding poor children and
developing the nation, it smacks of the daridra-narayana philosophy.
Similarly, nothing could sound more laudable than “generating love,
respect and trust in the hearts of millions” – but it is a mundane
statement, having been made in relation to feeding poor children and
developing the nation.
As you know, I am much concerned that by presentations such as that
described above, ISKCON is being converted into something that Srila
Prabhupäda did not want it to be. Recently in a large city in India, at
two functions attended by prominent businessmen and other dignitaries,
in introductions to my speeches ISKCON was referred to as a social
welfare organization. I object to the mission of Srila Prabhupada, that I
have dedicated my life to, having being redefined by certain of my
godbrothers without their having consulted the broader body of devotees,
and that I am now (without any say in the matter) forced to appear in
the public eye as a representative of something I do not believe in –
and all in the name of Srila Prabhupada.
Apart from having been converted (in the public eye) into a social
welfare organization, ISKCON has been changed in other significant ways.
Some examples:
We openly present ourselves as Hindus.
In India, it is becoming increasingly common that yajnas are
performed for donors to remove negative astrological influences (such
yajnas are within the wider Vedic culture, but Srila Prabhupäda wanted
his temples to be centers of pure bhakti, not of karma-kanda).
In the West, some of ISKCON’s biggest leaders associate with and promote neo-Mayavadi lecher “kirtaniyas.”
Some leaders (GBCs, sannyasis, TPs) are chronically lax in rising
early, attending programs, etc. This has been overlooked for years.
These and other changes have infiltrated ISKCON. See “Mission Drift,” an article by Krishna Kirti Prabhu – http://tinyurl.com/5sr56uq
I understand that the GBC does not share this vision of the state
of ISKCON. I accept that there are many good things that ISKCON is
doing. I do not plan on leaving ISKCON. But I would like to make it
clear, possibly by making a public statement, that I do not wish to be
identified with much of what ISKCON today does or stands for, as I
believe that in many ways the drift of ISKCON is increasingly away from
what Srila Prabhupada meant for it.
I can understand that my concerns, and especially my publicizing
them, is a matter of concern for you. I also understand that you are
busy with many other concerns. But I thought I should share this with
you.
19 April; from X Swami
Perhaps the GBC Executive Committee can address some of the
concerns that Bhakti Vikasa raised and see what can be done. It is
certainly one of the major duties of the GBC Body to see that the
standards that Srila Prabhupada established are upheld.
19 April; from Y Swami
We will discuss the subject in our conference call shortly, but my
idea so far is to ask your good self [X Swami] as GBC * Minister to take
it up.
19 April; from X Swami
I will be happy to participate, but the some of the points that
Bhakti Vikasa Maharaja raises are more broad that the authority of the *
Ministry covers. What the policies of how Food for Life, for instance,
is presented to the public should be reviewed by a committee of with a
substantial number of GBC members.
19 April; from Y Swami
That’s true. We will discuss it today.
20 April; from BV Swami
Thank you immensely for taking these matters to the EC. If possible, could I be informed of how the discussion develops?
20 April; from Y Swami
Of course.
23 April; from BV Swami
Even if (although it is unlikely) the GBC were to give a strong
message against the social welfare image of ISKCON that is being
increasingly promoted, still it would be very difficult for ISKCON in
India to discontinue its social welfare programs. These programs involve
commitments to government and municipal bodies and to prominent
industrialists, and pulling out would not be easy — not that there is
any sign of any willingness to do so.
Similarly with other concerns that I have expressed. Nothing is
going to change soon, if at all, except that such deviations (as I see
it) are likely to increase.
Therefore, to make my position clear, I wish to make a public
statement. It can be respectfully worded. I do not think it proper or
beneficial for myself or others that I continue to represent that which I
do not believe in.
Awaiting your comments,
23 April; from X Swami
While it is true that certain aspects of the preaching in ISKCON
you don’t believe in, still I am also sure that there are aspects that
you do believe in. That holds true for all of us.
What do you hope to accomplish by making public statements in
things that you disagree with? What might be the draw backs in doing
this?
24 April; from BV Swami
> While it is true that certain aspects of the preaching in ISKCON you
> don’t believe in, still I am also sure that there are aspects that you do
> believe in. That holds true for all of us.
Certainly.
> What do you hope to accomplish by making public statements in things
> that you disagree with?
My main purpose is to make my position clear so as not to be
identified with things that I do not believe in. Is it not a right of
every follower of Srila Prabhupada to state where his limits are and
what he can stand for and what not?
Apart from that, some possible positive outcomes are:
Instigating debate as to the direction of ISKCON;
Instigating debate as to the nature of unity within diversity;
Discouraging devotees from making major innovations that affect the whole society, without first consulting others;
Giving succor to devotees who feel that something is amiss but were reticent to say so.
> What might be the draw backs in doing this?
Whatever drawbacks I can think of are not necessarily bad. For
instance, a possible drawback is a weakening of faith of devotees in
ISKCON. But if that faith is an unquestioning belief in something that
is questionable, then to provoke a spirit of intelligent questioning is
actually a service both to such individuals and to the society as a
whole.
26 April; from X Swami
> My main purpose is to make my position clear so as not to be identified
> with things that I do not believe in. Is it not a right of every follower
> of Srila Prabhupada to state where his limits are and what he can stand
> for and what not?
Of course.
However, austerity of speech is mentioned in the Bhagavad-gita
(17.15). The qualities of speech mentioned there are that it is
truthful, according to the vedas and authority, it is pleasing, it is
beneficial, and that it doesn’t agitate the minds of others. It is
difficult to make public statements on controversial topics that satisfy
all the requirements of speech that Lord Krishna mentions. Especially,
Srila Prabhupada mentions:
“One should not speak in such a way as to agitate the minds of
others. Of course, when a teacher speaks, he can speak the truth for the
instruction of his students, but such a teacher should not speak to
those who are not his students if he will agitate their minds.”
> Instigating debate as to the direction of ISKCON;
> Instigating debate as to the nature of unity within diversity;
> Discouraging devotees from making major innovations that affect the whole
> society, without first consulting others;
> Giving succor to devotees who feel that something is amiss but were
> reticent to say so.
These are certainly good results, but perhaps can better be achieved by different means.
> Whatever drawbacks I can think of are not necessarily bad. For instance, a
> possible drawback is a weakening of faith of devotees in ISKCON. But if
> that faith is an unquestioning belief in something that is questionable,
> then to provoke a spirit of intelligent questioning is actually a service
> both to such individuals and to the society as a whole.
I don’t think the programs that need attention represent what is
ISKCON. These programs are only a very small part of the totality that
is ISKCON.
28 April; from BV Swami
Srila Prabhupada also writes:
Satyam, truthfulness, means that facts should be presented as they
are, for the benefit of others. Facts should not be misrepresented.
According to social conventions, it is said that one can speak the truth
only when it is palatable to others. But that is not truthfulness. The
truth should be spoken in a straightforward way, so that others will
understand actually what the facts are. If a man is a thief and if
people are warned that he is a thief, that is truth. Although sometimes
the truth is unpalatable, one should not refrain from speaking it.
Truthfulness demands that the facts be presented as they are for the
benefit of others. (Bg 10.4-5 purport)
> These are certainly good results, but perhaps can better be achieved
> by different means.
Perhaps. But again, these possible side effects are not my main aim.
> I don’t think the programs that need attention represent what is
> ISKCON. These programs are only a very small part of the totality that is
> ISKCON.
True. But increasingly in the minds of both the public and our own
members, ISKCON is principally a Hindu social welfare organization. This
is a deliberately cultivated image and one that I need to dissociate
myself from as I believe it is not what Srila Prabhupada wanted.
(This was the end of the correspondence; to date I have received no further mails from X Swami or Y Swami.)
Srila Prabhupada Meets Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Part-1
Both of us were trained in the devotional service
of the Lord from the very beginning of our lives. Later on
we met by the order of the transcendental system.
TRANSLATION:
Or he takes his
birth in a family of transcendentalists who are surely
great in wisdom. Verily, such a birth is rare in this
world.
PURPORT: Birth in a family of yogis
or transcendentalists--those with great wisdom--is praised
herein because the child born in such a family receives a
spiritual impetus from the very beginning of his life. It
is especially the case in the acarya or gosvami families.
Such families are very learned and devoted by tradition
and training, and thus they become spiritual masters. In
India there are many such acarya families, but they have
now degenerated due to insufficient education and
training. By the grace of the Lord, there are still
families that foster transcendentalists generation after
generation. It is certainly very fortunate to take birth
in such families. Fortunately, both our spiritual master,
Om Visnupada Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami
Maharaja, and our humble self, had the opportunity to take
birth in such families, by the grace of the Lord, and both
of us were trained in the devotional service of the Lord
from the very beginning of our lives. Later on we met by
the order of the transcendental system.
[Srila Prabhupada from Bhagavad-gita 6.42]
Bhakta Torben rejects his "initiation" by "Sri Visnupada".
Prabhupada speaks to Harikesha disciple
Torben!
BY: BHAKTA TORBEN
A voice woke me up. I jumped out of bed. Excited.
My
name. Torben. This voice. Clear and strong. Prabhupada. It was
Prabhupada! Srila Prabhupada was saying my name! Torben! It was clearly
Prabhupada's voice. Prabhupada had addressed me this early morning.
Fantastic. I felt happy and proud.
My
"guru", Sri Visnupada Harikesa Swami, had stopped being a guru in 1998.
And confusion and frustration set in. I had given up, more or less,
finding out the mystery of this crazy event. It turned the life of our
family upside down.
For
the next many years I was just busy working and raising the children.
Getting along. The falldown of my "guru" was an invisible knockout. I
lost enthusiasm and determination for sadhana and sadhu sanga. And that
effected my children also. And wife.
I used to be a book distributor. For years, travelling sankirtan all over Denmark.
Then
my eyes opened to the scandals of the institution. The child abuse. The
cheating. The cover-ups. The many falldowns of other gurus. Mine was
not exceptional, but just one in a successive line of guru-falldowns.
I knew Krishna consciousness was it. For sure. So it didn't match up. Why didn't it work out?
Torben.
Prabhupada called me Torben? Why didn't he use my initiated name?
Trayimaya dasa. Which was the name Harikesa Swami had given me, although
for years I went under the name Traumaya, with a u instead of an i, because Visnupada used a computer for giving names to his disciples and this one couldn't spell, apparently.
So
Srila Prabhupada called me by my civil name. This confirmed primarily
that something was wrong with my initiation. I investigated the subject
and found out that quite a few devotees seemed to think that something
was wrong with the 11 gurus or acaryas that followed Srila Prabhupada as
successors. With this call from Srila Prabhupada I could cast my
doubts. Harikesa Swami Sri Visnupada was not a bona fide guru.
Prabhupada
calling me was a transcendental experience. It was something that is
read about in the books. Paramatma. Paramatma, Caitya-guru addressing
me. Connection. Instruction. In such a sublime way. Just one word from
Srila Prabhupada.
There was a definite Jiv-Jago command in the call.
Also
a confirmation of sastra. And a recognition from Srila Prabhupada: I am
here. I am alive. This process is working. Keep on going. I'm watching.
I will not make the story much longer. I will conclude one thing I've realized: When Prabhupada said You should all be gurus
– he said, but qualify first. Then on my order only, you can initiate
new disciples on your own. These 11 persons, and later more, took the
role of guru prematurely. They may have considered they were qualified
for whatever reasons, but…. did Srila Prabhupada order them? They seem
to have taken a general suggestion from Srila Prabhupada to mean that
they were ordered by him.
Since
my audio-experience of Srila Prabhupada, I know without a doubt that if
His Divine Grace wants to order somebody – He most certainly can. Loud
and clear. There is no need of a "No Objection Certificate". Srila
Prabhupada is not dead. If somebody is eligible for guruship, His Divine
Grace Srila Prabhupada most certainly can tell him.
With respects and dandavats in Srila Prabhupada's service,
Bhakta Torben
Bhakta Torben
Prabhupada: There is no question of why.It is ordered; it has to be done. That's all.
Don’t Say Why To Srila Prabhupada?
By:
Damaghosa Dasa
Following is an excerpt from a conversation with Srila Prabhupada:
Prabhupada: But you cannot create your concoction! You have to abideby the orders of Krishna.
Devotee: Then why...
Prabhupada: There is no question of why. It is the order of Krishna's representative. You have to abide by that, you cannot say, "Why?" Then you are not fully surrendered, as soon as you say, "Why?" Surrender means there is no [surrender] "Why?" It is ordered; it has to be done. That's all.
As soon as there is "Why?” there is no surrender. The basic principle is misguided. We have to follow. Just like we have got tilaka. If you say, "Why this tilaka?" There is no question of "Why?" Mahajano yena gatah sa pantha. We have been instructed by the acharyas; we have to follow that. That is surrender. You cannot say, "Why?" Is that clear? As soon as there is "Why?” there is no surrender.
- Excerpt from room conversation with Srila Prabhupada on Feb 17, 1971, Gorakhpur)
Comment:
When you consider all the following present day ISKCON’s mentalities and statements.
Why can Srila Prabhupada order in this ritvik way"---
Why he can do this or that because it is not traditional??
Why should we do things the same way Srila Prabhupada taught us?
Why can’t we just change things the way WE think they should be done?
Why can’t I change your books Srila Prabhupada?
Why can’t I sit on your Vyasasana??
Why should we still worship Srila Prabhupada when he is dead and gone?
It is no wonder that everything has fallen apart???
Srila Prabhupada said once-- "I have given you Vaikuntha and you have turned it into Hell!!”
WHY WHY WHY--these are the questions of disciples - who are no longer disciples.
Monday, 21 May 2012
Prabhupadanugas Growing World-Wide Network of Devotees
The Hare Krishna Society
World-Wide Network of Devotees
California:
Hare Krishna Society Headquarters:
7977 Vista del Rosa St
Downey, CA USA 90240
contact: Yasoda nandana dasa
Washington:
Hare Krishna Society
8805 Harrison Road
Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
contact: Damaghosa dasa
Oregon:
Hare Krishna Society
4510 Fish Lake Road
ButteFalls 18283
NW Chemeketa Lane Unit B
Portland
Ph 503.702.8085
Kentucky:
Hare Krishna Society
441 Elm St.
Ludlow, KY
contact: Jagadananda Gauranga dasa
(Greater Cincinnati Area)
Mississippi:
Hare Krishna Society
32527 Anner Rd
Carriere, Ms 39426
contact: Varaha dasa
Phone 601-307-1212
New Jersey:
Hare Krishna Society
817 2ND ST
Trenton, NJ 08611
contact: Nityananda Rama dasa
Canada:
Hare Krishna Society
Jagannatha Express
660 Baker Street Nelson B.C. V1L 4J4
(250) 354-1084
contact: Arya devi dasi and Vijayeta dasa
———-
Aprakrita dasa:
3990 St-André #174
Montréal, Québec H2L 3W1
———-
Hasti Gopal dasa:
81 Nabob Cresent
Scarborough,
Ontario, Canada M1b2V1
phone:416-287-6483
Govindas’ Farm
10466 Normans Road Highbank
Murray River Prince Edward Island, Canada
contact: Gaura Nitai dasa or Lala Gopala devi dasi
Malaysia:
Negeri Sembilan
Hare Krishna Society
02-03, Kompleks Kediaman Pendidikan
71010 Lukut, Port Dickson
New Zealand:
Hare Krishna Society
Krishna Cafe and Krishna Fest
602 Colombo Street
Ph 0064 03 379 1373
contact: Hanuman dasa
Brazil (Rio de Janerio):
Nama-HathaCity:
Rio de Janeiro
Neighborhood: Vila Isabel
Tel: (21) 25270717
Dhanur Dhara dasa:
Prabhupadanugas Hawaii
Prabhupada Farm Hawaii
http://prabhupadafarmhawaii.yolasite.com/
Devotees already involved in the Prabhupada Focused Farm Hawaii:
Kapindra Swami (a.k.a. Maharaj)
Original Prabhupada disciple, faithfully following Prabhupada instructions without deviation for over 40 years, continues his humble service and dedicated to keeping Prabhupada's orginal ISKCON alive and kicking. Temple President of the Prabhupada Sankirtan Society Temple since the 90's at 48 Avenue B in the East Village/Sankirtan at Tompkins Square Park, then a couple years on 6th Avenue until 2006 when inspired by hearing Prabhupada's instructions to start the self-sufficient farm community and cow sanctuary, left NYC in search of land and devotees willing to work under Prabhupada's guidance... living in Oregon, Tennesse, Florida, Costa Rica and finally now, HAWAII!!! Also, Kapindra Swami has perfected so many dishes infusing the offerings with his most sincere love for Prabhupada. The most blissful prasadam in the 3 worlds!
Please click Kapindra Swami, disciple of Prabhupada on left menu bar.
Kapindra Swami a.k.a. Maharaj
leading a discussion after hearing directly from Srila Prabhupada at the weekly Sunday Love Feast, Hilo, Hawaii, 3/2012
Above: Saci-suta Das & Kapindra Swami on a guava orchard for sale on Big Island 2/1011
Saci-suta Das
Serving Prabhupada's mission faithfully since the East Village days, now personally assisting Kapindra Swami. His heart and soul is into cooking for Prabhupada. He and Kapindra Swami together prepare the most amazing Prasadam in the universe. Come to the Sunday Love Feast and taste the transcendental love for yourself. The Prasadam is truly BLISS! Like magic, just when you think it can't get any better because it's so delicious, it gets better and better and better. BLISS!
Serving Prabhupada's mission faithfully since the East Village days, now personally assisting Kapindra Swami. His heart and soul is into cooking for Prabhupada. He and Kapindra Swami together prepare the most amazing Prasadam in the universe. Come to the Sunday Love Feast and taste the transcendental love for yourself. The Prasadam is truly BLISS! Like magic, just when you think it can't get any better because it's so delicious, it gets better and better and better. BLISS!
Atma-ruci Das (a.k.a. Aubrey)
Serving Prabhupada's mission faithfully and steadily since the East Village days, Atma-ruci always offers consistent support, friendship & donations. He is ready to start Prabhupada's farm and plans to retire, move to Hawaii and live on the farm.
Woody, Mother Premanandi (a.k.a. Dana), & Tulsi Kai
Premanandi found her bliss doing sankirtan at Prabhupada Sankirtan Society, NYC since '96. Her dream is to live a spiritual life with Woody, her fiance & their daughter Tulsi Kai by helping create a peaceful natural Prabhupada centered Krishna conscious lifestyle for everyone interested, and hear, chant & serve in association with Prabhupada's sincere disciples.
Woody has many talents for creating and sustaining a self-sufficient farm. He is a natural teacher and loves to share his knowledge of plants, soil health, art, carpentry & beekeeping. His sincerity and true aloha spirit is harmonious with Prabhupada's original Hare Krishna movement.
Tulsi Kai was born August 8, 2009. She loves singing Hare Krishna and loves Prabhupada. Her smile and laughter is contagious. She's talking alot these days. She says Hare Krishna like "Hai Kreee-da!"
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Premanandi & Woody Kapindra Swami,
Premanandi & Tulsi Kai playing with Kapindra Swami's beads. 1/11
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Tulsi Kai playing with kartals during a kirtan and a bit later, at 2 1/2 pictured with Lord Gauranga in the background 3/12
Caitanya Das, Jayasri Gaurangi & Gaura Chandra
Caitanya Das, engaged in heart felt sankirtan at Prabhupada Sankirtan Society since the 90's, married Jayasri Gaurangi, from Germany, found Prabhupada Sankirtan Society all the way in NYC in early 2000's. Caitanya & Jayasri's love for each other and dedication to Prabhupada's original sankirtan movement inspired them to travel with Kapindra Swami in search of land for the Goloka Cow Sanctuary. NY, OR, TN, FL, then Costa Rica, where they live now and where they had their son now a year old named Gaura Chandra. Jayasri Gaurangi recently attended midwifery school in Alaska.
Harinam Das
We just met Harinam this February (2011) when we had our first Prabhupada Sankirtan Society Temple program in Hawaii. He is fired up about Prabhupada and ready to do what it takes to get Prabhupada's farm started. He sings amazing kirtans on harmonium.
Harinam on harmonium.
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Mother Gopi-priya (Pia)
Serving Prabhupada's mission faithfully since the East Village days, living in NY still but continually offering donation and loving support to Prabhupada's mission. Mother Gopi-priya floats when she dances for Prabhupada and her love for Prabhupada shines through her eyes. She is always so kind and supportive to other devotees and humbly beams her ultimate love for Srila Prabhupada in all she does.
Mother
Gopi Priya sitting in front of the most famous and beloved Prabhupada's
Tree, near the 48 Avenue B home of Prabhupada Sankirtan Society for the
90's and early 2000's.
East Village/Lower East Side, New York City.
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Woody on mrdanga, Dayal Chandra & Forest during kirtan. Joseph a.k.a. Faith & Kapinda Swami 4/2011
Bhakta Christopher
"At a difficult time in my life Krishna had mercy on me by placing me
near to Kapindra Swami´s old Ave. B, Manhattan, NY temple/bookstore;
where this true devotee, His Holiness was serving and preaching. His
Holiness, Kapindra Swami has helped so many people. Thanks to him, my
own interest in Krishna Consciousness was rekindled. I was also able
to render some service via the early websites/blogs of the Prabhupada
Sankirtan Society.
His Holiness always clarifies Srila Prabhupada´s important original orders.
Thus, we study Prabhupada´s original books and media, pray, chant, and work
toward true varnasrama. We must use the opportunity our current lives afford
to make true spiritual progress. Only then shall we realize our own true,
original
nature, and return to Godhead.
With Fondness and Respect
for H.H. Kapindra Swami and the PSS,
Hare Krishna!
- Bhakta Christopher" Friday, 18 May 2012
Prabhupada wanted his disciples to be siksha gurus not diksha gurus
“This is the sublime mission of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness. […] That is, one should stay at home, chant the Hare
Krsna mantra and preach the instructions of Krsna as they are given in
the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam […] One has to learn humility
and meekness at home, following the instructions of Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu, and in that way one’s life will be spiritually successful.
One should not try to be an artificially advanced devotee, thinking, “I
am a first-class devotee.” Such thinking should be avoided. It is best
not to accept any disciples. One has to become purified at home by
chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra and preaching the principles
enunciated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Thus one can become a spiritual
master and be freed from the contamination of material life.” (Sri
Caitanya-caritamtra, Madhya-lila, 7.130, purport)
“The GBC should all be the instructor gurus. I am the initiator guru, and you should be the instructor guru by teaching what I am teaching and doing what I am doing.”
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to GBC member, August 4th, 1975)
“The GBC should all be the instructor gurus. I am the initiator guru, and you should be the instructor guru by teaching what I am teaching and doing what I am doing.”
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to GBC member, August 4th, 1975)
GBC vs. Srila Prabhupada
Heresies of the Governing Body Commission Rejected
By Vikramasingha das
The Iskcon GBC philosophy on guru-tattva and initiations has evolved over the years. In the late 1970s and early 80s, they conceded, due to the insistence of a few leading members, that eleven individuals had been appointed and empowered by Srila Prabhupada to act as zonal acharyas in Iskcon.
The GBC conceded that these eleven could create their own authority structure called “The Acharya Board”. The GBC agreed that only these eleven could be initiating spiritual masters in Iskcon and, in the future, only they could appoint other spiritual masters, or diksa-gurus, from among their disciples or Godbrother followers.
In the latter part of the 1980s, after few of the “chosen eleven” fell down and went insane, these contentions were overturned under mounting pressure from a so-called guru reform movement. GBC reformists decided that these eleven “Iskcon acharyas” could no longer be zonal autocrats above the authority of the GBC. The GBC resolved that only a majority vote of the GBC body would have authority to sanction and regulate initiating spiritual masters in Iskcon.
They resolved that any devotee sanctioned by the GBC could initiate his own disciples in Srila Prabhupada’s mission, and they recommended that “diksa-gurus” no longer accept elaborate public worship in Iskcon temples and titles and prayers meant for maha-bhagavatas. They thus tried to reduce the power and ritual status of “Iskcon acharyas” while opening the door for all senior preachers “in good standing” to covet the post of “Iskcon guru”. In this way the GBC quelled the “guru reform movement” within Iskcon.
GBC resolutions regarding initiations and guru-tattva have been inconsistent and contradictory. It is hard to find two “Iskcon gurus”, GBC members, or Iskcon devotees with the exact same views on these topics. New devotees often doubt whether the praises they sing to the spiritual master at mangala-arotika and guru-puja should be directed toward their so-called Iskcon guru or to Srila Prabhupada.
Should they hear primarily from Srila Prabhupada, or more from their “living guru”? Should they offer prayers and worship to a picture of their “guru” on the altar before doing Deity worship or offering food? If so, would he even know? Are all prayers to the spiritual master just ritualistic hyperbole that can be applied to any so-called Iskcon (or gaudiya math) “guru”?
Below is summary of the stance of the GBC today and in the recent past, with samples of their clearly implied philosophical ideas that are against the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Immediately after each GBC idea, we have provided the correct understanding of guru-tattva and diksa according the Srila Prabhupada’s books, conversations, letters, and classes. Authorized references are cited at the end. Throughout Srila Prabhupada’s books there are many dozens of references similar to the few cited below.
GBC: The spiritual master may be a self-made guru who is nominated by his peers or followers and sanctioned by the GBC, an ecclesiastical board. There is no need for a direct, specific order from Srila Prabhupada to become a diksa-guru in Iskcon.
Srila Prabhupada’s siddhanta:“A guru can become guru when he is ordered by his guru. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can become guru.” (See below references 1, 2 and 10.)
GBC: Srila Prabhupada authorized the GBC to sanction and dismiss diksa-gurus in ISKCON.
SPS: “Mundane votes have no jurisdiction the elect a Vaisnava acharya. A Vaisnava acharya is self-effulgent, and there is no need of any court judgment.” Prabhupada authorized the GBC to select (or dismiss) representatives (ritviks), who initiate on His behalf. No one can be guru without the direct order of Krishna or His perfect devotee. (See below references 1, 2, 10 and 15.)
GBC: Lord Caitanya gave a blanket order for every devotee to initiate his own disciples.
SPS: Lord Caitanya ordered His followers to become “gurus” by asking everyone they meet to chant Hare Krishna. He never ordered all devotees to initiate their own disciples. Even Lord Caitanya’s eternal associates, like Sri Gadadhara Pandita, refused to initiate disciples without a direct order from Lord Caitanya. Many great devotees never initiated their own disciples. (References 2 and 3.)
GBC: Persons who are not self-realized souls or topmost Vaisnavas can be diksa-gurus if the GBC approves.
SPS: “Only a topmost devotee, a maha-bhagavata, is eligible to occupy the post of guru.” (See below reference 4.)
GBC: Spiritual masters must be sanctioned, overseen, regulated and, if necessary, disciplined by the GBC.
SPS: The genuine spiritual master is never to be regulated or disciplined by ecclesiastical boards. (See below reference 5.)
GBC: A spiritual master may sometimes fall down and become demoniac.
SPS: “There is no possibility that a first-class devotee will fall down…” – “The bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic succession since time immemorial.” (See below references 6 and 18.)
GBC: One may ignore, neglect, or reject his spiritual master who falls from grace with the GBC.
SPS: A genuine disciple never rejects his spiritual master. (See reference 7.)
GBC: A student of Krishna consciousness may select any spiritual master, according his or her personal tastes and the ecclesiastical conventions current in Iskcon.
SPS: “Srila Jiva Goswami advised that one not accept a spiritual master in terms of hereditary or customary social and ecclesiastical conventions. One should simply try to find a genuinely qualified spiritual master for actual advancement in spiritual understanding.” (See below reference 8.)
GBC: There are dozens of gurus in Iskcon and each is entitled to his or her own ideas and opinions.
SPS: “Guru is one. He has no independent ideas or opinions.” (See reference 9.)
GBC: Iskcon gurus who have fallen down, if rectified, may be reinstated by the GBC.
SPS: “A bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic succession from time eternal, and he does not deviate at all from the instructions of the Supreme Lord.”(See below reference 10.)
GBC: There are various levels of spiritual masters, or diksa-gurus, and not all are uttama-adhikaris.
SPS: “The spiritual master is always considered either one of the confidential associates of Radharani or a manifested representation of Sri Nityananda.” Only such a Vaisnava can impart transcendental knowledge into the heart of a disciple. (See below references 4, 7 and 11.)
GBC: The bona fide spiritual master dies, like all mortal men, and thus becomes useless in the matter of initiating and guiding students of Krishna consciousness.
SPS: “The spiritual master is eternal…” — “He lives forever through his divine instructions, and his follower lives with him.” — “He reasons ill who tells that Vaisnavas die!” (See reference 12.)
GBC: One must accept as one’s diksa-guru a man or woman who is living. A posthumous spiritual master, one dead and gone, cannot offer diksa and impart transcendental knowledge.
SPS: “The spiritual master is eternal.” — “Although a physical body is not present, the vibration should be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master. Vibration—what we have heard from the spiritual master—that is living.” (See references 10 and 12.
GBC: Students of Krishna consciousness whose spiritual masters have fallen from grace with the GBC may shop around for another Iskcon guru and accept “re-initiation” as many times as required for them to find an “Iskcon guru” who is steady.
SPS: “A devotee must have only one initiating spiritual master because in the scriptures acceptance of more than one is always forbidden.” (Cc. Madhya, 22.71, Purport)
GBC: Every senior Iskcon devotee, even a dependent woman or neophyte with no ability to preach, is eligible to initiate his or her own disciples. Srila Prabhupada, however, is ineligible because he cannot posthumously offer diksa. One needs a guru who is alive. A fully transcendental guru with a spiritual body is useless in the matter of initiating devotees after he is dead (posthumous).
SPS: “The spiritual master is eternal.” He is not limited by material considerations of time and space. “A perfect Vaisnava is all-powerful, just like the Supreme Lord.” (See references 7, 12 and 13.)
GBC: Not all of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and orders are to be accepted literally or permanently. Some may be interpreted, altered, edited–or rejected as being outdated. For instance, his final order on initiations (July 9th, 1977), which he ordered sent to all ISKCON leaders and temples, is now obsolete and must therefore be rejected in favor of the current system for initiations created by the GBC.
SPS: A genuine disciple of the spiritual master always accepts his instructions wholeheartedly. He never tries to dodge, ignore or subvert his instructions. (References 7, 12, 13, 14.)
GBC: At the time of his demise, Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and ideas regarding the future of initiations in ISKCON were vague or contradictory. He left it to the GBC to sort out the details.
SPS: Prabhupada specifically responded to the question of how initiations would be continued in ISKCON after his departure by dictating, reviewing and signing an official directive establishing ritvik initiations. He ordered that this directive be sent to all leaders and GBC members in ISKCON. Ritvik initiations were nothing new for ISKCON. The ritvik system of initiations and all standards had been current in ISKCON for several years prior. Nonetheless, through this official directive and numerous conversations thereafter, Srila Prabhupada clarified it in detail and institutionalized the procedure to operate without his personal supervision. For sincere disciples, there is nothing vague or contradictory in His numerous instructions. (See below reference 15.)
GBC: Iskcon is meant for recruiting disciples for living Iskcon gurus. Those who claim to be direct disciples or aspiring direct disciples of Srila Prabhupada are deviant upstarts if they accepted initiation or joined Iskcon after 1977. In the history of Vedic culture posthumous ritvik initiations have never been seen.
SPS: In Srimad-Bhagavatam and other Puranas there are many stories of ritvik priests conducting Vedic sacrifices under the auspices of a great rishis who were not present on the same planet. There are no injunctions barring so-called “posthumous” ritvik initiations. Prabhupada clearly stated that all ISKCON leaders and trustees now and in the future must be “my initiated disciples”. (See Prabhupada’s “Final Order on Initiations”, July 9th, 1977, Srila Prabhupada’s “Final Will” and “Directions for Management” and Conversation, May 28, 1977
GBC: Post-1977 Iskcon devotees may accept Prabhupada as their instructing guru and param-guru, but they need to take initiation from a living guru to get Prabhupada’s blessings and mercy.
SPS: Srila Prabhupada is both the diksa-guru and siksa-guru for all serious students of Krishna consciousness. Advanced disciples may also act as “instructing guru” by teaching devotees to accept Srila Prabhupada and follow his instructions. (See below references 8, 15 and 16.)
GBC: Vaisnava gurus are ordinary men who sometimes make common mistakes, and even great devotees sometimes become degraded under the Lord’s external maya-shakti.
SPS: < “One should consider the Acharya to be as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In spite of these instructions, if one considers the spiritual master an ordinary human being, one is doomed. His study of the Vedas and his austerities and penances for enlightenment are useless, like the bathing of an elephant.” (See below reference 17 and 18.)
GBC: Although Prabhupada accepted what he had at the time, his books had many errors. Although hundreds of senior devotees have chanted these verses and translations in Prabhupada’s presence and afterwards for many years, these sayings needed several revisions done by expert pundits.
SPS: “Mistakes, illusions, cheating, and defective perception do not occur in the sayings of authoritative sages.” (See below references 14 and 17.)
GBC: Unless the GBC sanctions diksa-gurus, the disciplic succession cannot continue. Srila Prabhupada is dead; he cannot order anyone to become guru.
SPS: The disciplic succession is continued not by the manipulations of blind clerics but by genuine disciples. “The Supreme Lord said, My dear Arjuna, because you are never envious of Me, I shall impart to you the most secret wisdom, knowing which you shall be relieved of the miseries of material existence.” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 9.1) When repeatedly asked who would be His successor, Srila Prabhupada replied, “My success is always there. Yes. Just like the sun is there always. It may come before your vision or not—the sun is there. But if you are fortunate you come before the sun… The sun is open to everyone.” (Conversation, February 12, 1975, Mexico City) – “Only Lord Caitanya can take my place. He will take care of the movement.” (Conv., Nov. 2, 1977, Vrindaban.) (See reference 7.)
Summary Conclusions:
It is truly said, “One bad apple spoils the bunch!” In this case, at least three or four bad apples polluted the entire GBC body, most Iskcon leaders and most senior preachers. Due to the poisonous ideas introduced by a few foolish individuals, leaders in Iskcon and the vitiated Gaudiya Math temples diverted these institutions from the correct understanding of Gaudiya Vaisnava siddhanta and sadhana-bhakti, particularly with regards to guru-tattva and diksa.
In the later part of the 1980s, the GBC officially banned all scriptural and philosophical discussions on the topic of initiations in ISKCON and labeled all devotees who wanted to follow Srila Prabhupada’s system for ritvik initiations as heretics, fools or fallen rascals. Today the Iskcon GBC is comprised mostly of disciples and followers of “Iskcon gurus”. Most GBC members and “Iskcon acharyas” from the 1980s have resigned, retired, died, become incapacitated, gone insane, or fallen from the path of Krishna consciousness. Others are preaching a sahajiya hodge-podge of Krishna consciousness and Hinduism. (Only one former “zonal acharya” has admitted his mistake and rectified it.) On the other hand, by Krishna’s grace, almost all of the original proponents for Srila Prabhupada’s ritvik system are still actively preaching Krishna consciousness as it is.
Some devotees ask, “What is the harm if I accept an Iskcon guru as my so-called diksa-guru as long as I follow Srila Prabhupada’s instructions?” The problem with this approach is that it involves conceding dangerous philosophical misconceptions and contradictions. It involves impure diet and association. The GBC’s disobedience is not an innocent mistake but rather a conspiracy to utilize Srila Prabhupada’s mission for personal prestige and gain. Such motives have polluted Srila Prabhupada’s movement with false ambitions, guru-aparadha, Vaisnava-aparadha and sadhu-ninda. Srila Prabhupada’s name, fame, temples and institutions are being exploited by deviant upstarts, and some of his important teachings are being twisted, minimized or ignored by Iskcon leaders as official policy.
References:
1. “Mundane votes have no jurisdiction the elect a Vaisnava acharya. A Vaisnava acharya is self-effulgent, and there is no need of any court judgment.” (Cc. Madhya 1.220, Purport)
2. “A guru can become guru when he is ordered by his guru. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can become guru.” (Conversation, Oct. 28, 1975, Nairobi)
3. “Vallabha Bhaṭṭa wanted to be initiated by Gadādhara Paṇḍita, but Gadādhara Paṇḍita refused, saying, ‘The work of acting as a spiritual master is not possible for me. I am completely dependent. My Lord is Gauracandra, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. I cannot do anything independently, without His order.’” (Cc. Antya 7.150,151)
4. “When one has attained the topmost position of maha-bhagavata, he is to be accepted as guru and worshiped exactly like Hari, the personality of Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the post of guru.” (Cc. Madhya, 24.330, Purport, citing Padma Purana.)”
5. “The spiritual master is never to be an object of disciplinary action…”
6. “A bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic succession from time eternal, and he does not deviate at all from the instructions of the Supreme Lord…” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 4.42, Purport.)
7. “He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He is my lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates; by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.” (Sri Guru Vandana, Verse 3)
8. “Srila Jiva Goswami advised that one not accept a spiritual master in terms of hereditary or customary social and ecclesiastical conventions. One should simply try to find a genuinely qualified spiritual master for actual advancement in spiritual understanding.” (Cc. Adi, 1.35, Purport) — “One should take initiation from a bona fide spiritual master coming in disciplic succession who is authorized by his predecessor spiritual master. This is called diksa-vidhana. (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 4.8.54, Purport)
9. “Guru is one. He has no independent ideas or opinions.”
10. “A bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic succession from time eternal, and does not deviate at all from the instructions of the Supreme Lord…” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 4.42, Purport)
11. “The spiritual master is always considered either one of the confidential associates of Radharani or a manifested representation of Sri Nityananda.” (Cc. Adi. 1.46, Purport)
12. “The spiritual master is not the question of [‘living’ or ‘dead’]… The spiritual master is eternal–the spiritual master is eternal.” (Lecture, Oct. 2, 1968, Seattle, WA) — “I will never die. I shall live from my books, and you will utilize.” (Interview, July 16, 1975, Berkeley, CA) — “Although a physical body is not present, the vibration should be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master. Vibration—what we have heard from the spiritual master—that is living.” (Lecture, Jan. 13, 1969, LA, CA) – “One should consider the Acharya to be as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In spite of these instructions, if one considers the spiritual master an ordinary human being, one is doomed. His study of the Vedas and his austerities and penances for enlightenment are useless, like the bathing of an elephant.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.15.26, Purport)
13. “Regarding the disciplic succession, there is nothing to wonder for big gaps. We have to pick up from the prominent acarya and follow from him.” (Letter, April 12, 1968.) — “…one has to associate with the liberated persons not directly, physically, but by understanding, through philosophy and logic…” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.31, Purport.) — “Although the physical body in not present, the vibration should be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master. Vibration–what we have heard from the spiritual master –that is ‘living’.” (Lecture, January 13, 1969, Los Angeles.)
14. “So we follow that ‘No Change Policy’. Not that because I think I have become now advanced, I change this to that. That means I am not advanced. My knowledge is imperfect. Therefore I am changing.”
15. “They did even consider with common sense—that if Guru Maharaja wanted to appoint somebody as acarya, why he did not say? He said so many things, and this point he missed? The real point? And they insisted upon it. The declared some unfit person to become acarya. And then another—‘Acarya!’ Another—‘Acarya!’ So better to remain a foolish [simple] person perpetually to be directed by Guru Maharaja. That is perfection. And as soon as he [the upstart] learns that Guru Maharaja is dead, ‘Now I am so advanced that I can kill my guru and I become guru.’ Then he’s finished.” (Conv. Aug. 16, 1976, Bombay) — “If everyone just initiates, then there will only be contradictory results. As long as it goes on there will only be failure.” (From Phalguna Krishna Pancami, 1961.) — “I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acaryas. Ritvik. Yes.” (Conv. May 28, 1977, Vrindaban.) — “So, deputies… These initiations –I have deputed my disciples. Is it clear or not?” (Conv. Oct. 18, 1977, Vrindaban.) See Prabhupada’s “Final Order on Initiations”, July 9th, 1977 at www.harekrishnasociety.com .
16. “I am the initiator guru, and you should be the instructor guru by teaching what I am teaching and doing what I am doing. This is not a title, but you should actually come to this platform. This I want. “ (Letter, August 4, 1975.)
17. bhrama pramada viralipsa karanapatava, arsa-vijna-vakye nahi dosa ei saba:
“Mistakes, illusions, cheating, and defective perception do not occur in the sayings of authoritative sages.” (Cc. Adi 2.86)
18. “There is no possibility that a first-class devotee will fall down…” (Cc. Madhya 22.71, Purport)
By Vikramasingha das
The Iskcon GBC philosophy on guru-tattva and initiations has evolved over the years. In the late 1970s and early 80s, they conceded, due to the insistence of a few leading members, that eleven individuals had been appointed and empowered by Srila Prabhupada to act as zonal acharyas in Iskcon.
The GBC conceded that these eleven could create their own authority structure called “The Acharya Board”. The GBC agreed that only these eleven could be initiating spiritual masters in Iskcon and, in the future, only they could appoint other spiritual masters, or diksa-gurus, from among their disciples or Godbrother followers.
In the latter part of the 1980s, after few of the “chosen eleven” fell down and went insane, these contentions were overturned under mounting pressure from a so-called guru reform movement. GBC reformists decided that these eleven “Iskcon acharyas” could no longer be zonal autocrats above the authority of the GBC. The GBC resolved that only a majority vote of the GBC body would have authority to sanction and regulate initiating spiritual masters in Iskcon.
They resolved that any devotee sanctioned by the GBC could initiate his own disciples in Srila Prabhupada’s mission, and they recommended that “diksa-gurus” no longer accept elaborate public worship in Iskcon temples and titles and prayers meant for maha-bhagavatas. They thus tried to reduce the power and ritual status of “Iskcon acharyas” while opening the door for all senior preachers “in good standing” to covet the post of “Iskcon guru”. In this way the GBC quelled the “guru reform movement” within Iskcon.
GBC resolutions regarding initiations and guru-tattva have been inconsistent and contradictory. It is hard to find two “Iskcon gurus”, GBC members, or Iskcon devotees with the exact same views on these topics. New devotees often doubt whether the praises they sing to the spiritual master at mangala-arotika and guru-puja should be directed toward their so-called Iskcon guru or to Srila Prabhupada.
Should they hear primarily from Srila Prabhupada, or more from their “living guru”? Should they offer prayers and worship to a picture of their “guru” on the altar before doing Deity worship or offering food? If so, would he even know? Are all prayers to the spiritual master just ritualistic hyperbole that can be applied to any so-called Iskcon (or gaudiya math) “guru”?
Below is summary of the stance of the GBC today and in the recent past, with samples of their clearly implied philosophical ideas that are against the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Immediately after each GBC idea, we have provided the correct understanding of guru-tattva and diksa according the Srila Prabhupada’s books, conversations, letters, and classes. Authorized references are cited at the end. Throughout Srila Prabhupada’s books there are many dozens of references similar to the few cited below.
GBC: The spiritual master may be a self-made guru who is nominated by his peers or followers and sanctioned by the GBC, an ecclesiastical board. There is no need for a direct, specific order from Srila Prabhupada to become a diksa-guru in Iskcon.
Srila Prabhupada’s siddhanta:“A guru can become guru when he is ordered by his guru. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can become guru.” (See below references 1, 2 and 10.)
GBC: Srila Prabhupada authorized the GBC to sanction and dismiss diksa-gurus in ISKCON.
SPS: “Mundane votes have no jurisdiction the elect a Vaisnava acharya. A Vaisnava acharya is self-effulgent, and there is no need of any court judgment.” Prabhupada authorized the GBC to select (or dismiss) representatives (ritviks), who initiate on His behalf. No one can be guru without the direct order of Krishna or His perfect devotee. (See below references 1, 2, 10 and 15.)
GBC: Lord Caitanya gave a blanket order for every devotee to initiate his own disciples.
SPS: Lord Caitanya ordered His followers to become “gurus” by asking everyone they meet to chant Hare Krishna. He never ordered all devotees to initiate their own disciples. Even Lord Caitanya’s eternal associates, like Sri Gadadhara Pandita, refused to initiate disciples without a direct order from Lord Caitanya. Many great devotees never initiated their own disciples. (References 2 and 3.)
GBC: Persons who are not self-realized souls or topmost Vaisnavas can be diksa-gurus if the GBC approves.
SPS: “Only a topmost devotee, a maha-bhagavata, is eligible to occupy the post of guru.” (See below reference 4.)
GBC: Spiritual masters must be sanctioned, overseen, regulated and, if necessary, disciplined by the GBC.
SPS: The genuine spiritual master is never to be regulated or disciplined by ecclesiastical boards. (See below reference 5.)
GBC: A spiritual master may sometimes fall down and become demoniac.
SPS: “There is no possibility that a first-class devotee will fall down…” – “The bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic succession since time immemorial.” (See below references 6 and 18.)
GBC: One may ignore, neglect, or reject his spiritual master who falls from grace with the GBC.
SPS: A genuine disciple never rejects his spiritual master. (See reference 7.)
GBC: A student of Krishna consciousness may select any spiritual master, according his or her personal tastes and the ecclesiastical conventions current in Iskcon.
SPS: “Srila Jiva Goswami advised that one not accept a spiritual master in terms of hereditary or customary social and ecclesiastical conventions. One should simply try to find a genuinely qualified spiritual master for actual advancement in spiritual understanding.” (See below reference 8.)
GBC: There are dozens of gurus in Iskcon and each is entitled to his or her own ideas and opinions.
SPS: “Guru is one. He has no independent ideas or opinions.” (See reference 9.)
GBC: Iskcon gurus who have fallen down, if rectified, may be reinstated by the GBC.
SPS: “A bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic succession from time eternal, and he does not deviate at all from the instructions of the Supreme Lord.”(See below reference 10.)
GBC: There are various levels of spiritual masters, or diksa-gurus, and not all are uttama-adhikaris.
SPS: “The spiritual master is always considered either one of the confidential associates of Radharani or a manifested representation of Sri Nityananda.” Only such a Vaisnava can impart transcendental knowledge into the heart of a disciple. (See below references 4, 7 and 11.)
GBC: The bona fide spiritual master dies, like all mortal men, and thus becomes useless in the matter of initiating and guiding students of Krishna consciousness.
SPS: “The spiritual master is eternal…” — “He lives forever through his divine instructions, and his follower lives with him.” — “He reasons ill who tells that Vaisnavas die!” (See reference 12.)
GBC: One must accept as one’s diksa-guru a man or woman who is living. A posthumous spiritual master, one dead and gone, cannot offer diksa and impart transcendental knowledge.
SPS: “The spiritual master is eternal.” — “Although a physical body is not present, the vibration should be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master. Vibration—what we have heard from the spiritual master—that is living.” (See references 10 and 12.
GBC: Students of Krishna consciousness whose spiritual masters have fallen from grace with the GBC may shop around for another Iskcon guru and accept “re-initiation” as many times as required for them to find an “Iskcon guru” who is steady.
SPS: “A devotee must have only one initiating spiritual master because in the scriptures acceptance of more than one is always forbidden.” (Cc. Madhya, 22.71, Purport)
GBC: Every senior Iskcon devotee, even a dependent woman or neophyte with no ability to preach, is eligible to initiate his or her own disciples. Srila Prabhupada, however, is ineligible because he cannot posthumously offer diksa. One needs a guru who is alive. A fully transcendental guru with a spiritual body is useless in the matter of initiating devotees after he is dead (posthumous).
SPS: “The spiritual master is eternal.” He is not limited by material considerations of time and space. “A perfect Vaisnava is all-powerful, just like the Supreme Lord.” (See references 7, 12 and 13.)
GBC: Not all of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and orders are to be accepted literally or permanently. Some may be interpreted, altered, edited–or rejected as being outdated. For instance, his final order on initiations (July 9th, 1977), which he ordered sent to all ISKCON leaders and temples, is now obsolete and must therefore be rejected in favor of the current system for initiations created by the GBC.
SPS: A genuine disciple of the spiritual master always accepts his instructions wholeheartedly. He never tries to dodge, ignore or subvert his instructions. (References 7, 12, 13, 14.)
GBC: At the time of his demise, Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and ideas regarding the future of initiations in ISKCON were vague or contradictory. He left it to the GBC to sort out the details.
SPS: Prabhupada specifically responded to the question of how initiations would be continued in ISKCON after his departure by dictating, reviewing and signing an official directive establishing ritvik initiations. He ordered that this directive be sent to all leaders and GBC members in ISKCON. Ritvik initiations were nothing new for ISKCON. The ritvik system of initiations and all standards had been current in ISKCON for several years prior. Nonetheless, through this official directive and numerous conversations thereafter, Srila Prabhupada clarified it in detail and institutionalized the procedure to operate without his personal supervision. For sincere disciples, there is nothing vague or contradictory in His numerous instructions. (See below reference 15.)
GBC: Iskcon is meant for recruiting disciples for living Iskcon gurus. Those who claim to be direct disciples or aspiring direct disciples of Srila Prabhupada are deviant upstarts if they accepted initiation or joined Iskcon after 1977. In the history of Vedic culture posthumous ritvik initiations have never been seen.
SPS: In Srimad-Bhagavatam and other Puranas there are many stories of ritvik priests conducting Vedic sacrifices under the auspices of a great rishis who were not present on the same planet. There are no injunctions barring so-called “posthumous” ritvik initiations. Prabhupada clearly stated that all ISKCON leaders and trustees now and in the future must be “my initiated disciples”. (See Prabhupada’s “Final Order on Initiations”, July 9th, 1977, Srila Prabhupada’s “Final Will” and “Directions for Management” and Conversation, May 28, 1977
GBC: Post-1977 Iskcon devotees may accept Prabhupada as their instructing guru and param-guru, but they need to take initiation from a living guru to get Prabhupada’s blessings and mercy.
SPS: Srila Prabhupada is both the diksa-guru and siksa-guru for all serious students of Krishna consciousness. Advanced disciples may also act as “instructing guru” by teaching devotees to accept Srila Prabhupada and follow his instructions. (See below references 8, 15 and 16.)
GBC: Vaisnava gurus are ordinary men who sometimes make common mistakes, and even great devotees sometimes become degraded under the Lord’s external maya-shakti.
SPS: < “One should consider the Acharya to be as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In spite of these instructions, if one considers the spiritual master an ordinary human being, one is doomed. His study of the Vedas and his austerities and penances for enlightenment are useless, like the bathing of an elephant.” (See below reference 17 and 18.)
GBC: Although Prabhupada accepted what he had at the time, his books had many errors. Although hundreds of senior devotees have chanted these verses and translations in Prabhupada’s presence and afterwards for many years, these sayings needed several revisions done by expert pundits.
SPS: “Mistakes, illusions, cheating, and defective perception do not occur in the sayings of authoritative sages.” (See below references 14 and 17.)
GBC: Unless the GBC sanctions diksa-gurus, the disciplic succession cannot continue. Srila Prabhupada is dead; he cannot order anyone to become guru.
SPS: The disciplic succession is continued not by the manipulations of blind clerics but by genuine disciples. “The Supreme Lord said, My dear Arjuna, because you are never envious of Me, I shall impart to you the most secret wisdom, knowing which you shall be relieved of the miseries of material existence.” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 9.1) When repeatedly asked who would be His successor, Srila Prabhupada replied, “My success is always there. Yes. Just like the sun is there always. It may come before your vision or not—the sun is there. But if you are fortunate you come before the sun… The sun is open to everyone.” (Conversation, February 12, 1975, Mexico City) – “Only Lord Caitanya can take my place. He will take care of the movement.” (Conv., Nov. 2, 1977, Vrindaban.) (See reference 7.)
Summary Conclusions:
It is truly said, “One bad apple spoils the bunch!” In this case, at least three or four bad apples polluted the entire GBC body, most Iskcon leaders and most senior preachers. Due to the poisonous ideas introduced by a few foolish individuals, leaders in Iskcon and the vitiated Gaudiya Math temples diverted these institutions from the correct understanding of Gaudiya Vaisnava siddhanta and sadhana-bhakti, particularly with regards to guru-tattva and diksa.
In the later part of the 1980s, the GBC officially banned all scriptural and philosophical discussions on the topic of initiations in ISKCON and labeled all devotees who wanted to follow Srila Prabhupada’s system for ritvik initiations as heretics, fools or fallen rascals. Today the Iskcon GBC is comprised mostly of disciples and followers of “Iskcon gurus”. Most GBC members and “Iskcon acharyas” from the 1980s have resigned, retired, died, become incapacitated, gone insane, or fallen from the path of Krishna consciousness. Others are preaching a sahajiya hodge-podge of Krishna consciousness and Hinduism. (Only one former “zonal acharya” has admitted his mistake and rectified it.) On the other hand, by Krishna’s grace, almost all of the original proponents for Srila Prabhupada’s ritvik system are still actively preaching Krishna consciousness as it is.
Some devotees ask, “What is the harm if I accept an Iskcon guru as my so-called diksa-guru as long as I follow Srila Prabhupada’s instructions?” The problem with this approach is that it involves conceding dangerous philosophical misconceptions and contradictions. It involves impure diet and association. The GBC’s disobedience is not an innocent mistake but rather a conspiracy to utilize Srila Prabhupada’s mission for personal prestige and gain. Such motives have polluted Srila Prabhupada’s movement with false ambitions, guru-aparadha, Vaisnava-aparadha and sadhu-ninda. Srila Prabhupada’s name, fame, temples and institutions are being exploited by deviant upstarts, and some of his important teachings are being twisted, minimized or ignored by Iskcon leaders as official policy.
References:
1. “Mundane votes have no jurisdiction the elect a Vaisnava acharya. A Vaisnava acharya is self-effulgent, and there is no need of any court judgment.” (Cc. Madhya 1.220, Purport)
2. “A guru can become guru when he is ordered by his guru. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can become guru.” (Conversation, Oct. 28, 1975, Nairobi)
3. “Vallabha Bhaṭṭa wanted to be initiated by Gadādhara Paṇḍita, but Gadādhara Paṇḍita refused, saying, ‘The work of acting as a spiritual master is not possible for me. I am completely dependent. My Lord is Gauracandra, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. I cannot do anything independently, without His order.’” (Cc. Antya 7.150,151)
4. “When one has attained the topmost position of maha-bhagavata, he is to be accepted as guru and worshiped exactly like Hari, the personality of Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the post of guru.” (Cc. Madhya, 24.330, Purport, citing Padma Purana.)”
5. “The spiritual master is never to be an object of disciplinary action…”
6. “A bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic succession from time eternal, and he does not deviate at all from the instructions of the Supreme Lord…” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 4.42, Purport.)
7. “He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He is my lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates; by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.” (Sri Guru Vandana, Verse 3)
8. “Srila Jiva Goswami advised that one not accept a spiritual master in terms of hereditary or customary social and ecclesiastical conventions. One should simply try to find a genuinely qualified spiritual master for actual advancement in spiritual understanding.” (Cc. Adi, 1.35, Purport) — “One should take initiation from a bona fide spiritual master coming in disciplic succession who is authorized by his predecessor spiritual master. This is called diksa-vidhana. (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 4.8.54, Purport)
9. “Guru is one. He has no independent ideas or opinions.”
10. “A bona fide spiritual master is in the disciplic succession from time eternal, and does not deviate at all from the instructions of the Supreme Lord…” (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 4.42, Purport)
11. “The spiritual master is always considered either one of the confidential associates of Radharani or a manifested representation of Sri Nityananda.” (Cc. Adi. 1.46, Purport)
12. “The spiritual master is not the question of [‘living’ or ‘dead’]… The spiritual master is eternal–the spiritual master is eternal.” (Lecture, Oct. 2, 1968, Seattle, WA) — “I will never die. I shall live from my books, and you will utilize.” (Interview, July 16, 1975, Berkeley, CA) — “Although a physical body is not present, the vibration should be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master. Vibration—what we have heard from the spiritual master—that is living.” (Lecture, Jan. 13, 1969, LA, CA) – “One should consider the Acharya to be as good as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In spite of these instructions, if one considers the spiritual master an ordinary human being, one is doomed. His study of the Vedas and his austerities and penances for enlightenment are useless, like the bathing of an elephant.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.15.26, Purport)
13. “Regarding the disciplic succession, there is nothing to wonder for big gaps. We have to pick up from the prominent acarya and follow from him.” (Letter, April 12, 1968.) — “…one has to associate with the liberated persons not directly, physically, but by understanding, through philosophy and logic…” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.31, Purport.) — “Although the physical body in not present, the vibration should be accepted as the presence of the spiritual master. Vibration–what we have heard from the spiritual master –that is ‘living’.” (Lecture, January 13, 1969, Los Angeles.)
14. “So we follow that ‘No Change Policy’. Not that because I think I have become now advanced, I change this to that. That means I am not advanced. My knowledge is imperfect. Therefore I am changing.”
15. “They did even consider with common sense—that if Guru Maharaja wanted to appoint somebody as acarya, why he did not say? He said so many things, and this point he missed? The real point? And they insisted upon it. The declared some unfit person to become acarya. And then another—‘Acarya!’ Another—‘Acarya!’ So better to remain a foolish [simple] person perpetually to be directed by Guru Maharaja. That is perfection. And as soon as he [the upstart] learns that Guru Maharaja is dead, ‘Now I am so advanced that I can kill my guru and I become guru.’ Then he’s finished.” (Conv. Aug. 16, 1976, Bombay) — “If everyone just initiates, then there will only be contradictory results. As long as it goes on there will only be failure.” (From Phalguna Krishna Pancami, 1961.) — “I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acaryas. Ritvik. Yes.” (Conv. May 28, 1977, Vrindaban.) — “So, deputies… These initiations –I have deputed my disciples. Is it clear or not?” (Conv. Oct. 18, 1977, Vrindaban.) See Prabhupada’s “Final Order on Initiations”, July 9th, 1977 at www.harekrishnasociety.com .
16. “I am the initiator guru, and you should be the instructor guru by teaching what I am teaching and doing what I am doing. This is not a title, but you should actually come to this platform. This I want. “ (Letter, August 4, 1975.)
17. bhrama pramada viralipsa karanapatava, arsa-vijna-vakye nahi dosa ei saba:
“Mistakes, illusions, cheating, and defective perception do not occur in the sayings of authoritative sages.” (Cc. Adi 2.86)
18. “There is no possibility that a first-class devotee will fall down…” (Cc. Madhya 22.71, Purport)
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