Mathias Sabji
In addition to ISKCON’s current guru system not having any order from Srila
Prabhupada to justify its existence, the GBC’s official “brain”, the “Sastric
Advisory Council” (SAC), has said that the process by which it does authorise
gurus, via voting them in, is not based on “guru, sadhu and sastra”:
“Our present system has institutionalized a process of senior devotees voting
or offering no-objection to prospective gurus. But we do not find that this
institutionalized blessingseeking process is mentioned by guru, sadhu or sastra
as the way that one is authorized to become a guru.”
(Balancing the roles of the GBC and the disciple in Guru selection, SAC)
http://gbc.iskcon.org/2012/01/26/balancing-the-roles-of-the-gbc-and-the-disciple-in-guru-selection/
So from every angle, ISKCON’s current guru system is basically a big
unauthorised hoax!
"You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people
some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time."
( Abraham Lincoln )
The GBC's most recent official handbook on initiation entitled.
"Gurus And Initiation In ISKCON" (to be referred to henceforward as
GII) If we return once more to „GII“ we can see that the GBC is highly
ambivalent towards the gurus it "authorises".
Whilst acknowledging the rubber-stamping of sampradaya acaryas is bogus (GII,
point 6, p.15), the GBC nevertheless, in effect, performs precisely this
function every Gaura-Purnima at Mayapur, year after year.
We now have close to a hundred initiating gurus, all anointed with the "no
objection" stamp of approval. All these gurus are being worshipped as
"saksad hari" ("as good as God") in accordance with the
GBC's own directives for disciples (GII, point 8, p.15).
These initiating acaryas are heralded as "current links" to a
disciplic succession of maha-bhagavatas stretching back thousands of years to
the Supreme Lord Himself:
"Devotees should take shelter of the representatives of Srila Prabhupada
who are the "current link" in the disciplic succession." (GII,
p. 34)
At the same time however the aspiring disciple is sternly warned that ISKCON
approval..."...is not automatically to be taken as a statement about the
degree of God-realisation of the approved guru."
(GII, section 2.2, p.9)
Elsewhere we are further cautioned:
"When a devotee is allowed to carry out the "order" of Srila
Prabhupada to expand the disciplic succession by initiating new disciples it is
not to be taken as a certification or endorsement of his being an "uttama
adhikari", "pure devotee", or to having achieved any specific
state of realisation." (GII, p.15)
These gurus are not to be worshipped by everyone in the temple, but only by
their own disciples in a separate place.
(GII, p.7) - (Pradyumna's acaryadeva definition).
We would venture that it is infelicitous to approve, or "not object"
to, the creation of diksa gurus, and simultaneously disavow any blame or
responsibility should they deviate. This is what's termed "living in
denial" according to modern psychological parlance. We are sure Srila
Prabhupada did not intend ISKCON to be a type of lottery, or Russian roulette,
where the stake is someone's spiritual life. Perhaps the GBC should refrain
from further rubberstamping until they can stand one hundred percent behind
those they approve. After all, every one of us stands one hundred percent
behind Srila Prabhupada as a bona fide spiritual master; so such consensual
recognition of personal qualification is not impossible.
GBC guru ambivalence was recently summed up quite succinctly by
Jayadvaita Swami:
"The word appointed is never used. But there are "candidates for
initiating guru", votes are taken, and those who make it through the
procedures become "ISKCON-approved" or "ISKCON-authorised"
gurus. To boost your confidence: On one hand the GBC encourages you to be
initiated by a bona fide, authorised ISKCON guru and worship him like God. On
the other, it has an elaborate system of laws to invoke from time to time when
your ISKCON-authorised guru falls down. One might perhaps be forgiven for
thinking that for all the laws and resolutions
the role of guru is still a perplexity even for the GBC."
("Where the ritvik People are Right", Jayadvaita Swami, 1996)
But The only type of bona fide diksa guru is an authorised maha-bhagavata!
"The (diksa) guru must be situated on the topmost platform of devotional
service. There are three classes of devotees, and the guru must be accepted
from the topmost class."
(C.c. Madhya, 24.330, purport)
"When one has attained the topmost position of maha-bhagavata, he is to be
accepted as a (diksa) guru and worshipped exactly like Hari, the Personality of
Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the post of a (diksa)
guru."
(C.c. Madhya, 24.330, purport)
"Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept an uttama-adhikari as a
spiritual master."
Unqualified gurus are also warned:
"One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the
platform of uttama-adhikari."
(The Nectar of Instruction, text 5, purport)
"Unless one is a resident of Krishna Loka, one cannot be a Spiritual
Master. That is the first proposition. A layman cannot be a Spiritual
Master, and if he becomes so then he will simply create disturbance. "
(SP Letter Mukunda 6/10/69)
The requirement for being a diksa, or initiating, guru in ISKCON is not simply
that one thinks they have acquired the requisite qualifications to act as guru,
but that in addition Srila Prabhupada must also authorized such persons to
specifically act in that capacity:
“One should take initiation from a bona fide spiritual master coming in the
disciplic succession, who is authorised by his predecessor spiritual master.
This is called diksa vidhana.”
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.8.54, purport)
The Main-Point is : "who is authorised by his predecessor spiritual
master."!! ( NOT BY GBC)!!
This has put the GBC on the back foot, realizing that it’s not enough
just to “assume” they were supposed to become gurus to “continue the
parampara”, but that they also need to demonstrate authorization for the same.
“Our business is to point out who is not a saint.”
(Srila Prabhupada, Morning Walk, April 10th, 1974)
"Mundane votes(GBC 2/3 hand-vote) have no jurisdiction to elect a
Vaisnava acarya. A Vaisnava acarya is self effulgent, and there is no need for
any court judgement. A false acarya may try to override a Vaisnava by a High
Court decision, but Bhaktivinode Thakura says that he is nothing but a disciple
of Kali-yuga. "
(CC (BBT 1975) Madhya 1.220)
NOTE:
"A false acarya may try to override a Vaisnava by a High Court decision,
but Bhaktivinode Thakura says that he is nothing but A DISCIPLE OF KALI-YUGA.
" !!!!!!
1978 - Guru-by-vote ridiculed:
"You cannot simply elect a person to the post of the most exalted
sainthood"
('Notes from the Editor', Back to Godhead #13-01/02, 1978)
"Srila Jiva Gosvami advises that one not accept a spiritual master in
terms of hereditary or customary social, and ecclesiastical conventions. "
(CC (BBT 1975) Adi 1.35)
„The GBC is the highest ecclesiastical body guiding ISKCON.“
(Back To Godhead)!!
1986 - Guru-by-vote implemented:
"…any GBC can present a diksa guru candidate before the GBC body. Unless
the majority of voting members objects to the nomination, the candidate will be
placed on a required one year waiting period…upon majority approval of the
body, he may take up the responsibilities of an initiating guru in
ISKCON."
(ISKCON GBC Resolution No. 3, March 30th, 1986)
Voting procedures [...] for guru candidate [...] who will be established by the
voting members.
(GBC document.)
Voting for guru process [...] by a two third vote of the GBC [...] all
GBCs are candidates for appointment as guru.
(GBC document.)
GBC: Still "electing people to the post of the most exalted
sainthood"
According to these quotes and irrefutable evidence, it is also true that the
GBC chooses actually diksa gurus!.
This is sadly, but also irrefutable proof that the GBC does not accept the
disciplic conclusion !!!!
"...disciplic succession does not always mean that one has to be
initiated officially. Disciplic succession means to accept the disciplic
conclusion."
(SP Letter to Dinesh, 31/10/69)
"Mundane votes ( GBC 2/3 hand-vote) have no jurisdiction to elect a
Vaisnava acarya. A Vaisnava acarya is self effulgent, and there is no need for
any court judgement. A false acarya may try to override a Vaisnava by a High Court
decision, but Bhaktivinode Thakura says that he is nothing but A DISCIPLE OF
KALI-YUGA. " !!
(CC (BBT 1975) Madhya 1.220)
“I am the initiator (diksa) guru, and you should be the instructor
(siksa) 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. “
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, August 4, 1975.)
“If everyone just initiates, then there will only be contradictory
results. As long as it goes on there will only be failure.”
(Prabhupada From Phalguna Krishna Pancami, 1961.)
Iskcon-GBC says : Srila Prabhupada authorized the GBC to sanction and dismiss
diksa-gurus in ISKCON ( MYTH)
“One should take initiation from a bona fide spiritual master coming in
disciplic succession who is authorized by his predecessor spiritual master.(
not by GBC !!) This is called diksa-vidhana.
(Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 4.8.54, Purport)
NOTE:
The main point in this vers is: " WHO IS AUTHORIZED BY HIS PREDECESSOR
SPIRITUAL MASTER "!
“A (diksa) guru can become guru when he is ordered by his
(diksa) guru. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can become (diksa) guru.”
(Conversation, Oct. 28, 1975, Nairobi)
“Vallabha Bhaṭṭa wanted to be initiated by Gadādhara Pandita, BUT
GADADHARA PANDIT !!!!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)
NOTE !!! GADADHARA PANDIT ( RADHA SELF) CAN'T GIVE DIKSA WITHOUT DIRECT ORDER
FROM GURU !!!!
"Self-made guru (or GBC 2/3 hand-vote guru ) cannot be (diksa) guru. He
must be authorized by the bona fide guru. Then he's guru. This is the
fact...Similarly; bona fide guru means he must be authorized by the superior
guru." (not by GBC !!! )
(Srila Prabhupada - Lecture on Nectar of Devotion, October 31, 1972)
How many of these drowning disciples will wake up and realize that a drowning
man cannot save another drowning man? How many will wake up and accept that a
spiritual master or a guru in our Brahmā Madhva Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Sampradaya is
NOT someone who has been appointed by the institution like GBC !
"As for your next question, can only a few pure devotees deliver others,
anyone, if he is a pure devotee he can deliver others, he can become spiritual
master. But unless he on that platform he should not attempt it. Then both of
them will to go to hell, like blind men leading the blind."
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[SP Letter to Tusta Kṛṣṇa: Ahmedabad 14 Dec 1972]
WHO FOLLOW DISCIPLES OF KALI YUGA.......GOOD BYE!!
Iskcon-GBC says : A spiritual master may sometimes fall down and become
demoniac.( MYTH)
“There is no possibility that a first-class devotee will fall down…”
(Cc. Madhya 22.71, Purport)
“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)
“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).
Those deviant gurus being described could never, by definition, have been
members of the eternal disciplic succession. Rather, they were non-liberated,
self-authorised or GBC rubberstamped 2/3 voted-in gurus and priests posing as
initiating acaryas. Bona fide members of the disciplic succession never
deviate:
"God is always God,( diksa) Guru is always (diksa) Guru."
(The Science of Self Realisation, chapter 2)
"Well if he is bad, how can he become a (diksa) guru?"
(The Science of Self Realisation, chapter 2)
"The pure devotee is always free from the clutches of Maya and her
influence."
(S.B. 5.3.14)
"There is no possibility that a first class devotee will fall down."
(C.c. Madhya, 22.71)
"A spiritual master is always liberated."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Tamal Krishna, 21/6/70)
There is not a single example in Srila Prabhupada's books of a formally authorised
diksa guru, in our disciplic succession, ever deviating from the path of
devotional service. The rejection of Sukracarya is sometimes used to validate
the view that acaryas fall down, or can be rejected, but this example is highly
misleading since he was never an authorised member of our disciplic succession.
Lord Brahma's pastimes with his daughter are sometimes mentioned. Yet it is
clearly stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam that these incidents occurred before
Lord Brahma
became the head of our sampradaya. Indeed, when the disciple Nitai referred to
the pastime as an example of an acarya falling down, Srila Prabhupada became
most displeased.
Prabhupada:
Aksayananda: I was recently told by one devotee that the acarya does not have
to be a pure devotee. [....]
Prabhupada: Who is that rascal? [...]
Aksayananda: He said it. Nitai said it. He said it in this context. He
said that Lord Brahma is the acarya in the Brahma-sampradaya, but yet he is
sometimes afflicted by passion. So therefore he is saying that it appears that
the acarya does not have to be a pure devotee. So it does not seem right. [...]
Prabhupada: He manufactured his idea. Therefore he's a rascal. Therefore he's a
rascal. Nitai has become an authority? [...] He thought something rascaldom,
and he is expressing that. Therefore he is more rascal. These things are going
on.
(Morning Walk, Vrindavan, December 10th, 1975)
„The whole situation has been spoiled by these so-called rascal gurus who gives
his own opinion. This is our plain declaration: Let any rascal guru come. We
can convince him that he is not guru, because he is speaking differently
...!!!!
So guru is one. Guru cannot be two. As soon as you find two opinions of guru,
either both of them are rascals, or one is still at least rascal.“
(Lecture: What is a Guru? London, August 22, 1973)
"Prabhupada: "Then so siksa and diksa-guru... A siksa-guru who
instructs against the instruction of spiritual, he is not a siksa guru. He is a
demon. Siksa-guru, diksa-guru means... Sometimes a diksa-guru is not present
always. Therefore one can take learning, instruction, from an advanced devotee.
That is called the siksa-guru. Siksa-guru does not mean he is speaking
something against the teachings of the diksa-guru/Acarya. He is not a siksa-guru.
He is a rascal."
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 17:1-3, 07-04-74, Honolulu )
"The bona fide spiritual master always engages in unalloyed devotional
service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead."
(C.c. Adi, 1.46)
Srila Prabhupada taught that a guru will only fall down if he is not
properly authorised to initiate:
"...sometimes a spiritual master is not properly authorised to initiate
and only on his own initiative becomes a spiritual master, he may be carried
away by an accumulation of wealth and a large number of disciples."
(Nectar Of Devotion, p116)
When a guru falls down it is conclusive proof that he was never properly
authorised by his predecessor acarya.
"A spiritual master is always liberated."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter 21/6/70)
Aindra Prabhu:
"It is not that Srila Prabhupada‘s sankirtana mission precludes the
prospects of pursuing the path of raga, nor is it that legitimate
institutional leadership is the monopolized prerogative of the
religio-corporate power elites and ecclesiastically rubberstamped guru
figureheads.
We cannot rubberstamp paramahamsas!
Indeed, as only the maha-bhagavata truly has the fitness to bestow
suddha-nama upon anyone, without receiving which a disciplic candidate could
hardly hope to make much tangible spiritual progress in this age of Kali, it is
the paramahamsa maha-bhagavata alone who viably stands as a comprehensive
representative of all our Srila Prabhupada and the acarya-parampara have to
offer.
We must always remember - It is not that authority constitutes truth. Truth
constitutes authority. That is guru-parampara !
They who prefer to bend, water down, compromise, or obscure the truth to suit
various inveigling materially conceived managerial agenda on the plea of
propagating the Krishna consciousness movement are not truthful Brahmins, what
then of being paramahamsa Vaishnavas."
(His Holiness Aindra Prabhu in his book : The heart of transcendental book
distribution")
The instruction for everyone to become guru is found in the following verse in
the Caitanya-Caritamrta, which was often quoted by Srila Prabhupada:
"Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Sri Krishna as they are given
in Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. In this way become a spiritual master
and try to liberate everyone in this land."
(C.c. Madhya, 7.128)
However, the type of guru, which Lord Caitanya is encouraging everyone to
become, is clearly established in the detailed purports following this verse:
"That is, one should stay at home, chant the Hare Krishna mantra and preach
the instructions of Krishna as they are given in Bhagavad-gita and
Srimad-Bhagavatam."
(C.c. Madhya, 7.128, purport)
"One may remain a householder, medical practitioner, an engineer or
whatever. It doesn't matter. One only has to follow the instruction of Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu, chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and instruct relatives
and friends in the teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam [...] It is
best not to accept any disciples."
(C.c. Madhya, 7.130, purport)
We can see that these instructions do not demand that the gurus in
question first attain any particular level of realisation before they
act. The request is immediate. From this it is clear everyone is simply
encouraged to preach what they may know, and in so doing become siksa, or
instructing, gurus. This is further clarified by the stipulation for the siksa
guru to remain in that position, and not then go on to become a diksa guru:
"It is best not to accept any disciples."
(C.c. Madhya, 7.130, purport)
To accept disciples is the main business of a diksa guru, whereas a
siksa guru simply needs to carry on his duties and preach Krishna
Consciousness as best he can. It is clear from Srila Prabhupada's
purports that in the above verse Lord Caitanya is actually authorising siksa
gurus, not diksa gurus.
This is also made abundantly clear in the many other references where Srila
Prabhupada encourages everyone to become guru:
"...'But I have no qualification. How can I become guru ?' There is no
need of qualification...Whomever you meet, you simply instruct what Krishna has
said. That's all. You become guru."
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, 21/5/76, Honolulu)
"yare dekha, tare kaha, Krishna-upadesa. You haven't got to manufacture
anything. What Krishna has already said, you repeat. Finish. don't make
addition, adulteration. Then you become guru [...] I may be fool, rascal [...]
So we have to follow this path, that you become guru, deliver your
neighbourhood men, associates, but speak the authoritative words of Krishna.
Then it will act [...] Anyone can do. A child can do."
(Srila Prabhupada Evening darshan, 11/5/77, Hrsikesh)
"Because people are in darkness, we require many millions of gurus to
enlighten them. Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission is, [...] He said that
"Everyone of you become guru."
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, 21/5/76, Honolulu)
"Because people are in darkness, we require many millions of gurus to
enlighten them. Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission is, [...] He said that
"Everyone of you become guru."
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, 21/5/76, Honolulu)
"You simply say [...] "Just always think of Me", Krishna said,
"And just become My devotee. Just worship Me and offer obeisances."
Kindly do these things." So if you can induce one person to do these
things, you become guru. Is there any difficulty?"
(Srila Prabhupada Conversation, 2/8/76, New Mayapur)
"Real guru is he who instructs what Krishna has said....You have simply to
say, 'This is this.' That's all. Is it very difficult task?"
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, 21/5/76, Honolulu)
SIKSA-GURU is also REAL GURU!!
But that does not apply to diksa gurus:
“Vallabha Bhaṭṭa wanted to be initiated by Gadādhara Pandita, BUT
GADADHARA PANDIT !!!!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)
NOTE !!! GADADHARA PANDIT ( RADHA SELF) CAN'T GIVE DIKSA WITHOUT DIRECT
ORDER FROM GURU !!!!
"Unless one is a resident of Krishna Loka, one cannot be a Spiritual
Master ( diksa-guru). That is the first proposition. A layman cannot be a
Spiritual Master, and if he becomes so then he will simply create disturbance.
"
(SP Letter Mukunda 6/10/69)
A real diksa-guru is a resident from Krishna-Loka means uttama-adikari with a
special authorization but not from GBC!!!
(Astonishingly, some brainwashed devotees have used such quotes as those above
as a justification for "minimally qualified diksa gurus", an entity
never once mentioned in any of Srila Prabhupada's books, letters, lectures or
conversations).
An example of a guru who has no qualification other than repeating what he has
heard, could be found on any bhakta induction course in ISKCON.
It is perfectly clear therefore that the above are actually invitations
to become instructing spiritual masters, siksa gurus. We know this since Srila
Prabhupada has already explained for us in his books the far more stringent
requirements for becoming a diksa guru.
Srila Prabhupada unequivocally stated that the diksa guru must be a
mahabhagavata (most advanced stage of God-realisation) AND be specifically
authorised by his own spiritual master. He had always strongly condemned the
assumption of guruship by those who were not suitably qualified and authorised.
We quote below from Srila Prabhupada's books where the qualifications of the
diksa guru are stated.
Iskcon-GBC says : Persons who are not full self-realized souls or
topmost Vaisnavas can be diksa-gurus if the GBC approves.( MYTH)
Maha-bhagavata-srestho brahmano vai gurur nrnam
sarvesam eva lokanam asau pujyo yatha harih
maha-kula-prasuto" pi sarva-yajnesu diksitah
sahasra-sakhadhya yi ca na guruh syad avaisnavah
"The (diksa) guru must be situated on the topmost platform of
devotional service. There are three classes of devotees, and the
(diksa)guru must be accepted from the topmost class."
(C.c. Madhya, 24.330, purport)
"When one has attained the topmost position of maha-bhagavata, he is to be
accepted as a (diksa) guru and worshipped exactly like Hari, the Personality of
Godhead. Only such a person is eligible to occupy the post of a (diksa)
guru."
(C.c. Madhya, 24.330, purport)
Diksa-Guru = QUALIFICATION AND AUTHORISATION !!
Aside from the qualification, Srila Prabhupada also taught that specific
authorisation from the predecessor acarya was also essential before anyone
could act as a diksa guru:
"On the whole, you may know that he (Bon Maharaja) is not a liberated
person, and therefore, he cannot initiate any person to Krishna Consciousness.
It requires special spiritual benediction from higher authorities."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Janardana, 26/4/68)
DIRECT EVIDENCE FOR CONTINUANCE OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ACARYA SYSTEM AFTER
PHYSICAL DISAPPEARANCE :
A. Srila Prabhupada’s direct Ritvik Acarya appointment May 28, 1977 ISKCON
Governing Board Commission (GBC) meeting. Notes enclosed in [ ]
Satsvarupa: By the votes of the present GBC. Then our next question concerns
initiations in the future, particularly at that time when you’re no longer with
us. We want to know how first and second initiation would be conducted.
Prabhupada: Yes. I shall recommend some of you. After this is settled up, I
shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acaryas.
[Srila Prabhupada clearly did not state "diksa-guru" nor
"acarya" which is a direct repudiation of the successor diksa-guru
accepting their own disciples senario in ISKCON.]
Tamala Krsna Is that called ritvik-acarya?
Prabhupada: Ritvik, yes.
[Srila Prabhupada equates "officiating acarya" with
"ritvik" which is
the second direct repudiation of the successor diksa-guru senario in ISKCON.]
Satsvarupa: Then what is the relationship of that person who gives the initiation
and the…
Prabhupada: He’s guru. He’s guru.
Satsvarupa: But he does it on your behalf.
Prabhupada: Yes. That is formality. Because in my presence one should not
become guru, so on my behalf, on my order… Amara ajnaya guru haia. Be actually
guru, but by my order.
[This is the third direct repudiation of Srila Prabhupada's disciples
accepting their own disciples in ISKCON.]
Satsvarupa: So they may also be considered your disciples.
Prabhupada: Yes, they are disciples. Why consider? Who?
[This is the fourth direct repudiation of the successor diksa-guru
senario in reply to Satsvarupa's question.]
Tamala Krsna: No, he’s asking that these ritvik-acaryas, they’re
officiating, giving diksa. Their… The people who they give diksa to,
whose disciple are they?
[Here Srila Prabhupada ends his conversation with Satvarupa and replies to
Tamal's misunderstanding. Tamal's misunderstanding is clearly evident as he
repeats Satvarupa's same question which was already clearly answered by Srila
Prabhupada. Further, Tamal's misunderstanding is clear in his saying that
ritviks and officiating acaryas give diksa which they clearly don't, as they
merely are representing the uttama-adhikari diksa-guru. Tamal's misconception
of "diksa" and "diksa-guru" is that both diksa-guru and
disciple must be physically present for diksa which clearly contradicts Srila
Prabhupada's teachings as i pointed out later .]
Prabhupada: They’re his disciple.
Tamala Krsna: They’re his disciple.
Prabhupada: Who is initiating. He is grand disciple.
Satsvarupa: Yes.
Tamala Krsna: That’s clear.
[Here Tamal draws his own conclusion and foolishly accepts only the sentence
("There're his disciple.") which he likes or understands. He ignores
Srila Prabhupada's clear answers to Satvarupa's previous questions which
repudiated the "disciples accepting their own disciples" senario in
ISKCON four times and thus Tamal misses Prabhupada's concluding statement as
follows.]
Satsvarupa: Then we have a question concer…
Prabhupada: When I order, "You become guru," he becomes regular guru.
That’s all. He becomes disciple of my disciple. That’s it.
[Here Srila Prabhupada clearly concludes his reply to Tamal and says that his
disciples can become regular guru and accept their own disciples only when he
orders them to. This clearly indicates that he did not yet give the specific
order for his disciples to become regular (diksa) gurus and accept their own
disciples in ISKCON in this meeting.
He already repeatedly confirmed this fact with his prior repudiation
(four times) in reply to Satsvarupa's original question on what the GBC were to
do for 1st and 2nd initiations "when you no longer are with us" as
already pointed out. So it is inconceivable that he changes his mind in
replying to what is essentially the same question from Tamal vis-a vis,
"Whose disciples are they?".
Tamal's misunderstanding of this crucial meeting was later confirmed in the
1980 Topanga Canyon guru meeting detailed in subsection II.A. Unfortunately as
secretary, his deviation was also written into the minutes of the May 28, 1977
meeting.
Here on youtube for hearing :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwPqWRrJvBI
"Actually Prabhupada never appointed any gurus, he appointed eleven
ritviks. He never appointed them gurus. Myself and the other GBC have done the
greatest disservice to this movement for the last three years because we
interpreted the appointment of ritviks as the appointment of gurus. [...] Srila
Prabhupada said: 'All right. I will appoint so many ...' and he started to name
them. He made it very clear that they are his disciples. At that point it was
very clear in my mind that he were his disciples. [...] You cannot show me
anything on tape or in writing were Prabhupada says: 'I appoint these eleven as
gurus' it does not exist. Because he never appointed any gurus. This a myth.
"
(Tamala Krishna Goswami: Pyramid House Confession December 3rd 1980)
"Every student is expected to become Acarya. Acarya means one who knows
the scriptural injunctions and follows them practically in life, and teaches
them to his disciples (...)
Keep trained up very rigidly and then you are bona fide Guru, and you can
accept disciples on the same principle. But as a matter of etiquette it is the
custom that during the lifetime of your Spiritual master you bring the
prospective disciples to him, and in his absence or disappearance you can
accept disciples without any limitation. This is the law of disciplic
succession. I want to see my disciples become bona fide Spiritual Master and
spread Krishna consciousness very widely, that will make me and Krishna very
happy."
(New Delhi 2 December, 1975 Letter to Tusta Krishna Swami)
Referring to the letter to Tusta Krishna quoted above where the “law” is
mentioned, Jayadvaita Swami states:
“I accept that this quotation doesn’t “prove” that a departed acarya
can’t initiate. I never said that it does.”
(Jayadvaita Swami, 4th June, 2004)
MYTH:
“There is a fundamental difference between the terms ‘spiritual master’ or
‘Guru’ and the term ‘acarya’.”
BUSTED:
According to Srila Prabhupada, the terms “Guru”, “acarya” and “spiritual
master” are all interchangeable:
“A guru is called also an acarya…”
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.7.43, purport).
“Srila Prabhupada did not appoint anyone to be guru for the future, he
appointed ritviks to continue in his presence. That much is accepted by
everyone.”
(His Holiness Jayadvaita Swami Maharaja (San Diego 1990)
“Why do we hesitate to tell a newcomer who is searching for a guru that Srila
Prabhupada, the best guru the world has ever seen, is still here, and one can
surrender unto him and go back to Godhead very easily?”
(HH Bhakti Charu Swami, Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day, October 31st,
2000)
"Regarding parampara system, there is nothing to wonder for big gaps.
[...]We have to pick up the prominent acarya and follow from him."
(SP Letter to Dayananda, 12/4/68)
4 years bevor Srila Prabhupada’s ritvik-appointment May 28, 1977 ISKCON
Governing Board Commission (GBC) meeting. :
"My Dear [Disciple 1], Please accept my blessings. Just now I have
received some more requests for giving first initiation… and now I am receiving
weekly not less than ten to fifteen such requests from new students. So it is
becoming very expensive to send so many sets of beads such a long distance, and
it has become a little bothersome for me also, so I think now you may be
appointed by me to give first initiations to new disciples by chanting on their
beads on my behalf. In America [Disciple 2] is doing that. So now if there are
two of you, that will give me great relief. [Disciple 2] will chant on the
beads for new devotees in America, Canada, like that; you can chant on the
beads for
the European continent, new disciples. They shall, of course, still be
considered as my disciples, not that they shall become your disciples, but you
will be empowered by me to chant their beads and that is the same effect of
binding master and disciple as if I were personally chanting."
(SP Letter, January 4, 1973)
"Prescription Takes Precedence Over Book Knowledge
I am aware of the fact that devotees will bring so many quotations from Srila
Prabhupada's books to support conclusions contrary to the rittvik
representative system prescribed by Srila Prabhupada in the July 9, 1977
letter.
To such devotees we must point out that Prabhupada's books are the standard
books for everyone in the Brahma Gaudiya Sampradaya, just as the law books or
medical books are standard books in their field. Still, when the judge hands
down a judgment or the physician writes a specific prescription for the
patient, that takes precedence over the book knowledge. Although Prabhupada
wrote so many books, his prescription for his immature disciples in the last
days was "Act as rittvik representative of the ACHARYA, DEPUTIES and
MONITOR of the ACHARYA."
Having run the full course of this race, this point is very clear by
realisation born of the fire of ordeal. I am not philosophising these
are my realisations by the grace of Prabhupada and Krishna."
(Hansadutta dasa, June, 1993)
As a general point, later instructions from the guru will always
supersede previous instructions; the final order is the final order, and must
be followed:
"I may say many things to you, but when I say something directly to you,
you do it. Your first duty is to do that, you cannot argue - "Sir you said
to me do like this before", no that is not your duty, what I say to you
now you do it, that is obedience you cannot argue."
(Srila Prabhupada S.B. Lecture, 14/4/75, Hyderabad)
Just as in the Bhagavad-gita Lord Krishna gave so many instructions to Arjuna,
he spoke of all types of yoga from Dhyana to Jnana, but all this was superseded
by the final order:
"Always think of Me and become My devotee"- should be taken as the
final order of the Lord and should be followed."
(Teachings of Lord Caitanya, chapter 11)
The final order given by Sankaracarya,"bhaja Govinda", was also meant
to supersede many of his earlier statements - all of them, in fact. As
mentioned in the introduction, the GBC itself recognises this as an axiomatic
principle of logic:
"In logic, later statements supersede earlier ones in importance."
(GBC Handbook , p. 25)
It is not possible to have a "later" statement than the last one.
July 9, 1977 worldwide final order to all GBC and TP
July 9th, 1977
To All G.B.C., and Temple Presidents
Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Recently when all of the GBC
members were with His Divine Grace in Vrndavana, Srila Prabhupada indicated
that soon He would appoint some of His senior disciples to act as
"rittik"-representative of the acarya, for the purpose of performing
initiations, both first initiation and second initiation. His Divine Grace has
so far given a list of eleven disciples who will act in that capacity:
• His Holiness Kirtanananda Swami
• His Holiness Satsvarupa dasa Gosvami
• His Holiness Jayapataka Swami
• His Holiness Tamala Krsna Gosvami
• His Holiness Hrdayananda Gosvami
• His Holiness Bhavananda Gosvami
• His Holiness Hamsaduta Swami
• His Holiness Ramesvara Swami
• His Holiness Harikesa Swami
• His Grace Bhagavan dasa Adhikari
• His Grace Jayatirtha dasa Adhikari
In the past Temple Presidents have written to Srila Prabhupada
recommending a particular devotee’s initiation. Now that Srila
Prabhupada has named these representatives, Temple Presidents may henceforward
send recommendation for first and second initiation to whichever of these
eleven representatives are nearest their temple.
After considering the recommendation, these representatives may accept the
devotee as an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada by giving a spiritual
name, or in the case of second initiation, by chanting on the Gayatri thread,
just as Srila Prabhupada has done. The newly initiated devotees are disciples
of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, the above eleven senior
devotees acting as His representative. After the Temple President receives a
letter from these representatives giving the spiritual name or the thread, he
can perform the fire yajna in the temple as was being done before. The name of
a newly initiated disciple should be sent by the representative who has accepted
him or her to Srila Prabhupada, to be included in His Divine Grace’s
"Initiated Disciples" book.
Hoping this finds you all well.
Your servant, Tamala Krsna Gosvami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
Approved: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
[Srila Prabhupada's signature appears on the original]
(Note: There is a reference to the May 28, 1977 meeting in Vrindavan in which
Srila Prabhupada replied to a specific question from the GBC on what to do for
iniitiations after his physical disappearance.
"Now you have a very good field. Now organize it and it will be a great
credit. No one will disturb you there. Make your own field and continue to
become ritvik and act on my behalf."
(Śrīla Prabhupāda to Hansadutta : July 31, 1977)
The July 9, 1977 worldwide final order to all GBC and Tempelpresidents and this
Letter to Hansadutta Prabhu July 31, 1977 are the last and final
orders/instructions from Prabhupada for Iskcon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"I may say many things to you, but when I say something directly to you,
you do it. Your first duty is to do that, you cannot argue - "Sir you said
to me do like this before", no that is not your duty, what I say to you
now you do it, that is obedience you cannot argue."
(Srila Prabhupada S.B. Lecture, 14/4/75, Hyderabad)
Bhavananda:
"There will be men, I know. There will be men who want to try and pose
themselves a gurus."
Tamal Krsna:
"That was going on many years ago. Your Godbrothers were thinking like
that. Madhava Maharaja ... "
Bhavananda:
"Oh yes. Oh, ready to jump."
Srila Prabhupada: "Very strong management required and vigilant
observation ... "
(ROOM CONVERSATION. May 27 1977)
"I am the Spiritual Master of this institution, and ALL the members of the
Society, they’re supposed to be MY disciples. They follow the rules and
regulations which I ask them to follow, and they are INITIATED BY ME
spiritually" –
(Srila Prabhupada Radio Interview, 12 March 1968, San Francisco)
"Unless one is initiated by a bona fide spiritual master, all his
devotional activities are useless. A person who is not properly
initiated can descend again into the animal species."
(Madhya 15:108 (p), quoting Hari Bhakti Vilasa, 2.6)
"...in order to receive the real message of Srimad Bhagavatam one
should approach the current link, or spiritual master, in the chain of
disciplic succession. After being initiated by the proper spiritual
master in that chain of succession, one should engage himself in the discharge
of tapasya in the execution of devotional service"
(S.B. 2.9.7, purport)
Ritviks or Representatives of acarya are sastra confirmed but our
Iskcon-Gurusystem now is not Sastra-confirmed Ananda Prabhuji :
"In this way the disciple renders devotional service under the guidance of
the spiritual master or his representatives for at least six months to a
year."
(C.c. Madhya, 24.330, purport)
Excerpt from Srila Prabhupada's Declaration of last Will :
"The executive directors who have herein been designated are appointed for
life. In the event of death or failure to act for any reason of any of the said
directors, a successor director or directors may be appointed by the remaining
directors, provided the new director IS MY initiated disciple following
strictly all the rules and regulations of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness as detailed in my books, and provided that there are never less
than three (3) or more than five (5) exeutive directors acting at one
time."
Especially this point: ...." provided the new director is MY initiated
disciple".......!!
“the will is signed by Srila Prabhupada, and it clearly says that each
successor director should be Srila Prabhupada’s initiated disciple.”
(Where the Ritvik People are Wrong, Jayadvaita Swami, 1996)
This of course can only happen if the ritvik system is in place for all
times in ISKCON, and therefore every future devotee becomes “Srila Prabhupada’s
initiated disciple.”
Challenging this direct evidence for the ritvik system in ISKCON,Jayadvaita
Swami Maharaja states the following:
“And ultimately one can become not only his disciple in spirit but his
“initiated disciple” through the guru-parampara system.”
(Where the Ritvik People are Wrong, Jayadvaita Swami, 1996)
Jayadvaita Swami Maharaja states that one becomes Srila Prabhupada’s initiated
disciple through the guru-parampara system.
In a subsequent paper Jayadvaita Swami Maharaja states the ritvik system
brings:
“an end to the parampara system”
(Where the Ritvik People are Wrong Again, Jayadvaita Swami, 1998)
This Prabhupada's final will can only work in the future after Prabhupada's
physical departure, if these Ritvik-system instruction are followed and this
instruction also:
“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. This is not a title, but you must actually come to this
platform. This I want.”
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, August 4th, 1975)
"The order of the spiritual master is the active principle in spiritual
life. Anyone who disobeys the order of the spiritual master immediately becomes
useless."
PURPORT
"Here is the opinion of Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī. Persons who
strictly follow the orders of the spiritual master are useful in
executing the will of the Supreme, whereas persons who deviate from the strict
order of the spiritual master are useless."
(Adi-Lila 12.10)
"Some of the disciples strictly accepted the orders of the ācārya, and
others deviated, independently concocting their own opinions under the spell of
daivī-māyā."
PURPORT
"This verse describes the beginning of a schism. When disciples do not
stick to the principle of accepting the order of their spiritual master,
immediately there are two opinions. Any opinion different from the opinion of
the spiritual master is useless. One cannot infiltrate materially concocted
ideas into spiritual advancement. That is deviation. There is no scope for
adjusting spiritual advancement to material ideas."
(Adi-Lila 12.9)
Diksa normally involves a ceremony, but it is not absolutely essential, more a
formality:
"So anyway, from 1922 to 1933 practically I was not initiated, but I got
the impression of preaching Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult. That I was thinking.
And that was the initiation by my Guru Maharaja."
(SP Lecture, 10/12/76, Hyderabad)
"Initiation is a formality. If you are serious, that is real initiation.
My touch is simply a formality. It is your determination, that is
initiation."
(BTG, Search for the Divine)
“Diksa actually means *initiating* a disciple *with transcendental knowledge*
by which he becomes freed from all material contamination.” (Madhya-lila,
4:112, Purport)
"Diksa is the process by which one can awaken his transcendental knowledge
and vanquish all reactions caused by sinful activity. A person expert in the
study of the revealed scriptures knows this process as diksa."
(C.C. Mad., 15-108)
"First He says the spiritual master awakens the sleeping living entity to
his original consciousness so that he can worship Lord Visnu. This is the
purpose of diksa or initiation. Initiation means receiving the pure knowledge
of spiritual consciousness."
[Madhya-Lila 9.61,purport]
"...disciplic succession does not always mean that one has to be initiated
officially. Disciplic succession means to accept the disciplic
conclusion."
(SP Letter to Dinesh, 31/10/69)
"If you have understood this Krsna philosophy and if you have decided that
you will take Krsna consciousness seriously and preach the philosophy to
others. That is your initiation, my touch is simply a formality. It is your
determination that is initiation."
(B.T.G. Article "Search for the Divine")
Prabhupada: Well, initiation or no initiation, first thing is knowledge.
(break) ...knowledge. Initiation is FORMALITY. Just like you go to a school for
knowledge, and admission is FORMALITY. THAT IS NOT VERY IMPORTANT THING.
(Srila Prabhupada in an interview to the press on Oct 16th 1976 in Chandigarh)
"The chanting of Hare Krsna is our main business, that is real initiation.
And as you are all following my instruction, in that matter, the initiator is
already there."
(SP Letter to Tamal Krsna, 19/8/68)
„Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from
him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart
knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth.“
(BG 4.34)
"Eternal bond between disciple and Spiritual Master begins from the day he
hears."
(SP Letter to Jadurani, 4/9/72)
"These are not ordinary books. It is recorded chanting. Anyone who reads,
he is hearing."
(Letter to Rupanuga Das, 19/10/74)
"The spiritual master by his words, can penetrate into the heart of the
suffering person and inject knowledge transcendental which alone can extinguish
the fire of material existence."
(S.B. 1.7.22, purport)
Devotee:
Srila Prabhupada when you're not present with us, how is it possible to receive
instructions? For example in questions that may arise...
Srila Prabhupada:
Well the questions are answ...answers are there in my books.
(SP Morning Walk, Los Angeles, 13/5/73)
"So we should give more stress on the sound vibration, either of Krishna
or Spiritual Master. Never think that I am absent from you, presence by message
(or hearing) is the real touch."
(SP Letter to students, 2/8/67)
"Reception of spiritual knowledge is never checked by any material
condition."
(S.B. 7.7.1. purport)
"The potency of transcendental sound is never minimised because the
vibrator is apparently absent."
(S.B. 2.9.8. purport)
Srila Prabhupada:
Even a moments association with a pure devotee - all success!
Revatinanda:
Does that apply to reading the words of a pure devotee?
Srila Prabhupada:
Yes
Revatinanda:
Even a little association with your books has the same effect?
Srila Prabhupada:
Effect. Of course it requires both things. One must be very eager to take it.
(SP Room Conversation, 13/12/70)
Paramahamsa:
My question is, a pure devotee, when he comments on Bhagavad Gita, someone who
never sees him physically, but he just comes in contact with the commentary,
explanation, is this the same thing?
Srila Prabhupada:
Yes. You can associate with Krishna by reading Bhagavad-Gita. And these saintly
persons, they have given their explanations, comments. So where is the
difficulty?
(SP Morning Walk, Paris 11/6/74)
"There is nothing new to be said. Whatever I had to say, I have already
said in my books. Now you must try to understand it and continue with your
endeavours. Whether I am present or not does not matter. "
(Arrival Conversation, Vrindavan, 17/5/77)
"If I depart there is no cause for lamentation. I will always be with you
through my books and orders. I will always remain with you in that way."
(Back To Godhead 13:1-2, December 1977)
"Every one of you must regularly read our books at least twice, in the
morning and evening, and automatically all questions will be answered."
(SP Letter to Randhira, 24/01/70)
"So utilise whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books.
Then all your questions will be answered."
(SP Letter to Upendra, 7/1/76)
"In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully so
if there is anything you do not understand, then you simply have to read again
and again. By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this
process your spiritual life will develop."
(SP Letter to Brahmarupa Dasa, 22/11/74)
Narayana:
So those disciples who don't have the opportunity to see you or speak with
you...
Srila Prabhupada:
That he was speaking, vani and vapuh. Even if you don't see his body, you take
his words, vani.
Narayana:
But how do they know that they're pleasing you?
Srila Prabhupada:
If you actually follow the words of Guru, that means he is pleased. And if you
do not follow, how can he be pleased?
Sudama:
Not only that, but your mercy is spread everywhere, and if we take advantage,
you told us once, then we will feel the result.
Srila Prabhupada:
Yes.
Jayadvaita:
And if we have faith in what the Guru says, then automatically we'll do that.
Srila Prabhupada:
Yes. My Guru Maharaja passed away in 1936, and I started this movement in 1965,
30 years after. Then? I am getting mercy of Guru. This is vani. Even if Guru is
not physically present, if you follow the vani, then you are getting help.
Sudama:
So there is no question of ever separation as long as the disciple follows the
instructions of Guru.
Srila Prabhupada:
No. Cakhu-dano-dilo-jei. What is the next one?
Sudama:
Cakhu-dano-dilo-jei, janme janme prabhu sei.
Srila Prabhupada:
Janme janme prabhu sei. So where there is separation? Who has opened your eyes,
he is birth after birth your prabhu.
(SP Morning Walk, 21/7/75, San Francisco)
"If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, a devotee
should serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no difference
between the spiritual masters instructions and the spiritual master himself. In
the absence therefore, his words of direction should be pride of the
disciple."
(C.c. Adi 1.35, purport)
"He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with
him."
(S.B. Preface)
"Yes, the ecstacy of separation of Spiritual Master is even greater
ecstasy than meeting with him."
(SP Letter to Jadurani, 13/1/68)
"Krishna and his representative are the same. Similarly, the spiritual
master can be present wherever the disciple wants. A spiritual master is the
principle, not the body. Just like a television can be seen in thousands of
place by the principle of relay monitoring."
(SP Letter to Malati, 28/5/68)
Does the Guru have to be physically present?
"Physical presence is immaterial. Presence of the transcendental sound
received from the Spiritual Master should be the guidance of life. That will
make our spiritual life successful. If you feel very strongly about my absence
you may place my pictures on my sitting places and this will be source of
inspiration for you."
(SP Letter to Brahmananda and other students, 19/1/67)
"But always remember that I am always with you. As you are always thinking
of me, I am always thinking of you also. Although physically we are not
together, we are not separated spiritually. So we should be concerned only with
this spiritual connection."
(SP Letter to Gaurasundara, 13/11/69)
"So we should associate by vibration, and not by the physical presence.
That is real association."
(SP Lectures SB, 18/08/68)
"There are two conceptions, the physical conception and the vibrational
conception. The physical conception is temporary. The vibrational conception is
eternal.[...] When we feel separation from Krishna or the Spiritual Master, we
should just try to remember their words or instructions, and we will no longer
feel that separation. Such association with Krishna and the Spiritual Master
should be association by vibration not physical presence. That is real
association."
(Elevation to Krishna Consciousness, chapter 4)
"Although according to material vision His Divine Grace Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarsavati Thakura Prabhupada passed away from this material
world on the last day of December 1936, I still consider his Divine Grace to be
always present with me by his vani, his words. There are two ways of
association - by vani and by vapuh. Vani means words and vapuh means physical
presence. Physical presence is sometimes appreciable and sometimes not, but
vani continues to exist eternally. Therefore, one must take advantage of the
vani, not the physical presence."
(C.c. Antya, concluding words)
"Therefore we should take advantage of the vani, not the physical
presence."
(SP Letter to Suci Devi Dasi, 4/11/75)
"I shall remain your personal guidance, physically present or not
physically present, as I am getting guidance from my Guru Maharaja."
(SP Room Conversation, Vrindavan, 14/7/77)
"It is sometimes misunderstood that if one has to associate with persons
engaged in devotional service, he will not be able to solve the economic
problem. To answer this argument, it is described here that one has to
associate with liberated persons not directly, physically, but by
understanding, through philosophy and logic, the problems of life."
(SB 3:31:48 purport)
"I am always with you. Never mind if I am physically absent."
(SP Letter to Jayananda, 16/9/67)
"What we have heard from the Spiritual Master, that is living."
(Lecture, 15/1/69)
Statement by Srila Prabhupada in New York in 1968:
“After me there will be no more Acarya”
(recounted by Rohini Kumar Swami in July 1989, November 1991 and February
1993).
I wish that each and every Branch shall keep their independent identity and
cooperate keeping the Acarya ( Srila Prabhupada) in the centre. On this
principle we can open any number of Branches all over the world.
(Letter to Kirtanananda -- San Francisco 11 February, 1967)
"Srila Prabhupada has taught us that the disciplic succession is a living
affair [...] The law of disciplic succession is that one approaches a living
spiritual master - living in the sense of being physically present."
(Sivarama Swami ISKCON Journal, p.31, GBC 1990)
It is hard to reconcile the above assertion with statements such as:
"Physical presence is not important."
(Srila Prabhupada Room conversation, 6/10/77, Vrindavan)
or
"Physical presence is immaterial."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, 19/1/67)
Of course, we must have a guru who is external, since in the conditioned stage
pure reliance on the Supersoul is not possible, but nowhere does Srila
Prabhupada teach that this physical guru must also be physically present:
"Therefore one must take advantage of the vani, not the physical
presence."
(C.c. Antya, concluding words)
Srila Prabhupada practically demonstrated this principle by initiating large
numbers of his disciples without ever meeting them physically at all. This fact
in itself proves that diksa can be obtained without any physical involvement
from the guru. There is nothing in sastra, or from Srila Prabhupada, linking
diksa with physical presence.
Krsna has given you the ears. Therefore Vedic knowledge is called sruti. You go
to a proper person, guru, and hear from him. Therefore this word is used.
Sruyamanayam. If you hear from the right person, then krsne parama puruse
bhaktir utpadyate. Then you develop your Krsna consciousness.
(S.B. Lecture, 1.7.7 Vrndavana 6th September, 1976)
"The chanting of the holy name is so powerful that it gradually
establishes its supremacy above everything in the world. The devotee who chants
it becomes transcendentally situated in ecstasy and sometimes laughs, cries and
dances in his ecstasy. Sometimes the unintelligent put hindrances in the path
of chanting this maha-mantra, but one who is situated on the platform of love
of Godhead chants the holy name loudly for all concerned. As a result everyone
becomes----INITIATED----!! in the chanting of the holy names--Hare Krsna, Hare
Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare
Hare."
(T.L.C. Chapter 18)
"Devotional service entails being initiated by a bona fide spiritual
master and following his instruction in regard to hearing about the Lord. Such
a bona fide spiritual master is accepted by regularly hearing from him about
the Lord."
(S.B. 3.5.42)
Diksa Given to Madhyama-adhikari is Not a Formality
No disrespect intended to Shiva das Prabhu, but there is a philosophical
misunderstanding and I have just compiled below a reply to prove the point.
Shiva das wrote:
"Also contradicting his thesis is the numerous places where Srila
Prabhupada said that madhyama and even kanistha devotees can act as diksa
gurus"
This is a misunderstanding - you will not find ONE quote to say Kanistha or
even a Madhyam devotee can act as DIKSA guru!
THE STUDENTS AND DISCIPLES ARE INITIATED ACCORDING TO AUTHORIZED PANCARATRIKI
REGULATIONS
There are two aspects in initiation:
1) Formality (Pancaratriki) - name giving ceremony etc
2) Diksa (Knowledge= divja-jnana) - spiritual initiation received by Madhyama
adhikari
So a question may be raised, why formality?
The answer is very simple: the Diksa given to Madhyama adhikari is NOT a
formality. Initiation offered to neophyte/Kanistha IS a Formality. THIS is the
BIG difference!!
In conformity with the establishment of the formality of a Ritvik System 9th
July 1977, Srila Prabhupada’s signed directive to the society the Pancaratriki
regulations were followed in this initiation. “THE STUDENTS AND DISCIPLES ARE
INITIATED ACCORDING TO AUTHORIZED PANCARATRIKI REGULATIONS”
„This is a general principle. However, A person who is liberated acharya and
guru cannot commit any mistake, but there are persons who are less qualified or
not liberated, but still can act as 'guru' and 'acharya' by strictly following
the disciplic succession.“
(Lecture 26th April, 1968. New York)
Whether one uses the terms OFFICIATING ACARYA OR RITVIK OR REPRESENTATIVE they
mean the SAME ie to ACT ON BEHALF OF ACARYA. So this is act as “guru” and
“Acarya”. They ACTING as OFFICIATING ACARYA OR RITVIK REPRESENTATIVE OF ACARYA.
They are NOT acarya but acting as in capacity to OFFICIATE on behalf of the
ACARYA. This is very clear. Srila Prabhupada has in all front cover of the
Books:
Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The hypen
means Srila Prabhupada IS the ACARYA of ISKCON not simply its Founder
consequently, one who wants to accept the position of formality of initiating
others can ONLY do so ON BELHALF of Srila Prabhupada the ACARYA. THERE IS NO
OTHER WAY. Srila Prabhupada’s Diksa giving position in ISKCON as long as it
exists is IRREPLACEABLE.
Here Sripad Aindra Prabhus quotes :
"Let the over-intelligent, doggedly resorting to materially contrived
managerial stratagems, injudiciously undermine the essential principle of
keeping single-minded confidence in the lucid instructions of the institutional
Founder-acarya; they’ll have to learn the hard way – as will the attendantly
implicated!
Let hundreds of heedless sannyasis and guru-figureheads plunge from their
pompous pedestals owing to their often sentimentally justified, inappropriately
frequent, and overextended proximity in dealings with their female disciples
and so on. Why should we lament or bother ourselves to in any way condemn or
condone; these things are going on – and on – and will continue to go on and on
and on . . . Trust no future however pleasant.
Let the upper-organizational----oligarchy----- (russia translation =
power-jews) essay to save face by repeatedly rehashing their
clandestine attempts to cloak the pitiable transgressions of the
institutionally rubberstamped guru-figureheads."
( His Holiness Sripad Aindra Prabhu in his book : "The heart of
transcendental book distribution " )
Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja Prabhupada:
“Therefore having a bona fide spiritual master and serving him and pleasing him
and getting his mercy is essential. Otherwise there can be no advancement in
Krishna consciousness. And unless the spiritual master is a pure devotee of
Krishna then he has no potency to give you Krishna. He is simply a cheating
rascal.
So in fact above all the rules and regulations and offenses I have mentioned
the most important thing, the essential thing, which is required if you want to
come to the stage of purely chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is you must have a
bona fide spiritual master who is a pure devotee of Krishna. Without having a
bona fide spiritual master you can chant Hare Krishna forever but you will not
be able to advance because Krishna does not reveal Himself in this way. He only
reveals Himself to those devotees who surrender to and serve and please His
pure devotees.”.
(SP Letter to his London disciples, July, 1969)
“And if you get a bona fide spiritual master, he will take you to Krsna.”
(The Laws of Nature, chapter 1, p. 43)
“This is the process of initiation. […]
Then, the spiritual master takes care of him and elevates him to spiritual
emancipation.”
(Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, 24.256)
“It is not that after we become initiated we become perfect. No. It requires
teaching. So if we take instruction from them, all senior godbrothers may be
treated as guru, there is no harm.”
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, November 20th, 1971)
The class monitor never takes the place of the teacher, but assists him in his
absence
“Sometimes a diksa guru is not present always. Therefore one can take learning,
instruction, from an advanced devotee. That is called the siksa guru.”
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, July 4th, 1974)
AINDRA PRABHUs FINAL WORDS FOR A SANKIRTAN REVOLUTION !!!
RELIGIO-INSTITUTIONAL PSYWAR
[Principles of psychological disempowerment]
1. Convince the enemy [us, the laity] that there is no war so we see no cause
for alarm.
2. Make us believe that they [the institutional power elite] are
stronger than they really are, and make us believe that we [the grass roots
contingency] are weaker than we really are.
3. Hide the truth cover-up, distort, lie, confuse, falsify . . .
divert, pervert, put down, and demonize the truth . . . to manipulate the
history, present, and future of society.
4. Quell the resistance before it has a chance to raise its ugly head. Slander,
scorn, and/or eliminate dissenters [the audacious few who break the code of
silence] to demoralize further potential protests.
5. Intimidation compel by unilateral communication of increasingly
ever-constraining institutional law. Supplant multi-angular
philosophical discussion with sophistical dogma.
The institutional power elites are small in number [potentially weak] but at
present considerably organized and dominant though not very popular. We,the
unvoiced majority, are potentially powerful but presently misinformed,
under-educated, apathetic, obsequious, disarrayed, and disorganized too busy
with our dumbed-down pursuit of our daily fare to think very deeply about
anything.
The power elites, by exercising their political leverage, have quite a handle
on the temporal institutional facilities [men, money, social and organizational
infrastructure, media (spin control), etc.] They are parasitic in behavior,
fat, corrupt, speculative, deceitful,
increasingly sluggish, and paranoid. We the laity control very little of the
institutional hardware. It will be very difficult for us to erect a power
structure as they have to counter their political advantage within the context
of ?their? establishment. Yet those of us who are awake to the power elite?s
misguided agenda to stealthily hijack, dysfunctionalize, and derail, from within,
the Krishna consciousness movement by incremental trans-sectarian interfaith
homogenization can and must assiduously acquaint ourselves and others with the
true principles of sampradaya as per the gaudiya-siddhanta according to the
statements of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the previous acaryas.
WAKE UP PRABHUS! EVERYONE WAKE UP!
Everything is not alright. We have been and are being purposely steered
off course. Do not acquiesce to any so-called leader's [or any group of
so-called leaders] deviant philosophical misconstructions. Understand
the issues: errant material control systems, corporatization,
centralization, bureaucratization, social liberalization, rubberstamped
guruship, psychologically coerced communal compliance, marginalization
of nama-sankirtana, contractual institutional commitment, etc.
Understand the ramifications: guru-avajna; crippling of individual
striving, creativity, and expression; decline of pure devotional ethos
into obscurity, vulnerability to broad-scope multi-level globalist
infiltration.
They rely on our ease-loving ignorance, our tendency to gravitate
through the supposed path of least resistance, and our lazy
disinclination to stand up against all odds to fight for truth on behalf
of our predecessor acaryas. We cannot blame anyone except ourselves for
our lack of Krishna consciousness. We must think with our own minds !!
not with theirs. Understand their tactics. Increased awareness of the
truth brings with it increased spiritual power. Increased spiritual
power puts time on our side. That is our strength.
Temporal institutional might does not make right. Even if the
clandestine manipulators of institutional affairs are able to
nefariously usurp the external institutional set-up, they can neither
usurp our souls nor will they ever win our heartfelt comraderie. It is
time for revolution a revolution of consciousness. Let the
institutional power brokers beware.
The increasing numbers of we who are on to their antics will have
revolution with or without their consent or cooperation. The biggest
bubble of maya can doubtlessly be burst by the minutest pinprick of
genuine Krishna consciousness. The critical mass of our spark-like
grass-roots Krishna consciousness will ultimately prevail and
conflagrate their insinuative billowing-cotton-like mayic institutional
tyranny.
A CALL TO ARMS
1. Intelligently fight institutional maya with the most powerful weapon
of the Holy Name.
2. Form local daily nama-sankirtana cells world-wide.
3. Regularly congregate for prolonged mass hari-nama-sankirtan
demonstrations.
4. Start chanting a minimum of one lac of Holy Names daily.
5. Confront local, regional, and zonal institutional authorities and
convince them to do the same ? its either shape up or ship out.
6. Organize a grass roots signature campaign to express the general lack
of confidence in the current institutional leadership.
7. Transition from the problem-think to the solution-think mind-set.
8. Be Krishna conscious in all circumstantial success or failure.
If we are not part of the solution we are part of the problem.
The solution is simple [for the simple]: Harer-namaiva-kevalam.
Take shelter of the Holy Name as your only business.
Nothing to lose ? everything to gain.
(His Holiness Sripad Aindra Prabhu)
Now, Canakya Pandita gives three things, formula, “If you want to be
fortunate, then do these three things.” What is that? Murkha yatra na
pujyante: “Do not give any credit to the rascal.” That is first
qualification. Don’t be carried away by the rascal. Murkha yatra na
pujyante. If you worship a rascal, then your life is spoiled. You must
worship a really learned representative of God. That is very good.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.31 San Francisco, July 16, 1975)
"So this movement is so important. Somehow or other if you can engage
them in chanting and dancing, the whole world will be united. What the
United Nations has failed, this movement can do–if it is not checked by
the rascals. But the rascals are ready to check this movement. That is
the difficulty. Otherwise, God, Krsna, is always ready to help us."
(Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.26.18 Bombay, December 27, 1974)
The pseudo religionists have neither knowledge nor detachment from
material affairs, for most of them want to live in the golden shackles
of material bondage under the shadow of philanthropic activities
disguised as religious principles. By a false display of religious
sentiments, they present a show of devotional service while indulging in
all sorts of immoral activities. In this way they pass as spiritual
masters and devotees of God. Such violators of religious principles have
no respect for the authoritative acaryas, the holy teachers in the
strict disciplic succession.
THEY IGNORE THE VEDIC INJUNCTION ACARYOPASANA–”ONE MUST WORSHIP THE
ACARYA”–and Krsna’s statement in the Bhagavad-gita (4.2) evam
parampara-praptam, “This supreme science of God is received through the
disciplic succession.” Instead, to mislead the people in general they
themselves become so-called acaryas, but they do not even follow the
principles of the acaryas. These rogues are the most dangerous elements
in human society. Because there is no religious government, they escape
punishment by the law of the state. They cannot, however, escape the law
of the Supreme, who has clearly declared in the Bhagavad-gita that
envious demons in the garb of religious propagandists shall be thrown
into the darkest regions of hell (Isopanisad 12)
SRI ISOPANISAD CONFIRMS THAT THESE PSEUDO RELIGIONISTS ARE HEADING
TOWARD THE MOST OBNOXIOUS PLACE IN THE UNIVERSE AFTER THE COMPLETION OF
THEIR SPIRITUAL MASTER BUSINESS, WHICH THEY CONDUCT SIMPLY FOR SENSE
GRATIFICATION. (Bg.16.19-20)
“There are many jealous people in the dress of Vaishnavas in this
Krishna Consciousness movement, and they should be completely neglected.
A false acarya may try to override a vaishnava by a high-court decision,
(2/3 hand vote) but Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that he is nothing but a
disciple of Kali-yuga.”.
“Bhaktivinoda Thakura says, Kali-cela. He indicates that there are other
Vaishnavas, pseudo-Vaishnavas, with tilaka on their nose and kunti beads
around their neck. Such a pseudo-Vaishnava associates with money and
women and is jealous of successful Vaishnavas. Although passing for a
Vaishnava, his only business is earning money in the dress of a Vaishnava”.
(CC.Madhy.,Ch.1, Text 218 / 220, purport)
"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 straight and forward 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."
[Srila Prabhupada from Bhagavad-gita 10.4-5]
Prabhupada: (break) ...worm and the sun. When the sun is arisen, the
glowworms, automatically finished. (break) ...motto, "Krsna is sun." You
know it? Krsna surya-sama. So when Krsna sun is there, all these
glowworms' lightening will be finished. (break) Keep this sun always
shining. Then these glowworms will be finished.
( S.P.Morning Walk June 21, 1975, Los Angeles)
Prabhupada: Ah. So this is our one of the items, to vanquish all these
rascals, so-called swamis. They say that "Why you criticize others
also?" Because we have to vanquish them. Now these people cannot rise.
When there is sunrise, there is no use of these glowworms. So this Krsna
consciousness movement is Krsna Himself. Therefore they must be
finished, all over the world. So-called religionists, so-called
philosophers, so-called avataras, swamis, yogis--finished. Our program
should be like that. (break) ...all these rascals, anymore to flourish.
That is one of our program.
(S.P.Morning Walk Excerpts May 2, 1974, Bombay)
Prabhupada: Potency. Just like electricity. There is standard
regulation: "This is negative; this is positive. You must act like this.
You must fix like..." You cannot do whimsically: "No, why not this way?
Why not that way?" Then it is lost. Then there will be no electricity.
Similarly, there is standard method how to understand this philosophy,
how to get it, I mean to say, what is called, authoritatively. Then it
will act.
(S.P.Room Conversation with Bill Faill (reporter)October 8, 1975, Durban)
If you go on as you are doing now,then it will go on. But if you stop...
Ganesa: Srila Prabhupada, if the knowledge was handed down by the
saintly kings, evam parampara-praptam, how is it that the knowledge was
lost?
Prabhupada: When it was not handed down. Simply understood by
speculation. Or if it is not handed down as it is. They might have made
some changes.Or they did not hand it down. Suppose I handed it down to
you, but if you do not do that, then it is lost. Now the Krsna
consciousness movement is going on in my presence. Now after my
deparature, if you do not do this, then it is lost. If you go on as you
are doing now, then it will go on. But if you stop... (end)
( S.P.Room Conversation with Carol Cameron May 9, 1975, Perth)
