Gauridasa Pandit Prabhu at the Prabhupadanuags Festival Jaipur

                                                   Gauridasa Pandit Prabhu giving lecture

                        Gauridasa Pandit Prabhu and Gaurangasundar dasa honouring prasadam

                                Gauridasa Pandit Prabhu getting his Ektara ready for the kirtan

Gauridasa Pandita Dasa: What Kind of Guru are You?

Dear Vaisyaseka Prabhu, [...] As you may know I was one of Srila Prabhupada’s personal servants back in 1977. I was in Hrishikesh with Srila Prabhupada when he first told us that he wanted to go to Vrindavan to leave his body.
This was mid-May. So we went to Vrindavan the next day where Prabhupada asked to see all of the devotees in his room. After all the devotees that could settled in, Srila Prabhupada started to speak. He said that he had come to Vrindavan to leave his body but we devotees didn’t need to lament because he would live on in his books. There is a tape of this
arrival address. Half of the devotees including Yasosanandan Swami, began to cry and begged Srila Prabhupada not to leave. It was a sad shock to us all to hear these words from His Divine Grace.
About a week later I was attending to Srila Prabhupada in his garden when his secretary asked him if he would appoint a guru to succeed him after his departure. Prabhupada said that he would appoint ritvik representatives who would initiate on his behalf.

Later on May 28th 1977, there was a GBC meeting in Srila Prabhupada’s
room in Vrindavan. It’s on tape. Knowing Srila Prabhupada already said
he was getting ready to leave the planet the questions concerned the
future of the movement after his departure. So Satsvarupa asked how
initiations would go on after his departure and Prabhupada said that
he would appoint ‘officiating acharyas’. Hearing that the secretary,
TKG, asked if that was also called a ‘ritvik’ having heard him mention
it earlier and Prabhupada said, “ritvik yes.”
He said he would appoint them later.
Later on July 5th I was attending to Prabhupada in his garden in the
morning as usual when Tamal read some letters to Prabhupada. They were
from temple presidents asking for initiation approval for their local
devotees. Srila Prabhupada said that he would appoint some ritvik
representatives soon. Then on July 7th he heard more requests for
initiations and started to name the first group of ritvik
representatives of the acharya. The secretary said that all the
devotees the reps. Initiated would still be Srila Prabhupada’s
disciples and Srila Prabhupada said, “Yes.”
So it was understood by the secretary, TKG and I thought this is what
would happen. Needless to say I was shocked to see what happened after
His Divine Grace left.
On July 9th 1977, TKG read the Newsletter to all GBC’s and Temple
Presidents back to Prabhupada, who dictated it on the 7th, and he
approved it and signed it. This is the final order on Iskcon
initiations that Srila Prabhupada gave.
I heard and saw all of this and more. I have tried to tell the GBC
these facts but so far they have refused to allow me time to address
them. So individually I try to inform them when I get the opportunity.
I told Navayogendra Swami years ago in LA and he accepted that he
should be a ritvik representative and promised he would; but when the
GBC found out they gave him an ultimatum to give up ritvik or leave
Iskcon. He choose to stay and it’s hard to blame him for that.
Trivikrama had a dream a few years ago where Prabhupada told him to
ask Yasodanandan and myself about the guru issue. When he came to
Mangala Aritika in Berkeley I was there, which is rare, the morning
after his dream. The Swami approached me and asked to hear what I
heard from Srila Prabhupada. I spent about an hour going through the
events and he seemed to accept it and asked what he should do next. I
said he should try to convince the GBC members. It seems he either hit
a brick wall or didn’t even try at all.
I talked to my old friend Bhakti Charu Swami, in Srila Prabhupada’s
garden in LA and told him what I heard and he said that he tells his
initiates that Srila Prabhupada is their ‘delivering guru’ and he is
just helping them take shelter of Srila Prabhupada. I said the others
don’t say that and it would be good if he could talk to them about it.
We had a GBC initiation debate in San Deigo Temple in Jan. 1990 and at
the end of that nice debate is was voted on by the NA GBC that another
debate would occur at the next Mayapur Goura Pouranima festival.
Instead of allowing the next voted on debate the GBC banned any
discussion of the ritvik initiation system in Iskcon and any devotees
discussing it would be banned from the temples.
So here we are today. I was surprised to hear that you had also taken
that path. That is why I felt oblidged to tell you all this. So the
order of the spiritual master is to initiate on his behalf. You can
continue to be a spiritual leader, a ritvik representitive is a very
honorable position and responsibility. It’s unfortunate that it has
been made a bad name and system since it came from the lotus mouth of
His Divine Grace. So you should tell the devotees that you authorized
for initiation that they should worship Srila Prabhupada and they are
his disciples. You can be and are their siksa guru and ritvik
representitive but the diksa guru is one, Srila Prabhupada. You won’t
find one quote where Srila Prabhupada says that we can be diksa gurus
in Iskcon. If you analize all the ‘be a guru’ quotes; you will see
they all refer to preaching, to being siksa gurus.
The guru issue is one of the hardest issues to understand so it is of
utmost importance that we study exactly what Srila Prabhupada ordered
in regards to initiations after his physical departure. That way we
will be able to follow the orders of the Spiritual Master and not
commit the third offense to the Holy Name and the Guru which would
also offend the Lord Krsna Himself!
Srila Prabhupada did not act like a guru in his guru’s temples. That
is against Vaisnava tradition. If you are an uttama adikari you can
become a diksa guru and deliver your disciples but you should follow
the example of our guru and do it in your own temples. Srila
Prabhupada asked us to show our love for him by cooperating and that’s
why he so intelligently set up the ritvik initiation system to keep us
all united working for the common cause, spreading love of God.
Some will claim that I and the other ritvik advocates are just envious
and offensive to the modern day gurus. I can assure you that is not
the case. But we want the mission to succeed and in order for that to
happen we have to follow the orders of the spiritual master. Then we
can cooperate much better and unify, purify and expand the greatest
mission on earth, the International Society for Krsna Consciousness.
As Krsna told Arjuna the teachings of Bhagavad Gita then asked him to
deliberate on it and then do as he saw fit; I have told you what I
heard from the lotus mouth of His Divine Grace and now it is up to you
to do what you think is right. I hope you keep your request to
maintain a humble attitude and follow your heart and your our
spiritual master. And if you do take the side if the Pandavas like
Bangalore Temple, who so nicely follow Srila Prabhupada’s orders and
distribute more mercy than any other temple in the world it would be
fantastic. We could use another great general in Sri Sri Guru and
Gouranga’s Sankirtan Army to win the war against maya for Srila
Prabhupada and Lord Krsna. Then you will be a victorious part of the
solution; not the problem.
I feel this is my mission in life; to keep this issue alive. I was
electrocuted in front of Srila Prabhupada who could no longer walk to
pull the plug that was shocking me. But he called out to Upendra
Prabhu who came out and pulled the plug. I thought I really died. I
was unconcious for about 2 hours. When I came back Srila Prabhupada
called me into his room and compassionately asked if I was alright. I
felt embarassed to have made such a scene and sheepishly answered that
I was alright. Then he said that I should take that as a good lesson
that death can come at any moment and we should always be ready. I
thanked him for being my real loving father and offered my
obeisance’s. Later I thought and still do sometimes that it would of
been better if I left this world then and there; I would of went back
home being in the direct service of the guru in Sri Vrindavan Dham.
Then I think Krsna and Prabhupada saved me to keep this most important
issue alive.
It was almost a lost case until Rupa Vilasa and others found the
evidence, especially the July 9th Newsletter, and other evidence and
presented it so nicely at the one and only so far debate. For years I
was going on just my memories and Yasoda’s diary and was called a liar
by TKG and Suhotra and others; but when I heard the tapes and saw the
Newsletter I was vindicated but am still awaiting the final verdict.
Whatever you decide you have been an inspiration to so many for so
long and will continue because it’s your nature and we love you for
all your great service. Please forgive me for being so bold to write
you this open letter and keep me as one of your many freinds and fans.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Hoping this meets you well,
Your servant,
Gauridasa Pandita Dasa
Chant HARE KRSNA
And your life will be sublime!

Gauridas Pandit dasa: Prabhupada is still the Guru in ISKCON

It is time again for the annual international GBC meetings in Sridam Mayapur. The purpose of the meetings is to improve devotional service in Srila Prabhupada’s mission, the International Society for Krsna Consciousness, ISKCON. The most important unresolved ever-changing issue is the guru issue. There continues to be a lot of speculation about the guru issue within ISKCON.
One of Srila Prabhupada’s last requests to us was to show our love for him by cooperating to push on the movement. To cooperate we need to communicate openly and honestly and give up the excommunicating mentality if someone disagrees with your opinion.
What we need to do is stop speculating and start trying to understand what Srila Prabhupada said to do regarding initiations in ISKCON after his physical departure. We need to do what he said not what we think would be best. I was with Srila Prabhupada when he first decided to leave the planet in 1977 and I heard him say that he wanted us to initiate on his behalf when he left the planet.
I have been trying to convince the senior devotees about the truth in this matter for over 30 years now to not much avail. I have tried to speak to the GBC members and requested time to address them at the Mayapur meetings. I have been refused with excuses that the GBC did not have time for me, a personal witness to testify to the truth which is also documented on tape and in writng. If it came before a court the evidence would support the fact that Srila Prabhupada ordered that a ritvik initiation system to continue in ISKCON after his departure. But since Srila Prabhupada did not want us to resort to the karmi courts as did/does the Gaudiya Math, I am trying to avoid that last resort. If the GBC continues to avoid communication on this matter for the good of the movement what else could we do? We need to fulfill the orders of the spiritual master in our lifetimes or suffer after for not doing the right thing.

We had a debate on this matter in 1990 in San Diego temple with the North American GBC’s. It was voted on that another meeting with the International GBC would happen in Mayapur. Instead of allowing another meeting on the matter the GBC made anti-ritvik resoulutions banning the discussion of ritvik within ISKCON and anyone who would discuss it would be kicked out of ISKCON. This is an offense to Srila Prabhupada and so many of his devotees including my own son, Damodar Prasada who dared to take shelter of Srila Prabhupada in L.A. but was asked to leave since he accepts Srila Prabhupada as his guru, siksa and diksa. Instead of giving Srila Prabhupada as guru they have put a patent on Prabhupada, saying he is no longer available for initiation. This is like saying Christ is no longer available; you must accept a ‘living’ Christ. This idea was smashed by Srila Prabhupada in Seattle way back in 1968. (See BTG article ‘Function of the Soul”)
It is never too late to do the right thing. Good things take time. After Sri Advaita left the planet there was chaos for quite some time. So it is time for change in ISKCON. Change is needed. Change is good.
In a nutshell here is what I witnessed: On July 5th 1977 I was attending to Srila Prabhupada in his garden in Sri Vrindavan Dham. The secretary, Tamal Krsna Maharaja was reading letters from some of the temples asking for initiations for some of the devotees. Srila Prabhupada said, “Tomorrow I will appoint some ritvik acharyas who will initiate disciples on my behalf when I leave the planet.” He also mentioned this back in May a few days after arriving in Vrindavan from Rishekesh in mid may. It was actually 2 days later on July 7th 1977 that Srila Prabhupada dictated a letter about future initiations in ISKCON. There is a recording available of this conversation. The secretary then typed up the newsletter addressed to all temples and GBC’s dated July 9th 1977. This letter was read to Srila Prabhupada who approved the final version and signed it. That letter is ‘the final order’ on initiations in ISKCON for the future.
The ritvik representative is not a bad thing as he has been made out to be to date. He or she is doing a great service by linking devotees up to our great sampradaya. They and others can act as siksa gurus and help the devotees, but Srila Prabhupada is the one diksa guru. The representatives are respectable, even lovable. We need a reality check. So many devotees have left after their gurus fell down. They felt  frustrated and cheated. (which they have) With Srila Prabhupada’s all intelligent practical ritvik system that would not happen. More and more devotees would cooperate and strengthen Srila Prabhupada’s mission and get back to what we are really here for: To develop Love of God and spread that love to society at large.
I hope that I see this most needed change in ISKCON before I leave the planet. I feel that is the reason I was sparred by Krsna to live after being electrocuted on Srila Prabhupada’s roof in Sri Vrindavan Dham in 1977. I was shocked with 220 volts and Srila Prabhupada yelled out to Upendra to save me. He came running and pulled the plug that was shocking me. The lights went out and I was unconscious for 2 hours. Premana Swami continued to pound on my heart and I started to see faces above me. Srila Prabhupada called me into his room and asked if I was alright. I said I was and then Srila Prabhupada looking compassionately like a father, said, “So you should take this as a good lesson that death can come at any time; and you should always be ready.” I said Thank you to Srila Prabhupada and left the room. It would of been nice to leave my body in the service of Srila Prabhupada in Sri Vrindavan Dham. The ritvik issue had been swept under the rug in 1977/78 to date, but I and others have kept it alive as Srila Prabhupada is still alive. I feel I was saved by Srila Prabhupada to help save his mission just as the spider kicked the sand to help build the bridge to Sri Lanka for Lord Rama.
Dear GBC members please don’t let my life purpose go in vain. Actually I am already linked up and am only pursuing this for the benefit you and all the devotees past, present and future. I am always available and at your service. I will never give up this mission because it will save and expand Srila Prabhupada’s mission and do real good to us and the world.
Thank you so much for you attention in this most important matter,
Hoping this meets you in best of health and Krsna Consciousness,
Your servant,
Gauridasa Pandita Dasa

Letter to: All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents
–
Vrindaban
9 July, 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 “ritvik–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
Approved: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
[Srila Prabhupada's signature appears on the original]
The Function of the Soul — Published in Back to Godhead 1968

This exchange between His Divine Grace A C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and some of his disciples took place in Seattle, Washington, on October 10, 1968.

Srila Prabhupada: How is the body growing? On account of the presence of that small particle, the soul. Take, for example, this boy. This boy has got a small stature of body. Now, this boy will grow a very stout and strong body in his young manhood, say by the age of twenty-four years. Then that young-man body will go; another body will come.

How is it all becoming possible? On account of the presence of the small particle, the soul. But if that particle of soul is taken away or if it goes away, this body will no longer grow or change.

These are the subject matters of meditation. But when you come to the point of understanding that “I am not this body — I am spirit soul,” then the next stage will be “What is the function of the soul?”

That function of the soul is Krsna consciousness, working in Krsna consciousness. So in the present age, one has to take directly to the function of the soul. Then other understandings will automatically come.

It is not possible at present that you can go to a secluded place and peacefully sit there and meditate. It is not possible in this age. It is impossible. If you try artificially, it will be a failure.

Therefore, you have to take to this process: harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam/ kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha — “In this age of Kali, there is no alternative for self-realization but this chanting of Hare Krsna, chanting of the Lord’s holy name.” That is the practical, real fact.

Disciple: Srila Prabhupada, is there any way for a Christian in this age — without the help of a spiritual master — to reach the spiritual sky through reading the words of Jesus Christ in the Bible and trying to follow his teachings?

Srila Prabhupada: When you read the Bible, you are following the spiritual master. How can you say “without a spiritual master”? As soon as you read the Bible, that means you are following the instruction of Lord Jesus Christ. That means you are following the spiritual master. So where is the opportunity of being without the spiritual master?

Disciple: I was referring to a living spiritual master.

Srila Prabhupada: There is no question of whether the spiritual master is “living.” The spiritual master is eternal.

Now, your question was what to do “without the spiritual master.” Without the spiritual master you cannot be, at any stage of your life. You may accept this spiritual master or that spiritual master. That is a different thing. But you have to accept.

When you say “reading the Bible,” that means you are following the spiritual master, represented by some priest or some clergyman in the line of Lord Jesus Christ.

So in any case, you have to follow the spiritual master. There cannot be the question of “without the spiritual master.” Is that clear?

Disciple: I mean, for instance, we couldn’t understand the teachings of Bhagavad-gita without your help, Srila Prabhupada, without your presentation.

Srila Prabhupada: Similarly, you have to understand the Bible with the help of Christ and the priest in the church.

Disciple: Yes, but is the priest receiving a good interpretation from his disciplic succession or his bishop? Because there seems to be some kind of discrepancy in the interpretation of the Bible. There are many different sects of Christianity that interpret the Bible in different ways.

Srila Prabhupada: Of course, there cannot be any interpretation of the Bible. Then the Bible itself has no authority. It is just like the old saying. “Call a spade a spade.” Now, if someone calls it something else, that is another thing. He’s not a spiritual master.

For instance, this is a watch. Everybody has called it a watch. But if I called it a spectacle, then what is the value of my being a so-called spiritual master? I’m misleading. [Laughter.] “It is a watch.” That I must say.

So when someone makes some misrepresentation, he’s not a bona fide spiritual master. Reject such a spiritual master immediately.

That intelligence you must have: Who is a pseudo spiritual master, and who is a real spiritual master? Otherwise, you’ll be cheated. And that is being done. Everyone is interpreting in his own way.

The Bhagavad-gita — there are thousands of editions, and all of them have tried to interpret in their own way. All nonsense. They should all be thrown away. Simply you have to read Bhagavad-gita as it is. Then you’ll understand.

There is no question of interpretation. Then the authority is gone. As soon as you interpret there is no authority.

Take a law book. Do you mean to say that in court, if you say before the judge, “My dear lord, I interpret this passage in this way,” it will be accepted?

The judge will at once say, “Who are you to interpret? You have no right.”

After all, then what would be the authority of the law book if everyone came and said, “I interpret in this way”?

When is interpretation required? When a thing is not understood. If I say “This is a watch” and everyone understands that “This is a watch, yes,” then where is the opportunity of interpreting that “This is a spectacle”?

So unnecessary interpretation is not required, and that is not bona fide. And those who are interpreting unnecessarily — they should be rejected immediately. Immediately, without any consideration.

Message from Gauridasa Pandita Dasa

Dear Gaura Kesava and all Prabhus, Please accept my respectful obeisances.
All glories to our jagat guru Srila Prabhupada!
The debate goes on. I’ve been watching on the sidelines this internet istagosthi and now I had to jump in. I will be short and to the point because I am typing on my iphone.
I was personally serving Srila Prabhupada back in 1977 when he first decided he was going to leave the planet. I heard him say that he wanted the ritvik initiation system for his movement after his departure. This is documented in the July 9th 1977 Newsletter to all Temple Presidents and G.B.C.’s. That letter was dictated from a July 7th 1977 Garden conversation which I heard. That is our sastra! That is specific. You say we must follow sastra; there it is. Is there anymore sastra after that date that would change anything?
We need the guru to explain the sastra to us; otherwise we will pick and choose whatever suits us and end up not following the real orders of the spiritual master. Srila Prabhupada warned us about ‘over-intelligence’ and I think that is what we have here. Instead of us trying to figure out how initiations should go on from (which) sastra we should instead try to figure out what our guru said and did. He had the ritvik system up and running for years before he left, physically and he wanted that to continue as he said on July 7th 1977. It’s on tape!
I have been trying to speak to the GBC for 32 years now but so far my requests have fallen on deaf ears. They say they have no time every time every year I ask to attend their meetings to discuss this most important issue. Most of them are initiating on their own so you can imagine why they won’t discuss it. It might mess up their retirement plans. Profit, distinction and of course adoration.
If we leave it up to the new devotees to check out their gurus they will be misled. Then later if their ‘guru’ falls down they will probably be disheartened and leave KRSNA Consciousness altogether as so many have. That is why Srila Prabhupada most intelligently set up the ritvik initiation system for his movement.

If someone wants to be a diksa guru he or she must be able to deliver them back to Godhead. They must have full KRSNA prema. They must do this in their own temples; not Srila Prabhupada’s! That is Vaisnava ettiquette. Srila Prabhupada did not try to become a diksa guru in the Gaudiya Math. The self-effulgent acharya can attract the souls and build his/her movement from the ground up. That’s what Srila Prabhupada the acharya did; that’s what we need to do.
We’ve got guru fever. Sikas gurus we can and should be but diksa guru is one for ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada! It’s simple for some but complicated for the over-intelligent speculators. I hope this helped.
Haven’t seen you for many years since you were with Dristadyumna I’m Hawaii. Glad to see you are hanging in there but have faith in His Divine Grace; he’s there also if you let him.
Hoping this meets you and all the Vaisnavas well and advancing in KC
Your servant,
Gauridasa Pandita Dasa

Gauridasa Pandita Dasa:There are quite a few tapes missing

On May 14, 2009, dear Ameyatma Prabhu & all, pamro agt Srila Prabhupada! Actually the dictation, signing and discussing of the July 9th Newsletter was done in the garden. That was the routine. The secretary would read letters to Srila Prabhupada in the late mornings in the garden. Srila Prabhupada would dictate a response to the letters and the secretary would type them up and later read them to Prabhupada for his approval and signature before mailing. There was only TKG and myself during these times. I was fanning Prabhupada with the camera all the time he spent in the garden which I took care of. I had to have the Lord Brahma fountain running because Prabhupada liked it. I would put fresh covers on his seat and light his favorite incense (Kesar Chandan, Saffron Sandlewood) and help carry him down from upstairs where he had been translating all night long. My duty was to move his recording equipment around to where he was and always make sure his conversations were recorded. TKG did that most of the time but I’d do it if he wasn’t around. And yes there are quite a few tapes missing that I know were made; especially right after July 9th when more questions were asked.

For example, TKG asked Prabhupada if there could be more ritviks appointed in the future and Srila Prabhupada said, “Yes, the GBC can elect at Mayapur.” TKG: What if a ritvik falls down? Prabhupada said, “Then the GBC can remove”.
TKG: Should we put vyasasanas in the temples for the ritviks?
Prabhupada said, “No, that would create enmity among my disciples.”
I was Srila Prabhupada’s servant not TKG’s as some alledge. Of course we should serve all Vaisnavas, but our main service is to Prabhupada.
You say you remember my emails supporting TKG in the early 80′s but I didn’t have a computer then and I knew TKG did mistreat Prabhupada many times and try to get him to do what he wanted in many ways, sometimes through the back door. As far as the poison, I did not know it was in the Makara Dhaja at that time. But I saw TKG practically force feed the ‘medicine’ to Prabhupada. First Prabhupada said he did not want it. Then TKG said that if he did not take his medicine it meant that Prabhupada did not love his disciples. After hearing that Prabhupada agreed to take the ‘medicine’. So those kinds of things were going on.
As far as Topanga Canyon where Tamal admitted what really happened; then he wasn’t lying. The GBC had kicked him out fir saying that all the devotees had to go through him to get to Prabhupada. After they heard Tamal’s confession and knew the so- called guruship was doomed so they hurriedly let him back and tried to hide the evidence, the recorded conversation.
So there are some answers for now. We need to focus on trying to get the GBC to discuss this and fix it if it’s the last thing we do. Is it for us? a little bit but mostly for the future generations of devotees. It helps us a little because we will get more good association of properly situated devotees.
All glories to the golden age of Lord Chaitanya! All glories to the guru for the golden age Srila Prabhupada! Whether they like it or not!
Hoping this meets you well,
Your servant,
Gauridasa Pandita Dasa
Chant HARE KRSNA
And your life will be sublime!

Historical Account Of Srila Prabhupadas Last Days

By: 

Gauridasa Pandita Dasa

On My Behalf

Srila Prabhupada's Initiation System

Srila Prabhupada arrived in Sri Vrindavan Dhama on May 17th 1977 to prepare to 'leave his body.' He made all of the arrangements for the future of his movement. He formed his Will, the Temple Property Trusts, he gave instructions for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and the GBC and he established his initiation system for the future of ISKCON.

Due to some unseen good fortune I got the opportunity to serve Srila Prabhupada, at that time. Actually, I began to personally serve him in Bombay as one of his guards and then went with him to Hrsikesh to 'regain his failing health' on the advice of one of the life members, Mahadevia Kartikeya.
Things were like heaven in Hrsikesh serving Srila Prabhupada.
We were staying in a two story house right on the bank of the Holy Ganges River. We had the best Jalebi maker (Vedic sweets) in the world, according to Srila Prabhupada, right across the street. We used to have fruit, yogurt and hot Jalebis for breakfast. Srila Prabhupada said that hot Jalebis could cure the common cold.
I used to enjoy taking Japa Walks in the Himalayan Mountains. The forests are lush, filled with singing birds, and wandering devotees. Some Shivite's live in the cave's and only leave to bath in the Ganga. They eat only what is offered to them.
I used to also enjoy taking walks up along the Ganges Bank and then jump in the rushing Holy River and ride a log back to Srila Prabhupada's house chanting all the way.
This reminded me of when Visnujana Swami was pulled by a rope in the water by the boat in Bengal as he chanted the Holy names of the Lord ~ Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevia.etc.
We used to Perform Hari Nama Sankirtan in the Market Place just down from our house on the Ganga. We would chant until about 5pm then take the kirtan back to the rooftop of our house. Then at about 5:30pm Srila Prabhupada would give his darshan to the general public.
Although we did not advertise the darshan; the room was always full of interested guests every night. Srila Prabhupada preached to them in his unique and charming way. He used his great Vaisnava wit to charm the crowds and inspire them to take to Krishna Consciousness. Most everyone left convinced, a few maybe not, but everyone who saw Srila Prabhupada felt that he was a perfect gentleman and a great and loving host. He always paid attention to everyone and made sure all guests received Prasadam. Srila Prabhupada also taught us each how to cook a basic meal of rice, dahl, and chapatis. The mercy of Srila Prabhupada was flowing like the Ganges at this time. And actually, it still is!
Yes, things were ecstatic in Hrisikesh, until that night when Srila Prabhupada first told us that he was going to leave his body.
All of the sudden the great weather turned stormy with thunder and lightening and the power was going off all night long. At about 2:30am Upendra Prabhu came downstairs and told us that Srila Prabhupada had been sitting up all night, and had just said that he was going to leave the planet! Srila Prabhupada said:
"Tomorrow we will go to Vrindavan; better to die in Vrindavan."
We were shocked! We knew Srila Prabhupada was sick but didn't think it was that serious; we thought he would recover.
Pradyumna Prabhu and I were sent ahead to Vrindavan to make arrangements for Srila Prabhupada's arrival.
Pradyumna and I arrived in Vrindavan from Hrishikesh at about 4am. We alerted the temple President, Akshayananda Maharaja, of Srila Prabhupada's statement that he was coming to Vrindavan to 'leave his body'.
The Maharaja didn't tell the devotees right away why he was coming, just that he was coming soon and he asked the devotees to clean Srila Prabhupada's quarters. The Holy dust of Vrindavan had blown about everywhere and there was a lot of mercy to deal with.
Srila Prabhupada arrived at the temple at about 7am. At this point Srila Prabhupada's health had deteriorated so much that he could no longer walk on his own. The devotees in Vrindavan, and around the world, were unaware of this. We brought a rocking chair out to the car to carry Srila Prabhupada. He asked, as usual, to see the Deities first. We carried him into the temple and placed him before Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai.
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Srila Prabhupada stood up offering his respectful obeisance's to Their Lordships. At that point someone took the chair away. Srila Prabhupada stood there gazing at Sri Sri Goura-Nitai for a few moments as tears gliding down his face. Then he moved to sit in the chair that wasn't there and we had to catch him. The devotees looked at each other with surprise. We brought the chair back and carried Srila Prabhupada over to Sri Sri Krishna and Balarama. Again Srila Prabhupada stood up with tears in his eyes as he gazed at Their Lordships for quite some time. We then moved over to Sri Sri Radha Symasundara and Sri Lalita and Sri Visaka's alter. Again Srila Prabhupada rose up and gazed lovingly at the Deities. After a few moments he turned to us and said that he wanted to see all of the devotees in his room.
We carried Srila Prabhupada to his room and he took his seat at his desk. The devotees filled the room quickly and were crowded around the doors and windows trying to see and hear our divine master. When all the devotees settled in as much as possible Srila Prabhupada, looking very serious, began to speak:
"So I cannot speak. I am feeling weak. I was to go to other places like Chandigarh, but I canceled the program because the condition of my health is very deteriorating. So I preferred to come to Vrindavan. If death takes place, let it take here. So there is nothing new to be said. Whatever I have to speak, I have spoken in my books. Now you try to understand it and continue your endeavor. Whether I am present or not present, it doesn't matter. As Krsna is living eternally, similarly, the living being also lives eternally. But kirtiryasya sa jivah: 'One who has done service for the Lord lives forever.' So you have been taught to serve Krsna, and with Krsna we'll live eternally. Our life is eternal. Na hanyate hanyamane sarire. A temporary disappearance of this body, it doesn't matter. Body is meant for disappearance. Tatha dehantara-praptih. So live forever by serving Krsna. Thank you very much."
At this point most of the devotees were crying. To me it still hadn't sunk in that Srila Prabhupada was about to leave us physically.
Srila Prabhupada told us to discuss amongst ourselves and we talked about the future of ISKCON.
Philosophically we understood that Srila Prabhupada would live with us in his books etc. but we would so miss his physical presence. The devotees began to wonder how the movement would go on without Srila Prabhupada to personally direct it.
On May 27th 1977 Srila Prabhupada talked about his mission with some of the devotees:
Srila Prabhupada: Just now everything is going on, but after my demise it may be taken away from your hand.I understood it long ago. It has been stayed, (?) Bombay, Vrindavan. So how are you going to guard yourself? That is the problem.
Tamal K.G.: Your order that it be a trust property with lifetime trustees.
Srila Prabhupada: So now you are all here. Very cautiously and everything agree.
T.K.G.: That will protect it. At least the property will be protected.
Srila Prabhupada: You should be very much determined, strong-minded. Otherwise it will slip. Such huge property.
T.K.G.: Actually these properties are the envy of all of India. They're the best properties in each place.
Srila Prabhupada: Not only property. Our prestige, our position. Everything is envied. Everywhere we are first class.
T.K.G.: Yes, there is no rival.
Bhavananda: There will be men, I know. There will be men who want to try to pose themselves as guru. 
T.K.G.: That was going on many years ago. Your Godbrothers were thinking like that.
Bhavananda: Oh, yes. Oh, ready to jump.
Srila Prabhupada: Very strong management is required and vigilant observation. (Background whispering, T.K.G. & Bhavananda)
I finished putting Srila Prabhupada's translating materials on his desk and that was my service for the day. I retreated to my room in the guesthouse where I could see Srila Prabhupada translating all night long on his rooftop. It was amazing what Srila Prabhupada accomplished in just one day!
On May 28th a committee of the GBC met in Srila Prabhupada's room and asked various questions for the future of ISKCON.
Regarding initiations Satsvarupa Maharaja asked Srila Prabhupada:
"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 initiations would be conducted."
Srila Prabhupada answered: "Yes; I shall recommend some of you. After this is settled up, I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acharyas."
Tamal K.G.: "Is that called ritvik-acharya?"
Srila Prabhupada replied: "Ritvik yes."
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.
Satsvarupa: So they may also be considered your disciples.
Prabhupada: Yes, they are disciples. Why consider? Who?
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?
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.
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.
This tape has been proven to have been doctored, but the fact remains that Srila Prabhupada says, "On my order" and "But by my order" and "When I order. 'You become guru'." The only order given so far was to be officiating or ritvik representatives of the acharya. This will be clarified in the next conversations and the July 9th 1977 Newsletter to all GBC's and temple presidents. Since the last part of this tape is so controversial we should remember that Srila Prabhupada never made changes by tape recording. Therefore the July 9th newsletter is the most important piece of evidence we have.
This letter verifies what I heard and reported even before I ever heard the tapes or saw the letters after the 1990 San Deigo GBC guru debate.
I mentioned the fact that Srila Prabhupada ordered ritvik acharyas to initiate after his departure to Yasodanandan Prabhu, who entered the information into his diary at that time. I'm using that diary to help compile this report.
Yasodanandan Prabhu had a conversation with Bhavananda Maharaja on May 31st where he asked:
"What's this I heard from Gauridasa about [the] nomination of ritvik acharyas?"
Bhavananda said, "It just means on behalf of Prabhupada. That's all. I can't wait until we start to do this."
One of my services for Srila Prabhupada was to take care of his garden and fan him with the camara while he was there every morning from about sunrise until about 9am. At these times he would chant japa or listen to devotees chant bhajans or read the books to him. Sometimes the secretary, Tamal K.G., would read letters from the devotees. Srila Prabhupada would dictate a response, then the secretary would type it and bring it back later to read it again to Srila Prabhupada who would approve and sign it.
On July 5th Tamal asked Srila Prabhupada about some devotees who wanted to get initiated as he was getting many requests from the Temple presidents. This conversation occurred in the garden as I fanned him.
Srila Prabhupada said: "Tomorrow I will I will announce some ritvik acharyas who will initiate disciples on my behalf when I leave the planet."
It was actually two days later on July 7th when Srila Prabhupada named the first eleven ritvik acharyas.
Here is the transcription of the tape:
Tamal K.G.: We're receiving a number of letters now, and these are people who want to get initiated. So up until now, since your becoming ill, we asked them to wait.
Srila Prabhupada: The local senior sanyasis can do that.
T.K.G.: That's what we were doing.I mean, formerly we were.the local GBC, sanyasis, were chanting on their beads, and they were writing to your Divine Grace, and you were giving a spiritual name. So should that process be resumed, or should we.? I mean one thing is that it's said that the spiritual master takes on the.you know, he takes on the.He has to cleanse the disciple by.So we don't want that you should have to.Your health is not so good, so that should not be.That's why we've been asking everyone to wait. I just want to know if we should continue to wait for some more time?
Srila Prabhupada: No, the senior sanyasis.
T.K.G.: So they should continue to.
Srila Prabhupada: You can give me a list of sanyasi's. I will mark who will. T.K.G.: Okay.
Srila Prabhupada: You can do. Kirtananada can do, and our Satsvarupa can do. So these three, you can give, begin.
T.K.G. : So supposing someone is in America; should they simply write to directly to Kirtananda or Satsvarupa?
Srila Prabhupada: Nearby, Jayatirtha can give.
T.K.G.: Jayatirtha.
Srila Prabhupada: Bhagavan.Bhagavan and he can also do. Harikesa.
T.K.G.: Harikesa Maharaja.
Srila Prabhupada: And, five six men, you divide who is nearest.
T.K.G.: Who is nearest. So persons wouldn't have to write to your Divine Grace. They could write directly to that person?
Srila Prabhupada: Hm.[yes]
T.K.G.: Actually they are initiating the person on your Divine Grace's behalf. Those persons who are initiated are still your.
Srila Prabhupada: Second initiation we shall think over; second initiation.
T.K.G.: This is for first initiation, okay. And for second initiation, for the time being they should.
Srila Prabhupada: No, they have to wait. Second initiation, that should be given.
T.K.G.: Should.Some devotees are writing you now for second initiation, and I'm writing them to wait a while because you're not well. So can I continue to tell them that?
Srila Prabhupada: They can do second initiation.
T.K.G.: By writing you?
Srila Prabhupada: No; these men.
T.K.G.: These men, they can also do second initiation. So there's no need for the devotees to write to you for first and second initiation. They can write to the man nearest them. But all these persons are still your disciples. Anybody who gives initiation is doing so on your behalf.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes.
T.K.G.: You know that book I'm maintaining of all of your disciples names? Should I continue that?
Srila Prabhupada: Hm..[yes]
T.K.G.: So if someone gives initiation, like Harikesa Maharaja, he should send the person's name to us here and I'll enter it in the book. Okay. Is there anybody else in India that you want to do this?
Srila Prabhupada: India, I am here, we shall see. In India, Jayapataka.
T.K.G.: Jayapataka Maharaja.
Srila Prabhupada: You are also in India.
T.K.G.: Yes.
Srila Prabhupada: You can note down these names.
T.K.G. Yes, I have them.
Srila Prabhupada: Who are they?
T.K.G.: Kirtanananda Maharaja, Satsvarupa Maharaja, Jayatirtha Prabhu, Bhagavan Prabhu, Harikesa Maharaja, Jayapataka Maharaja, and Tamal Krishna Maharaja.
Srila Prabhupada: That's nice. Now you distribute.
T.K.G.: Seven. There's seven names.
Srila Prabhupada: For the time being, seven names, sufficient. You can make Ramesvara.
T.K.G.: Ramesvara Maharaja.
Srila Prabhupada: And Hrdayananda.
T.K.G. Oh, yeah. South America.
Srila Prabhupada: So without waiting for me, wherever you consider it is right.That will depend on discretion.
T.K.G.: On discretion.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes.
T.K.G.: That's for first and second initiations.
Srila Prabhupada: Hm [yes]
T.K.G.: Okay. Shall I send a kirtana party, Srila Prabhupada?
Later on Hansadutta Maharaja was added and Tamal Krishna Maharaja drafted the following letter:
Vrindaban July 9, 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 "ritvik-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,
Tamal Krsna Gosvami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
Approved: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
(Letter Signed by Srila Prabhupada)
On July 8th Yasodanandan Prabhu wrote:
"Tamal Krishna Maharaja was talking about [with Prabhupada] rtvik gurus to initiate on behalf of Prabhupada after he leaves the planet."
On July 9th Yasodanandan wrote, "I heard from Tamal Krishna Maharaja in the afternoon that Srila Prabhupada had told him to send a letter to 'all the temples' to explain the ritvik initiation system for the future."
On July 10th Yasodanandan wrote: Tamal Krishna Maharaja comes out of Prabhupada's room.
TKG: "Haribol, Yasoda, did you see this?"
Yasoda: "No, what is it?"
TKG: "This is signed by Prabhupada."
Yasoda: "What does all this mean?" TKG: "Devotees have been writing to Prabhupada asking for initiations and now Prabhupada has named eleven ritviks who can initiate on his behalf. Prabhupada said others can be added."
Yasodanandan: "And when Prabhupada departs?"TKG: "They'll be ritviks. That's what Prabhupada said. It's all on tape." (R.C.5-28-77 & 7-7-77etc.)
These arrangements were for the future of ISKCON after Srila Prabhupada's departure.
The next few days after the ritvik appointments I heard more instructions from Srila Prabhupada. Tamal K.G. asked him the next morning, July 8th, if there should be vyasasana's for the ritviks representatives in the temples.
Srila Prabhupada immediately said, "No; that would create enmity among my disciples."
Tamal K.G. also asked Srila Prabhupada if there could be more ritviks in the future. Srila Prabhupada said that more could be appointed by the GBC at Mayapura.
Tamal K.G. asked Srila Prabhupada what to do if a ritvik falls down and Srila Prabhupada replied that the GBC could remove them. These conversations were recorded but the tapes are not available from the archives.
The new devotees are junior God-brothers and God-sisters and if we become a pure devotee, diksa guru, those initiates would be 'grand disciples' of Srila Prabhupada. But this must be ordered by Srila Prabhupada and would be done outside of ISKCON.
Srila Prabhupada wanted one big happy family built on love and trust. That's why he established the ritvik system with him in the center. That's why he spent days and nights writing the lawbooks for the next ten thousand years. After I informed Yasodanandan about Srila Prabhupada's instructions Tamal K.G. called me into his office and said:
"I told you never to say anything about what Prabhupada says to anybody without clearing it through me first! You'll never do anything for Prabhupada again!" He told me to 'get out.'
I was devastated! He had the authority to 'fire me' and he did. I went to my room and lamented. Upendra Prabhu came to see me and tried to encourage me. He said he was working on Tamal K.G. to try to get me back.
The next day Upendra returned and said Tamal K.G. didn't realize how much service I was actually doing, and they needed me back. I was going to get another chance. It was the one of the happiest days of my life! I relished my service even more after almost losing it.
On July 10th Srila Prabhupada wrote to Hansadutta Prabhu:
"You are a suitable person and you can give initiation to those that are ready for it. I have selected you among eleven men as 'Rittvik representative of the Acharya, to give initiations, both first and second initiation, on my behalf.' A newsletter is being sent to all temple presidents and GBC in this regard, listing the eleven representatives selected by His Divine Grace. Those who are initiated are the disciples of Srila Prabhupada, and anyone whom you deem fit and initiate in this way, you should send their names to be included in Srila Prabhupada's 'Initiated disciples' book."
Srila Prabhupada sent a letter to Kirtanananda Swami dated July 11th 1977 in the same way:
"A letter has been sent to all temple presidents and GBC which you should be receiving soon, describing the process of Initiation to be followed in the future. Srila Prabhupada has appointed thus far eleven representatives who will initiate new devotees on his behalf. You can wait for the letter to arrive ( The original has been sent to Rameswara Maharaja for duplicating ) and then all of the persons whom you recommended in your previous letters can be initiated ."
Srila Prabhupada sent another letter to Hansadutta dated July 31st 1977 by paraphrasing my question and answering as follows:
"You have written to Srila Prabhupada saying you do not know why he has chosen you to be a recipient of his Mercy. His Divine Grace immediately replied, 'It is because you are my sincere servant. You have given up attachment to a beautiful and qualified wife and that is a great benediction. You are a real preacher. Therefore I like you. (Then laughing) Sometimes you become obstinate, but that is true of any intelligent man. Now you have got 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 BE RITTVIK AND ACT ON MY BEHALF.'"
On July 17th Srila Prabhupada said: "Now I have given my program. You tackle, GBC men. At least, don't make me Alexander the Great in my lifetime. (laughs) They say, "You are great, great, great." But don't make me small while I am living.
Tamal KG.: Or after. We will never make you that way. We should never do that.
Srila Prabhupada: That's my request.
T.K.G.: You've always said to us, at least whatever we have, maintain it.
Srila Prabhupada: And people have recognized I am great. Don't make me small.
Then again on July 19th Srila Prabhupada continues in the same mood:
"Krsna's grace is always there, but we spoil Krsna's grace. That is our business. 'But Krsna is giving us so much grace. Let us spoil it.' That is our proposal. If there was no Krsna's grace, how this institution would have come into existence? It was not possible, such a big institution, all by one man's endeavor, starting with forty rupees. Simply Krsna's grace. So don't spoil that. That's not good. Then Krsna will not help. Just like the father gives you money; if you squander that, he'll be very sorry. Tat te.'Oh Krsna is so kind by giving me this opportunity.' You should take things like that, not that 'For nothing the father has given me so much money. Let me squander it.'"
Srila Prabhupada was very concerned that the institution he worked so hard to develope might not be maintained properly after his departure.
There are no tapes available from the archives from August 18 1977 to October 1 1977. Srila Prabhupada went to London during this time even though he was too sick to travel.
On October 18 1977 Srila Prabhupada said:
Srila Prabhupada: Hare Krsna. One Bengali gentleman has come from New York?
thrive

Tamal KG: Yes; Mr Sukamal Roy Chowdury.
Srila Prabhupada: So I have deputed some of you to initiate. Hmm?
TKG: Yes. Actually.Yes, Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada: So I think Jayapataka can do that if he likes. I have already deputed. Tell him.
TKG: Yes.
Srila Prabhupada: So, deputies, Jayapataka's name was there?
Bhagavan: It is already on there, Srila Prabhupada. His name was on that list.
Srila Prabhupada: So I depute him to do this at Mayapura, and you may go with him. I stop for the time being. Is that alright?
TKG: Stopped doing what, Srila Prabhupada?
Srila Prabhupada: This initiation. I have deputed the, my disciples. Is it clear or not?
Giriraja: It's clear.
Srila Prabhupada: You have got the list of names?
TKG: Yes, Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada: And if by Krsna's grace I recover from this condition, then I shall begin again, or I may not be pressed in this condition to initiate. It is not good.
Giriraja: We will explain to him so that he will understand properly.
Srila Prabhupada: Hm? Hm?
Giriraja: I said we will explain to the Bengali gentleman just as you have described to us, so that he'll be satisfied with this arrangement.

On October 26th 1977 the following conversation occurs:
Bhavananda:."We have to apprise that if your Divine Grace leaves us, what will be the result both to ISKCON society, to each of your disciples individually, and to the entire planet.
Srila Prabhupada: That I am thinking, that such a big society, the aims and object may be dismantled. I am thinking from that vision.
Bhavananda: Last May, when everyone assembled here in Vrindavan, then that.What was his name? Goswami came? Atula-Krsna Goswami. And after he left, you had apprised us of the fact that there is a movement to, if you should leave, to take the society from us, the properties. And you told us at that time, 'You are all children. None of you has any intelligence.' That was only five months back. We have not grown that much in five months. We're still children. You have always practically directed us in every one of our activities. And where we followed your instructions, there we have been successful. But because we are only children, sometimes we.Whenever we follow your instructions, Srila Prabhupada, we always meet with success.
Srila Prabhupada discussed who would take on the leadership of ISKCON in the future on November 2 1977:
Srila Prabhupada: .after you, who will take the leadership?' And 'Everyone will take, all my disciples. If you want, you can take also. But if you follow. They are prepared to sacrifice everything, so they'll take the leadership. I may, one, go away, but there will be hundreds, and they'll preach. If you want, you can also become a leader. We have no such thing, that 'here is leader.' Anyone who follows the previous leadership, he's a leader. 'Indian' we have no distinction. 'Indian,' 'European.'
Brahmananda: They wanted an Indian to be the leader?
Srila Prabhupada: Yes. (laughs) 'Everyone, all my disciples, they are leaders. As purely as they follow, they become leader. If you want to follow, you can become a leader. You are Indian. But you don't want.' I told them that.
Tamal KG: Yes, they probably wanted to propose somebody who would take over our movement.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes. Leaders; all nonsense. Leader means one who has become first class disciple. He is leader. Evam parampara-prapta.One who is perfectly following.Our instruction is ara na kariha mane asa.You know this? What is that? Guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete kariya aikya, ara na kariha mane asa. Who is leader? A leader, to become leader, is not very difficult, provided one is prepared to follow the instructions of a bonafide guru.
On November 5th 1977 Tamal KG said to Srila Prabhupada:
Tamal KG: "All of your plans are perfect, Srila Prabhupada. And our perfection is simply to carry them out without changing in any way. You have such complete plans that we don't have to do anything new. We have to work our whole lifetime simply to carry out what you've planned."
On November 7th 1977 the following conversation took place:
Tamal KG: Seems like your activities, Srila Prabhupada, are so much pleasing to the previous acharyas.
Jayapataka: This is the secret you are showing, working towards satisfying the desires of the previous acharyas.
Srila Prabhupada: Tandera carana-sebi-bhakta-sane bas. So you are all bhaktas. To live with you, to serve the lotus feet of the acharyas, that's good.
Svarupa Damodara: We are already becoming famous as spiritual United Nations.
Jayapataka: You've given the secret for success.
Srila Prabhupada: If possible, make some improvement in Bhaktivinoda Thakura's birthplace.
Jayapataka: In Malda district at Ramakeli, where Lord Chaitanya first met with Rupa and Sanatana, there is a temple of Radha-Krsna that.Rupa and Sanatana Goswami used to worship those Deities. Bhaktisiddhanta Thakura Prabhupada has put a lotus feet of Mahaprabhu there.
Srila Prabhupada: Purchase it.
TKG: It is your great mercy, Srila Prabhupada, that you are allowing us to do a little helping to you in your service to the previous acharyas. We are completely fallen, without any spiritual credit, but still, you are allowing us to help you in a little way.
Jayapataka: Without your intervention we would have no hope.
After Srila Prabhupada actually left the planet the first Vyasasanas started to appear in the temples. I was shocked because this was against Srila Prabhupada's direct instructions.
I returned to Vrindavan in early 1978 and met Tamal K.G. in his room. I asked him why Vyasasana's were being put in the temple rooms when we both heard Srila Prabhupada say not to do such a thing. He asked me if I thought Srila Prabhupada could of said anything else after I had left. (I had to leave at the end of July 77 because my visa had expired.) I said I'm sure he could have but I don't know why he would have when he'd talked about the ritvik system for months before his departure. Tamal K.G. said, "Well he did, and if you don't believe me you can ask Kirtanananda Swami."
I asked if there was a tape or letter to that effect and he responded by slamming his fist down on he desk and said, "I don't want to hear another word about this Gauridasa!" I left his room disappointed. A few years later, on Dec. 3rd 1980, Tamal Krishna Maharaja was removed as an ISKCON guru by the GBC so he finally told the Truth at the Pyramid House in Topanga Canyon, California about what Srila Prabhupada did. Here are some key quotes:
"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 the last three years because we interpreted the appointment of ritviks as the appointment of gurus.".
"You can't show me anything on tape or in writing where Prabhupada says, 'I appoint these 11 as gurus.' It doesn't exist because he never appointed any gurus. This is a myth."
The term ritvik acharya or officiating acharya was new to us at the time that Srila Prabhupada first mentioned it, but the idea and practice was there in the beginning of ISKCON. The devotees were initiating on Srila Prabhupada's behalf for years before he left the planet. Srila Prabhupada wanted this to continue without any change. Here is a conversation from 1968 that confirms that the guru lives in his teachings and the followers are his disciples:
"Spiritual Master Lives in His Teachings"
Srila Prabhupada lecture ~ Seattle Oct. 2, 1968
Madhudvisa: Is there any way for a Christian to, without the help of a spiritual master, to reach the spiritual sky through believing in the words of Jesus Christ and trying to follow his teachings?
Srila Prabhupada: I don't follow. 
Tamal Krsna: Can a Christian in this age, without a spiritual master, but by reading the Bible and following Jesus's words, reach the...
Srila Prabhupada: When you read Bible, you follow spiritual master. How can you say without? As soon as you read Bible, that means you are following the instruction of Lord Jesus Christ, that means you are following spiritual master. So where is the opportunity of being without spiritual master?
Madhudvisa: I was referring to a living spiritual master.
Srila Prabhupada: Spiritual master is not the question of... Spiritual master is eternal. Spiritual master is eternal. So your question is without spiritual master. Without spiritual master you cannot be, at any stage of your life. You may accept this spiritual master or that spiritual master. That is a different thing. But you have to accept. As you say that "by reading Bible," when you read Bible that means you are following the spiritual master represented by some priest or some clergyman in the line of Lord Jesus Christ. So any case, you have to follow a spiritual master. There cannot be the question without spiritual master. Is that clear?
Madhudvisa: I mean like we couldn't understand the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita without your help, without your presentation.
Srila Prabhupada: Similarly you have to understand Bible with the help of the priest in the church.
Srila Prabhupada always talked about the importance of following the words of the spiritual master. He spoke these words in Seattle in 1968. I lived there but I was only 14 and didn't get the chance to see him then. Later in Vrindavan, in 1977, when I got the good fortune to serve him personally, he said the same thing. He said that when he left the planet we would follow his books and initiate devotees on his behalf. The Christians follow Christ by reading the bible with the help of a priest etc. In the same way the devotees follow Srila Prabhupada by reading his books with help from the senior devotees. Christ and Srila Prabhupada are both sent by Krishna, sakta-vesa avatars. They can deliver us and we should help their missions by representing them purely. Srila Prabhupada asked us to act as ritvik acharyas, or representatives of the acharya. That way the whole Hare Krishna movement will be united under our common father and we will become a dynamic preaching force again and the glories of the Lord will flood the world with the ocean of love of God. Thanks to Srila Prabhupada!
Srila Prabhupada's Godbrother Srila Sridhara Maharaja also ordered the Ritvik initiation system before he left the planet. He saw how appointing 'regular gurus' failed in the Gaudiya Math and in ISKCON and thus he did exactly what Srila Prabhupada did; he made adjustments according to the circumstances. Here are the exact quotes from His Holiness Sridhara Maharaja: "With this I transfer these beads; from now he [Govinda Maharaja] will do so on my behalf as ritvik. The ritvik system is already involved both here and in the foreign land. The ritvik is the representative, so if you want to take [initiation] from me and you take from his hand then it will be as well and as good as taking from me.
In the maha mandal [earth] Sargar Maharaja [formerly Akshayananda Swami] and many others, they are also ritviks of Swami Maharaja [Srila Prabhupada] and also myself and they may do so. But in this Math he, Govinda Maharaja will be the representative. Henceforth he will represent me in this affair beginning from today's function.
Now I shall go from here, [depart the material world] he will do the necessary on my behalf. He will give Hari Nama diksa, sanyasa and everything." [Sridhara Maharaja Sermons Of The Guardian Of Devotion]
The last thing Srila Prabhupada said before he left his body on November 14th 1977 was to give prasadam to all of the devotees. Then he chanted Hare Krsna and went back to Godhead.
This shows the enormous compassion of Srila Prabhupada.
Even though he was leaving his body, he was always thinking of Krsna and the welfare of his devotees.
All glories to His Divine Grace, our fearless general, our ever well-wisher.
~ CONCLUSION ~
Srila Prabhupada wanted the ritvik initiation system to continue for the duration of ISKCON. This is what I personally heard him say many times while I served him in Vrindavan. This is all he talked about for the last six months before he went back to Godhead.
This is what Srila Prabhupada ordered in the July 9th Newsletter to all temples and GBC's. I hope that the GBC will consider this evidence with an open mind and heart and then do the needful. After all, it's better late than never. Srila Prabhupada wants us all to be siksa gurus within ISKCON and if we want to be diksa gurus we should do so when we are qualified and have been ordered by His Divine Grace, but only in our own temples. This is the Vaisnava etiquette that Srila Prabhupada followed. Let us follow his example and preach cooperatively, on his behalf.
My plea is to the GBC, to meet and study the final days of Srila Prabhupada in this regard. Now the movement is splintered with each of the 100+ guru's having a little group of his own. Vaisnava etiquette is lacking in most cases. Devotees that would of joined ISKCON are holding off or joining other groups. Intelligent people are rarely coming as before.
The ritvik initiation system will bring more souls to the shelter of Srila Prabhupada and his Hare Krishna Movement.
The ritvik initiation system will reunite Srila Prabhupada's family and make his temples a place where the whole world can live again! Srila Prabhupada said we will show our love for him by how we cooperate after his departure. What can a bunch of splinter groups accomplish? If we do learn the art of cooperation and the ritvik initiation system gets re-enacted it will be the greatest day in the history of ISKCON after Srila Prabhupada's departure. The preaching mission will expand just like it did in 'the good old days' with Srila Prabhupada in the center. Sometimes it takes years and sometimes lifetimes to fulfill the order of the spiritual master. But better late than never!
~ Proposal ~
Dear GBC Members,
Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
In that the evidence shows that Srila Prabhupada, the Founder / Acharya of ISKCON ordered a ritvik initiation system to continue henceforward for ISKCON from the date of July 9th 1977, and a Newsletter was sent to all GBC's and Temple Presidents signed by Srila Prabhupada stating this order, the GBC body should act immediately to implement the ritvik initiation system.
All previous GBC resolutions condemning the Ritvik initiation system should be retracted and an apology from the GBC members should be sent out to any and all devotees who may have been affected and/or offended by these resolutions.
Thanking you in advance,
Yours in Srila Prabhupada's service,
Gauridasa Pandita Dasa