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EDITORIAL  Tolerance And Freedom Of Worship BY GAURAPRIYA DASI EDITORIAL, Jan 5 (VNN) — Tolerance and freedom of worship in public ISKCON temples Srila Prabhupada stated when asked in an interview with Mike Robinson (Interview found online here) "Do you admit anyone to your movement?" Srila Prabhupada: "We admit anyone regardless of race, religion, economical situation or anything else. We only ask those living in temples as "full-time" devotees to follow our rules and take part in temple programs. Otherwise anyone can become a member of congregation, live outside the temple and visit our programs when he likes and follow the rules according to his abilities. If they follow a stricter standard they can make their home into a center." In my recent experience, with the ISKCON temple and congregation of Boise, Idaho, this principle is not being honored. On November 30, 2003, while my family and I attended a Boise ISKCON Sunday public feast, Ananta Rupa dasa, Boise temple president, approached me. He asked if I was still following Narayana Maharaja. I replied, Yes, he is my Gurudeva.' He then said, I've been told to tell you, you may not come here. I asked, Who said this? His reply, The GBC. He finished by saying we must restrict our coming to only festival times such as Janmastami. My primary understanding of ISKCON's purpose in serving the divine mission of the founder acarya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, is to perpetuate his intent to spread Krishna consciousness. This includes the establishment of temples meant for public chanting, distribution of prasadam, darshan, and that are open to all regardless of race, religion, economical situation or anything else. Congruous to the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, I believe ISKCON temples were established for the upliftment of all humanity. I became an active member of ISKCON, at the age of 18 with my initiation by Ramesvara Swami at the Los Angeles ISKCON Temple. 26 years later I am still aspiring in my pursuit of Krishna consciousness. I have 2 devotee daughters, one of whom recently birthed her first child. We are a three- generation devotee family. The Boise ISKCON temple is the only Radha Krishna Temple in our area. Our desire to attend ISKCON Sunday services is to worship as a family. I am aware of your policy regarding my beloved spiritual master, Srila Narayana Maharaja. I am eager to see this discrimination abolished. As a lifelong aspiring devotee, my heartfelt wish is that ISKCON honor the inclusiveness and tolerance of Srila Prabhupada by allowing anyone, including the disciples and followers of Srila Narayana Maharaja, to attend ISKCON temple public functions. Often, through the years, I have heard many senior devotees stress that the Krishna consciousness movement is non-sectarian. In my study of Srila Prabhupada's books I have never read that public worshipping in ISKCON temples is exclusive to his initiated disciples, or, exclusive to the disciples of his disciples. I believe Srila Prabhupada entrusted his ISKCON to his disciples expecting them to maintain the gracious dignity and integrity, which he exemplified. If I were to enter any church, synagogue, or mosque, I would be welcome to pray and worship, irrespective of my faith. In my opinion, as a reputable international religious organization ISKCON has an obligation and responsibility to allow people from all walks of life admission to their temples. Respectfully, Gaurapriya dasi gaurapriya@uswest.net Contact VNN about this story  Send this story to a friend
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