January 2, 1999   VNN2774   See Related VNN Stories

Response To Tripurari Swami's Ritvik Statements

BY GAURIDASA PANDITA DASA

EDITORIAL, Jan 2 (VNN) — Response To Tripurari Swami's Ritvik Statements

I have been requested by Mahapurusa Prabhu to respond to Tripurari Swamis' answers to the ritvik issue. I will be glad to do so. The Swami is a friend of mine despite our philosophical differences and also a friend of my brother who works with him. My brother also supports ISKCON and just bought some land on a beautiful lake for the new ISKCON center in Washington. So he is cooperating with all sides.

ISKCON should learn a lesson from this. At the same time we must remember that the only authority in ISKCON is Srila Prabhupada. We should not have to quote 'outside sources' to prove what Srila Prabhupada wanted for ISKCON.

"Q. Are you in any position to comment on the prevailing ritvik argument? There are so many viewpoints that I am confused. - Mahapurusa dasa"

Dear Devotees, Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The swami says that we are averse to hearing from the senior Vaisnavas. On this point we need to hear from the most senior Vaisnava, Srila Prabhupada, since he gave the instructions in the first place. Some of the other senior Vaisnavas will be at the LA Meetings and we will hear from them. If you think you can defeat them with your arguments please come and try. This is what we need. Anyone can write good papers in the privacy of their own abodes; but the real truth will be churned with a Istagosthi forum by all of the leading Vaisnavas participating. This is cooperating to please Sri Guru and Gouranga. I hope Tripurari Swami can come. Adri Dharana and Navayogendra Swami are senior devotees; Hansadutta is a senior devotee, we have many senior devotees who will be present for the great debate. All GBC's are invited to attend and confront Krsnakant Prabhu and myself and the others with their doubts about the ritvik initiation system.

Tripurari Swami says he is clear on the ritvik issue and 'the ritviks are wrong'.

With all due respect Maharaja; the ritviks are right! I give you credit though for trying to be a guru 'outside' of ISKCON. This is the proper etiquette. One should not try to be a guru, diksa guru that is, in one's gurus' temples. Srila Prabhupada did not go to the Gaudiya Math and claim guruship; he had the potency to start ISKCON. The modern day 'gurus' in ISKCON should follow in his footsteps as you have.

Next the Swami says that Sridhara Maharaja explained that 'such a policy [ritvik initiations] was inconsistent with our siddhanta'. Well then why did Sridhara Maharaja himself order such a system just before his departure in the book "Sermons of the Gaurdian of Devotion"? Our opinions change in time hopefully for the better as in this case. The last quotes supersede the previous ones; that's simple logic. Another point in contention here is the Swamis' idea that Srila Prabhupada wanted us to accept Sridhara Maharaja as an authority for ISKCON after Srila Prabhupada left the planet. This is not the case. Srila Prabhupada said that Sridhara Maharaja and Narayana Maharaja could help with the samadhi since our devotees were new to this. He never said they should do more than that great service. Why would he say on one hand that Sridhara Maharaja was responsible for deviating from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's orders for a GBC managed movement and that S.M. appointed unqualified gurus and then ask us to consult him on ISKCON initiations?

He wouldn't and didn't. If you think he did then show us the proof!

I was standing by Srila Prabhupada's side fanning him with the camara when he ordered a ritvik system to continue after his physical departure. This is documented in the July 9th letter to all temples and GBC's. There is no other directive to the contrary! More and more devotees all over the world are realizing this despite ISKCON's efforts to keep control of the neophytes. The wave of reform is increasing daily and it is a great wave. Devotees are feeling home again or just about home to the house where the whole world can live. Contrary to the Gaudiya Math opinions this wave is Lord Chaitanyas' and it will not subside. It will increase more and more until ISKCON accepts the ritvik system. This will happen in our lifetimes. I had doubts before but now I am confident that this will occur. In the mean time we are initiating with the ritvik system 'outside' of ISKCON. They are all good devotees and are quite happy that Srila Prabhupada is their guru. They still have respect for the senior Vaisnavas. I love Visnujana Swami. I love all senior devotees that serve Srila Prabhupada in the proper ways. once ISKCON accepts Srila Prabhupadas' orders for the ritvik system it will grow like before. They will get intelligent devotees, government leaders and movie stars etc. instead of brainwashed sentimentalists.

Then Tripurari says that the ISKCON leaders cannot silence the ritvik advocates because of their Vaisnava aparadha. Yes they are making many aparadhas to us also. But why would they want to silence us except to keep their unauthorized positions as gurus in ISKCON? They should silence us with their arguments in a debate if they can; but they can't so they continue to hide from gentlemanly Vaisnava debate. If they are so right then why won't they discuss or debate it with us? Let's see if any GBC's or gurus even show up in LA for this great event!

The Swami says that 'neither side is objective enough to realize that the solution lies outside of ISKCON. No it doesn't! It lies only within ISKCON, with Srila Prabhupada. We can talk until we turn blue but Srila Prabhupada's instructions will last and be carried out in due course of time. The reason we are in this mess in the first place is because Tamal Krsna Maharaja tried to cover up Srila Prabhupadas' instructions for the ritvik system just after Srila Prabhupadas' passing. He played dumb and told everyone he didn't know what Srila Prabhupada wanted in this regard and decided to consult Sridhara Maharaja. Tamal knew that Sridhara Maharaja with all due respect, and I do respect him as did Srila Prabhupada, was into appointing gurus; so he got the answers he wanted from him, because Srila Prabhupada did not authorize him as a guru. Tamal said himself when he got kicked out of ISKCON in 1980 that he and the others have done the greatest disservice to Srila Prabhupada be misinterpreting the appointment of ritviks as the appointment of 'regular gurus'.

We need to get him on the stand if we can ever catch up to him. His day is coming!

Tripurari is thinking that we need outside authority to help us but Srila Prabhupada warned that so-called help from his Godbrothers can only impede our natural progress and cause confusion for our devotees. He warned us to avoid them. We are doing that. I still respect them at the same time. If they inspire someone's Krsna Consciousness then great; this should be done. But let them improve the Gaudiya Math and leave the authority for ISKCON to be only Srila Prabhupada. We all the Vaisnavas can give good advice but it must coincide with the instructions of His Divine Grace. The Gaudiya Math ideas are not in harmony with Bhaktisiddhantas' orders so why should ISKCON accept them? The Gaudiya math ideas are the problem with ISKCON! Why don't you in the Gaudiya Math line try to improve that mission instead of messing up ISKCON even more?

To say that both sides of this debate are not interested in spiritual life is absurd.

Both sides are interested in spiritual life or we wouldn't put up with so much to try to serve our spiritual master. I can speak for the ritvik side that they are very interested in getting the politics settled so we can increase the preaching activities for the pleasure of Sri Guru and Gouranga.

Yes I agree on the point that we should take help from wherever we can get it; even from Bhakta Fred. This is how it was in the first place and should continue.

We have many nice senior and junior deovtees to get help from. As far as the Swamis' statements on rasas I'll refrain from commenting because that is not my position. Srila Prabhupada said to follow the principles and chant 16 rounds daily and in time it would all be revealed to us. How can devotees who don't follow the basic principles and chant 16 rounds understand deep rasas with Krsna?

We better keep it simple and chant Hare Krsna and be happy. This will bring real spiritual vitality. Thank you.

Please remain my friend despite our differences,
Hoping this meets you well,
Your servant and Godbrother,
Gauridasa Pandita Dasa



PS: I am attaching my report on the Initiation issue. I hope you read the facts of the matter and get back to me. Thanks!



Historical Account of The Last Days

"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.

Due to some unseen good fortune I got the good fortune to be with the pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada, at that time. Actually, I began to personally serve him in Bombay and went with him to Hrsikesh to 'regain his failing health'. 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 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. 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 this; the room was full of interested guests every night. Srila Prabhupada preached to them in his unique and charming way. He used great Vaisnava wit to convince the crowds of Krishna Consciousness. Most everyone left convinced, a few not, but everyone who saw him felt that Srila Prabhupada 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! He 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 would come to this. Pradyumna Prabhu and I were sent ahead to Vrindavan to make arrangements for Srila Prabhupada's arrival.

Arriving in Vrindavan, Srila Prabhupada Told the Devotees that he had come there to 'leave his body'. He said that we should not lament because he had given us everything in his books and if we read his books and cooperated with our God-brothers and sisters; everything would go on nicely. Devotees began to talk about what would happen after Srila Prabhupada's departure.

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 guest house where I could see Srila Prabhupada translating all night long. 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."

Then Tamal K.G. asked, "Is that called ritvik-acharya?"
Srila Prabhupada replied, "Ritvik yes." (R.C. 5-28-77)

I mentioned this 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 dictatea 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. This was 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. Again this occurred in the garden as I fanned Srila Prabhupada.

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.
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?
Prabhupada: No, the senior sanyasis-
T.K.G.: So they should continue to-
Prabhupada: You can give me a list of sanyasi's. I will mark who will-
T.K.G.: Okay.
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?
Prabhupada: Nearby, Jayatirtha can give.
T.K.G.: Jayatirtha.
Prabhupada: Bhagavan-Bhagavan and he can also do. Harikesa.
T.K.G.: Harikesa Maharaja.
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?
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-
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-
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?
Prabhupada: They can do second initiation.
T.K.G.: By writing you?
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.
Prabhupada: Yes.
T.K.G.: You know that book I'm maintaining of all of your disciples names? Should I continue that?
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?
Prabhupada: India, I am here, we shall see. In India, Jayapataka.
T.K.G.: Jayapataka Maharaja.
Prabhupada: You are also in India.
T.K.G.: Yes.
Prabhupada: You can note down these names.
T.K.G. Yes, I have them.
Prabhupada: Who are they?
T.K.G.: Kirtanananda Maharaja, Satsvarupa Maharaja, Jayatirtha Prabhu, Bhagavan Prabhu, Harikesa Maharaja, Jayapataka Maharaja, and Tamal Krishna Maharaja.
Prabhupada: That's nice. Now you distribute.
T.K.G.: Seven. There's seven names.
Prabhupada: For the time being, seven names, sufficient. You can make Ramesvara.
T.K.G.: Ramesvara Maharaja.
Prabhupada: And Hrdayananda.
T.K.G. Oh, yeah. South America.
Prabhupada: So without waiting for me, wherever you consider it is right-That will depend on discretion.
T.K.G.: On discretion.
Prabhupada: Yes.
T.K.G.: That's for first and second initiations.
Prabhupada: Hm [yes]
T.K.G.: Okay. Shall I send a kirtana party, Srila Prabhupada? (break)

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)

I told some of the devotees what I heard about this and Yasodanandan Prabhu wrote it down in his diary. 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 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 in the temples. Srila Prabhupada immediately said, "No; that would create enmity among my disciples. You can make another room for that, but not in my temples." The way I understood it was that the ritviks could be shown respect and even worshipped privately; but the devotees guru would/will be Srila Prabhupada and they should offer their prayers and obeisance's to him. The new devotees should continue to offer the prasadam to Srila Prabhupada with the traditional standard mantras.

Only Srila Prabhupada should be worshipped in his temples by all of the devotees in ISKCON.

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.

Srila Prabhupada said that his temples were for his worship only and if we become diksa gurus we should only accept worship in our own temples. That way the movement would be united under Srila Prabhupada. The new devotees are junior God-brothers and sisters and if we become a pure devotee, diksa guru, those initiates would be 'grand disciples' of Srila Prabhupada. But this will be rare and must be done outside of ISKCON.

In ISKCON we are all Godbrothers and sisters, junior and senior. Respect should be given to all of the devotees; especially the senior devotees. 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.

When 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 thunderstruck! He had the authority to 'fire me' and he did. I retreated to my room and lamented like anything. 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 and thought that the ritvik initiation system would be continued indefinitely.

After Srila Prabhupada actually left the planet and I was shocked to notice the first Vyasasana appear in the temple room in Hawaii.

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 retreated out of his room intimidated and very disappointed.

A few years later, on Dec. 3rd 1980, Tamal Krishna Maharaja told the real story at the Pyramid House in Topanga Canyon, California. 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."

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!

All glories to our Jagat Guru, the sakta-vesa avatar, Srila Prabhupada! He is still approachable through his teachings etc. and he can and will deliver us all back to Godhead if we just give him the chance.

=>:
) OM TAT SAT Sincerely, Thanks a lot!!!

Gauridasa Pandita Dasa
Gauridas@AOL.COM


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