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EDITORIAL August 7, 1999 VNN4454 Comment on this story The Split Only Means Someone Is Not Sincere BY JANANANDA DAS EDITORIAL, Aug 7 (VNN) — All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Dear Maharajas, prabhus, matajis and all readers. Please accept my humble obeisances. Having spent the last three months in Malaysia and India, I came in contact with devotees who feel the Rtvik system is Srila Prabhupada's instruction to us, and is the definite solution to ISKCON's "problems". Being exposed to sometimes quite emotional concern, I took time to read some of the papers etc. I'm sure its disturbing to all of us that an apparent split has occurred, hopefully only for a short while. Who is right or wrong is one thing, but the result is another. I remember back in 1974 we had a bit of turmoil in London. Srila Prabhupada wrote to Mukunda "I am glad you are cooperating with Madhavananda. That I want. As long as we are sincere there is no question of split amongst us. The split only means someone is not sincere, otherwise there is no question of it". We're sorry to see such feelings of distance develop between devotees who for years had worked closely together, doing wonderful service for Srila Prabhupada's mission. I don't think that Srila Prabhupada would either be pleased, nor stand idly by, in this situation. It seems that all sincere devotees in ISKCON recognize there are problems to be worked out. There always were, even during Srila Prabhupada's presence. There will always be scope for improvement. Some may question the sincerity of the leaders or the honesty of the GBC etc. That's not the content of this letter. "Look within, do not delve into the frailties of others" (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja). To me, the question is what would please Srila Prabhupada. I can't do much about others, I have to decide in my own heart to take seriously the siksa which Srila Prabhupada has given all of us, whether direct disciple or not. Otherwise it seems all a waste of time. With great concern no doubt, the proposal for rtvik has been put forward. The GBC have not approved it on the basis of it not being Srila Prabhupada's will. Many quotes from Srila Prabhupada's books, letters etc. seem to indicate it was not his wish to change the timeless system of parampara. The arguments to support Rtvik, if I'm not mistaken seem to be based mainly on the letter of July 9th and Srila Prabhupada's will. The main point rather than trying to prove that Srila Prabhupada didn't want regular gurus, is whether he clearly wanted the Rtvik system or whatever we call it. Quite likely many reading this have at times thought that something just isn't quite right. Some "reforms" are required. We would then search through Srila Prabhupada's siksa, our own hearts etc., for some clues. Knowing that to answer that which is not known, or to confirm one's opinions, one consults guru, sastra and sadhu. The "sadhus" may disagree, depending on who we classify as a sadhu, The GBC is supposed to be the sadhu board of ISKCON. The scriptures don't give much if any support to the Rtvik approach - at least not those of our disciplic succession. Srila Prabhupada's "law" books repeatedly emphasize the absolute necessity of approaching a spiritual master, taking initiation, inquiring from him etc. The spiritual master must test the disciple - he has to take the responsibility for the karma. We'll leave the search for quotes to those who want an ecstatic time bathing in the dust of Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet. The other authority - the guru. Srila Prabhupada as a unique acarya has the power to change the system. Without doubt he has that power. So the question I suppose is whether in this case he has. Based on the two references the argument has been expanded. I only read the letter and will with attention around a month ago. I read them again and again trying not to see them through opinionated glasses. The letter if read on its face value without reading between the lines did not come over as at all questionable, controversial, or contradictory to the instructions Prabhupada had already given. I could not see what relevance this letter had to support a system of Rtvik. It seemed obvious that Srila Prabhupada was approving the idea for the time and circumstance. "But it says henceforward the system should be like this". I then noticed the word henceforward. It appears only once in the letter tucked into the sentence "henceforward temple presidents should send recommendations for initiation to the... above 11, and not directly to Srila Prabhupada as before". Think carefully. To me it was quite a simple straightforward instruction. The word henceforward according to my understanding of the English language, only applies to the sentence it is in. i. e. it refers only to the procedure for sending recommendations, and has nothing to do with the system of initiation whatsoever. If it applies to the whole letter we're in big trouble since I don't think most of the 11 are rightly situated at present. If the word were to be taken so absolutely there would be no scope to add or subtract even after their demise. Here's an example: "Please be informed that it has hereby been resolved by myself, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the settlor, and the trustees of the BBT that the following persons shall "henceforth" be empowered to act as signatories of the above a/c....... A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Giriraja das. Karandhara das.... " Srila Prabhupada letter to the Central Bank of India 24th June 1974. I doubt whether the same three are still signers, or even if the same account is being operated. The word henceforth has the same meaning as henceforward. As for the will the evidence apparently is based on Srila Prabhupada's statement that new trustee directors can be appointed by the other directors provided they are Srila Prabhupada's initiated disciples. The second part of the sentence seems to qualify the standard for being a disciple - "following strictly all the rules and regulations of the International Society for Krishna consciousness as detailed in my books. " The opinions and discussion of the meaning of my initiated disciple seems to be the prime key, but perhaps more emphasis should be placed on the second part of the sentence -" only one who follows my instructions is my disciple" If we are to take the will as evidence then the other parts are just as relevant: 1. The GBC is the ultimate managing authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness 2. Each temple will be an ISKCON property and will be managed by three executive directors. The system of management will continue as it is now and there is no need of any change. These first two statements make it pretty clear what Srila Prabhupada's desires are. Whether Bangalore, Calcutta, or wherever, Srila Prabhupada has given as clear as bell the ultimate managing power to the GBC and the trustee directors. Are we respecting that? Are we disciples or even members of ISKCON if we don't. "In order to start the proposed project in your letter you must first have the full sanction of the GBC. Then I will approve it, if they approve it. Do not try to start any project independently of the GBC. I want that everyone cooperate nicely with the GBC. "Letter to Mantrini d. d. April l8th 1975. 3. It's natural when someone leaves a will they will leave it to their sons. It is not expected the sons will live forever or the father will outline forever more the details of the heirs. Its general common sense that the next generation of members will inherit and then leave it to their offspring. They may not do so of course - but it seems clear that Srila Prabhupada is making the written statement that the responsibility must always remain in the hands of those who are following him. Those who are true family members. You can't expect that a will saying forever more only my direct sons can ever possess the property is realistic or legally binding. Just imagine the turmoil there would be as only one old son was left and the grand children are vying for control. Whoever is the heir becomes the owner in the material sense and have legal attorney to appropriate the property to who they choose. It seems a bit like the 'chicken' philosophy to emphasize one word in the will and take little notice of the rest of it. The morning walk conversation in Seattle in 1968 is certainly interesting. There Srila Prabhupada is clearly saying Jesus Christ is the Siksa guru of the Christians, at least those who follow him. He is not the diksa. The diksa is supposed to be given by his representatives - the priest or some clergyman. But in the next part of the conversation, not quoted in the Final Order, Srila Prabhupada explains that because the followers of Jesus have wrongly interpreted the siksa they are not spiritual masters. They are not qualified to teach the followers the Bible. The principle of initiation from a living guru seems to be there in Jesus's time, if we take baptism as the equivalent. "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to be baptized by John. John forbade him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by you". Jesus answered "Suffer it to be so: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. " In our line we also have our siksa gurus, Rupa Gosvami, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja etc, but we still need the diksa. Because of the breakdown in the system in Christianity the whole thing is a jumble. Everyone interpreting according to their whims. Its interesting that in the other quotes put forward Srila Prabhupada says that the Christians only attain the heavenly planets or liberation only. According to Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur one needs to take initiation from a guru in order to attain Krsna Prema. Following the siksa alone will not suffice. Srila Prabhupada has described Jesus as our guru - siksa- but our line from Lord Caitanya shows even the Lord Himself took diksa initiation from Isvara Puri. How much importance Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati placed on taking initiation from a living guru. I can appreciate that to make a decision to implement rtvik, one would have to be absolutely sure this is what Srila Prabhupada wants. You can't play around experimenting. The risk of interpretation seems very high. It would seem questionable that such an issue should go to the court. Its hard to believe that Srila Prabhupada is happy to see devotees recourse to this means, spending so much money, time, bad publicity, loss of faith etc. Is it a sign of spiritual advancement. Is it the only way to solve our 'problems' or is it another sign of kali yuga's influence, "Mundane votes have no jurisdiction to elect a vaisnava acarya. A vaisnava acarya is self-effulgent, and there is no need for any court judgment" CC. ML. 1. 220 P. In a conversation on September 21 1973 in Bombay Srila Prabhupada talks about the breakdown in the Gaudiya Math. After Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja's departure there was a fight to get Tirtha Maharaja out. This became the main occupation instead of preaching. Prabhupada says this was the cause of the breakdown. He quotes his own guru "You make a governing body and Tirtha Maharaja may be allowed to remain as manager. This was directly spoken. He never asked anyone to become acarya. He asked that "You form a GBC of twelve men and go on preaching....... " None of them were advised to become acarya. His idea was "Let them manage, then whoever will be actual qualified for becoming acarya they will elect. Why I should enforce upon them? That was his plan "Let them manage by strong GBC as it is going on. Then acarya will come by his qualifications............. " Rebellion broke out and then fight in High Court. Interesting to see how Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaj did not impose anything on them and said they should elect the acarya. Seems that Srila Prabhupada followed a similar line. Imagine what a situation if Prabhupada had said clearly such and such is the next acarya. It was a struggle enough to prove that, that wasn't the case with the 11. He didn't want to impose this on us and wanted the GBC to elect the acarya. Perhaps we can take warning from this. In CC Adi Lila 12. 8 Purport Srila Prabhupada talks about the same disobedience to the order of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja (not forming a GBC body to manage), as the cause of the breakdown of the Gaudiya Matha and the curtailing of the preaching. How factions developed and court litigation which has dragged on for 40 years. Krishna has given us our minute free will, but to base an argument of change in the basic principle of spiritual life on very questionable evidence, seems very risky. It may please us to think "I am also a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. " But if its not correct then we won't be pleased for long. I cannot claim to be the son of my grandfather. I may have a closer relationship with my grandfather than my own father, but I still have to have a father to have a grandfather. The mayavadis think it would be nice to be God, but they aren't. The causes of the dissension are in many cases very valid. The question of how we are to go about dealing with the situation is the crucial question. If only we could approach the issue not letting our false egos get the better of us, and keeping a cool head. Carefully trying to avoid vaisnava and guru aparadhas. I've seen in Malaysia that the arrival of the rtvik process is a very unhealthy and spiritually dangerous risk. Devotees becoming blatantly offensive to their initiating gurus. Even if one makes the step of rejecting one's guru - heaven forbid - still its a law of human society that one must show respect to an elder, to a sannyasi, to a GBC member..... What type of culture is this otherwise. According to Bhismadeva and Narada Muni it would not even classify as human. "Religious principles will be established by the behavior of the vaisnavas". So much faultfinding, criticism etc is hardly a limb of bhakti. Whoever we are it behooves us to be very careful to protect our devotional creepers. ISKCON is considered to be the body of Srila Prabhupada. Don't forget the history of the demise of Srila Gaura Kishore Babaji Maharaja, and how Srila Bhaktisiddhanta dealt with it. Who is the most qualified to deal with the body of ISKCON. We no doubt have our faults, our shortcomings, our limitations. But surely according to the directions of Srila Prabhupada the GBC body is the most qualified to deal with it. Personally I can't see any more qualified willing persons. If anything, the present GBC is more mature, considerate, thoughtful, and spiritual than at any other time. Give the GBC a chance. Could I really do better. Let's support them. Work together. Chant together. For years we've been whacking them even though the members are quite different from 10 years ago - no wonder. Anyone in management these days seems to be a butt of criticism. They're expected to be absolutely perfect, to satisfy my every desire and do all the things I can't do, as well as the one's I can. I can be any damn fool and do what I like. Let's hold back and look at ourselves and search out the faults inside us, see the good qualities in others. The age is difficult enough let us not strangle our own family members. We came to this movement to surrender to the will of Krishna. Let nothing get in the way of that. In London in 1974 Srila Prabhupada told us the actual problem is solved by coming together twice or more daily for kirtan. More sravanam, kirtan. This is the medicine. This is the path of advancement. No one will argue the need for real Krishna conscious association. Let us all endeavor to become, as Srila Prabhupada wanted - that good association. In Calcutta lecturing on Srimad Bhagavatam 6. 2. 1-5, January 6th 1971 Srila Prabhupada said "...... You should be very careful. And if you have to go to court, then it is still more bad. You see? The age is very bad, the kali-yuga (the age of quarrel and hypocrisy) We have to simply take shelter of Krishna and always cry: Krsna Krsna Krsna Krsna Krsna Krsna Krsna He! Krsna " " " " " " " ' " " " " '' etc.... Like that as Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught us. The time is very dangerous. And still in this dangerous time... Just like in an epidemic condition where every people is being contaminated and dying, the doctors appointed by the government they have to go into the epidemic area and try to treat the person and save them. Our duty is like that. By superior order we have to preach this Krsna conscious movement. Therefore our only shelter is Krsna Krsna Krsna Krsna Krsna Krsna Krsna raksa mam...... " Take shelter of the holy name, study Srimad Bhagavatam, associate favorably with devotees worship the Deities, attend the temple programs, preach. We may be unsure, due to the age we're in and our own lack of advancement, as to how everything should be - varnasrama, gurus, gurukulas etc.. At least we know certain things. Srila Prabhupada received the simple clear instruction from his guru to write and preach in English language. "Blindly I followed". The secret of success. Sincerely let us work together to keep this mission going. Go for Harinama - all our headaches will go away. Distribute books - we are never too old. Prabhupada started in the west when he was 70. Eat only Krsna prasadam. Follow strictly the regulative principles. Dive more deeply into study of Srila Prabhupada's books....... " Be responsible. Take Krishna consciousness seriously. There is no shortage of anything in this world except Krishna consciousness. Changing the label will not make any difference to the content. In this age of Kali where people are averse to God, we are faced with many trials and tribulations. Our only friends in the performance of Hari Bhajan are humility, patience and respect for others. " (Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja) Praying at the feet of all the Vaisnavas to please forgive me for any offense I have committed to you in the contents of this letter and beyond. By nature I am very proud, thinking myself better than others. Please correct me for my unlimited faults. Praying at the lotus feet of our beloved guru His Divine Grace Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for his causeless mercy and guidance. Yasya deve para bhaktir yasya deve..... Putting our full faith in Srila Prabhupada's instructions we are confident that everything will be revealed in course of time. All glories to all the devotees sincerely pushing on the Krishna consciousness movement especially those surrendered souls serving as GBC members under such trying conditions. Your lowly servant of the servant Janananda das Comment on this story  Contact VNN about this storySend this story to a friend
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