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EDITORIAL September 20, 1999 VNN4765 Comment on this story Let's Not Perpetuate Sectarian Dogmas In The Name Of Srila Prabhupada BY SRILA DASA EDITORIAL, Sep 20 (VNN) — A Response to to Prthu Prabhu's recent posting on Chakra: "As for listening to the Gaudiya Math" Good Theory is the Basis for Proper Action "Two things are always to be observed; whether what is said is true in itself, or being so, is applicable. In general, things are partly true, and partly not; in part applicable, and in part not. You are carefully therefore to distinguish; and to shew how far a thing is true and applies, and how far not." (William G. Hamilton, "Parliamentary Logic," 1796.) Good managerial policy and decison-making require the ability to discriminate. We discriminate by using the above-stated criteria and by weighing all the various considerations (in terms of time and circumstances) and what we desire to achieve. Furthermore, every established policy needs to be periodically reevaluated in light of new information and changing conditions, because the world doesn't stay the same. There is no pat "one-size-fits-all" formula for applying Krsna consciousness. We have to learn how to discriminate. Discrimination demands intelligence and maturity. 'Intelligence,' as much as we possess it, is also a broad-minded conception as it attempts to take all relevant factors into consideration after a fair and comprehensive hearing. 'Maturity' is the ability to consider everything in perspective. It arises from the wisdom of experience and distinguished by flexibility and adaptability after all things are considered. Rigidity, intolerance and categorical thinking have no place in a Krsna conscious leader. A Krsna conscious person is an ideal leader (srestha) because he teaches by his own ideal character. yad yad acarati sresthas tad tad evetaro janah sa yat pramanam kurute lokas tad anuvartate (Bh.gita. 3.21) What's At Stake Prthu Prabhu is my dear and respected godbrother, but he has brought up an issue that I must beg to differ with him on. Seeking advanced Vaisnava association (sadhu-sanga) is the one of the most vital and basic principles of Krsna consciousness. As stated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to Sanatana Goswami (Cc Mad. 22.128): sadhu-sanga nama-kirtana bhagavata-sravana mathura-vasa sri-murtira sraddhaya sevana Sadhu-sanga is one the five major limbs of devotional service (pancangas) and as such it cannot be dictated by any sentimental, sectarian or institutional criteria (cf, Cc Adi 1.35 purpt). Prthu Prabhu attempts to base the premise of his argument -- that one should not go to listen from anyone in the Gaudiya Math -- on one incident of Mukunda (now Maharaja) with Srila Prabhupada in 1966 at the very beginning of the movement. However, we should be wary about over-generalizing from one episode and falsely conclude that we should forever eschew associating with anyone in the Gaudiya Math. Such a conclusion is premature, inaccurate and asastric. This kind of one-sided interpretation serves only to perpetuate our misconceptions and exacerbate the already torn relations with our closest spiritual family, the Gaudiya Math and with the increasing members from our own society, ISKCON, who are finding genuine spiritual shelter there. Context Means "How Far A Thing Applies" Whatever Srila Prabhupada said about the Gauidya Math during the time he was physically with us needs to be seen in proper context. Expert preaching means being able to adjust religious principles according to time, place and circumstances. But before 'preaching,' we first need to have the proper 'understanding.' Let's hear the full story. Over 30 years have elapsed since Prabhupada made those statements about his godbrothers. Aside from that, the Godbrothers and personalities Prabhupada experienced difficulty with and criticized also passed away many years ago. So whom, pray tell, does Prthu wish to apply his quotes to? How much, therefore, is this specific incident relevant to us today? What purpose does it serve to perpetrate out-dated personal misunderstandings between Srila Prabhupada and his godbrothers, and in the manner of immortalizing clan wars from previous generations, never ask why or make attempts to reconcile our differences? Doesn't it seem ignorant and sectarian to continue to "preach" at this level of "us" and "them", out-group criticism and in-group self-flattery and propaganda? Let's learn to look at things in perspective. Regarding all he said about the Gaudiya Math, we must conclude that Srila Prabhupada's reactions and statements in response to any given situation are by nature contextual. Like a loving parent, he instructed his disciples for our own benefit -- sometimes sending us to associate with his Godbrothers and sometimes restricting us from that association, as he deemed appropriate to our spiritual needs. Whatever Prabhupada did was to protect his young and inexperienced disciples in those times and circumstances. Therefore, before engraving everything Prabhupada said or did into stone as an eternal Vedic injunction, we first need to see how far something is applicable in our present situation and context. It would seem foolish to do otherwise. Not Foolish Disciples The anecdote of the foolish disciples who could not determine on their own whether to pick up the guru's hat or the horse's excrement provides a vivid example of how far this type of blind-sighted "faith" can go. One must able to utilize one's intelligence in perspective and reconcile differing instructions. Because the fact is that Prabhupada said so many different things about associating with the Gaudiya Math at different times. But what did Prabhupada really think or feel in his heart? What lasting truth can we glean from Prabhupada's all-encompassing wisdom about the Gaudiya Math? We will have to search his Bhaktivedanta purports for that "personal ecstasy": "The disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Siddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja are all Godbrothers, and although we are not acting conjointly, everyone of us is preaching this Krsna Consciousness movement according to his own capacity and producing many disciples to spread it all over the world.... The cult of Krsna consciousness, based on the nine principles of devotional service (sravanam kirtanam visnoh...), will never be stopped. It will go on without distinction of caste, creed, color or country. No one can check it... All these [above-mentioned] devotees are spreading this Krsna consciousnesss movement very widely and giving protection to innocent people who are being so much embarrassed by pseudo-avataras, -svamis, -yogis and others." (SB 4.28.31) In this purport, Srila Prabhupada offers conclusive remarks about the Gaudiya Math: that "all" his Godbrothers are preaching and spreading Krsna consciousness. In other words, in the final analysis, above and beyond anything else Prabhupada might have said on other occasions due to time and circumstances, "all" his Godbrothers are bona fide Vaisnavas continuing the line of Krsna consciousness, devotional service. If we judge by the result -- "producing many disciples to spread [KC] all over the world" -- then "all that ends well *is* well." Judge by the result, Prabhupada would say. phalena pariciyate. Besides being a tri-kala-jna and able to see through a person's character and into the future, such a broad and liberal statement by Srila Prabhupada is characteristic of a true Vaisnava, a perfect gentleman[soul]. No rigidity, intolerance or categorical thinking. Thus his conclusion must be ours as well. Any other conclusion verges on being an aparadha and forces us into apasiddhanta -- that there are no bona fide sadhus outside of ISKCON. Beyond what Prabhupada has clearly stated, who are we to judge otherwise? Everlasting Truths If we look deeper for any eternal principle or lasting policy to draw upon, it is that Prabhupada stresses throughout all of his books the supreme importance of associating with advanced Vaisnavas (sadhu-sanga) -- 'pure' devotees who, from their very births, are steeped in Vaisnava culture. "Sri Jiva Goswami advises that one not accept a spiritual master in terms of hereditary or customary social and ecclesiastical conventions. One should simply try to find a genuinely qualified spiritual master for actual advancement in spiritual understanding." (CC Adi 1.35 purpt.) Let's not forget about all these instructions in Prabhupada's books and shelve the gist of our Vaisnava siddhanta to create a sectarian dogma from any particular incident or temporary policy. The rtvikvada proponents have become very expert at this type of deceptive reasoning. Drawing such categorical conclusions from isolated cases or statements, however, is not speaking truthfully nor beneficially. One must first understand the *siddhanta*, then one can adapt it appropriately according to time and circumstance. If we try to reason the other way -- to generalize from the particulars -- this is faulty logic (speculation), and we may end wearing our philosophy backwards. We need to mature and learn how to adapt to changing times and circumstances. Should we also institutionalize the way Prabhupada first started arranging marriages, offering inititations and giving of sannyasa? I think most of us would agree, that would be regressive. On these points at least, the GBC has clearly understood the necessity for change -- what Prabhupada did in the beginning was due to time and circumstances -- and has consequently adapted its policies. We must recognize that as a tattva-darsana Prabhupada could change his mind abruptly and adapt to the situation or had deeper considerations behind any given instruction or policy. For instance, Prabhupada's initial reaction when devotees first started wearing Western dress on sankirtan to distribute books was to strongly forbid it. Then, as more information became available, he later gave his consent. This ability to change his mind as the situation warranted was the case on so many points of contention, where he would initially offer one judgment only to subsequently reverse his previous decision. Similarly, regarding associating with the Gaudiya Math, it is a documented fact from so many letters and personal dealings that Srila Prabhupada said and did so many different things about his Godbrothers at different times. To take one quote about one Godbrother or one specific instance and hang that out to the world as if that was all Prabhupada had ever spoken on the matter is an abuse of our most beloved Founder-Acarya and his vani. In the name of being 'authoritative,' one is instead being 'authoritarian' and promoting a personal or sectarian point of view. If anyone feels the way Prthu does, that is certainly his/her perogative, because seeking sadhu-sanga or finding guru-asraya cannot be legislated. It is a matter of individual sincerity, as it is also dependent on Krsna's divine grace. But at the same time, I wish to suggest that Prthu's article purports his own personal understanding, not the final conclusion from guru, sastra and sadhu. Admittedly, we shouldn't go around inappropriately canvassing for a particular sadhu. But neither can we condemn or discourage others from approaching certain Vaisnavas without becoming implicated in serious Vaisnava aparadha. It is an individual's free will and responsibility to find the spiritual guide of his/her choice. Otherwise, are we really prepared to act as the judge for everyone? That would seem vain indeed. In fact, of the two above sins, better to err on the side of excessive glorification of a saint. That is by far a safer path. ISKCON's history with the Gaudiya Math is a broad and complicated topic, one not easily nor summarily understood, distorted as it is by misinformation and a lack of communication, and exacerbated as it by high emotions and deep aparadhas. In its few moments of clarity on the matter, the GBC has itself admitted to committing serious offenses to Gaudiya Math saints, but it has done little or nothing to actually counteract them. Consequently, the offensive attitudes and misconceptions continue to be propagated. Prthu Prabhu's posting simply adds fuel to this fire of misunderstandings and will lead to further misdealings, which have thus accumulated in ISKCON's current 'corporate culture' of ill-feelings and mistrust towards the Gaudiya Math and any member of ISKCON who wishes to find spiritual shelter there. I respectfully submit that any attitude or policy that unfairly discriminates against one group of Vaisnavas or pits one group of Vaisnavas against another is sectarian, mistaken and unbecoming for a proper Vaisnava. Let us all come together under the broad banner of Mahaprabhu's mission and reconcile our differences. Let us accept bona fide sadhu-sanga, perform nama-sankirtana and become genuinely enlightened in Krsna consciousness. In this way, we can gain the full blessings from our line of Gaudiya acaryas and please the Supreme Lord, who is the One Absolute Truth, Personality of Godhead and the Master of all souls. Eternal Principles The basic principle about taking higher association is clearly stated in the Bh.gita 4.34), as well as delineated elsewhere throughout Prabhupada's books: tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya upadeksyanti te jnanam jnaninas tattva-darsinah "Just try to understand the truth by approaching a self-realized soul. The self realized souls [plural] can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth." "Gurun is plural in number because anyone who gives spiritual instructions based on the revealed scriptures is accepted as a spiritual master." (Cc Adi.134) "The saints who give instructions for progressive advancement in Krsna consciousness are called instructing spiritual maters." (Cc Adi.134) "There is no limit, however, to the number of instructing spirtual masters one can accept." (Cc. Adi 1.35) No sectarian conception (eg, "mISKCONception") or institutional resolutions can override these eternal principles of sadhu-sanga and guru-asraya. Using the information and guidelines Srila Prabhupada has so kindly provided in his books and instructions, we should all follow this eternal principle to our heart's desire. And as a truly international and non-sectarian society, ISKCON should support diversity and faciliate those choices -- at least within our Gaudiya-Sarasvata tradition! If we are sincere, Krsna will send us the proper and bona fide guru (siksa-guru or sadhu, same thing) to help us in our progressive march on the path to spiritual perfection. What's Confusing? As far as becoming "confused," if we were to hear "one word different" from what Prabhupada has said, I would like to offer three remarks: a) There is already plenty of material from Prabhupada's own explanations for becoming "confused"! The rtvik debate is based solely upon Prabhupada's vani, yet it threatens to split the society. b) The GBC itself propagated a deviant philosophy for over TEN years (ie, the Zonal Acarya era, 1977-1987), causing rampant "confusion" throughout ISKCON. What could be more "confusing" than that? c) In the wake of the "confusion" resulting from the successive falldowns of some of our most prominent and senior leaders in ISKCON, I think the influence of advanced and experienced Vaisnavas from the Gaudiya Math can only help to rectify our already "confused" situation. Andha-Pangu Nyaya In his last year with us, Prabhupada emphasized the importance of *andha-pangu-nyaya* as our fundamental strength and path of fortune: that the lame man (India) would help the blind man (America) to see, and the blind man, in turn, would help the lame to walk. In other words, Prabhupada explains, "the material advancement of the West and the spiritual assets of India should combine for the elevation of all human society." (SB 4.25.13) By banishing ourselves from associating with the Gaudiya Math, however, we are directly disobeying Prabhupada's standing order (ie, not temporal) to exchange and cooperate. Where else are the "spiritual assets" of India? In its quintessence, these "assets" mean Gaudiya Vaisnavism -- or more specifically, the Gaudiya Math. The secret wealth of any culture, spiritual or material, lies in its *elders.* As confirmed in the Mahabharata, the greatest cultural epic of all India (Vana Parva, 313.117): dharmasya-tattvam nihitam guhayam mahajano yena gatah sva-panthah The truth regarding spirituality and religion is hidden and mysterious. One must therefore accept the seniormost and advanced practitioners (mahajanas) of the faith and follow in their path. The Gaudiya Maths offer a wealth of senior elders who can thoroughly enrich and enlighten all of us, and we would be foolish indeed to ignore them. In contrast, I am sorry to say, that those who have been born, raised or cultured in America and the West have been polluted by its influence, to one degree or another. Thus ISKCON, on the whole, doesn't truly rate as being genuinely 'Indian.' Our temples in Mayapur and Vrndavan are still known to the locals as "Anglo" or "White" mandiras. More profoundly, we cannot divorce ourselves from the great cultural heritage we share with the Gaudiya Math without tremendous costs and at the risk of incurring serious spiritual ills. We already have too much experience of this without calling for further polarization of our different camps. "The War is Over" (Peace, At Last?) Prabhupada declared in 1977 that the "war [with the Gaudiya Math] was over." He also instructed the GBC leaders at that time to "cooperate fully" with the Gaudiya Math. That cooperation never happened. We have already failed to follow Srila Prabhupada's explicit orders, so let's not now perpetuate a bogus philosophy out of our disobedience. 'Policy' does not equal 'philosophy.' Policy may change according to time and circumstances, but philosophy is eternal. Policy should not dictate philosophy (siddhanta), but rather, vice versa. Policy should, whenever possible, adhere to philosophy. *Siddhanta* first. It is time to lift the 'Bamboo Curtain' (or alternatively, topple the 'Marble Wall') that divides us. The GBC's long established policy of isolationism (since 1977) should end today -- and it could, were it not for those of Prthu's persuasion in the ISKCON hierarchy who keep sounding the false cry of, "Wolf! Wolf!". Not that our respectable ISKCON leaders are "wolves in sheep's clothing," but the point is that we have witnessed more than our fair share of charlatans and spiritual debauchery from within ISKCON's own pristine walls. We have only to look within (both individually and collectively) for the cheating and duplicity. Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, because it will only backfire. We must learn to discern who are our real benefactors. Based on a thorough and personal study of Prabhupada's books, each one of us must come up with the answers for ourselves, whom those sadhus and gurus are. This is our singlemost important decision in Krsna consciousness -- to choose our association and from whom we take our guidance. No committee, ABC, GBC or XYZ can make these decisions "for us," "on our behalf" or even more insidiously "on behalf of Prabhupada." Whoever tells us otherwise counsels us wrongly. We should choose our guides wisely, because our spiritual life could (and does) depend upon it. But why dwell on the negative and critical side of things? "Don't do this... If you don't do that..." Anyone can gain positive experience of the rejuvenating tonic from hearing our Gaudiya Math saints and then judge for themselves. No one has to take my word for it as the gospel truth. I do humbly suggest, however, that it is everyone's spiritual duty to make a serious inquiry as the opportunity arises. Seeking the association with advanced Vaisnavas (sadhu-sanga) is one of the fundamental principles of devotional service, and no one should be unnecessarily denied this great opportunity when so many of these Gaudiya saints are now traveling to the West as per the direct request of Srila Prabhupada. It is by Prabhupada's grace that they are coming. After all, he personally asked them to come. Now, after so many years, they are finally coming. We should be so thankful. Let us hear from them and be benefitted. Let us always remember that beyond our own honest efforts, everything ultimately depends on Krsna's mercy and His divine grace. In all the scriptures, saints are described as Krsna's mercy personified. We need as much mercy as we can get. This is our Gaudiya Vaisnava philosophy. sadhu-sanga sadhu-sanga sarva-sastre kaya lava-matra sadhu-sange sarva-siddhi haya (C.c.Mad.22.54) Please forgive me if my strong words offend anyone. But the truth must be spoken frankly, despite my fallen condition and inability to present it. Humbly submitted before all truth-seeking Vaisnavas, Srila dasa Comment on this story  Contact VNN about this storySend this story to a friend
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