12/22/97 - 1415

Ravindra's "Enemies of ISKCON"?

USA (VNN) - Letter from Gauridasa Pandita Dasa:

I am offended by Ravindra Swarupa's article in VNN. He alledges that the poison issue is being perpetuated by the 'ritvics'. He predicts that someone like myself will be put forward and admit my involvement and maybe say that TKG made me do it. It's a shame we have 'leaders' like this in our movement and on our GBC. He calls the ritvic believers 'the enemies of ISKCON'. etc. I have not pushed the poison issue and I am a 'ritvic' devotee.

Krishnakant Prabhu the editor of Back to Prabhupada etc. is not pushing the poison issue and many others of us that understand that Srila Prabhupada wanted a ritvic initiation system in ISKCON are not pushing this idea. I personally heard Srila Prabhupadda say he wanted the ritvic system in ISKCON AFTER HIS DEPARTURE in May, June and July of 1977. The GBC refuses to comply with the resolutions of the 1990 GBC guru debate calling for another open forum discussion on the matter. At the same time there are ('non-ritvic' ) regular devotees that believe that Srila Prabhupada probably was poisoned. Many More than there are ritvics. Ravindra is trying the divide and conquer strategy. It won't work!

The devotees who understand that Srila Prabhupada wanted a ritvic initiation system are not the 'enemies of ISKCON' as Ravindra alledges. We are the friends and family of ISKCON. We want to cooperate and communicate; but it's the GBC who keep stonewalling any constructive communications in this matter. This non-cooperation is the real 'enemy of ISKCON'.

WHY CAN'T WE GET TOGETHER AND TALK ABOUT ALL OF THIS AND TRY TO WORK THINGS OUT FOR THE PLEASURE OF SRI SRI GURU & GAURANGA ?

At the 1990 GBC debate Ravindra said with an attitude that shocked even his own side, "If Srila Prabhupada is still alive why don't you write him a letter and tell us what he says when he writes back! Obviously he's not with us anymore." Why do you bother writing a Vyasapuja letter every year then Ravindra?

I propose that the GBC undergo a major overhaul. Most of the members should be replaced at least for a year. We should vote in a new GBC and define clearly it's function. I know Srila Prabhupada wanted it to be a life long appointment but he also almost disbanded the GBC before. There needs to be a check and balance system. We need communications not allegations.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Gauridasa Pandita Dasa