11/09/97 - 1180

Siddhanta for the Bhakti Vedantas

USA (VNN) - "Siddhanta for the Bhakti Vedantas" is a document that has been in the works for the past six months. It has been my hope to generate a discussion among the devotees that would help us to identify and document our many points of agreement regarding and the wishes of our Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada, for the continuation of his beloved preaching mission.

The most contentious issue standing between Srila Prabhupada's disciples, that of diksa initiation, has served to divide and separate us. Perhaps by focusing on our many points of agreement, and by applying our intelligence to the somewhat more manageable dilemmas facing us, we can lay a new groundwork for cooperation. Within an of cooperation, we will be that much better equipped to approach the more difficult issues facing us.

In first draft format, "Siddhanta for the Bhakti Vedantas" is approximately 30 pages in length, and is composed of the following sections:

PART ONE: (9 pages)

Introduction

The Process of Cooperation
Who Are the Bhakti Vedantas?
The Mission of the Bhakti Vedantas - Points of Discussion
Vaisnava Etiquette - The Mood of the Bhakti Vedantas

PART TWO: (4 pages)

The Bhakti Vedantas Siddhanta - Our Philosophical Position
Association With the Gaudiya Matha
The Association of Devotees
Our Godbrothers and ISKCON

PART THREE: (12 pages)

Other Key Definitions: Rttvik Acarya, Diksa Guru, Siksa Guru,
Vartmana Darsina Guru,
GBC Member, Temple President, BBT, Sannyasi,
Spiritual Sadhana Program - Points of Deviation: Kirtana, Lectures
and Classes, Aratiks Deity
Worship, Prasadam,
Preaching Programs: Rural Communities, Varna Asrama
Married Women and Brahmacarinies
Householders, Brahmacaries and Brahmans
Gurukula

PART FOUR: (5 pages)

Defining the Process: Moving the Bhakti Vedantas Forward

We will open discussion on this first Garuda Express list by releasing the Siddhanta paper, section by section, and engaging in thorough discussion on each section, essentially doing a "joint re-writing" of the document. We encourage list members to participate in this process as much as possible, and we will endeavor to keep the project on a manageable pace, so everyone has adequate time to carefully think about and compose their input. Part One of the document will follow this introduction. As you respond, please cut and paste judiciously, so that we can avoid the repetitive transmission of unnecessary text. As we go along, please share your ideas for how this process can be improved.

We look forward to watching the unfolding of "Siddhanta of the Bhakti Vedantas", and to enjoying the association of all who join in the process.

your servant,

Rocana dasa

To subscribe to the Garuda Express go to:

http://www.harekrsna.com/homepage/istagosi/garuda/garuda.htm