03/15/98 - 1696

An Evaluation of the GBC Evaluations Preamble or Stay Away From Chakra

USA (VNN) - by Puru das (former CHARKA team member)

Dear Satyahit Prabhu,
Hare Krishna. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to
Srila Prabhupada.

###=Satyahit left margin is myself, Puru Das

???is the Chakra article

###Actual fact is that Yasodananda prabhu is a gentleman,a scholar,and
a devotee and I have personally been treated exactly like a friend in
his house.

Actual fact prabhu, chakra could care less. Men with no integrity cannot
act at though they had any.

###Gauridas pandit prabhu whom I have never met personally is at very
least a very sincere disciple of Srila Prabhhupada. Chakra's attitude
toward both of them is very much lower than gentlemanly.

Because they are not gentlemen. They are saffron policeman (blind
followers and/or supporters of the GBC).

Prabhuji, I started on wstrat(the com for web strategy for chakra) when
it almost first began in early November l988..I have all of their coms
from the very beginning of their site. Chakra e started to protect TKG
from poison charges. They continue today to simply protect the vested
interest of present GBC member, diksa gurus and other apasampradaya
misunderstanding about who can offer diksa and who should control ISKCON
at large. I am now banned from the com for my honesty and refusal to
compromise our Vaisnava siddhanta.

I tried to preach against ritvik philosphy. I requested aid from GBC,
Ravindra Swaupa in particular who is supposed to be in charge of a
committee to do exactly that and protect ISKCON from such attacks.I also
asked other chakra staff and all they ever did was point me ot the GBC
Home page ISKCON law. Not one quote from shastra, not one verse and not
one reference from any predecesor acarya. And do you know why prabhu?
Because they do not have any. Srila Prabhupada explains what they are
dong in the verse and purport of the Cc. Adi lila (Vol.3) Chapter
12.TExt 9. Please read

The chakra staff if basically three devotees. Mother Madhusudani Radha
a disciple of Jayaptaka Swami. Umapati and Vipramkuhya. Neither one of
them will post Pradyumna's letter, Sri Guru Ashraya,Sri Krsna
Bhajanamrta. All they will post is the censored and extremely washed
out to make even the truth or stayam found out by the GBC deputies but
denied the devotee populationa at large. By his own words the editor of
chakra writes:

"The approved recommendations presented here represent
a highly distilled form of the work underaken. . . .

You can access chakra to see the rest of this rationalization. I can't
even bring myself to re type it.

Chakra means "Umapati, Vipramukhya and Madhusudani Radha (JPS). She has
noble intentions but does not understand the character of the men she
is trying to work with. She will not be told either. I never tried.

Chakra will not post Pradyumna's letter that says that "among god
brothers and sisters all are on the same level."You have the entire
letter ,re-read it all. Ask yourself why they will not post it?

Cahkra will not post Sri Guru Ashraya, which defeats the idea of
emphasis of diksa samskara over the significance of siksa from SP and
predecessor acaryas.

Chakra will not post Sri Krsna Bhajanamrta, because it reinforces and
explains the proper etiquette for all Vaisnavas to observe. This paper
also explains the equal status of the diksa and siksa guru, as confirmed
in the Cc.

Chakra will not post UK Forum discussions, where myself and Gaura Kesava
Das discussed these things in great detail. Another devotee,
against our instruction posted an iskcon diksa guru's name as the
devotee responsible for suppressing SGA a decade ago so that his own
agenda w/re to "re initiation" would be passed by the GBC. They passed a
half baked version not yes/not no.

The GBC gave the disciples of fallen diksa gurus of ISKCON an option
for "re-initiation," when it does not exist anywhere in our shastra. It
is expressly rejected by Srila Prabhupada in Cc.Adi Lila Chapter 1, text
35. Please take out your Cc. and read the purport. SP clearly says you
can only have one diksa guru in the purport. Then re-read Adi 12.9 and
put the two together. The picture becomes very clear if you are sincere
to understand what Srila Prabhupada actually wanted.

The thread is clear. It started in l978 with Pradyumna, his letter and
his subsequent exile and the Bhagavatam work ripped out of his hands and
turned over to Hrydayananda, a less qualified Sanskrit scholar and a
less qualified pandit as well, as far as purport work is concerned.

Then the thread continued around 10 years ago when Sri Guru Ashraya was
commissioned, written, then ignored, rejected and buried by the GBC. It
has taken me all the time since then to dig it up and try to see it
distributed The GBC do not want anyone to read it. It exposes their
guilt and complicity in cover up and asara mentality as confirmed in
CC.Adi 12.9 Please read it if you haven't. This whole thing is very
easy to understand.

This is why they treat god brothers with a different opinion with such
contempt, disdain and discourtesy. They can do nothing else. They are
controlled by the three modes of material nature and are not in touch
with Krsna's internal shakti or the mercy of SP and the parampara.
They are exposed by their own language. Here I will show you.

Now Pradhyumna's letter surfaces again. They will not print in now
any more than they would then. They did not even respond to my offer to
provide it. Chakra is not interested in any truth athta inconveniences
teh GBC power brokers. Their banner line on each
article is absolute HYPOCRISY. Classic. A better example cannot be
found even in world history as far as I am concerned. Instead you read
their introduction to the GBC evaluations. Look at these lies as I
outline them for you"

???Preface: The GBC Appraisals

???Srila Prabhupada expected a lot from his GBC devotees. On studying
his teachings, we find that there are four main functions that he
wanted the GBC to carry out.

Where is the source of this statement/ The ISKCON directives of
management say nothing about these so called 4 functions. This is a
mental speculation an self justification if not just a bold faced lie.
BMW you will not see any sloka or verse to justify anything VS writes in
this preamble. He has none.

???He wanted them to be siksa gurus for all the members of ISKCON.

He (SP) wanted them(GBC). . .Do you believe this lie? This is not what
it says in Srila Prabhupada's books. He never said this. SCM did not
say Yes you GBC men become siksa guru. He said everyone become siksa
guru. And prabhu anyone who gives siksa, and has the sampradaya mantra
can also give diksa. If you want shastra for this then just read
Sri Guru Ashraya, wherein it is all explained in great detail, with
plenty of references from SP's purports, the Hari Bhakta Vilasa and
other bona fide sources. Gaura Kesava can also offer lots of other
explanation of these points. I have them all in letters from him. I have
already posted two of them to you with the SKB and SGA. You lost them,
then contact me, and I can resend. click click, you got them. Anyone
esle reads this letter and would like to read I am easily available in
cyber space.

Chakra will not post this paper Sri Guru Ashraya. . It is too truthful
and accurate to our siddhanta which will not support their political and
motivated agenda to control and dominate the ISKCON Movement, which they
have already kidnaped from the rest of us. Believe this. I am not making
anything up. Satyam eva jayate. Read Bg. 10.4-5. I am a brahmana and I
do not lie. SP told me I was a qualified brahmana when he gave me 2nd
diksa sampradaya mantra initiation in 1971. He was correct. I was not
so qualified then. I am more so today, by His mercy only.

???He wanted them to provide leadership to push on the sankirtana
movement of Lord Caitanya, and he wanted them to manage the movement in
a responsible way.

I can only say that SP did not get what he wanted. You examine our
history over the ast 20 years since HDG entered maha samadhi. 2+2=5.
5 means misunderstanding of guru tattva and the siddhanta required from
such understanding.
5=Zonal Acarya
5=diksa guru fall downs
5="Re-initiation"
5=GBC should offer siksa.

What about everyone else. Where are all of our God brothers's prabhu.

I will tell you. They are fallen into Maya,or they are discouraged by
politics and manipulation by irresponsible mismanaging leaders,or they
are living removed and disinterested with ISKCON and who can blame them,
and some of them have joined the Gaudiya Math. Then there are others
like you and me. We falsely assume that the Institution still has some
merit and that it can be changed or corrected from within. That is still
my fond hope but after seeing this chakra article I am extremely
doubtful and could easily live without ever visiting an ISKCON temple
ever again. There are other places to practice bhakti,and serve Srila
Prabhupada just as effectively and without all the nonsense.

Anyway correction from within will not likely happen unless enough
devotees who are not controlled by institutional loyalty, and confusing
that with bhakti, speak out and refuse to let them (the GBC) and their
saffron police, get away with it yet another time.
Who can say? Krsna and Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu have
their plan. Even Lord Brahma can't understand that plan so who are we?

??? He also wanted them to act as watchdogs, seeing that
the proper standards of Krsna consciousness are maintained in all
ISKCON temples,

Look around at ISKCON. Are the Deities maintained? Are the devotees
maintained? Read the evaluations. Many of the GBC men are taken to
task for bad sadhana, for not chanting japa, for being insensitive and
deceitful, for mental speculation in their books and lectures, for
dressing in a non devotional but cultural mode. I can understand what
these evaluations really mean. Not too many little Prabhu will be able
to. Chakra will not tell them that the emperor has no clothes. I can see
that he is naked. Plain and true. They are all naked emperors to the
man. Do not trust any of them, Do not expect reasonable behavior or
treatment from them, especially the ones who work at chakra.

I say work not serve, because what they are doing could not possibly be
accepted by HDG SP as devotional service.. Krsna says in the Bg.some
thing about this kind of unfair and selfish behavior. Read Bg. Ch.18
Verses 25,which will give you one side of the coin and then Verse 26
which explains the other. Compare how I respond to you and the behavior
of chakra and its editors. Then you judge which verse fits who.

Stop wasting your valuable time writing to chakra. They will simply use
it against you. One of their wstrat board said he thought you were
mentally ill. No lie.
I have the com to prove it. I tell you to protect you from him. He is
a vicious saffron policeman. He does not have much integrity at all.
I can prove this beyond a shadow of any reasonable doubt from my
exchanges with him. Trust me, I have nothing to gain by saying this
satyam to you. Do not confront wstrat with it. It would only bring
harm to me.They have already banned me from com. How seen before they
send the word down to the local GBC to keep me out of the temple as
well? I expect it very soon. No one in kali yuga who is so dishonest
themselves, appreciates honesty. This is my duty as a disciple. Srila
'Bhatisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur said a Vaisnava who compromises is
asara, useless. I will never stop speaking out until the injustices and
deviations are corrected. Or they will have to kill me to shut me up.
That wouldn't surprise me either. They are capable.Srila Prabhupada and
Krsna will protect me. You pray to Him to keep me safe.

???that ISKCON&Mac226;s assets are protected,

What a joke. How much of Srila Prabhupada's laxmi has been squandered,
mismanaged or just plain stolen by many of these very men, and some of
the ones that left. They did not leave ISKCON with empty pockets prabhu.
How much more will be misspent and poorly utilized by them in the
future? What happens to their guru daksine? Do they have private bank
accounts and assets? Don't ask, only Supersoul knows because they tell
no one. Someone has brought suit against the bbt, a temple president on
the west coast owns three bmw automobiles, Hrydayananda is accused of
having secret bank accounts.

??? and that philosophical deviation is not allowed to creep in.

Then what is "re-initiation." Why won't chakra post Pradyumna's letter,
SGA,SKB and UK forum? They(The GBC) are the source of the deviation.
They will not either understand or admit, or at worse they understand it
all too well and don't want it to be known. I suspect a combination of
all three depending on which one we are talking about.

???It has been widely accepted that the GBC, individually and
collectively, have made wonderful contributions to the preaching,
management, and development of the movement, and in many parts of
the world we have seen significant achievements.

What world is this prabhu? It does not sound like a description of this
earthly planet. So may wonderful temples are there but who runs them?
What does widely accepted mean? This is utter nonsense. It is too
ridiculous to even make any comment. They say this to each other
but world wide hardly anyone believes such a fantasy. Only the saffron
police and their fanatical supporters. Shakespeare said something
about such ravings in Macbeth. He was talking about material life, not
any written statement or propaganda, but the words still ring true:

"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
signifying nothing."

To call the author of this little gem (GBC Evaluations preamble) on
chakra an idiot is not an aparadha. It is a fact. Re-read Bg. 10.4-5.
Beyond that I have a series of letters with him that prove it even the
more. I am a brahmana prabhu. I would not lie to you or just insult a
god brother to make a point. I can prove what I say beyond any question
of any reasonable doubt.

Here is just on short remark from another god brother who will remain
anonymous.
>>
we don't want to see a demon for a demon, we're afraid of Vaisnava
aparadha so long, that it allows it to go on too long.
<<<<

He just wants to think about Krsna and Arjuna on the chariot speaking
the Bhagavad Gita and not the Mahabharata of politics that led up to
the Kurukshetra war. I will some day convince him the events prior to
that discussion are also worthy of equal consideration, as long as
we come to the same conclusion that Arjuna did, which was to arm with
yoga, stand and fight the Kaurava army. We have heard the Gita prabhu.
Now it is time to arm with yoga, stand and fight.

???At the same time it is very important that there be a system of
ensuring that Srila Prabhupada&Mac226;s high expectations are met, and that
the responsibilities of the GBC are properly carried out. In this light
it was decided last year that objective appraisals be carried out on the
performances of the individual GBC members.

So do the evaluations and then hide the findings because they are too
damning. Too many little Prabhu might figure out that the emperor has no
clothes. Foolish for chakra. Everyone knows this anyway or will figure
it out soon enough. If they don't then they are simply being cheated.
The cheaters will cheat them. The ISKCON Society for the Cheaters and
the Cheated prabhu. That is what we have right now. ISKCON rubber
stamped non approval disapproval diksa gurus, and their fanatical
followers. This is not a lie. Re read UK Forum discussions already sent
to you. You need them sent again just ask me, click click and they are
yours.

???Initially the appraisals were compiled by a team consisting of the
GBC deputies and a group of non-GBC disciples of Srila Prabhupada,
in a mood characterized by the GBC chairman, Madhouse Das, as
"respectful and humble, but frank and open." They produced reports
noting the strong and weak points of each GBC member and made
recommendations for them all. These were then discussed with the
GBC, and in consultation with them final recommendations were
submitted to the body for approval.

???The approved recommendations presented here represent a highly
distilled form of the work undertaken, and mainly express those
points it was felt the devotees needed to improve on. In this way
they are not criticisms, but are meant to further enhance the already
existing qualities and contributions of the GBC.

Need I say anymore to you prabhu?
Stop writing to chakra.
Start writing to me instead. I answered you, they did not. I care
about you ,they do not. I am your god brother, they don't treat you like
one. They have responded to your sincerity with self righteous
arrogance and arm chair psychoanalysis. They cannot understand your
pain. I can. I feel it myself. My god brother in Vrndavan Kundali can
understand it too. Associate with us prabhu. We will try to save ISKCON
from itself. You help us and stay away from these asuric devotees who
have no regard or love for anyone but themselves and thier GBC cronies.
You chain letter this letter to you to as many Prabhu as you
know who will read it, and have them contact me here. We will discuss
guru ,sadhu and shastra. We will take advantage of each other's good
association. We will all go back to home ,back to godhead, and the GBC
saffron police can stay here and keep ISKCON for eternity. We will see
Srila Prabhupada again. They never saw him in the first place prabhu.
Trust me, this is all too true.

YS
Puru Das Adhikari
Curator
Bhaktivedanta Memorial
Museum & Library

N.B. They (wstrat board) think that whenTKG's follower wrote to
you and calmed you down that he converted you back to their (chakra
GBC) camp.They do not understand you as well as I do. I read what
you post. If you have any emotional imbalance that has been caused by
the saffron police and not by any mature sinful reaction on your part.
That is my evaluation. I must apologize to you that I almost got
infected by wstrat's fault finding and was ready to believe it of
you. Just see how dangerous their association is, even in cyber
space. Please forgive my egregious error to think ill of a fellow
Vaisnava, clearly dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, at the word of a
3rd initiate who neither deserves to carry his danda or take the
title swami any more, as far as I am concerned.

From - Thu Mar 05
Date: Thu, 05 Mar 1998
From: "Ralph H. Somershein" <rasomer@banet.net>
Reply-To: rasomer@banet.net
Organization: The Bhaktivedanta Memorial Museum & Library
To: Arjunanatha Das <arjuna@atma.v-net.com>
Subject: Pradyumna's letter

Please post this on UK forum. I won't go there. They need to read this
letter, especially Damodar. Please do this for me. I haven't asked you
for much, this I would really appreciate. Tell them it is to inform
them about the niti. What can it hurt? If they flip over this then there
is no hope for them. Then their denial is fatal..


Pradyumna's letter of 7 August, l978 (posted on VNN)

SRIKRISHNA BHAJANAMRTA

By Srila NARAHARI SARKARA THAKUR

Translated by Bhanu Swami

Authorized for distribution by Jayapataka Swami
Sanskrit/Bengali Editing by: Sri Subhag Swami

"Narahari was the fortieth (branch of the Caitanya tree)."

PURPORT BY Srila Prabhupada

"Narahari das Sarkara was a very famous devotee.
Locan das Thakur, the elaborated author of Caitanya-mangala, was his disciple. In Caitanya-mangala it is stated that Sri Gadadhara das and Narahari Sarkara were extremely dear to Sri Caitanya Mahparabhu."

Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta

Adi-Lila Chapter 10

500 copies printed by the Sydney Farm Contact Sankirtan Party with due thanks and acknowledgement to The Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust

INTRODUCTION

The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrta is the original work of Sri Narahari Sarkara Thakur, the famous devotee who offered Lord Caitanya the personal service of fanning with camara. The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrtam is possibly the only know book which deals with practical aspects of dealings between disciples and guru including when the guru falls down. Therefore Sri Krsna Bhajanamrta is very timely for better understanding the authorized manner in which to deal with sensitive issues regarding initiating gurus and siksa gurus. H.H. Bhakti Caru Swami informed me of the existence of this book and without his encouragement we would not have endeavored to locate it.

The Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust, which Srila Prabhupada founded for preserving the Gaudiya Vaisnava Sampradaya culture and heritage, in addition to promoting its unity and mutual cooperation, has been researching lost shrines and holy places for nearly a decade. The newest project is to locate lost or out of print literatures in original language and to publish reference copies for use of sadhus and scholars around the world. The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrta is the first book located in this new project.

The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrta was only printed once as far as is known in the Bengali year 1309, which brings it to the late 19th century. Only 95 copies were printed and has therefore been out of print and unavailable for quite some time; but with research the last known copy was located at Sri Khanda, the birthplace of Sri Narahari Thakur, in torn and blackened condition; even the threads in the binding had turned to dust. By Lord Caitanya's mercy the book was loaned to the B.S.C.T. for republishing and translation.

The Sri Krsna Bhajanamrtam is 64 pages long, but only the first 16 pages deal with guru-tattva. The remaining part of the book deals with Sambandha-tattva in regard to Lord Krishna's expansions, energies, demigods, etc. Since ISKCON, at present specifically needs sastric direction in regard to some aspects of guru-tattva the verses 27-67, which deal specifically with the subject matter of guru-tattva and Vaisnava relationships are being presented.

Although the first 19 verses simply form the introduction to the book, they are also included, since they help the reader to get a clearer understanding of the background to it and Sri Narahari Thakur's purpose in writing Sri Krsna Bhajanamrtam. Verses 19-26 give the explanation of topics which the book covers, other than guru-tattva, so they are not included.


SRI KRSNA BHAJANAMRTA
by Sri la Narahari Sarkara Thakur

Verse 1

I offer my respectful obeisances to that incarnation of Godhead who has distributed more unlimited causeless mercy than any other Avatar. He is the total Lord of my life--Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Verse 2

I offer my respectful obeisances to Sri Sukadeva Goswami who is like the ripened fruit of the trees of devotional service. He is eternally relishing in the transcendental mellows in devotional service.

Verse 3 & 4

During this Kali Yuga, when the time of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Sri Nitayananda Prabhu's transcendental pastimes become unmanifest. Their lordships become the object of transcendental research and discussion. At that time all level of devotees including uttama adhikary, madhhyama adhikary, and kanistha adhikary shall always be in anxiety and it will be at all times. They shall almost feel uncertainty in their hearts regarding the correct understanding of the eternal truths of devotional service.

Verse 5 & 6

I offer my respectful obeisances in full surrender to the thousands and thousands of previous Vaisnavas and particularly to those paramahamsas, perfect souls, who meditate constantly in pure loving devotion on the lotus feet of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and by His mercy are studying all of the Vedic literature in regard to devotional service. Following in the footsteps of these great spiritual authorities I shall explain the clear transparent conclusions of the scriptures in their concise, condensed form, with some detailed explanations.

Verse 7

I, Narahari Das, consider myself to be a fool. Therefore, how will I be able to explain this most difficult subject matter on the absolute conclusions of the sastra? Will the learned Vaisnavas bless my deliberations that they may not be false or deviate from the authorized conclusions of the sastra in any respect.

Verse 8

In any case, whether someone has all good qualities or whether one has no good qualities, whether one is a fool or whether one is a great pandit; who is there in this material world who is able to completely understand pure devotional service to Krsna.

Verse 9

In my sleep while dreaming I said the above words. While dreaming I was meditating upon the words of previous authorities and great Vaisnava acaryas and their conclusions on the authorized sastra in regard to pure devotional service. While thus engaged in my dream suddenly my heart became filled with spiritual bliss as if I had entered and taken shelter of an ocean of transcendental nectar.

Verse 10 & 11

Just at that time Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared holding the hand of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. Lord Caitanya said, "sadhu, sadhu." As lord Caitanya said these words he was laughing and he came and stood before me saying, "What you have said is certainly true. Now awaken and arise." Saying these words again and again Lord Caitanya disappeared from my vision.

Verse 12

Thereafter, meditating on the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu who is known as Gaurahari, I got up from my bed and I was feeling great separation being deprived of his transcendental association, I considered my unqualified self blessed by Lord Caitanya's causeless mercy upon me.

Verse 13

Feeling myself blessed by the mercy of lord Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and remembering His merciful words, while being absorbed in the remembrance if His transcendental glories I was immersed in an ocean of transcendental bliss. At that time I could not understand my actual condition.

Verse 14

On the strength of the mercy of Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu I have decided to write something. Using my intelligence I have considered the truth of devotional service and although considering myself a fool I have written in my own hand, sometimes in verse and sometimes in prose, this supremely auspicious "Bhajanamrta."

Verse 15

In this Kali Yuga the great paramahamsa perfect devotees who have descended to this universe in order to purify it have blessed me with their remnants which I have accepted. As I am strictly following in the footsteps of these liberated souls this work is completely purified with their blessings.

Verse 16 At the outset of this work my humble prayer is that all pure, non-envious devotees of Lord Sri Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead may listen to these authorized words as I have heard them from the great Vaisnava authorities of the disciplic succession.

Verse 17

It is well known from the authorized Vedic literatures that in this Kali Yuga, through the power of the holy name of Lord Sri Krishna, all Vaisnavas are equal and qualitatively noon-different from Lord Krsna. However, it is seen that amongst the Vaisnavas that sometimes in some places some Vaisnavas appear greater or lesser. In such cases how is it to be understood?

Verse 18

Amongst all of the assembled Vaisnavas there is the initiating guru and the instructing guru. In regard to them what type of behavior is authorized.?

Verse 19-27

not included (see introduction)

Verse 28

Now listen to the authorized conclusions of the previous authorities.

Verse 29

It is certainly true that all Vaisnavas are on the same transcendental platform. However, although amongst Vaisnavas there may be a difference in spiritual strength, how will the less intelligent materially attached sense-gratifiers, who become afraid justly seeing the horrifying appearance of beggar mendicants, ascertain the actual strength of a saintly person? Since they cannot distinguish between a lesser spiritual force and a greater spiritual force, they do not know how to deal appropriately with different saintly persons. Therefore they treat every one the same. Since they don't know how to distinguish the specific character of greater spiritual personalities from lesser spiritual personalities rather than risk their destruction for neglecting a potentially spiritual personality they treat everyone on the same level.

Verse 30

However all those practicing Vaisnavas progressing on the path of devotional service, who have heard and understood the conclusion of the revealed sastras and are therefore endowed with special intelligence are able to recognize who is more spiritually powerful and who is less spiritually powerful. Those who are expert in the science of devotional service can understand in whose body what quantity of Krsna's spiritual potency is present. Being able to understand who has less spiritual potency and who has more spiritual potency, they offer special treatment considering the scriptural injunctions in this regard.

Verse 31

If one can distinguish between the greater or lesser spiritual strength of a person but does not accordingly offer respect, then that person shall be held guilty for that offense.

Verse 32

For the reason mentioned before, if two Vaisnavas come at the same time, one of greater strength, one of lesser spiritual strength, first one has to offer respect to the Vaisnava of greater strength then offer to the Vaisnava of lesser strength.

Verse 33

Should the respect due to a Vaisnava of greater strength or to a Vaisnava of lesser strength be offered at the same level if they come at a different time? Equal respect should not be offered to both even if they are not present at the same time.

Verse 34

If a volcano type of fire is burning, the wise man will not first put out.......first one has to be able to extinguish the volcano fire then a candle of deep light can easily be extinguished. Similarly if one is able to appropriately receive and respect Vaisnavas possessed of great spiritual force to their satisfaction, then on shall easily be able to satisfy those Vaisnavas of lesser potency.

Verse 35

If a person of small spiritual advancement sees a great devotee endowed with considerable spiritual potency being worshipped and given respect, should the less advanced person become angry upon seeing this? For this offence against the more advanced person's spiritual position the foolish offender will ruin whatever spiritual potency he possesses. Subsequently, in the future, such angry persons simply plan how they can punish those who have participated in such worship.

Verse 36

Those who are well-versed in all of these matters, having heard properly from authorities, those Vaisnavas who are enthusiastically engaged in worshipping the Supreme Personality of Godhead and all those transcendentalists who are practicing the spiritual path, know the truths in regard to these matters. However, in spite of knowing these truths, if they do not appropriately offer worship, then they will be spiritually ruined. However, if they consider the respective spiritual strength or lack of strength and accordingly offers respect then they will certainly advance in Krsna Consciousness.

Verse 37

For those who take shelter of the great Sumeru mountain what can others do to harm them? Others should offer them worship as devotees with respect and service.

Verse 38

One should never engage in criticizing a Vaisnava or neglecting a Vaisnava even in joking. For Vaisnavas are so glorious that there is nothing to regret even if one sacrifices ones life for their benefit.

Verse 39

No one should find fault with a Vaisnava for his activities or behavior. What person is free from the influence of Kali Yuga or has perfect pure behavior and action?

Verse 40

Because the Vaisnava devotees of the Lord are always meditating on Lord Sri Krsna the contamination of sinful activities cannot come upon them. Because a Vaisnava's body has the fire of Krsna Consciousness within it, even if they are fallen, this fire of Krsna Consciousness will burn up to ashes any material contamination.

Verse 41

However, those who are not able to understand the respective levels of spiritual potency may take shelter of this example. As in the Ganges there are many waves, and some of these waves are larger then other waves but all of the waves are considered to be sacred, one wave being not considered more holy than another wave, similarly, all types of Vaisnavas, those who are spiritually strong and those who are not so strong, can be offered equal worship. Considering this perspective in such circumstances that can be accepted as perfect worship. Here completes the conclusion in this regard.

Verse 42

All Vaisnavas are considered as guru or spiritual master.

Verse 43

Amongst all of the Vaisnavas the initiating guru (diksa-guru) and instructing guru (siksa-guru) are special.

Verse 44

It is proper to offer these two special respect.

Verse 45

Amongst all of the other spiritual masters these two (diksa-guru and siksa-guru) spiritual masters' orders are to be followed.

Verse 46

If one's initiating spiritual master and instructing spiritual master are of small spiritual potency, or in other words, if they do not poses a special power to give spiritual instruction on worship for devotional service, then one may listen from the mouth of other great advanced Vaisnavas and understand the special instructions. However, thereafter, the disciple must go t his spiritual master for his confirmation or instructions.

Verse 47

One should not disobey the order of the spiritual master.

Verse 48

Just as a faithful son may go out for earning money and subsequently brings to his father the wealth gained, later the son may ask for some allowance from the father and whatever he receives form the father he is entitled to spend of his own enjoyment. Similarly, a disciple may hear fome instructions from another advanced Vaisnava but after gaining that good instruction he must bring it and present it to his won spiritual master. After presenting them, he should hear the same teachings ganga from his spiritual master with appropriate instructions.

Verse 49

If the son earns money but does not give it to the father and instead, directly enjoys the wealth, he is considered to be a fallen son and a sinful person. Similarly a disciple who listens to the words of other Vaisnavas, even if their instructions are proper and true, but does not reconfirm these teachings with his own spiritual master and instead directly personally accepts these instructions, is considered a bad disciple and a sinner.

Vers 50

For this reason, in all circumstances all Vaisnava are offered respect like of offers respect to one's spiritual master. However, with body, mind and words one serves one's own spiritual master.

Verse 51

Even if the performance of ones's devotional activities one has disobeyed the spiritual master, still one should not give him up, but should remain faithfully with him, because all authorities say that the shelter of one's own spiritual master is best and perfect (even if another spiritual master is more powerful).

Verse 52

Kindly understand this example:

Just as one respects one's father as a guru, his (the father's) older and younger brothers are also similarly respected, but nonetheless, the father is worthy of the most respect. Not withstanding the above, if the father's guru, even if he is family related, comes,one should double the respect, as he is the spiritual father of the father, or the guru of the guru. He is offered twice the puja or respect.

This behavior if recognized as appropriate by all authoritie

Verse 53

Just as if, during daily life, the brothers (older or younger) of the father criticize him, still one takes shelter of one's father, similarly, one remains under the shelter of one's own spiritual master, even if he is criticized by his older or younger god brothers. Just as one depends upon one's father for one's livelihood, one must depend upon the strength of the spiritual master for advancing in devotional service.

Verse 54

If a father or spiritual master or husband are not possessed of outstanding qualities even then they are always worshipable.

Verse 55

Taking shelter of the above-mentioned persons one may even disagree with those senior to oneself.

Verse 56

In this world, what kind of person is there who can remain alive at the expense of his father's or guru's defamation or disgrace?

Verse 57

Everyone considers that if their spiritual master is very powerful then he himself is powerful but that if his spiritual master is less powerful, then he is, therefore weaker, and according to the attitude of the spiritual master the disciple gains the same attributes. Those disciples who are intelligent can understand the desires of the spiritual master directly through their intelligence. Other disciples, who are less intelligent understand by directly hearing instructions from the spiritual master. These activities are being practiced since time immemorial.

Verse 58

Learned Vaisnava authorities say that these instructions are the perfection of religiosity.

Verse 59

If the spiritual master commits a wrongful act breaking Vaisnava regulatative principles then in that case one should in a solitary place, confront him for his rectification using logic and appropriate conclusions from sadhu, sastra and guru references, but one is not to give him up.



Verse 60

One should not be hesitant or fearful because one is confronting or challenging a spiritual master. "For it has been prescribed that one must appropriately discipline even a spiritual master who is:

* bewildered about what he should or shouldn't do;
* who is inexperienced or ignorant:
* who has deviated from the Krsna conscious path;
* or if he is bewildered by false pride."

Verse 61

This statement of the revealed scriptures is applicable at all times and under all circumstances.

Verse 62

The natural behavior of the Vaisnava devotees is to take complete refuge of Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, accepting Him as their principal and real shelter. The very life of the Vaisnava devotees of the Lord is singing the glories or Lord Sri Krsna, describing and expanding the fame of Lord Sri Krsna, and discussing the nectar of His transcendental pastimes.

Verse 63

The authorized course of action is to continue, as before, with one's prescribed devotional service. One may take guidance through or instructions from the Vaisnavas, as all Vaisnavas are considered guru or "spiritual master," or one may use one's own intelligence, duly considering the relevant instructions from sadhu, sastra and guru. In all cases one should continue in one's devotional service.

Verse 64

However, if the spiritual master:

* acts envious towards 'isvarebrantah', that which is connected with the Supreme;
* is bewildered regarding the Supreme Personality of Godhead;
* is averse to expanding the fame of Lord Krsna;
* personally refuses to accept hearing or chanting about the glorious pastimes of Lord Sri Krsna;
* has become totally bewildered, listening to the false praise of ignorant persons and day by day is more materially contaminated and fallen then the spiritual master must be renounced.

Verse 65

Under those circumstances one should not doubt, "How can I give up my spiritual master?" With a strong desire for achieving spontaneous devotional service and attaining the lotus feet of Lord Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a devotee accepts the shelter of a spiritual master, if that spiritual master takes on "asuric" qualities or a demoniac mentality then it is one's duty to reject such a demon "asura" guru and in his place accept a Krsna conscious spiritual master and worship him.

Verse 66

By taking shelter of the strength of the Krsna conscious spiritual master's devotional service the ill effects or contamination of the demoniac previous spiritual master is counteracted and destroyed. These activities are recommended by all Vaisnava authorities as the authorized conclusions of the sastra.

Verse 67

During the pastimes of Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu there have been many practical examples of the above.

This concludes the deliberation and final conclusions of sadhu, sastra on guru on the spiritual master and related matters.



related letters:
1/21/98 21:28
Dear Jayapatka Maharaj,

Hare Krisnha. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to
SrilaPrabhupada.

I hesitate to take your time with my imperfect and insufficient attempts to defend ISKCON's position and defeat philosophically certain Ritvik and pasandhi critics of our society. (file of VNN Forum exchanges included). However no one here in American, either Ravindra Swarupa, or the other sannyasis on the wstrat com have been able to give me any further information regarding Sri Krsna Bhajanamrta. At the suggestion of your disciple, Mother Madhusudani devi dasi I am writing to you.

If you scan the attached letters (furnished upon request from (puru.acbsp@com.bbt.se) you will see that they first rejected the book since SP did not write it, and then changed their stance slightly to simply insult your translation of it as spurious. They also complained that I quoted out of context. I couldn't reproduce the entire book, and they won't listen anyway.

The point they make that I cannot counter, except with my own limited understanding, is that this book was meant only for the time period of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's direct appearance and it was "a handbook of how to leave your bhogus guru and join the pure unalloyed movement of Prema Bhakti." Of course the introduction clarifies the book's source and history. I did not explain any of that information since it would have falen on deaf ears.

Can you help me to defeat them on this point of the timeliness or lack thereof of the book, and help me to explain the apparrent contradiction that they point out, that guru cannot fall, because then he is not really guru. I tried to give some rational explanation of how I understand this issue, and that guru tattva is a simple matter of maintaing our connection to Srila Prabhupada and if we disconnect from His Divine Grace we lose that shakti.

They do not accept this idea at all. They are quite fanatical in their insitance that only the utthama can give diksa, and it is practically a waste of time (I have wasted too much on them) to even try to explain anything to them.

Yet since the cyber war is on, I could still use some other references about this book, whether you know anything SP said about it, how to understand its present day context, and the apparent contradiction it points out, that a guru might fall. I appreciate any time you can take to help me in this matter. I personally find this whole matter extremely distasteful and offensive but someone has to place opposing arguments to counter the lunatic, fanatic fringe from PADA and the Prabhupadanugas. To date,except for official GBC Journals and the former Ritvik debates , no one who gives diksa has gotten into this fray, except for Umapati Maharaj and Vipramukhya Swami who work on the chakra web sight.

Perhaps I could encourage you to write a small article on the subject, since you did translate the book, and must have thought it has important instructions to help devotees dealing with this dilemna. I found the book tobe very informative in regards to Godbrother relations . The only other thing we have ever read on this subject was that letter Pradyumna wrote back when the zonal acarya system was being put in place. I would much rather consult this book than consult members of the Gaudiya Math, on what is the correct thing to do. Thanking you in advance for tolerating my wordy request and my inadequate defense of the diksa gurus of ISKCON. I remain,

Your servant,

Puru Das Adhikari, Curator

Bhaktivedanta Memorial,
BrooklynN.Y.




1/22/98 15:27
[Text 1115678 from COM]

Camp: Korsnas Gard ISKCON, SMPDC Mayapur Masterplan Meetings, Sweden.

My Dear God brother Puru das,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Sri la Prabhupada. Thank you for your email which I have copied below with my comments.

>>>Perhaps I could encourage you to write a small article on the subject, since you did translate the book, and must have thought it has important instructions to help devotees dealing with this dilemma. I found the book to be very informative in regards to God brother relations . The only other thing we have ever read on this subject was that letter Pradyumna written back when the zonal acarya system was being put in place. I would much rather consult this book than consult members of the Gaudiya Math, on what is the correct thing to do. Thanking you in advance for tolerating my wordy request and my inadequate defense of the diksa gurus of ISKCON. I remain,

Your servant,

Puru Das Adhikari, Curator
Bhaktivedanta Memorial,
Brooklyn N.Y.



Actually Bhanu Swami translated the book from its original Sanskrit. I only know Bengali and don't know Sanskrit. About the validity of this book. Sri la Prabhupada has mentioned Narahari Thakur in various places in his books. Anyone who tries to discredit one of the eternal associates of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu would be exposed as a total demon. How can they dare to diminish the value of the words of a Nitya Siddha Associate of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu?

If during the time of Lord Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu these things were happening, then what to speak of now? That is the real point. Then souls were much greater so now we are insignificant fallen souls entered into Bhakti due to Sri la Prabhupada's mercy. If at that time a spiritual master could fall down then what to speak of now? That is the real point. They fail to see this simple logic. What else can I do for you?

Yours in service, Jayapataka Swami


1/22/98 11:18
Dear Jayapataka Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you so much for your prompt rely. Krishna Consciousness is simple for the straight and complicated for the crooked.

Their word jugglery often confuses and bewilders's one's intelligence. The same conclusion seemed obvious to me. I guess it is just impossible to explain Srila Prabhupada's causeless mercy to someone unwilling to accept it.

Your Servant, Puru Das.


Subject:

1/22/98 22:35

[Text 1119657 from COM]

Camp: ISKCON Copenhagen Country Asram, Mayapur Exhibition Workshop, Denmark.

My Dear Godbrother Puru das,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Thankyou for your email which I have copied below with my comments.

> Dear Jayapataka Maharaja,
> Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Thank
> you so much for your prompt rely. Krishna Consciousness is simple for the
> straight and complicated for the crooked.

At your service.

> Their word jugglery often confuses and bewilders's one's intelligence. The
> same conclusion seemed obvious to me. I guess it is just impossible to
> explain Srila Prabhupada's causeless mercy to someone unwilling to accept
> it.

They seem selective in what they want to accept from Srila Prabhupada.

I hope this finds you blissful and healthy in Krishna consciousness.
Your Servant, Jayapataka Swami

For more information and discussion feel free to contact me at <puru.acbsp@com.bbt.se>

or at <somersh@ibm.net>until 2/31/98 and then send all mail to <rasomer@banet.net>until June when I move and I switch email addresses one last time. At that time my mail will be forwarded for thirty days, If your mail is returned then contact another godbrother who knows of me.