06/13/98 - 1866

Hush Up and Crush Up

USA (VNN) - An open letter to Bhakti Vikasa Swami

by Gadadhar Dasa

Dear Bhakti Vikasa Swami:

PAMHO, AGTSP, and Hare Krishna. I appreciate the dialog you are conducting about improving the state of affairs in ISKCON. Also thanks for your clear diagnosis of "hush up and crush up" mentality existing in ISKCON.

I would like to add few points here.

(1) Please note that "hush up and crush up" mentality has been in use since at least 1972 - and continues to be the main tactic to deal with those who question the authorities. Please read Parijat Mataji's WEB page.

(2) Though more GBCs and Gurus have been appointed - please note the following:

(a) In 1977 there were 11 Gurus and 20-24 GBCs - ratio of 1 to 2.
(b) Now there are 75-100 Gurus and 35 GBCs - ratio of 3 to 1.

Statistically speaking there should be 150 to 200 GBCs. Please dissect this statistics. It says you are qualified to be Guru but not qualified to be GBC. Why? Who is making this decision?

(3) My point is that who got appointed as GBCs and who did not get appointed as GBC may be source of enlightenment for you. This is where the real politics is played because you know that the GBC is the ultimate authority in ISKCON.

(4) So power brokers designed a scheme - to throw some krums to others - dangle the carrots like:
- Prabhu you prepare to become a Guru.
- Prabhu you prepare to become a Sanyasi.
- Prabhu you should head this committee or that committee.
- Prabhu you should become Temple President.

This is how the power brokers keep their power - and suck every one else in their game. So many are so naive that they are willing to accept the bribe of some position rather than raise the question of what is right and what is wrong.

(5)The 1986 Guru reform was no reform at all - it was a bribe dangled in front of those who were seeking the power. This is how you came to have close to 100 Gurus. The news events of last few months are raising serious questions - Yes Guru - but what kind of a Guru?

(6) In 1987 a Justice Ministry was established. Later, same year TKG told Naveen Krishna, Dallas Temple President:

"You back me up and I will back you up - so no body will complain. I do not want to waste my life in front of the Justice Ministry"

So was there a reform really ? I think it was a show. A year later the Justice Ministry disappeared. That is the proof that actually there was no reform.

(7) As you have said that if the discussion is allowed than people become aware, and some ministries may be formed to provide the frame work to deal with the problems.

However, if ministries are headed and staffed by the wrong people then it is just insult to the injury - a game of manipulation taken to the next higher level. It is not an intent and desire to seek the truth but to cover up the truth and to promote the falsehood.

(8) For example, Murlivadaka being in charge of the child molestation investigation. What can you expect such a person to do? Lot of hot air and cover-up.

(9) Maharaj please continue your search for truth. The politics of who gets to be GBC or Guru or Sanyasi or TP or who is head of what committee etc. is controlled by the power brokers in extremely subtle ways.

(10) Maharaj this is a beginning for you and every one else to continue the thought process to determine why the things are the way they are in ISKCON.

Please do not conclude that devotees are staying away because of the old problems alone. This is easy way out. If that is the case then you must answer and explain following questions:
why the new devotees are not joining in large numbers?
why the new devotees also not staying very long?
what is the caliber of new devotees joining now?

(11) For your information, I have attended all North American GBC and Temple Presidents meeting from 1988 to 1994. I was one of the founders of the ISKCON Foundation which helped in the Robin George case. I have worked with Ambarish Prabhu, Abhiram Prabhu, Balvant Prabhu (Alachua Lawyer), Sudharma Mataji and Sundar Rupa Prabhu, and all other North American TPs, Gurus, GBCs, and Sanyasis.

Hope this meets you in good spirits.

Your friend and humble servant,
Gadadhar Dasa.