08/29/98 - 2092

Seeing Ritvik Dynamism in Action

Singapore (VNN) - by Bhakta S. - Singapore Yatra

I have been a congregation member of the Singapore Yatra for the past 7 years. With the Temple going Ritvik, I am witnessing a positive dynamism never before seen in all my years with the devotees. More people are coming to the temple convinced about Srila Prabhupada's books and under good guidance from the devotees at the temple, are making tangible spiritual advancement with Srila Prabhupada firmly in the centre of their devotional lives. And the best feature of the new stand lies in the presence of a totally consistent approach to Krishna Consciousness.

The temple's focus on Srila Prabhupada as the ultimate siksha as well as diksha guru coupled with the siksha guidance of the full-time devotees is completely in line with Srila Prabhupada's teachings and even the new devotees who're coming by reading Prabhupada's books have had no problems settling into the Yatra. Personalism therefore is still at its very best with all the devotees feeling Srila Prabhupada's active presence. In fact, we are getting a plethora of devotees, including even Malaysians and people from India who have read Prabhupada's books and are totally convinced about his spiritual potency. We are getting more devotees, numbering a 100 to 200, for the programmes, not only on Sundays but even on weekdays and many of them are coming to find out more about Srila Prabhupada, having become convinced by reading his books. As such, the ritvik approach is simple, straight forward and above all, one that guarantees transparency and full spiritual security, having at its very core subservience to the instructions of a Maha Bhagavata.

In the past, such single-mindedness had not been possible with the guru system which necessitated a seemingly artificial attempt to approach a second personality apart from Srila Prabhupada whose spiritual qualifications were not practically testable. No emotional and intellectual affiliation was possible with them. All of us have come to the shelter of the Krishna Consciousness Movement through Srila Prabhupada. The natural affection and gratitude we have developed for Prabhupada has been rekindled by the Ritvik system and the devotees here are very nicely guiding all members to his lotus feet by giving valuable siksha. Therefore both the siksha and diksha principle are still very much intact and factually, both have been given absolute surety for ultimately at the core is Srila Prabhupada's (an infallible Mahabhagavat's)lotus feet.

The factionalism of mundane premature guruship and the uncertainty of taking shelter of an emotionally-distant personality have become things of the past. The devotees here are taking total shelter of the very person to whom they feel completely indebted to and as such the single-minded determination necessary for Krishna Consciousness is tremenduously evident.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja this year were celebrated on a grand scale and the mood was very different from the previous years. We are experiencing a great surcharge in the devotional atmosphere here. Newcomers, becoming convinced about Srila Prabhupada's exalted stature and seeing the lack of duplicity between his teachings and the temple atmosphere, are coming forward to volunteer their services more and more. They are firmly convinced about Prabhupada. In fact, I am reminded of the pre-77 years of ISKCON when I see the Singapore Yatra right now. An extremely high level of Prabhupada Consciousness coupled with deep respect for their siksha guides. Nobody loses out except those wanting personal name, fame and glory - all anathema for cultivating pure devotional service. Humility and appreciation for the temple president and the devotees has been established precisely because devoid any personal motivations, they are acting as instructing guides for all of us in following the instructions of Srila Prabhupada. Since the ritvik system is working well and the proof of the eating lies in the pudding, it must be understood that this is what Srila Prabhupada had wanted all along. And the Singapore's Yatra's recent and still increasing burst of enthusiasm is the best evidence.

Bhakta S.
Singapore Yatra