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EDITORIAL June 18, 1999 VNN4123 See Related VNN Stories | Comment on this story Confrontations A Symptom Of Need For A Solution BY VRINDAVAN DAS EDITORIAL, Jun 18 (VNN) — Dear VNN Readers, I sent the following letter to Nityananda Prabhu two times. He has not responded. The same thing happened with Pratyatosh prabhu. After sending it to him three times I finally sent it to VNN. Pratyatosh then responded. I actually find it quite disheartening that the people who seem so ardent in their pursuit of truth are so unwilling to discuss anything that doesn't fit their version of the truth. According to the Vedic version, Truth is immutable. It is not something that is stretched and pulled to artificially fit into a desired parameter. If a theory is found lacking, a sincere truth seeker will abandon his theory. I am quite disheartened to find that many devotees seeking to reform Iskcon are quite fanatical in their approach and it appears they are more desirous of replacing tyranny with their own brand of tyranny. They seem more interested in the conflict rather than finding a solution to the conflict. I for one have just as much or more than any to complain against ISKCON, yet I want to achieve a state of constructive dialogue rather than accusative conflict. In fact, I have seriously given thought to joining the law suit against ISKCON for damage done that I am still physically incapacitated by. But that is another subject matter. My experience has been quite educational. When my initial report expressing my disappointment with ISKCON appeared on VNN, I received many emails from devotees who were happy to have another guy on their side. However when I was able to work out my differences with the GBC, I have been practically accused of being a traitor and sellout. Last time I checked, confrontations were a symptom of a need for a solution. Whether that solution is achieved by complete obliteration of the opposition or a new understanding between the parties involved, still the goal is to reach a solution. I was fortunate to reach a positive solution. This is nothing to begrudge. I must also state that there have also been a few encouraging and friendly messages from devotees like Gauridas Pandit Prabhu, who are obviously sincere about pleasing Prabhupada and carrying on his preaching mission. They obviously remember that Prabhupada did not appreciate infighting and wanted us to recognize that our priority is preaching and encouraging each other in our preaching work. Also Praghosh Prabhu's well written article stated that Srila Prabhupada wasn't disgusted with his disciples when he left. I must disagree. If I remember correctly, Prabhupada also said that when Srila Bhaktisiddhanta left the planet, he was disgusted with his disciples. Of course this doesn't mean they were disgusted with all of their disciples, but still the fact can not be denied that Prabhupada was very upset with his leading disciples in his final days. I was actually with Srila Prabhupada in his garden, when his servant brought the news that ISKCON Mayapur had been attacked. I expected Srila Prabhupada to respond with a statement "against the demons" who attacked the Lord's Temple, but instead he made a statement against his disciples. At first he didn't even respond except with a nonchalant shrug. Then after a few minutes he said,"Just see what happens when you disobey the instructions of your Spiritual Master." So the fact is, there were many rascal acts committed by the ISKCON leadership which greatly disgusted Srila Prabhupada. The later crises that developed were all a result of the initial disobedience committed against Srila Prabhupada. Whether their criminal behavior went as far as poisoning, I don't know. However, I must say that I would not be surprised if such an attempt were made. Below is some excerpts from the letter I wrote to Nityananda Prabhu about the book "SOMEONE HAS POISONED ME." Dear Nityananda Prabhu, I just wanted to make a few brief comments. First, thank you for the books and for your service in printing them. About the Poison book; I wanted to say that I was disappointed that the solid proof of poisoning turned out to be something that would be considered hearsay in a legal setting. Why didn't you have the actual graphs on the arsenic tests done on Srila Prabhupada's hair? I had to read it 3 times to make sure I was seeing what I was seeing. The fact is, you clearly state that you spoke to the analyst on the phone, who said the tests came back positive at 3.0. Without actual visible proof, it was wrong to quote an unknown character's statement. This leads to all kinds of questions and suspicions. Who is this guy? What agenda may he have? Disrupting devotee unity has always been the goal of those against the movement. How do we know this guy is not a government operative etc. Without actually seeing the test results they can not hold up as evidence, therefore you will always be giving any suspects wiggle room. I personally found your book to be somewhat convincing, but I see it as a tactical error for you to have not gotten the actual results, yet you published them based on hearsay. Another important point which no one seems to be aware of is the fact that there was indeed another person who was present with high frequency, in Prabhupada's quarters,during the last months. His name is Manihar(Matthew Norton). He was my Gurukul teacher and he seemed to have special privileges allowed by Tamal. For us it was quite fortunate, because being in his class allowed us to be daily present in Prabhupada's room. We would sing and read to him every afternoon. Manihar would daily be in Prabhupada's room and was allowed access, even massaging Prabhupada at times. Even as a 10 year old kid, I marveled at the leeway given Manihar by Tamal etc. Your account doesn't bring up his name even once. If you are looking for an accurate account of those last days and a record of everyone who had access to Srila Prabhupada at that time, you must add Manihar to that list. Another point is that Manihar kept an extremely detailed diary of Prabhupada's final days. He recorded everything from Prabhupada's health, body functions, medicine reaction, his statements on philosophy,politics,life etc. This would be a very valuable find. If I remember correctly, it was a 5by3 inch size blue note book. This is also why I remember his frequent access to Prabhupada's quarters, because he would always come back and read his notes for the day, to us. I think if we could get hold of his diary it would be very valuable. I am sure he didn't write down any poisoning details in there. He never kept it hidden, rather it was always sitting around and I would read it casually. Another point ignored by Satsvarup Maharaj and Tamal Krsna Goswami is the fact that Prabhupada was being given tobacco snuff on a daily basis. I know this also because Manihar brought some back and used to snort it regularly. He even let us try it and told us it was ok because Prabhupada used it. He also reminded us not to talk about it.(When our class was initiated we even bought him a snuff container as part of our Guru dakshina.)It is not only addicting but also not known to people in general that Prabhupada was regularly given tobacco snuff. The fact that it is never talked about makes me suspicious. If it was for his health than why hide it. Anyway,I know this tobacco snuff issue to be valid so I would be very interested to see how it is responded to. Another point, the mood suggested in your book is one of Prabhupada being cornered and bullied. the fact is Srila Prabhupada had a very strong presence and his commanding energy permeated his quarters. At least in front of us, Tamal, Manihar, Bhavananda etc. were very humble and respectful to Prabhupada. At any hint of Prabhupada wanting something, they jumped. Yes they could of been acting, but Prabhupada's Shakti was always filling the atmosphere. If he was imprisoned, it was done very subtly and with all attempts at maintaining decorum and etiquette. Prabhupada always maintained his dignity. Also the statement that Srila Prabhupada's room was stuffy and dark is not accurate. The presence in his room was always quite heavenly and soothing. I should know since I was in there on an almost daily basis. So good luck and May Victory Be Yours In the Service Of Prabhupada!!! Jaya Sri Sri Rama-Lakshman!!! Sincerely, Vrindavan Parker About the Author | Other Stories by this Author Related VNN Stories | Comment on this story | Contact VNN about this story | Send this story to a friend
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