12/24/97 - 1416

LA Temple Assault Backed by ISKCON

USA (VNN) - Bhakta Ian, a computer consultant living in Los Angeles, was beaten last Sunday during the Sunday Feast in the presence of his 9 year old daughter, who was so terrified that she was shaking all over her body. (see also VNN story #1410)

This event used to be called "love" feast when Srila Prabhupada was present. Svavasa das, the ISKCON LA temple president, was heard making threats to Bhakta Ian recently. Police arriving at the scene were met by 5 witnesses (temple residents) who claimed that Ian had started the fight. Though other eyewitnesses told VNN that police officers told them that they believed Ian's story but their hands were tied.

ISKCON's official statement regarding this story comes in the form an anonymous eyewitness on ISKCON's Chakra site. The mystery eyewitness states:

"Don't know if you were there...I was 2 feet away from Sunday night's events. Keep in mind, I just go to the Temple on Sundays, I'm not a member of ISKCON, or anything.

"Bhakta Ian" was walking around, while everyone was taking prasadam, and shoving some paper in people's faces. I heard him scream something like "your Guru killed Prabhupada" to the temple commander. Next thing I know, papers are flying in the air and there is a shoving match going on, as the poor devotee across from me is taking a sweet rice bath and lots of guests are getting scared. As the pushing evolves into something more, the Temple Commander takes a swipe at Ian, and Ian gets escorted out.

Please don't think I am an ISKCON clone, or something-just an eyewitness to the events in question. Ian was really acting obnoxious - he threw the first punch. Pardon me, but this is NOT the way to act, especially with guests at the feast - I overheard this nice couple, who come every Sunday- say they will not come again.

Poisoning? Let's wait for the results to come back before we condemn. Do you really think confronting them on their home turf will be the answer? Talk about pouring gasoline on a roaring fire! I'm trying really hard to see both sides of the story, but it's hard to be sympathetic to people who scream murder while others are trying to have a quiet, spiritual meal and then, pick fights at the Sunday feast. You can make fun of me all you like, and flame me, I'm just trying to give a more balanced version of what REALLY happened on Sunday night.

Thanks,

An eyewitness to the fight"
(end quote)

It was also reported that Bhagavat Kripa das had recently assaulted another guest with a flashlight.

By indirectly defending this kind of action with this mystery eyewitness account ISKCON condones this kind of violence.

Why couldn't they call the police to evict somebody who was allegedly misbehaving like any other decent church would do.

How come other churches don't have this need for violent on-staff bouncers, that usually can be found in basement nightclubs?

Again, we hear from ISKCON no apology or condemnation of such violence and threats. In this way ISKCON is indirectly condoning and encouraging this kind of behavior of its members.

In this connection there is an interesting story in the Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta. While Srila Prabhupada was staying in Vrindavan, the temple commander had a person removed who was acting up in the temple room. The guest was asked to leave and escorted out. When Srila Prabhupada heard of the incident he was very upset. He personally ordered the temple commander to go out and personally search for this person all over Vrindavan to apologize and invite him back. This story can be found in the Lilamrta.