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USA August 2, 1999 VNN4410 Related VNN Stories In Defense Of Malati Prabhu BY ASTA SAKHI DEVI DASI USA, Aug 2 (VNN) — Dear Assembled Vaisnavas, My name is Asta sakhi devi dasi. I lived in Malati prabhu's ashram in Columbus for four years. Several devotees have brought it to my attention that there are articles circulating about Malati prabhu. At the request of senior Prabhupada disciples who have investigated the situation for the GBC and found Mahavegavati prabhu's letters to be extreme exaggerations, I have been asked to respond, as I have been in close contact with her since she opened the temple as a training center for ladies. This letter is not intended to serve as fuel for Mahavegavati's anger towards Malati, but it is meant for those devotees who innocently stumble upon her letters and take her absurd accusations as reality. First let me point out that I am refering to "letters" by Mahavegavati prabhu. The reason for this is because the three letters in addition to the ones that she signed her own name to were all obviously written by her. I do not know of any devotee named "Jaya dasi" or "N... dasi". These alias's bear faint resemblances to factually existing devotees, but when asked by their friends if they wrote them, they said no. The three letters were complaining about two main things--Malati's notes (which in addition to being humorous and far from evil do serve a purpose--raising consciousness--ex. :turn off the light's-don't waste Krishna's energy) and some incident on the altar. By the way, did Malati prabhu train every devotee who passed through her ashram to misspell altar (place of worship) as alter (to change)? Or is it a coincidence that it is spelt wrong by Mahavegavati herself as well as her aliases? Anyone who know's Malati and the Columbus temple would not take the letters seriously, but for those who do not I will briefly state my experience. I am eternally endebted to Malati for showing by her example what it means to be a surrendered, humble servant of Srila Prabhupada and the Vaisnavas. She goes way beyond the line of duty in trying to share the happiness she has found in the shelter of service to Srila Prabhupada with everyone, especially those ladies who come to her temple. So many devotee's who come to visit Col's remark that it has the spirit of "the old days in ISKCON. " It is due to Malati's enthusiasm and leadership by genuine love, not force, and her example. There was never a time that I felt that she did not have my best intrest in mind. Especially now that I look back after being married three years (arranged by her), I am so grateful for the care and guidance that she has shown me. Such compassion would never be shown anywhere in the material world--what a horrible thought! I know that many of my godsister's who also lived there feel the same way. A short word about the massages. Malati prabhu pushes herself beyond all human limit's despite her ill health. I have never seen her ask for a massage or anything for herself, although she deserves much more. That was a cheap shot. I hope this clear's up some of the confusion that was intended by the letters. If anyone would like to discuss this further, please contact me, I am on com. By the way, I did not come from a "dysfunctional family", nor do I have a bad relationship with my mother. Your aspiring servant, Asta sakhi devi dasi Related VNN Stories  Comment on this storyContact VNN about this storySend this story to a friend
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