PADA is available all the time at: http://blog.myspace.com/52199499. PADA
news is an information service for the devotees of ISKCON. We do not always
endorse all the letters we get from others. Nor can we independently verify
each and every statement found in letters to PADA. And sometimes -- we
write spoof for comic relief. Let us know if you do not wish to receive
this news letter. Thanks Puranjana dasa 707-477-4102
==================
1) Revival of the poison case
2) WRITE TO TRIPURARI's SON!
3) Overlook Misgivings by Ranchor Prime.
4) Kailasha Chandra Dasa writes about his "living" smarta guru process.
5) Gaura Govinda Maharaja and Narayana Maharaja.
6) Abuse ....What abuse? MAHAVIDYA DASA (ACBSP)
7) Deities Stolen from Narayana Maharaja's Venice Beach Temple BY: GEORGA
A. SMITH
8) The Daanurdhara Scandal by Syama das
9) Questions for the GBC by Vegieck@aol.com
10) GBC 2007: Spin, Swagger, and Dereliction of Duty BY: VYSWAMBHARA DAS
========================
* http://groups.myspace.com/KrishnaKatha (Lakshmi Priya devi dasi)
* Please visit Prabhupadanugas' Press at http://www.prabhupadanugaspress. com/
* Here is your chance to call Svavasa's home phone, and tell him his
buggery guru lineage is bogus: (310) 204-5635. Heee Heee.
* POISON CASE VIDEO: http://www.krishnatube.com/
* Way Cool Indian dancers:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8712184842607043296&pr=goog-sl
* Tripurari's son photo:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2007/02/12/MNGT0O34OO1.DTL&o=1
* (New) harekrishnatemple.com
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YucAG06TLLc
* Govindam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9foQOoekzQ (song by Prapanam dasa)
* Prabhupada's letters: http://sangalog.blogspot.com/
A Few Devotee Contacts (please let us know if you want to be added, changed
or deleted):
California, Berkeley: ccr2k@yahoo.com
California, Lancaster: Mahatma dasa
California, Los Angeles: zakheim@earthlink.net (Naranarayan dasa)
California, Monterey: Jagganatha Swami dasa
California, San Francisco, pada@neteze.com
Florida, Alachua: naveen.khurana@att.net
Mississippi: Carriere (near New Talavan)
New York, Buffalo: Mahavegavati dd -- mvvd@yahoo.com,
Angelica New York (Upstate Near Buffalo) Gadai Dasa.
New York, Long Island: iskcontoday.com
North Carolina - Prabhupada Village, Sandy Ridge (336) 593-8108
festivalofindia.org
Tennesee: Kapindra Swami pss108@juno.com
Texas (Dallas): gordhan_goyani@yahoo.com
Texas (San Antonio): info@iskconsanantonio.com
Washington, Seattle Dhamaghosa dasa: dasdasdas@aol.com 360-856-5411
West Virginia: kamsahanta@hotmail.com
Canada, Montreal: n_allard@videotron.ca
Canada, Montreal: www.radhadamodara.net
Canada: http://www.prabhupadaconnect.com/
Canada, Toronto: Hasti Gopla dasa: hasti90@hotmail.com
India, Bangalore: manjunath36@iskconbangalore.org
Australia: sakshi@aapt.net.au.
======================
FOR SALE: (1) KIRTAN audio CD. 46 song Tracks of Kirtans in MP3 format,
mostly Prabhupada favorites and a half dozen of Vishnujana Swami. You can
play this CD in most home DVD players, newer car CD players with MP3
playback, or your computer. If you have some of your own kirtans you'd like
us to add, let us know. $10.00 -- plus $1.00 postage USA and 3.50 foreign.
OK, if not then just break down and spend $100 and get an MP3 capable CD
player for your car!
(2) Also for sale: "Judge For Yourself," the poison issue with audio CD.
$10.00 (includes postage). For either item send cash, money order or check
to: Tim Lee, POB 6391, Santa Rosa CA 95406 USA. Don't forget to tell us
what item you want!
=======================
1) Revival of: PRABHUPADA POISONING CASE. Right now as we write, the
poisoning investigation team are preparing an appeal to the supreme court
.... the Allahabad court was powerless to have the CBI initiate an
investigation. My husband is soliciting donations now for that appeal, if
you know anyone that can help please ask them to contact us at BIF
www.b-i-f.com or my husband at sakshi@aapt.net.au. The initial appeal will
cost USD $3,000. Thanks ys Yogini
=======================
2) WRITE TO TRIPURARI's SON!
A few encouraging words would go a long way: Bhakti Beaudry/ PSVP D-Gym
108M/ POB 8504/ Coalinga CA 93210-8504
=======================
3) Overlook Misgivings by Ranchor Prime. In response to 'Request for
Quotes' to support beautiful Vaishnava relationships, here is what I think:
Yes, we should allow all the Prabhupadanugas back into ISKCON and quit
worshiping bogus gurus who are voted in by pedophiles. And let us get rid
of child abusers like the president of Bhaktivedanta Manor and let the
Prabhupadanugas run these places instead. Thanks, R Prime
========================
4) Kailasha Chandra Dasa writes that ISKCON is now becomming a Hindu
business under the bogus GBC gurus. Well no kidding, we said that 20 years
ago. The problem is that Kailasha still says that we need to "worship a
living body." In other words Kailasha still has the bogus Smarta Brahmana /
Hindu's / GBC's idea (vapuh vada) that you need to worship a mundane body,
which the Vedas says is "the modes of ignorance." Sorry, we will worship
the pure devotee Srila Prabhupada while Kailasha wants us to worship his
smarta brahmana socks. Kailasha is preaching smarta / Hinduism himself. How
did you guess, Kailash says that those of us who are not worshipping his
holey socks are "the ritvik deviants." Thanks pd
=======================
5) Gaura Govinda Maharaja and Narayana Maharaja. Their missions seemed to
have merged together? Is this what happens when you "work with" deviants
posing as messiahs? After you depart: your other co-supporters of "deviants
posing as messiahs" (like Narayana Maharaja) will "take over" your mission.
In sum, Gaura Govinda Maharaja "cooperated with" i.e. supported the the
GBC's bogus gurus, thus after he departed his mission morph-ed into
Narayana Maharaja's, another supporter of the GBC's bogus gurus.
As we all know Narayana Maharaja has made many controversial statements
(i.e. opposing Srila Prabhupada's):
(a) Narayana Maharaja supported the bogus "appointed gurus" (the same
deviation that GGM "worked with"). Yet Srila Prabhupada says that gurus are
NOT appointed -- and that their whole ecclessiastical guru idea is bogus;
(b) NM has has said that Srila Prabhupada is only a bhakta of Mahavishnu,
but that bogus people like Tamal, Satsvarupa and others are part of NM's
"rasika" group. In sum: guru poisoners are "rasika" lovers of God, whereas
Srila Prabhupada is not as advanced as his killers;
(c) And how can we forget that Narayana Maharaja does not agree with Srila
Prabhupada regarding Kalki's Avatara. NM: "That mercy was somehow blocked,
but Nityananda Prabhu requested Caitanya Mahaprabhu to give His love and
affection to everyone. We see this now, everywhere in this universe, and
because of this, there will be no Kalki Avatara in this Kali-yuga."
(d) Both NM nd GGM agreed that the jeeva souls started out in the
impersonal brahma jyoti, which is against shastra and is actually a
variation of the teachings of the Catholic Church, we were never with God,
we came here first.
(e) Both of them have said that gurus are demons and / or the people they
support as Krishna's successor gurus become demons, i.e. they think Jesus
is more than likely: Satan. And so on.
(f) Both of them have supported the bogus guru voting system, and worse,
GGM was voted in at a pedophile guru recoronation.
(g) Narayana Maharaja says that the "golden age" lasts till the end of Kali
Yuga. Nope!
(h) Narayana Maharaja says that the three worst deviants of the Gaudiya
Matha are bona fide gurus, when Srila Prabhupada says they are the "kill
guru and become guru, cockroach guru, bugs biting the king, severe
offenders" sabha and so on, and that Tirtha is indeed "a poison snake." GGM
and NM have no idea whether someone is Jesus -- or a snake?
(i) Even the little girl next door (and her cat Mr. Snuffles) knows that
people who are "engaged in illicit sex with men, women and children," are
not Lord Krishna's successor messiahs.
(j) GGM and NM both say that when you find out the guru they are promoting
is bogus, or is molesting your wife etc. then: "Pray to Krishna to find
another guru." Ummm, pray to Krishna to get free of the clutches of bogus
people like NM and GGM who promote bogus gurus? ... and so on and so forth.
So really, what is the point of their individual or combined missions? What
have they accomplished by "working with" the bogus GBC's gurus? What have
they accomplished by ignoring the criminal actions and plight of the
molested children? What have the accomplished by harassing those of us who
tried to contain the molesting by calling us "the bogus ritviks" (because
we refused to worship their pedophile guru regime). What have they
accomplished by forwarding so much deviant siddhanta, only a small sample
is given above.
What have they accomplished by disagreeing with Srila Prabhupada and
Krishna's teachings? What have they accomplished by writing their own
documents that disagree with Srila Prabhupada, or even writing another
bogus version of Bhagwat Gita to replace Srila Prabhupada's (as their pal
Kirtanananda has done)? They have accomplished deviation, as did the
Gaudiya Matha leaders they often glorify. And both of them painted a bull's
eye on our backs when the beatings and murders were going on, by saying
Prabhupada's worship is the "poison ritviks" because we do not worship
their child bugger messiahs and we opposed their molesting process. No
wonder their camps have merged together. Thanks pd
========================
6) Abuse ....What abuse? MAHAVIDYA DASA (ACBSP)
In response to the article Radhanatha Swami (pre-ISKCON) by Garuda dasa
Jr., may I make a few comments? Perhaps Garuda dasa Jr. was not on the
receiving end of some of the abuse meted out by the New Vrindavan regime.
What abuse? .....you may say. Well, the word abuse has almost become a
euphemism in Iskcon. To use some of the more correct and graphic words to
describe some of the goings on at New Vrindavan would make this response
barely printable. Perhaps Garuda dasa Jr. has never met some of those people?
Are they not also devotees? One is almost led to believe Srila Prabhupada
only had 2 disciples, i.e., Kirtanananda das and Radhanatha Swami. Would
Garuda dasa Jr. have us believe Kirtanananda is solely responsible for the
nonsense that went on? That everyone else was blind, deaf and dumb? Does
Garuda dasa Jr. think that propping up such a regime was "serving
Kirtanananda and Srila Prabhupada?" Perhaps Garuda dasa Jr. is not aware of
all the negative publicity generated by Kirtanananda and his "servants".
Perhaps Garuda dasa Jr. is not aware of the massive court case brought
against Srila Prabhupada's Iskcon by its own children, and Kirtanananda's
part in it. Perhaps Garuda dasa Jr. is not aware that at least one of my
godbrothers was murdered to protect the rotten Zonal Acharya system, and
the role Kirtanananda had in it. Does Garuda dasa Jr. think that such a
regime happened without the support of a second tier of supporters,
sycophants (call them what you will)?
Just as Radhanatha Swami is quick to cover up for, support, serve, defend
(your choice) Kirtanananda das, will Garuda dasa Jr. be as quick to support
those whom we never hear about, i.e., those who were on the receiving end?
I have a personal experience with Radhanatha Swami of being publicly
chastised for daring to speak up for the victims. He then had the public
recording edited so as to maintain his public image.
Radhanatha Swami constantly wants to bring back Kirtanananda and company.
In his own words, "we should offer them respect even though they committed
the most abominable activities". He (Radhanatha Swami) justified it by
saying, "because I am the guru, and they are my godbrothers". But that is a
story in itself....... Will he be making the same efforts to bring back
those who were excommunicated for daring to speak up against the nonsense
that went on and still goes on in ISKCON?
As is the norm, Garuda dasa Jr. presents us with a quotation to justify his
stance. However there are other quotes from sastra that tell us such
personalities are to be "neglected". Still, if Garuda dasa Jr. wishes to
support such people,
that is his business.
==============================
7) Deities Stolen from Narayana Maharaja's Venice Beach Temple BY: GEORGA
A. SMITH
** Today I was informed by Dayanidi das that the deities of Radha-Govinda
that had been installed by Narayana Maharaja at the Venice Beach
Radha-Govinda temple in California, USA, have been stolen. Not only that,
but the temple community itself, one of the only two temple communities of
the Gaudiya Math in the U.S., has been disbanded, it's devotees sent
packing off to India. The temple itself is being sold off, in what
Dayanidhi, Vidura, Tirtha pada and others have told me is some sort of real
estate scam, being perpetrated by a corrupt temple management, in concert
with some of Narayana Maharaja's topmost disciples, who along with others
have taken over the control of the movement from him.
[PADA: Stolen deities? How much you want to bet that the deities have been
"stolen" by some of the Narayana Maharaja crew, not by outsiders? And there
you have it, the "topmost leaders" of Narayana Maharaja are already
"fighting over the bricks and stone" and NM has not even yet departed. Wait
till we see the "battle" over who will be the "rising moon successor" heir
apparent to NM after he departs. All this -- mind you -- in a "real estate
scam." So this is similar to the bogus GBC's "guru" take over plotting,
simply part two. The good news is that some of us do not want the bricks
and stones. Rather we are happy to live next door to Mr. Snuffles the cat
because at least he is not going to usurp our property while we are alive,
and not even before our grave is cold either.]
** Five members of the community have decided not to go down without a
fight and have refused to leave the temple. They are hoping to save the
temple by halting the foreclosure and perhaps even raising the 3.5 million
dollar purchase price for the property themselves. They had hoped before
this that they would be able to get Narayana Maharaja himself to intercede
on the behalf of the temple. As of last Thursday he had done exactly that,
siding with them, only to reverse his decision the very next day after the
disciples who I am being told are controlling him demanded that he reverse
his decision. He then did reverse his decision, authorizing the selling of
the temple.
[PADA: How swell is this? Some of the crooked followers are "in control" of
the Narayana Maharaja organization. OK, it is possible that "the five
people who are left" wanted to preach, and some of the rest are crooks who
wanted to make money from the whole process by selling the property.]
** Nevertheless, the five residents of the temple community are still
hoping and making efforts to save the temple community and to retrieve the
stolen deities. The Venice Beach community has been in existence for four
years but has not been that successful. I had noticed an apathy, or in
actuality a noticeable lack of enthusiasm of its temple management to even
go out on harinam, let alone book distribution. I was informed today that
this was deliberate, that they had deliberately practiced a policy of
alienating the Venice Beach residents so that they could claim as an excuse
for selling the temple that the "climate just wasn't a favorable one", in
which to preach.
Although I find it somewhat ironic that my help is being requested by the
disciples of Narayana Maharaja to keep the doors of one of his only two
temples in the U.S. open, I do not like to see any temple of their
Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krsna closed down and its community of devotees
destroyed by anything, let alone by those who seek to do so for their own
selfish reasons. There is far too little chanting of the Holy Names of
Krsna and far too little presentation of Krsna consciousness being done at
all now in the U.S., upon the same pretense that the climate just isn't
favorable, and by the same type of men.
[PADA: Agreed. thanks pd]
=============================
8) The Daanurdhara Scandal by Syama das
Posted March 5, 2007
In response the posting by Hare Krsna dasi entitled, The Danurdhara
Scandal: "What Decisive Actions Were Taken?" the answer is that no action
was taken and none is likely to be taken. The Svami pretends that he has
resigned from ISKCON in order to avoid the heat of scrutiny. But ask the
devotees in Tel-Aviv, Israel and they will be shocked to hear this. The
wife of the temple president there and other fanatic disciples regularly
invite Dhanurdara Svami and organize preaching programs for him. On his
last visit he gave daily lectures and for the Sabbath Festival (Sunday
Feast) the temple was closed and everyone invited to the President's home
for a program in honor of the Svami. Photos of the Svami are pinned on the
temple bulletin board and there is active recruiting done on his behalf.
How many more ISKCON facilities are being used in this way by the disgraced
svami is unknown, but it shows that whatever spin the GBC may put on the
issue is far from reflecting the reality. The svami has no intention to
stop exploiting ISKCON for disciples and money regardless of how
scandalized devotees may feel about it. But then, is he the only one
fleecing Srila Prabhupada's institution for personal fame, money, disciples
and living the good life traveling here and there being treated like God's
ambassador?
================================
9) Questions for the GBC by Vegieck@aol.com
I offer my most respectful obeisances to all devotees of the lord and my
questions are strictly managerial and not personal. All glories to Srila
Prabhupada, ISKCON and the GBC. Please forgive me for any offenses but
these questions have been hounding me for years and without any answers,
myself and many others are beginning to lose faith in the GBC. I have
decided to keep myself anonymous for now as I am addressing some very
sensitive issues in these questions as I expect hatred from fanatical
followers within ISKCON. I hope these genuine concerns are made public as I
would like to see some discussions on these topics. I recommend an open
debate on each of these topics to make ISKCON a better place for all
devotees of the lord. Debates should be more on principles than personal
even though sometimes personals are used to establish principles.
Why are sanyasis allowed to remain sanyasis if they are accused of child
abuse in any form? It's in the best interest of their spiritual lives and
others that they remain humble devotees by not accepting any form of
external position such as sanyasis. Pure Devotional service is beyond these
designations. GBC needs to set an example of impartiality. Well wishers and
friends of such accused devotees should not be allowed to participate in
such decision making causing conflict of personal interest.
Why are sanyasis like Satswarup Das allowed to remain a sanyasi after his
association with a woman setting a wrong precedent for future sanyasis. Why
cant he remain a humble brahmacari and carry on his spiritual life. Where
is a standard policy from the GBC for such fall downs of sanyasis ? If
there is, then it should be discussed through a debate. Consider Lord
Caitanya and chota Hari Das pastime.
Why aren't financial statements of all ISKCON leaders, including
presidents, Gurus and Sanyasis made public. There are Presidents who have
big bank balance and are still drawing big salaries from ISKCON temples.
Where is a standard policy as far as remuneration and salaries for temple
presidents ? Why one temple is offering $50000 a year and another nothing ?
There is need for standards, qualifications etc of this position.
Why are sanyasis allowed to have bank accounts and personal assets? Why
don't they set the example for the common devotees by surrendering their
assets and moneys to the GBC or local temples? Some say oh they don't have
enough faith in ISKCON leaders. So how expect for its members to have faith
if the leaders don't? All sanyasis should follow the example of H.H.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj who is perfectly following his sanyas dharma by
living simply in the temple room, not trying to control money, having big
bank balance and assets in their own name. Is the GBC enforcing simplicity,
renunciation and detachment among the sanyasis through its managerial
policies?
All worship in ISKCON must be strictly offered to Srila Prabhupada. Why is
the GBC still allowing personal worship of ISKCON Gurus in ISKCON? What is
the standard of worship acceptable for ISKCON Gurus? There are Gurus in
ISKCON who accept offerings of flower petals and Kirtan for themselves
every time they visit their followers and well-wishers. What is the need
for such public adoration? A leader can be equally well received by one
garland of flowers and some prasadam followed by a lecture which will be
more healthy and spiritual productive for all its members. In my humble
opinion No ISKCON Gurus, to protect their own spiritual lives and avoid
criticism from envious God brothers, must accept any form of worship within
ISKCON but it's their responsibility to train their well wishers to offer
such worship to Srila Prabhupada. Emphasis must be given more to hearing
and chanting than some external show of worship and recognition by
fanatical followers and well wishers. ISKCON is a society for broad minded
people and such fanaticism could be devastating and unhealthy for its
members causing a situation to create unnecessary envy, criticism,
competition etc. Therefore it's the duty of the GBC to set standards for
all leaders of ISKCON as far as honoring them in public. I personally think
that the GBC needs to make strict policy towards such worship of ISKCON
gurus. Again emphasis must be more on hearing and chanting rather than some
external show of false sentiment creating fanaticism among fanatical
followers. Worship and recognition of Srila Prabhupada in ISKCON will help
prevail Prabhupada consciousness in ISKCON, otherwise creating unhealthy
competition between ISKCON Gurus and Srila Prabhupada, Srila Prabhupada
disciples and Grand disciples, the liberals and the conservatives.
Why are Gurus and sanyasis allowed to act independently of the GBC? All
Gurus and sanyasis must be accountable to a local authority designated by
the GBC in consultation with local authorities, which must publicly be
advertised. All members in ISKCON must know who is accountable to whom
locally so issues can be addressed to the right authority and there is
checks and balance. We have seen that powers and positions of public
leaders can often go unchecked.
Think globally and act locally. Why are some GBCs allowed to act globally
and think locally? I have seen no advertisement from the local GBC for more
devotees to be involved. I find Most GBC members in ISKCON to be quite
apprehensive about involving devotees they are not friends with or know
them personally. Why is the GBC not openly advertising for young people to
come forward to join the GBC for their future training? It seems like most
GBC tend to encourage their own associates to be part of such positions
such as Temple Presidents and other managerial positions. In the last few
years I know there were two temples in the US where the temple president
ran away with thousands of dollars leaving the temples in deep financial
crisis. Is the GBC publicly taking responsibility for such mismanagement?
Where is the screening process, checks and balance of such corrupt leaders
and appointment of corrupt presidents and sanyasis?
Why are Gurus and sanyasis allowed to keep Guru dakshina and donations from
their followers for themselves? Why is the GBC not setting up a policy in
this regard? If there is a policy then such policy must be made public.
Suggestion: All Gurus and sanyasis must give at least 50 % (100 % will be
ideal) of whatever financial gain they make to their local temples. Gurus
seem to be using Srila Prabhupada temples as their source for collecting
funds from well wishers and followers through initiation and personal
influence. It is also natural that a follower has more affection for his or
her Guru but then it's the Gurus responsibility to turn in the laksmi to
local temples so they don't always remain broke. Due to the GBC
mismanagement or no management temples are broke and most Gurus are rich.
The GBC needs to strictly implement a clear financial policy between the
Gurus and temples.
Where can you find such GBC resolutions so devotees like me can refer and
address them to proper authorities when they are not being followed. YS
vaishnav das anudas For all suggestions and discussions please email me at
Vegieck@aol.com
===================================
10) GBC 2007: Spin, Swagger, and Dereliction of Duty BY: VYSWAMBHARA DAS
A friend sent a transcript of a Srimad-Bhagawatam class (3.1.13) delivered
by HH. Bhakti Caru Svami in Mayapura dhama on February 12, 2007. The
Maharaja concludes his discourse as follows:
"Now that the GBC meeting is going on, as a member of the GBC body, I can
assure you, I can tell you that our movement is progressing in a very
wonderful way. All the auspicious signs are there. The way things are
happening, the way the GBC's are guiding this movement is very, very
positive, very auspicious.” “In a few days, our GBC Chairman, along with
the GBC body will present the results of our GBC meetings. You will get to
know that at that time. In short I can tell you that there are many
wonderful things happening today. The progress of this movement is assured.
This movement, ISKCON movement, the association of devotees worldwide that
has been created by Srila Prabhupada, this institution is being very nicely
protected by the leading members of this movement. They are paving the way
for its wonderful progress in course of time."
To those who might be inclined to disagree with his assessment the Maharaja
offers this advice: "We become envious. Why do we become envious? We become
envious by seeing how the others are excelling. The others are becoming
greater. The others are progressing, they are being glorified, they are
becoming so qualified. And we become envious, 'Why not me?' The heart
becomes so much afflicted and tormented, 'Why the whole world is glorifying
him, why not me? Why don't they see how great I am?' Just be patient and
tolerant. In course of time, Krsna will glorify you also. Krsna is
glorifying him or her today tomorrow Krsna will glorify you. So don't be
impatient. Be tolerant. Everyone will have his heyday."
The use of Sri Vyasasana for purposes of propaganda, self-congratulation,
and had hominem attacks is an unconscionable practice, especially if what
is said is unsubstantiated and disingenuous. A public display of pride-the
very idea that Lord Krsna has at last recognized one as a great devotee-is
by itself reprehensible and contrary to Lord Caitanya’s trnad api sunicena
teaching. Further, it has apparently not occurred to the Svami that the
angst and anguish felt by the disenfranchised membership of ISKCON could be
born out of genuine concern for the integrity of Srila Prabhupada’s Society
and the precarious footing of those who would claim to be its leaders.
Devotees are supposed to know, in theory at least, that a leader bears the
consequences of all that happens under his jurisdiction.
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Svami Srila Prabhupada created ISKCON
to save people, not misguide them. None of Srila Prabhupada’s followers was
instructed to appropriate the assets of his Society in the vain pursuit of
fame, followers and fortune. None was told to disregard his instructions or
interpret them for sense gratification. The Vaisnava definition of
greatness is an honest attempt to follow the Spiritual Master's
instructions to the letter. Presently however, ISKCON and its GBC boldly
disregard Srila Prabhupada's instructions. The present luminaries of ISKCON
are to be pitied, not envied. Prayers should be offered to Sri Sri
Gaura-Nitai for their future well-being and that of their blind followers
and sundry sycophants. To disobey the instructions of an acarya of Srila
Prabhupada’s stature compromises all of humankind, to do so in exchange for
a paltry flash-in-the-pan moment in the sun (a 'heyday') is cause for great
concern, not envy.
As the GBC busies itself with grand schemes of strategic planning, parallel
lines of authority, more money, more facilities, more committees, more
ministries, etc., it feigns to ignore that it is in dereliction of duty in
the matter of executing the functions His Divine Grace specifically
assigned to it. Grand schemes, materialistic plan-making, bureaucratic
complexities, the centralizing of power and assets in the hands of the few
are exactly what Srila Prabhupada told the GBC not to tolerate. They
represent the historical continuation of a deviation that began immediately
after the physical disappearance of His Divine Grace. Meanwhile, what Srila
Prabhupada actually requested the GBC to do is brazenly overlooked.
Essentially the GBC was to organize the publishing, printing and
distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books, maintain the spiritual standards
of the Society and encourage the local development of Krsna conscious
communities all over the world.
Books would be needed to trace out the history of the GBC's deviation, but
in short, its chronology can be summarized as follows. Immediately after
Srila Prabhupada's physical departure the GBC forfeited its
responsibilities and yielded all power to the Zonal Acaryas. When the
devotees rebelled against the abuses of the Zonal Acaryas in sufficient
numbers, the GBC bought out most of the leaders of the reform movement by
offering “guruship” privileges to one and all, and superimposing the
present bureaucratic paradigm of the GBC on the Society, a monster of sorts
that swallows up the Society’s men, money, time and assets in the useless
pursuit of mundane organization at the cost of the preaching work,
"...I have heard from Jayatirtha you want to make big plans for
centralization of management, taxes, monies, corporate status,
book-keeping, credit, like that. I do not approve of such plans. Do not
centralize anything. Each temple must remain independent and
self-sufficient. That was my plan from the very beginning, why are you
thinking otherwise? Once before you wanted to do something centralizing
with your GBC meeting, and if I did not interfere the whole thing would
have been killed. Do not think in this way of big corporation, big credits,
and centralization-these are all nonsense proposals. Only thing I wanted
was that book printing and distribution should be centralized... Otherwise,
management everything, should be done locally by local men. Accounts must
be kept, things must be in order and lawfully done, but that should be each
temple's concern, not yours. Krsna consciousness movement is for training
men to be independently thoughtful and competent in all types of
departments of knowledge and action, not for making bureaucracy. Once there
is bureaucracy the whole thing will be spoiled. There must be always
individual striving and work and responsibility, competitive spirit, not
that one shall dominate and distribute benefits to the others and they do
nothing but beg from you and you provide: No... Each center remains
independent, that's all right, but the president and other officers must
themselves follow and see that others are following the regulative
principles carefully, and giving them good instruction so they may
understand nicely why this tapasya is necessary. And GBC and sannyasis will
travel and see the officers are doing this, and if they observe any
lowering of the standard, then they must reform and advise..." (SPL 12.22.72)
The GBC's deviation from its assigned and essential functions and the
betrayal of the reform movement were not fortuitous events. They were the
result of collusion between the remaining Zonal Acaryas and some of the
leaders of the reform movement. On one hand, the GBC retained the fallacy
of ‘appointed’ gurus by making prospective candidates for the position jump
through the illusory loop of being "In good standing," meaning essentially
the willingness not to denounce the GBC or other gurus. On the other hand,
the GBC camouflaged its unwillingness to discipline its wayward elite by
the creation of a centralizing bureaucracy.
The result of these deviations from Srila Prabhupada’s instructions, as of
2007, is horrific. The quasi totality of His Divine Grace's disciples have
been eliminated from active service in the mission; Gaudiya-Matha style
preachers and 'Ritvikvadas' feel free to poach disciples, monies and assets
from a spiritually weakened ISKCON; and, worse yet, the movement’s elite is
free to do the same from within. The net result is that the unity of the
Vaisnavas is lost and personal ambitions prevail over all else. Meanwhile,
the GBC busies itself managing its salaried bureaucracy, dealing with the
consequences of fall-downs, taxing the temple for its costly legal
blunders, facilitating the exploitation of the Society by the kali-celas,
etc. Simultaneously, it fails to perform its assigned duties.
I do not know in which la-la land the GBC lives. I suppose when one is GBC,
guru and sannyasi with disciples and money aplenty, one might be inclined
to think, "My 'heyday' has come; everything is 'very, very auspicious'. Let
the jackals howl, my caravan is moving on." But Krsna consciousness is not
an exercise in Public Relations. Things are not well in ISKCON at this time
and the Society's leaders should have their ears to the ground, not their
heads in the clouds. Narayana Maharaja is pilfering more than half of
ISKCON's recruits and disaffected devotees just by himself. Other groups
are also taking their fat shares. The varnasrama system is a shamble: The
sannyasis are unable to maintain their vows; the vanaprastha asrama is
disregarded; the grhasthas are disrespected; women and children are
unprotected, often abused; rural communities are failures, used mostly as
vacation colonies for the rich and famous. The main preaching tool, the
distribution of Srila Prabhupada's book is fading like water in the sun
while ISKCON luminaries busy themselves writing, publishing and selling
their books in the ISKCON market place. The BBT busies itself with changing
Srila Prabhupada's books.
The training of new devotees is practically non-existent and often the new
devotees are being initiated long before they have even a rudimentary
understanding of the Vaisnava philosophy and Vaisnava etiquette. Some
foolish devotees may say one should learn to see the glass half full. But
these woes are not figments of the imagination. They are symptomatic of
something profoundly wrong at the very heart of ISKCON. What does it mean
then to proclaim, "The way the GBC's are guiding this movement is very,
very positive, very auspicious"?
An impartial observer can determine whether or not the GBC is guiding
ISKCON properly. The Mayapur meetings are an exercise in spin. While
engaging in grandiloquent talk that Srila Prabhupada is the all-pervading
"Supersoul" of the GBC, the GBC boldly disregards his instructions. Flowery
presentations are made, pats on the back distributed, promissory notes
written, committees formed and re-formed, etc. But nothing significant is
actually done. The can is kicked down the road, down to the next meeting
when the exercise can recommence.
To the GBC, guru and sannyasi leaders we humbly and respectfully submit the
following: Castles in the air will not satisfy Srila Prabhupada. Big plan
making is no substitute for the hard work of proper management. His Divine
Grace directly instructed you on what is your duty and it is not what you
are making it out to be. Your main function is to protect the spiritual
purity of the Society by your example and your words. All that comes under
your care: disciples, money, facilities, name, fame, by right belong to
Srila Prabhupada and are meant to be used exclusively in his service. If
any of it is from personal aggrandizement then there is no meaning to the
word society; the whole effort is nothing but a fragmented loose federation
that will yet again fragment into a thousand more personality cults when
you exit the stage of this world and your disciples set about imitating
you. So, show real humility and be Srila Prabhupada’s humble emissaries
rather than pitiful imitations of him. It is then only that you will really
become famous. For now, the few moments or few years of fame that you are
drinking as if it were nectar, will turn to violent poison later.
Here is some sound advice from our Divine master: "The business of the GBC
is to see that no one may be taken away by Maya.” (SPL 08.04.75)
"You cannot deviate from the order of the spiritual master by an inch if
you really want success." (SPL 2.2.67)
"I think it is the best thing if the GBC members always travel on
sankirtana party in their zone and go from one village to another and visit
temples to see how students are learning and do my work. In this way, they
will avoid the propensity to sit down and plot and scheme how to eat and
sleep. (SPL 05.18.72)
And from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura: "The disrespect for the bona fide
spiritual master and respect for pseudo-spiritual masters both are
offensive to the holy name." "Monkey ascetics deceive the world and pave
the way for the degradation of society. The foolish that are deceived by
their outward expressions of devotion and agree to follow them are equally
a curse upon society. At last both become averse to Krsna and his bona fide
representative." (Sri Caitanya Siksamrtam: The Determination of Evil)
Also: "The Lord's unalloyed devotees always guard the path of loving
devotional service against pretenders and cheaters." (Commentary on Sri
Manah-Siksa, verse 5)
"One day scholars will note how this Krsna consciousness movement saved the
world in its darkest hour." (London, 1973)
"Different Godbrothers took the words of Guru Maharaja in different
interpretations for sense gratification and the whole mission was
disrupted." (10.18.69)
In the past, many who thought their 'heyday' had come ended in the gutter
of self-destruction, dragging their followers with them. How easy it is to
think that charisma, money, followers, knowledge, intelligence, austerity,
rhetorical expertise, popularity, musical ability, theatrics, etc. equal
spiritual advancement. Such externals, however, are not necessarily
indicative of pure intention. At the present moment anyone having success
anywhere in the world of Vaisnavism is largely basking in the effulgence of
jagad-guru Srila Prabhupada. Without him, Krsna consciousness would still
be but an obscure medieval kind of cult practiced mostly in India.
Therefore, the best means of ascertaining devotional advancement is to see
how closely the instructions and guidance of Srila Prabhupada is reflected
in someone's actions and life.
Many GBC members, gurus, sannyasis and sundry intellectuals will in private
readily concede their profound dissatisfaction with the present state of
affairs in ISKCON. Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu writes: "And now the GBC has
become very, very weak. The principal reason for this has been the
fall-down of spiritual masters and the decay of spiritual authority in
general. This applies to sannyasis, gurus and the GBC. There has been a big
overlap of these three categories, and they are all in disrepute. The
renounced order of life has come to be called the denounced order of
life-we hear that all the time. People are very dubious about
gurus-everyone is wondering when the next one is going to fall. And the GBC
seems to be floundering and cannot do anything about it. There is a feeling
that we do not know where our vision is going to come from." (ICJ #81).
Officially however, public relations take precedence over the truth. The
dissatisfied leaders, out of self-interest, pay lip service to the party
line out of hypocrisy and the desire to protect their own position in the
hierarchy. This is textbook politics. Every despot in the world knows that
to maintain himself in power he must eliminate his enemies and escape
personal accountability by the creation of a complex bureaucracy.
"But why salary? Where is the question of salary? Where is vairagya,
renouncement? So in all circumstances the salary process should be stopped.
One who wants salary, he can work outside."(SPL 4.28.77) The exploitation
of ISKCON is like a matrix that has numberless outgrowths, all of which are
kaitava-dharma or cheating religion. At the top are GBC members, gurus,
sannyasis and others who ride Srila Prabhupada’s coattails for personal
fame. Some use their followers to accumulate big bank accounts, print their
own books, start, develop and maintain projects that were not authorized by
Srila Prabhupada. Other devotees render devotional service only in exchange
for considerable remuneration. Others spin off to create separate
associations, foundations and such that like bed-bugs, suck out the
vitality of the Society. On a lower level some will use so-called book
distribution to live irresponsibly and take long vacations in India on the
plea of pilgrimages and attending so-called seminars on this and that. Some
live at the cost of a temple while simultaneously receiving welfare
payments from civil society.
Others exploit the Society to indulge their sexual deviancies. Temple
authorities collect funds without giving proper BBT remittances. Some sell
their astrological, psychological, legal, and other professional wares to
the devotees. Some sell scams and snake oils profiteering in this way (the
latest fad now is e-hypnosis as a substitute for the chanting of Hare Krsna
without offences). In short, kaitava-dharma in this perspective means any
so-called devotional service performed for personal gain.
"As per Srila Prabhupada’s instructions regarding the publication of this
volume, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s somewhat technical and sometimes
difficult prose has been left intact and virtually untouched. Fearing that
any editorial (grammatical and stylistic) tampering with Bhaktisiddhanta’s
text might result in inadvertent changes in meaning, Prabhupada asked that
it be left as is, and the editors of this volume have complied with his
wishes. Only typographical errors have been corrected..." (Sri
Brahma-samhita, Introduction)
When asked why the same courtesy should not be extended to Srila
Prabhupada’s own works, Jayadvaita Svami dismissed the idea: "This is not
specific enough"; he then went on to compare his editorial work on Srila
Prabhupada’s books to that of Srila Jiva Gosvami’s work on Srila Rupa
Gosvami's Bhaktirasamrta-sindhu. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura does here give
a free pass to those who might blindly fall for the present system of
things. This a matter of the cheaters and the cheated. It is undoubtedly
difficult for a disciple to admit he or she may have made the wrong choice
of a guru. Most disciples conveniently assume that anyone criticizing their
guru is either envious or a Ritvik proponent of sorts. "My guru is making
thousands of people chant Hare Krsna. He is guru to thousands of sishyas.
The GBC endorses my guru. Who are you to criticize him? What have you done?"
To such a determined blind follower we can reply: "A guru who misleads his
followers will suffer untold consequences. The GBC who fails to expose a
cheating guru for so-called pragmatic considerations will suffer untold
consequences. And, according to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, you shall also
suffer untold consequences for refusing to use your God-given intelligence
to see things as they are. Strictly using Srila Prabhupada’s guidelines to
the leaders of his Society, pretty much every member of the ISKCON
GBC/guru/sannyasi elite is deeply in trouble for failing to speak the truth
and failing to work according to his divine instruction."
This is a very painful challenge. Most of those elevated souls are
Godbrothers and millions of times more worshipable that ordinary men.
Because of chanting Hare Krsna they have become purified and attractive to
all. But their personal greatness is not sufficient excuse to misuse our
Founder-Acarya's Society as they see fit.
[PADA: Wowsers pilgrims!]
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