Dhira Govinda on Hrdayananda's "authority"

[PADA: An associate of PADA told us that Hrdayananda told him that Vedic dress of not good because it alienates Western people. And that is one reason we should dress Krishna's deity is a suit and tie. Ummm, is this another bad joke from these folks, or is this another sign these people are going more bonkers? ys pd] 

Satvatove Institute
David B. Wolf, Ph.D., LCSW
P.O. Box 1694
Alachua, Florida 32616

February 14, 2014

Dear Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I appreciate very much this article by George A. Smith, finding it incisive, thought-provoking, brilliant in important ways. I’m not saying that I resonate with all of the content and nuance, though I do find myself in agreement with the great majority of what he writes, and the way he expresses. His edginess is, in my opinion, appropriate, considering the subject, and I’m inspired by his willingness to be fierce to protect what’s dear, Srila Prabhupada and Srila Prabhupada’s movement (“Dog against dogs, then. You will not drag Srila Prabhupada down as long as I stand.”).

"A scholarly rebuttal is definitely needed." Yes, maybe; I’m not certain. I mean, it seems to me that George does a fine job. And, with regard to the quote from Hrdayananda Maharaja- well, it seems to stand on its own, and practically the entirety of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings stand against it. This is evidenced by numerous references, some provided by George (eg., "I didn't write these books, Krsna wrote these books."- note: I would like to see a reference for that.), and Naveen Krsna prabhu (from Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila 5.71). On January 10, 1970 Srila Prabhupada wrote- “…I also thank you very much for your appreciation of my books and letters and for my speaking in the meetings. They are not my words, as I have repeatedly informed you that I am simply the bearer of the message from Lord Caitanya through the disciplic succession and I do not make any addition or subtraction….”

Hrdayananda Maharaja wrote, or stated - "In contradicting the principles of modern psychology and sociology, which have been proven scientifically beyond any doubt, Srila Prabhupada has exceeded his authority."

Perhaps I’m not understanding what Hrdayananda Maharaja meant; maybe I’m receiving this quote from him out of context, or perhaps those are not his exact words. Assuming that they are, for sure I’m interested to understand to what he refers, regarding “principles of modern psychology and sociology, which have been proven scientifically beyond any doubt”. I’m not at all clear what he means in that regard.

Anyhow, prima facie, what Hrdayananda Maharaja says seems to blatantly violate Vaisnava principles and Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. It’s practically impossible to imagine, for example, Srila Prabhupada speaking in those terms about Srila Bhaktisiddhanta, or Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura referring to Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji in that way. And, for sure, for me Hrdayananda Maharaja’s comment is profoundly uninspiring- personally, and in the sense of the comment wholly discouraging me from referring anyone to Hrdayananda Maharaja for enlivenment in the process of bhakti-yoga. The consciousness behind such a comment as that cited above, from Hrdayananda Maharaja, would seem to dampen enthusiasm, and deaden the blossoming of faith, in Srila Prabhupada and the joyful process of Krsna consciousness.

Certainly his comment suggests the principle of projection, mirrors, atmavan manyate jagat- that is to say, I mean, in Hrdayananda Maharaja’s comment there is no doubt that authority is being exceeded. With regard to scholarship in respect to modern psychology and sociology, the methods used in such disciplines do of course possess substantial shortcomings, and the results and “conclusions” tend to be uncertain at best. 

Still, with reference to the principle of yukta-vairagya, we can productively utilize such methods. That has been my attempt for many years, with efforts such as my studies on the effects of the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra on well-being, life satisfaction, stress, depression, and other indicators of mental health, and my endeavors to develop the Vedic Personality Inventory (VPI). (Links to a few publications in scholarly social science journals related to my research on the Maha Mantra and VPI-http://www.satvatove.com/dr-david-wolf-academic-articles/; http://milestonereview.webs.com/) 

 In this regard I appreciate what George writes- “…You need the Maha mantra, Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. That is actually the conclusion of modern day scientific psychology, just most of them are not aware of it yet. Srila Prabhupada was, however, familiar with this conclusion…”

What I increasingly discover and realize is that all that is valid and genuinely useful in the social and mental health sciences finds its completion and perfection in the precepts and practices of Vaisnavism, specifically as given to us in the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. And I’m finding that others in the field are similarly ascertaining this. For example, there is one prominent person in the area of personal growth and self-development, who has read one of my books and other articles that I’ve written. He is a ph.d., and conducts seminars and other programs internationally. 

He contacted me, and is very inquisitive about the philosophy and methods that I present. Recently I showed him how to chant the Maha Mantra on japa beads, and he is incorporating this into his daily spiritual practice. In recent weeks I’ve had similar experiences with a renowned research physicist, and a distinguished anaesthesiologist (I understand that those professions are not directly social or mental health related- still, I mention them because they are for me recent and fresh, and to illustrate how many persons who are steeped in the methods of modern science so much appreciate Srila Prabhupada’s teachings).

“The highest development of Krsna consciousness understanding will be when you are able to give anyone the truth but in such a manner that they will respond in a positive way”.
Srila Prabhupada letter 1972, Dec. 31st

I realize that herein I’ve not given any sort of scholarly presentation; I’ve simply shared personal perceptions, impressions and experiences. I hope that the Vaisnavas find some value in what I’ve expressed.

Hare Krsna.
Your servant,
Dhira Govinda dasa
David Wolf

Satvatove Institute School of Transformative Coaching- Founder; Director
Relationships That Work: The Power of Conscious Living- Author
www.satvatove.com
www.vedicpersonality.org
Tel: 386-418-2037
Skype- david.b.wolf
http://www.satvatove.com/personal-development/the-satvatove-experience/
http://www.satvatove.com/personal-development/dr-david-wolf-at-the-master-of-influence/