1) GBC set general ISKCON consequences for people found guilty of abuse. (e.g. what behavior should lead to suspension of what privilege)
2) professionals (outside ISKCON) conduct investigations to determine what had happened
3) the CPO implement these outcomes consistently and fairly and independent of any GBC pressure.
Needless to say, we (the Chakra board members) were ignored, even though our input had been solicited.
As we have seen repeatedly since then, the GBC and other "senior devotees" do not seem to have enough self control to resist the temptation to interfere with the CPO whenever they disagree with their decision, especially when it concerns one of their friends. This was predictable and is completely unacceptable.
It may be too late to reverse this latest decision to remove Kamlesh, but those of us who care about child protection in ISKCON now need to make as much "noise" as we can to let them know that their sneaky behaviors haven't gone unnoticed. We have to push for the selection of a competent and strong new head of the CPO, someone who can stand up to the GBC, and who can ensure that the Lokanath case (as well as others) are handled professionally and without GBC input. If not, I'm afraid this may be the final nail in the coffin of the credibility of the CPO.
MP: Not surprised. Totally expected. Hello!!! Its iskcon.
D Das: What is the difficulty? Is culture is so often replaced with cult? Your cult my cult what about culture as prescribed by our acharyas. Who cares for this one or that ones opinion from those who have the propensity to cheat. Simple solution for whoever is COP or CPO .... if proof of abuse is irrefutable the perpetrator must become transparent and repentant before Deity and Vaishnavas and be held accountable and if proof is unsubstantiated and accusations are false then the Vaishnava community must be given the facts so that there is no further aparadha
SD: Lokanath ALREADY admitted to sexually abusing a child:
FROM: LOKANATH SWAMI
"Dear Devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
With this letter I would like to bring the following distressing and unfortunate matter to your attention.
In 1990 I was in the United States, staying at the house of a devotee family of Indian origin. During my visit, there were some very regrettable incidents that took place between me and their eleven and a half year old daughter Satya, in which I sexually abused her. I sincerely apologize for this despicable behavior on my part, which has caused Satya considerable grief and distress.
The circumstances of the incident are as follows: While I was leading the Worldwide Padayatra program, I suffered a broken leg. While recovering with my right leg in a cast, I stayed for about a week with the Indian devotee family. During this stay, the father frequently asked me to preach to members of his family, including Satya, and the incidents occurred in the course of my interactions with her. I would sometimes sit inappropriately close to her, and pat her when, for example, she played the harmonium very nicely.
I was also asked by Satya’s father to wake her up on time each morning, as she would not listen to her father. One morning I noticed that she was running late. While chanting in my room, I saw her in the room directly opposite mine. She was still wearing a long T-shirt that she used as a nightgown. She was upset that I saw her dressed in this way. When I told her to go to take her shower, she ran into her room to hide from me. I made her come out, and as she ran past me. I then said, "Go and take your shower!" and slapped her on her rear end with my hand, which I acknowledge was completely unacceptable.
The incident that most distressed Satya, however, took place one morning in the living-room. As we sat reading together, I touched her right thigh and moved my hand between her knee and upper thigh, over her clothing. While I was touching her upper thigh region, I also touched her private part. Satya was clearly shocked and disturbed by this act, and I was immediately overcome by regret and shame at my actions.
My transgressions were not consciously planned. I realize, however, that had I kept strictly to the proper etiquette of a devotee and sannyasi, I would have been protected and would not have committed these reprehensible acts, for which there is no excuse, and which I regret beyond words.
In 1993, Satya brought these incidents to the attention of the GBC. In response, a committee of seven GBC members was promptly appointed to investigate her allegations. I was immediately suspended from initiating further disciples, and my movements within ISKCON were restricted. The GBC also instructed me to seek help from a group of mental health professionals specializing in child molestation.
The mental health professionals conducted an evaluation over several days that consisted of multiple clinical interviews, psychosocial and psychosexual histories, and various other tests. Some of the main conclusions of the professionals were as follows:
- I am not a pedophile.
- I do not pose a danger of overt sexual violence toward women and children.
- The incidents occurred under unusual circumstances, with inadequate precautions.
- With proper counseling and strict oversight, I should be able to avoid a repeat of this behavior in the future.
- I acted in a clearly inappropriate manner towards Satya.
- My actions subjected Satya to an extremely disturbing and traumatic experience common to victims of sexual abuse.
Satya was also interviewed by a professional female devotee specializing in child molestation. The results of that evaluation, however, are confidential.
After performing a complete investigation, the GBC Committee was very disturbed by my deviations, and suspended me from initiating for at least five years. They further ordered me to spend at least two months in Vrindavan in a mood of repentance. While in Vrindavan, I intensely prayed to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Krsna Balarama for spiritual strength, so that such behavior never occurs again.. By the causeless mercy of Their Lordships, Srila Prabhupada and the Vaisnavas, my record has been spotless since 1990.
I have also sought forgiveness directly from Satya – both in writing and in person. I offered my obeisances and apologies to her in the presence of her brother, and the family at the time appeared satisfied. Satya was like a spiritual daughter to me. Because of false pride and arrogance, I disobeyed the firm commands of Sastra, and have suffered an unbearable reaction. I have sincerely learned my lesson.
I sincerely regret these incidents and am very much repentant. I again offer my heartfelt apologies for the pain and distress I have caused Satya, and pray that she and her family may forgive these terrible transgressions.
Praying for the mercy of the Vaisnavas,
I remain,
Your worthless servant,
Lokanath Swami "
D Dasa: Lokanath Swami should set the highest standard and example by stepping down and asking that CPO mandate write policy that sends a severe warning as to consequences if you accept leadership position and in this case neglectfully minimizing the protective power of following proper etiquette is meant to provide. It was pre-meditated
Our dear most acharya and param Gurudev Srila Bhaktisiddhanta would never allow himself to be in the same room alone with a female that was grandaughter age ... and who are we to compare and minimize the etiquette. Leaders especially must be transparent.
SD: Yes, he should step down, and has been asked to step down, but since he won't, he should be removed by the leaders.
D Dasa: SP on many places said the GBC should be voted out from TPs, leaders, like this the GBC actually has zero accountability and plays politics. Definitely not something a sannyasis dharma would be. Why don't Gaudiya Vaishnavas whose goal is prema of the highest standard -- put the unity in community and stop compromising the lawbooks of Krsna.
LG DASI: What are the reasons being given to have the current CPO director removed? Could there be a legitimate reason?
SD: Not really. The GBC need someone in the CPO who will do what they say with the Lokanath case, so they are using the Laxmimoni case to say "we need term limits" and are trying to vote on term limits ... yet the GBC themselves have no term limits. And conveniently this vote on term limits comes right when the Lokanath case needs to be looked at. The GBC already know they cannot bend Kamlesh Krishna (current CPO Director) to their will.
M Dasa: We need a “sigh” emoji in the “like” selections….
NB DASI: And an eye roll.
VG: And a flip the bird emoji!
MD: Yup, also a face palm and a WTF emoji.
R Dasa: HARIBOL. The. Child. Protection office or department should’ve been totally separate, complete Independence from the Big ISKCON GBC ABC AND IN THIS that way will not be. Manipulated OR controlled. At all. Because. Unfortunately. The so call ISKCON. AUTHORITIES are thinking they are above the. Law. They think they will get away with all nonsense they do. THEY FORGETTING ONE. MOST IMPORTANT THING. THIS. SANKIRTAN MOVEMENT BELONGS TO.
SRI KRSNA. CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU AND HIS DIVINE GRACE SRILA. PRABHUPADA. THEY WILL GET A SEVERE REACTION FOR ALL THE NONSENSICAL. ACTIVITIES THEY ARE DOING. HARE KRSNA.
CH: This is Appalling Makes me Sick in the Stomach. Just need to Read The First Paragraph. Seriously Trying to Remove The CPO. And as Far as Laxmimini is concerned who was found to be a Horrific Child Abuser if her case was bought to the Attention of The Social Media .. Or bought Before the Justice System Outside Iskcon.. America & any other Country.. Anyone would Be wondering Why Anyone would want to Be Part of ISKCON...
PM: I think the separation of powers is important and thus CPO person is to be chosen by the community. We need to ask for this.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
With this letter I would like to bring the following distressing and unfortunate matter to your attention.
In 1990 I was in the United States, staying at the house of a devotee family of Indian origin. During my visit, there were some very regrettable incidents that took place between me and their eleven and a half year old daughter Satya, in which I sexually abused her. I sincerely apologize for this despicable behavior on my part, which has caused Satya considerable grief and distress.
The circumstances of the incident are as follows: While I was leading the Worldwide Padayatra program, I suffered a broken leg. While recovering with my right leg in a cast, I stayed for about a week with the Indian devotee family. During this stay, the father frequently asked me to preach to members of his family, including Satya, and the incidents occurred in the course of my interactions with her. I would sometimes sit inappropriately close to her, and pat her when, for example, she played the harmonium very nicely.
I was also asked by Satya’s father to wake her up on time each morning, as she would not listen to her father. One morning I noticed that she was running late. While chanting in my room, I saw her in the room directly opposite mine. She was still wearing a long T-shirt that she used as a nightgown. She was upset that I saw her dressed in this way. When I told her to go to take her shower, she ran into her room to hide from me. I made her come out, and as she ran past me. I then said, "Go and take your shower!" and slapped her on her rear end with my hand, which I acknowledge was completely unacceptable.
The incident that most distressed Satya, however, took place one morning in the living-room. As we sat reading together, I touched her right thigh and moved my hand between her knee and upper thigh, over her clothing. While I was touching her upper thigh region, I also touched her private part. Satya was clearly shocked and disturbed by this act, and I was immediately overcome by regret and shame at my actions.
My transgressions were not consciously planned. I realize, however, that had I kept strictly to the proper etiquette of a devotee and sannyasi, I would have been protected and would not have committed these reprehensible acts, for which there is no excuse, and which I regret beyond words.
In 1993, Satya brought these incidents to the attention of the GBC. In response, a committee of seven GBC members was promptly appointed to investigate her allegations. I was immediately suspended from initiating further disciples, and my movements within ISKCON were restricted. The GBC also instructed me to seek help from a group of mental health professionals specializing in child molestation.
The mental health professionals conducted an evaluation over several days that consisted of multiple clinical interviews, psychosocial and psychosexual histories, and various other tests. Some of the main conclusions of the professionals were as follows:
- I am not a pedophile.
- I do not pose a danger of overt sexual violence toward women and children.
- The incidents occurred under unusual circumstances, with inadequate precautions.
- With proper counseling and strict oversight, I should be able to avoid a repeat of this behavior in the future.
- I acted in a clearly inappropriate manner towards Satya.
- My actions subjected Satya to an extremely disturbing and traumatic experience common to victims of sexual abuse.
Satya was also interviewed by a professional female devotee specializing in child molestation. The results of that evaluation, however, are confidential.
After performing a complete investigation, the GBC Committee was very disturbed by my deviations, and suspended me from initiating for at least five years. They further ordered me to spend at least two months in Vrindavan in a mood of repentance. While in Vrindavan, I intensely prayed to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Krsna Balarama for spiritual strength, so that such behavior never occurs again.. By the causeless mercy of Their Lordships, Srila Prabhupada and the Vaisnavas, my record has been spotless since 1990.
I have also sought forgiveness directly from Satya – both in writing and in person. I offered my obeisances and apologies to her in the presence of her brother, and the family at the time appeared satisfied. Satya was like a spiritual daughter to me. Because of false pride and arrogance, I disobeyed the firm commands of Sastra, and have suffered an unbearable reaction. I have sincerely learned my lesson.
I sincerely regret these incidents and am very much repentant. I again offer my heartfelt apologies for the pain and distress I have caused Satya, and pray that she and her family may forgive these terrible transgressions.
Praying for the mercy of the Vaisnavas,
I remain,
Your worthless servant,
Lokanath Swami "
D Dasa: Lokanath Swami should set the highest standard and example by stepping down and asking that CPO mandate write policy that sends a severe warning as to consequences if you accept leadership position and in this case neglectfully minimizing the protective power of following proper etiquette is meant to provide. It was pre-meditated
Our dear most acharya and param Gurudev Srila Bhaktisiddhanta would never allow himself to be in the same room alone with a female that was grandaughter age ... and who are we to compare and minimize the etiquette. Leaders especially must be transparent.
SD: Yes, he should step down, and has been asked to step down, but since he won't, he should be removed by the leaders.
D Dasa: SP on many places said the GBC should be voted out from TPs, leaders, like this the GBC actually has zero accountability and plays politics. Definitely not something a sannyasis dharma would be. Why don't Gaudiya Vaishnavas whose goal is prema of the highest standard -- put the unity in community and stop compromising the lawbooks of Krsna.
LG DASI: What are the reasons being given to have the current CPO director removed? Could there be a legitimate reason?
SD: Not really. The GBC need someone in the CPO who will do what they say with the Lokanath case, so they are using the Laxmimoni case to say "we need term limits" and are trying to vote on term limits ... yet the GBC themselves have no term limits. And conveniently this vote on term limits comes right when the Lokanath case needs to be looked at. The GBC already know they cannot bend Kamlesh Krishna (current CPO Director) to their will.
M Dasa: We need a “sigh” emoji in the “like” selections….
NB DASI: And an eye roll.
VG: And a flip the bird emoji!
MD: Yup, also a face palm and a WTF emoji.
R Dasa: HARIBOL. The. Child. Protection office or department should’ve been totally separate, complete Independence from the Big ISKCON GBC ABC AND IN THIS that way will not be. Manipulated OR controlled. At all. Because. Unfortunately. The so call ISKCON. AUTHORITIES are thinking they are above the. Law. They think they will get away with all nonsense they do. THEY FORGETTING ONE. MOST IMPORTANT THING. THIS. SANKIRTAN MOVEMENT BELONGS TO.
SRI KRSNA. CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU AND HIS DIVINE GRACE SRILA. PRABHUPADA. THEY WILL GET A SEVERE REACTION FOR ALL THE NONSENSICAL. ACTIVITIES THEY ARE DOING. HARE KRSNA.
CH: This is Appalling Makes me Sick in the Stomach. Just need to Read The First Paragraph. Seriously Trying to Remove The CPO. And as Far as Laxmimini is concerned who was found to be a Horrific Child Abuser if her case was bought to the Attention of The Social Media .. Or bought Before the Justice System Outside Iskcon.. America & any other Country.. Anyone would Be wondering Why Anyone would want to Be Part of ISKCON...
OUR DEAR SRILA PRABHUPADA WHO WORKED SO HARD TO SET UP ISKCON TEMPLES & FARMING COMMUNITIES ALL OVER THE WORLD. SHAME SHAME SHAME ON THEM. I Just Played a Beautiful Video Footage of Devotees Dancing on the Streets In Europe & felt Blissful.. Reading this Has disturbed My Mind.. My prayers Lord NRSINGHADEVA are that These GBC Member's change their minds .. if Not they will Be forced to Take on Some Pretty Heavy Karmic Reaction..
They Should Be All for Protection of Our Dear Gurukul Children..& any Children that are taking Sheltar of Our Temples in The World Including Farming Communities & Preaching Centres.
VC: Disturbing, but don’t expect anything more from the leaders and all those that keep on following and not saying anything.
SD: I can expect people to behave better. I think that's okay.
VC: Yea you can have any expectations you want. I just don’t expect anything more.
AC: it's f*cking disgusting. (from a survivor of laxmimoni's ashram)
SD: It is.
VG: F*cking human race.
VC: Disturbing, but don’t expect anything more from the leaders and all those that keep on following and not saying anything.
SD: I can expect people to behave better. I think that's okay.
VC: Yea you can have any expectations you want. I just don’t expect anything more.
AC: it's f*cking disgusting. (from a survivor of laxmimoni's ashram)
SD: It is.
VG: F*cking human race.
PM: I think the separation of powers is important and thus CPO person is to be chosen by the community. We need to ask for this.
[PADA: Yes, India's ICC Bureau says Lokanath is doing great preaching. And what is he preaching? That God's guru successors are often illicit sex with men, women, children -- and evidently sex with cats, sex with taxi drivers, and porno swamis, and Vodka drinkers, and people who are having sex with a dozen disciples etc. and they are also orchestrating murders of dissenters.
So as soon as the ICC finds a nice pile of debauchees, who are creating mass child molesting, who are having illicit sex left, right and center, and who are orchestrating murders, and countless other crimes, they fall off their chairs and think they have found the reincarnations of Jesus! Yep, it is God's chain of gurus! Who knew! ys pd]
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