Problems with Second Generation Diksa-guru Resolution
BY: KRISHNA DASA
The GBC body recently amended ISKCON Law 7.3.2 regarding second generation disciples becoming diksa-gurus in the presence of their spiritual masters.
"The GBC clarifies that an individual devotee taking up the service of diksa-guru in the physical presence of their guru may be allowed as an exception when the following conditions are met. The Guru Services Committee will confirm that the candidate for becoming a second generation guru has met all these conditions:
Mandatory Conditions:
1. The candidate must have been practicing Krishna consciousness for not less than 25 years
2. The candidate's diksa-guru has affirmed in writing to the GBC Body that he agrees the candidate is suitable for this service and that he gives his blessings.
3.... "
It is worth pointing out the inadequacy the first two mandatory conditions. Self-realization is not measured in years of practice. If a devotee becomes very advanced in a short space of time would it be wise to prohibit that devotee from accepting disciples due to not having practiced for at least 25 years?
Regarding the second condition, the diksa-guru may have faulty vision and be unable to appreciate the advancement of the disciple. It would not be proper in such cases to give the diksa-guru the power of veto. This is a real possibility given that the GBC admits that it cannot guarantee that its own GBC-approved gurus are qualified to act as gurus.
The GBC resolution also states:
"Optional conditions that may be applied in an individual case, per a 3/4 vote of the GBC:
• When the candidate takes up the service of diksa-guru he will only be able initiate in a specific area(s).
• The number of disciples the new diksa-guru may initiate can be limited by the GBC."
This part of the resolution restricts the freedom of members of ISKCON to choose the guru they want, based on geographical considerations. The Zonal Acarya System also placed geographical restrictions, a state of affairs that was later recognized as a flaw in the system. So it is problematic to reintroduce such restrictions. In fact, it may violate ISKCON Law 6.4.3.1 which states that gurus "Must allow all uninitiated devotees full freedom to exercise their right to accept initiation from the guru of their choice."
BY: KRISHNA DASA
The GBC body recently amended ISKCON Law 7.3.2 regarding second generation disciples becoming diksa-gurus in the presence of their spiritual masters.
"The GBC clarifies that an individual devotee taking up the service of diksa-guru in the physical presence of their guru may be allowed as an exception when the following conditions are met. The Guru Services Committee will confirm that the candidate for becoming a second generation guru has met all these conditions:
Mandatory Conditions:
1. The candidate must have been practicing Krishna consciousness for not less than 25 years
2. The candidate's diksa-guru has affirmed in writing to the GBC Body that he agrees the candidate is suitable for this service and that he gives his blessings.
3.... "
It is worth pointing out the inadequacy the first two mandatory conditions. Self-realization is not measured in years of practice. If a devotee becomes very advanced in a short space of time would it be wise to prohibit that devotee from accepting disciples due to not having practiced for at least 25 years?
Regarding the second condition, the diksa-guru may have faulty vision and be unable to appreciate the advancement of the disciple. It would not be proper in such cases to give the diksa-guru the power of veto. This is a real possibility given that the GBC admits that it cannot guarantee that its own GBC-approved gurus are qualified to act as gurus.
The GBC resolution also states:
"Optional conditions that may be applied in an individual case, per a 3/4 vote of the GBC:
• When the candidate takes up the service of diksa-guru he will only be able initiate in a specific area(s).
• The number of disciples the new diksa-guru may initiate can be limited by the GBC."
This part of the resolution restricts the freedom of members of ISKCON to choose the guru they want, based on geographical considerations. The Zonal Acarya System also placed geographical restrictions, a state of affairs that was later recognized as a flaw in the system. So it is problematic to reintroduce such restrictions. In fact, it may violate ISKCON Law 6.4.3.1 which states that gurus "Must allow all uninitiated devotees full freedom to exercise their right to accept initiation from the guru of their choice."
[PADA: These contrived "rules for diksha gurus" are not found anywhere in shastra? The GBC is simply adding layers and layers of more contrived "guru" rules and deviations on top of their existing mountain of deviations. The only good news is the more and more people waking up and making complaints about them and their bogus system.
The guru is a resident of Krishna loka, therefore, he has to be subordinated to a bunch of speculators and their "3/4 of the quorum show of hands votes." This is getting more ritvik-diculous every day.
Now Hrdayananda has blocked Sanaka Rsi from making complaints about the child welfare issue. Does the GBC "3/4 show of hands" vote to censure and suspend Hrdayananda, and elevate Sanaka Rsi to a post where he can address the issue? Well nope. In other words, most of the relevant issues are not even brought up to the floor for a vote.
"Problems" with votes to control Krishna's guru parampara should have been self evident from the get go. Krishna and His guru parampara are independent of the 3/4 show of hands votes of conditioned souls.
ys pd]
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