PADA: Yep MMD prabhu, it is amazing that guys like Banu swami are always smiling and joking: As thousands of devotees are being banned, some are being beaten up (with broken bones in some cases); Maybe thousands of kids are being abused (ok many were raped); $100,000,000 is being spent on lawsuits, and they want to start another $20,000,000 lawsuit now; And some dissenters are murdered for not accepting their homosexual and pedophile guru process. And he evidently thinks this is all a joke time comedy show. Yeps.
ys pd angel108b@yahoo.com
CHAITANYA PRIYA DASA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rajs8QuyFqY
Bhanu Swami and the guru problem
Bhanu Swami resorts to a dubious translation and interpretation of the writings of other acaryas,to support the guru theory of the ISKCON leaders,which means that they do not find sufficient foundation for their guru theory in Srila Prabhupada's teachings.
All his explanations are malicious manipulations typical of a beginner lacking sound judgment, contradicting Srila Prabhupada's words in his books and instilling false concepts and definitions in naive and intellectually docile listeners. In an attempt to resolve the guru problem, he resorts to writings by other acaryas not translated by Srila Prabhupada.
Therefore, the authenticity of the translation is highly questionable, since everyone translates according to his own opinions.
-------------
All his explanations are malicious manipulations typical of a beginner lacking sound judgment, contradicting Srila Prabhupada's words in his books and instilling false concepts and definitions in naive and intellectually docile listeners. In an attempt to resolve the guru problem, he resorts to writings by other acaryas not translated by Srila Prabhupada.
Therefore, the authenticity of the translation is highly questionable, since everyone translates according to his own opinions.
-------------
Prabhupāda: A realized soul, must be.
Otherwise, simply by imitating A-B-C-D will not help.
My purports are liked by people because it is presented as practical experience.
(GBC Meets with Śrīla Prabhupāda—May 28, 1977, Vṛndāvana)
https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../gbc.../vrndavana/may/28/1977
Otherwise, simply by imitating A-B-C-D will not help.
My purports are liked by people because it is presented as practical experience.
(GBC Meets with Śrīla Prabhupāda—May 28, 1977, Vṛndāvana)
https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../gbc.../vrndavana/may/28/1977
-------------
To resolve the guru issue, it is not necessary to resort to writings by acaryas prior to Srila Prabhupada. This is like saying that Srila Prabhupada did not properly explain the guru issue and therefore it is necessary to resort to earlier acaryas.
Which is tantamount to saying that Srila Prabhupada is an ordinary devotee who did not know how to properly explain the guru issue.
It is incorrect to resort to a dubious translation of writings by earlier acharyas.
Srila Prabhupada left behind, both in writing and on recordings, a complete explanation of Krishna consciousness on a scale never before seen in history.
It is impossible that the immeasurable information left by Srila Prabhupada does not contain a perfect explanation of the guru issue. Srila Prabhupada left us the essence of the teachings of the entire parampara, of all the previous acaryas.
Perhaps Srila Prabhupada did not leave enough information about the totality of Krishna consciousness?
Which is tantamount to saying that Srila Prabhupada is an ordinary devotee who did not know how to properly explain the guru issue.
It is incorrect to resort to a dubious translation of writings by earlier acharyas.
Srila Prabhupada left behind, both in writing and on recordings, a complete explanation of Krishna consciousness on a scale never before seen in history.
It is impossible that the immeasurable information left by Srila Prabhupada does not contain a perfect explanation of the guru issue. Srila Prabhupada left us the essence of the teachings of the entire parampara, of all the previous acaryas.
Perhaps Srila Prabhupada did not leave enough information about the totality of Krishna consciousness?
---------------------
“In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully so if there is anything you do not understand, then you simply have to read again and again.
By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this process your spiritual life will develop.” (Letter to Brahmarupa 22 November, 1974)
---------------------
By reading daily the knowledge will be revealed to you and by this process your spiritual life will develop.” (Letter to Brahmarupa 22 November, 1974)
---------------------
Devotee: Srila Prabhupada when you're not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions? For example in questions that may arise...
Srila Prabhupada: Well the questions are answered ... ANSWERS ARE THERE IN MY BOOKS. (SP Morning Walk, Los Angeles, 13/5/73)
---------------------
To refer to the translation of other books is to say that Srila Prabhupada gave an incomplete explanation, therefore his capacity is not that of a perfect devotee.
Coincidentally, Bhanu Swami's explanation of the guru is completely identical to the opinion of the GBC and other ISKCON leaders.
In reality, Bhanu Swami uses books by other acaryas to invent arguments that support the guru theory of the ISKCON leaders. What he does is try to establish the idea of the guru within ISKCON as something genuine.
To do this, he uses writings by other acaryas with dubious translations, aiming to present the ISKCON opinion about the guru as something truly authentic. This implies that there is nothing in Srila Prabhupada's books and recordings to justify the ISKCON leaders' theory about the guru.
For this reason, it is necessary for them to look in other books. To justify ISKCON's theory of a guru who is not an uttama-adhikari, a maha-bhagavata, Bhanu Swami resorts to a dubious translation and interpretation of the writings of other acaryas, which means that they do not find sufficient foundation for their guru theory in Srila Prabhupada's teachings.
In this way, Bhanu Swami aligns himself with the leaders of ISKCON against Srila Prabhupada's teachings, which he repeated hundreds of times, about who is a bona fide guru, a bona fide spiritual master.
Bhanu Swami speaks all this before an audience of blind and docile followers who accept anything and everything without questioning it, without comparing it to Srila Prabhupada's original teachings.
Coincidentally, Bhanu Swami's explanation of the guru is completely identical to the opinion of the GBC and other ISKCON leaders.
In reality, Bhanu Swami uses books by other acaryas to invent arguments that support the guru theory of the ISKCON leaders. What he does is try to establish the idea of the guru within ISKCON as something genuine.
To do this, he uses writings by other acaryas with dubious translations, aiming to present the ISKCON opinion about the guru as something truly authentic. This implies that there is nothing in Srila Prabhupada's books and recordings to justify the ISKCON leaders' theory about the guru.
For this reason, it is necessary for them to look in other books. To justify ISKCON's theory of a guru who is not an uttama-adhikari, a maha-bhagavata, Bhanu Swami resorts to a dubious translation and interpretation of the writings of other acaryas, which means that they do not find sufficient foundation for their guru theory in Srila Prabhupada's teachings.
In this way, Bhanu Swami aligns himself with the leaders of ISKCON against Srila Prabhupada's teachings, which he repeated hundreds of times, about who is a bona fide guru, a bona fide spiritual master.
Bhanu Swami speaks all this before an audience of blind and docile followers who accept anything and everything without questioning it, without comparing it to Srila Prabhupada's original teachings.
---------------------------
Srila Prabhupada said about who is the bona fide spiritual master :
NOI, text 5 - 9 TRANSLATION
1. One should associate with and faithfully serve that Pure devotee who is advanced in 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 devotional service and whose heart is 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 the propensity to criticize others.
PURPORT
2. According to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī,the association and service of 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚, 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐚,are most desirable.
3. Those who are innocent but simply carried away by bad association should be shown favor if they are eager to receive proper instructions from 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬 ,
1. One should associate with and faithfully serve that Pure devotee who is advanced in 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 devotional service and whose heart is 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 the propensity to criticize others.
PURPORT
2. According to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī,the association and service of 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚, 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐚,are most desirable.
3. Those who are innocent but simply carried away by bad association should be shown favor if they are eager to receive proper instructions from 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬 ,
4. Such a Vaiṣṇava should be accepted as 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢, 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞, and his association should always be sought.
5. Such a person is to be recognized as 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢, and his association should be immediately accepted according to the six processes (dadāti pratigṛhṇāti, etc.).
6. Indeed,𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞 should be accepted as a spiritual master.
7. However, one should not imitate the behavior of 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚 without being 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝, for by such imitation one will eventually become degraded.
7. However, one should not imitate the behavior of 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚 without being 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝, for by such imitation one will eventually become degraded.
8. One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢.
9. Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢 as a spiritual master. (Upadesamrta text 5 )
9. Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢 as a spiritual master. (Upadesamrta text 5 )
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/noi/texts/noi_5
-------------------
Bhanu Swami speaks incompletely about the uttama-adhikari and the madhyama-adhikari by not explaining how the uttama-adhikari devotee descends to the madhyama-adhikari platform to make distinctions and preach to the innocent.
He says that the uttama-adhikari is very rare and that on his platform he makes no distinctions between devotees and non-devotees. Therefore, he cannot preach.
He says: "It is most common for the madhyama-adhikari, any madhyama-adhikari, to preach and give mercy." But he doesn't explain that the one who distributes mercy is the uttama-adhikari descending to the madhyama-adhikari platform.
He says that the uttama-adhikari is very rare and that on his platform he makes no distinctions between devotees and non-devotees. Therefore, he cannot preach.
He says: "It is most common for the madhyama-adhikari, any madhyama-adhikari, to preach and give mercy." But he doesn't explain that the one who distributes mercy is the uttama-adhikari descending to the madhyama-adhikari platform.
-----------------------------------------------
Lecture on BG 16.13-15 -- Hawaii, February 8, 1975:
That is the topmost devotee's conception.
But WHEN WE ARE PREACHING,WE HAVE TO COME TO THE SECOND STAGE.
There are three stages of devotional life.
The first stage, or the lower stage, the middle stage, and the top stage.
So this kind of conception, that "Nobody is my enemy," that is on the topmost stage.
That is not to be imitated.
When you are preaching, you have to come to the middle stage.
EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE TOP STAGE,YOU HAVE TO COME ON THE MIDDLE STAGE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO DISCRIMINATE:
"Here is a devotee; here is a demon."
On the top stage there is no such thing as demon and devotee.
The top stage, the devotee sees:
"Everyone is engaged in Kṛṣṇa's service. Simply I am not engaged."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But a guru, although he is paramahaṁsa,
because he is teaching,
he come down as madhyama-adhikārī.
There are three kinds of Vaiṣṇava:
kaniṣṭha adhikārī,
madhyama adhikārī and
uttama adhikārī.
Uttama adhikārī may be
without kunti,
without śikhā,
without Vaiṣṇava symptoms.
He's paramahaṁsa.
But when he comes to the preaching platform
he must become a madhyama adhikārī,
not to imitate uttama adhikārī,
because he has to teach.
He cannot deviate from the teaching principles.
So what you are speaking, that
"Without śikhā without kunti,
one can become guru,"
that is fact for the paramahaṁsa,
not for the preacher.
Preacher must behave very nicely."
Srila Prabhupada's Lecture on Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila 8.128 -- Bhuvanesvara, January 24, 1977
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this way, Bhanu Swami with his ideas, he diminishes the importance of the uttama-adhikari.
.
Furthermore, he also fails to explain how even the madhyama-adhikari platform is very rare.
.
He says that the regular gurus in this material world are the madhyama devotees,the normal madhyama devotees.
.
This statement contradicts Srila Prabhupada's teachings when he says that a madhyama-adhikari should not become a spiritual master.
.
"One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the platform of uttama-adhikari." (Upadesamrta tex 5)
.
Who has not attained the platform of uttama-adhikari?
.
The answer is quite simple,those who are not uttama-adhikari, that is, the other two types of devotees: the kaniṣṭha-adhikari and the madhyama-adhikari.
.
What does Srila Prabhupada say about the kaniṣṭha-adhikari and the madhyama-adhikari?
.
One should not become a spiritual master.
.
They should not become a spiritual master.
.
The kaniṣṭha-adhikārī should not become a spiritual master.
.
The madhyama-adhikārī should not become a spiritual master.
.
Bhanu Swami doesn't clearly state that all ISKCON gurus are on the platform of kaniṣṭha-adhikārī, spiritually neophytes devotees, materialistic devotees, prakrā-bhaktas,bhaktābhāsa.
.
He doesn't say that the madhyama-adhikari platform is also very rare.
------------------
He gives a misleading definition of uttama-adhikari by saying that even a devotee engaged in sadhana-bhakti can be an uttama devotee.
Bhanu Swami continues saying :
(From minute 23:25 to minute 23:48)
But there is another uttama mentioned in the Nectar of Devotion, and that is one who is doing vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti.
.
He can be an uttama because of his great proficiency in scriptures and logic and his firm conviction.
.
So, he is considered uttama in sadhana-bhakti itself because he can convince people nicely and his good knowledge."
-------------------
Note : But he doesn't say where in the Nectar of Devotion Srila Prabhupada says such a thing.
.
This is typical of these kinds of speakers.
.
"Prabhupada said," but they never say where Srila Prabhupada said this. In this way, no one can verify what Srila Prabhupada actually said.
.
It's very easy to say "Prabhupada said" when no one questions you and everyone blindly accepts whatever you say.
------
Bhanu Swami continue saying :
(From minute 23:48 to minute 24:20)
So, this is another type of uttama.
Which may correspond to what Prabhupada says in Nectar of Instruction.
He told that OK this person is a Vaisnava uttama-adhikari because he chants 16 rounds, follows the regulative principles and he knows the scriptures...etc.
He has proficiency in bhakti and can be called uttama.
This corresponds to the definition of uttama given in the Nectar of Devotion."
-------
In relation to these statements the Nectar of Instruction, purport of text 5 says :
"When a neophyte devotee is actually initiated and
engaged in devotional service by the orders of the spiritual master,
he should be accepted immediately as a bona fide Vaiṣṇava,
and obeisances should be offered unto him.
Out of many such Vaiṣṇavas, one may be found to be
𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 engaged in the service of the Lord and
𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 all the regulative principles,
𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 the prescribed number of rounds on japa beads and
𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 how to expand the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
.
Such a Vaiṣṇava should be accepted as 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢,
𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞, and his association should always be sought."
---------------
Note : Other characteristics in the definition of uttama- adhikari mentioned in this same verse five of the Nectar of Instruction
𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐮 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐦𝐢 are:
1.one should associate with and faithfully serve that 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞
-who is advanced in 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 devotional service and
-whose heart is 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 the propensity to criticize others.(Translation)
2.The uttama-adhikārī, or 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞,
𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞.
An uttama-adhikārī
𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬,
𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝
𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐊ṛṣṇ𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.
According to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, the association and service of 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚, 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐚, are most desirable.
3.𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚,
𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞.
𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚,
𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚,
𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭
𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.
Such a person is to be recognized as an uttama-adhikārī, and
his association should be immediately accepted according to the six processes (dadāti pratigṛhṇāti, etc.).
4.However, one should not imitate the behavior of 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚 without being 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝,
for by such imitation one will eventually become degraded.
-----------------------------------
Bhanu Swami says that :
"one who is doing vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti.
He can be an uttama because of his great proficiency in scriptures and logic and his firm conviction."
.
Note : It is not possible for someone who is still engaged in sadhana-bhakti to have great proficiency in scriptures and logic.
.
In the Nectar of Instruction verse 5 Srila Prabhupada says :
"
While giving instructions to Sanātana Gosvāmī, Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu divided devotional service into three categories.
śāstra-yukti nāhi jāne dṛḍha, śraddhāvān
‘madhyama-adhikārī’ sei mahā-bhāgyavān
“A person
𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠
but who has developed firm faith in chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra and
who is also undeterred in the execution of his prescribed devotional service
should be considered a madhyama-adhikārī.
Such a person is very fortunate.”
(Cc. Madhya 22.67)
--------------------------------------
Note :
Only the uttama-adhikari is expert in logic, argument, and the revealed scriptures.
.
While the madhyama-adhikari devotee is not very expert in argument and logic based on revealed scriptures.
He who does not know scriptural argument very well.
-------------
Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya-lila 22- 65.66.67.68 :
uttama-adhikārī—the topmost devotee;
"One who is expert in logic, argument and the revealed scriptures and who has firm faith in Kṛṣṇa is classified as a topmost devotee. He can deliver the whole world.
(CC Madhya-lila 22- 65)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/22/65
---
" 'One who is expert in logic and understanding of revealed scriptures, and who always has firm conviction and deep faith that is not blind, is to be considered a topmost devotee in devotional service.'
(CC Madhya-lila 22- 66)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/22/66
---
madhyama-adhikārī—second-class devotee;
"One who is not very expert in argument and logic based on revealed scriptures but who has firm faith is considered a second-class devotee. He also must be considered most fortunate.
(CC Madhya-lila 22- 67)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/22/67
.
" 'He who does not know scriptural argument very well but who has firm faith is called an intermediate or second-class devotee.'
(CC Madhya-lila 22- 68)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/22/68
---
All these explanations given by Bhanu Swami are malicious manipulations typical of a beginner lacking sound judgment, contradicting Srila Prabhupada's words in his books and instilling false concepts and definitions in naive and intellectually docile listeners.
--------------------------
Dayānanda: But what about the persons who may be a little bit devoted but who have not achieved that unalloyed devotion?
.
Prabhupāda: Kaniṣṭha-adhikārī.
They are not devotees, but they are called bhaktābhāsa.
There is some signs of bhakti.
Actually they are not bhakta.
Bhaktābhāsa.
Ābhāsa.
Ābhāsa means a simple, a little light.
.
(Morning Walk-February 6, 1976, Māyāpura)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../mayapura/february/06/1976
.
Hṛdayānanda: So devotee really means one who has love for Kṛṣṇa.
.
Prabhupāda: Yes, unalloyed, without any condition.
.
Anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam [Brs. 1.1.11], zero, all other, that "I am this, I am that, I am jñānī, I am yogi, I am karmī, I am minister, I am king"—all these are thinking like that, they're all nonsense.
.
"I am servant of Kṛṣṇa"—that is greatness.
Jīvera svarūpa haya nitya-kṛṣṇa-dāsa [Cc. Madhya 20.108-109].
.
That is self-realization, ātma-tattvam.
.
(Morning Walk-February 6, 1976, Māyāpura)
.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../mayapura/february/06/1976
---------------------------------
If they need to go to books other than Srila Prabhupada's books this in itself proves that Srila Prabhupada never in any way said that the guru can be anyone other than a maha-bhagavata devotee.
.
All of this contradicts Srila Prabhupada's clear instructions,
because he said that
he has fully explained everything about Krsna consciousness.
.
What is the qualification to make a genuine translation of the texts of previous acharyas?
.
"Similarly, any transcendental message, any Vedic literature, unless it is presented by a self-realized devotee, is poison. You simply misunderstand the whole thing, and you do not get the benefit. Rather, you become a victim of misunderstanding."
(Lecture, Bhagavad-gita 4.1-2 -- Columbus, May 9, 1969)
.
What is the value of translations and commentaries made by conditioned souls on books written by previous acharyas?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Srila Prabhupada said:
.
-ANSWERS ARE THERE IN MY BOOKS. (1)
.
-A thorough study of my books .
THEN ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.” (2)
.
- You should read my books daily and
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED (3)
.
- You must regularly read our book and automatically ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.”(4)
.
-By reading daily THE KNOWLEDGE WILL BE REVEALED TO YOU(5)
.
YOU CAN ASSOCIATE WITH KRISHNA BY READING Bhagavad-Gita. (6).
.
-WHATEVER I HAD TO SAY,I HAVE ALREADY SAID IN MY BOOKS.
WHETHER I AM PRESENT OR NOT DOES NOT MATTER (7).
.
-I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU THROUGH MY BOOKS AND ORDERS. 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-ANSWERS ARE THERE IN MY BOOKS. (1)
.
-ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.” (2)
.
-ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED (3)
.
-ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.”(4)
.
- THE KNOWLEDGE WILL BE REVEALED TO YOU (5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.
(1)
Devotee: Srila Prabhupada when you're not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions?
For example in questions that may arise...
.
Srila Prabhupada: Well THE QUESTIONS are answ...ANSWERS ARE THERE IN MY BOOKS.
(SP Morning Walk, Los Angeles, 13/5/73)
.
(2)
.
"So utilise whatever time you find
to make A THOROUGH STUDY OF MY BOOKS.
.
THEN ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.”
.
(SP Letter to Upendra, 7/1/76)
.
(3)
"If it is possible to go to the temple, then take advantage of the temple.
.
A temple is a place where by one is given the opportunity to render direct devotional service to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.
.
In conjunction with this
.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS READ MY BOOKS DAILY AND
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED
and you will have a firm basis of Krishna Consciousness.
.
In this way your life will be perfect."
.
(SP Letter to Hugo Salemon, 22/11/74)
(4)
.
"Every one of YOU MUST REGULARLY READ OUR BOOKS
at least twice, in the morning and evening,
and AUTOMATICALLY ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.”
.
(SP Letter to Randhira, 24/01/70)
.
(5)
"In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully
so if there is anything you do not understand,
then you simply have TO READ AGAIN AND AGAIN.
.
BY READING DAILY THE KNOWLEDGE WILL BE REVEALED TO YOU
and by this process your spiritual life will develop."
.
(SP Letter to Brahmarupa Dasa, 22/11/74)
.
.(6)
Paramahamsa: My question is, a pure devotee,
when he comments on Bhagavad Gita,
someone who never sees him physically,
but HE JUST COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE COMMENTARY,explanation,
is this the same thing?
…
Srila Prabhupada: Yes.
.
YOU CAN ASSOCIATE WITH KRISHNA BY READING Bhagavad-Gita.
.
And these saintly persons, they have given their explanations, comments.
.
So where is the difficulty?
.
(SP Morning Walk, Paris 11/6/74)
.
(7)
"There is nothing new to be said.
WHATEVER I HAD TO SAY,I HAVE ALREADY SAID IN MY BOOKS.
.
Now YOU MUST TRY TO UNDERSTAND IT and continue with your endeavours.
.
WHETHER I AM PRESENT OR NOT DOES NOT MATTER.”
.
(Arrival Conversation, Vrindavan, 17/5/77)
.
8
.
"If I depart there is no cause for lamentation.
.
I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU
THROUGH MY BOOKS AND ORDERS.
.
I will always remain with you in that way."
.
(Back To Godhead 13:1-2, December 1977)
.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
What is the value of translations and commentaries made by conditioned souls on books by previous acharyas?
.
Srila Prabhupada : "So under the instruction of Nārada Muni, Vyāsadeva first of all made his life perfect.
.
Yes.
.
How he made his life perfect?
.
Because if you write books without any perfection, that will not be effective.
.
One has to become perfect before he writes some books.
.
So in this way he made his life first of all perfect,
then he wrote this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam after becoming perfect.
.
Therefore you will find in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, each word is transcendental.
.
Each word is full of meaning and transcendental knowledge,
because the writer, the composer of this transcendental book, is Vyāsadeva.
He is perfect, Vedavyāsa, perfect in Vedic knowledge.
.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.7.6-April 18, 1975-Vṛndāvana)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The statements of Thakura Bhaktivinode are as good as scriptures because he is liberated person.”
.
(Letter to Janardana-New York-26 April, 1968)
https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../april/26/1968/janardana
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" So unless one is self-realized, there is practically no use writing about Kṛṣṇa.
.
This transcendental writing does not depend on material education.
.
It depends on the spiritual realization.
.
You'll find, therefore, in the comments of Bhāgavatam by different ācāryas, even there are some discrepancies, they are accepted as asat-patha.
.
It should remain as it is."
Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23-24 -- Vrndavana, March 31, 1976
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But we must select only those books written by tattva-darśīs
(jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ),
not the books of so-called scholars
who claim knowledge only on the basis of a doctorate.
(SB 9.10.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prabhupāda: A realized soul, must be.
Otherwise, simply by imitating A-B-C-D will not help.
My purports are liked by people because it is presented as practical experience.
(GBC Meets with Śrīla Prabhupāda—May 28, 1977, Vṛndāvana)
https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../gbc.../vrndavana/may/28/1977
That is the topmost devotee's conception.
But WHEN WE ARE PREACHING,WE HAVE TO COME TO THE SECOND STAGE.
There are three stages of devotional life.
The first stage, or the lower stage, the middle stage, and the top stage.
So this kind of conception, that "Nobody is my enemy," that is on the topmost stage.
That is not to be imitated.
When you are preaching, you have to come to the middle stage.
EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE TOP STAGE,YOU HAVE TO COME ON THE MIDDLE STAGE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO DISCRIMINATE:
"Here is a devotee; here is a demon."
On the top stage there is no such thing as demon and devotee.
The top stage, the devotee sees:
"Everyone is engaged in Kṛṣṇa's service. Simply I am not engaged."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But a guru, although he is paramahaṁsa,
because he is teaching,
he come down as madhyama-adhikārī.
There are three kinds of Vaiṣṇava:
kaniṣṭha adhikārī,
madhyama adhikārī and
uttama adhikārī.
Uttama adhikārī may be
without kunti,
without śikhā,
without Vaiṣṇava symptoms.
He's paramahaṁsa.
But when he comes to the preaching platform
he must become a madhyama adhikārī,
not to imitate uttama adhikārī,
because he has to teach.
He cannot deviate from the teaching principles.
So what you are speaking, that
"Without śikhā without kunti,
one can become guru,"
that is fact for the paramahaṁsa,
not for the preacher.
Preacher must behave very nicely."
Srila Prabhupada's Lecture on Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila 8.128 -- Bhuvanesvara, January 24, 1977
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this way, Bhanu Swami with his ideas, he diminishes the importance of the uttama-adhikari.
.
Furthermore, he also fails to explain how even the madhyama-adhikari platform is very rare.
.
He says that the regular gurus in this material world are the madhyama devotees,the normal madhyama devotees.
.
This statement contradicts Srila Prabhupada's teachings when he says that a madhyama-adhikari should not become a spiritual master.
.
"One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the platform of uttama-adhikari." (Upadesamrta tex 5)
.
Who has not attained the platform of uttama-adhikari?
.
The answer is quite simple,those who are not uttama-adhikari, that is, the other two types of devotees: the kaniṣṭha-adhikari and the madhyama-adhikari.
.
What does Srila Prabhupada say about the kaniṣṭha-adhikari and the madhyama-adhikari?
.
One should not become a spiritual master.
.
They should not become a spiritual master.
.
The kaniṣṭha-adhikārī should not become a spiritual master.
.
The madhyama-adhikārī should not become a spiritual master.
.
Bhanu Swami doesn't clearly state that all ISKCON gurus are on the platform of kaniṣṭha-adhikārī, spiritually neophytes devotees, materialistic devotees, prakrā-bhaktas,bhaktābhāsa.
.
He doesn't say that the madhyama-adhikari platform is also very rare.
------------------
He gives a misleading definition of uttama-adhikari by saying that even a devotee engaged in sadhana-bhakti can be an uttama devotee.
Bhanu Swami continues saying :
(From minute 23:25 to minute 23:48)
But there is another uttama mentioned in the Nectar of Devotion, and that is one who is doing vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti.
.
He can be an uttama because of his great proficiency in scriptures and logic and his firm conviction.
.
So, he is considered uttama in sadhana-bhakti itself because he can convince people nicely and his good knowledge."
-------------------
Note : But he doesn't say where in the Nectar of Devotion Srila Prabhupada says such a thing.
.
This is typical of these kinds of speakers.
.
"Prabhupada said," but they never say where Srila Prabhupada said this. In this way, no one can verify what Srila Prabhupada actually said.
.
It's very easy to say "Prabhupada said" when no one questions you and everyone blindly accepts whatever you say.
------
Bhanu Swami continue saying :
(From minute 23:48 to minute 24:20)
So, this is another type of uttama.
Which may correspond to what Prabhupada says in Nectar of Instruction.
He told that OK this person is a Vaisnava uttama-adhikari because he chants 16 rounds, follows the regulative principles and he knows the scriptures...etc.
He has proficiency in bhakti and can be called uttama.
This corresponds to the definition of uttama given in the Nectar of Devotion."
-------
In relation to these statements the Nectar of Instruction, purport of text 5 says :
"When a neophyte devotee is actually initiated and
engaged in devotional service by the orders of the spiritual master,
he should be accepted immediately as a bona fide Vaiṣṇava,
and obeisances should be offered unto him.
Out of many such Vaiṣṇavas, one may be found to be
𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 engaged in the service of the Lord and
𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 all the regulative principles,
𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 the prescribed number of rounds on japa beads and
𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 how to expand the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
.
Such a Vaiṣṇava should be accepted as 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐢,
𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞, and his association should always be sought."
---------------
Note : Other characteristics in the definition of uttama- adhikari mentioned in this same verse five of the Nectar of Instruction
𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐮 𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐦𝐢 are:
1.one should associate with and faithfully serve that 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞
-who is advanced in 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 devotional service and
-whose heart is 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐨𝐟 the propensity to criticize others.(Translation)
2.The uttama-adhikārī, or 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞,
𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞.
An uttama-adhikārī
𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬,
𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝
𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐊ṛṣṇ𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬.
According to Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, the association and service of 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚, 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐚, are most desirable.
3.𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚,
𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞.
𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚,
𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚,
𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭
𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐫𝐬𝐧𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.
Such a person is to be recognized as an uttama-adhikārī, and
his association should be immediately accepted according to the six processes (dadāti pratigṛhṇāti, etc.).
4.However, one should not imitate the behavior of 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐡𝐚-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐚 without being 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝,
for by such imitation one will eventually become degraded.
-----------------------------------
Bhanu Swami says that :
"one who is doing vaidhi-sadhana-bhakti.
He can be an uttama because of his great proficiency in scriptures and logic and his firm conviction."
.
Note : It is not possible for someone who is still engaged in sadhana-bhakti to have great proficiency in scriptures and logic.
.
In the Nectar of Instruction verse 5 Srila Prabhupada says :
"
While giving instructions to Sanātana Gosvāmī, Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu divided devotional service into three categories.
śāstra-yukti nāhi jāne dṛḍha, śraddhāvān
‘madhyama-adhikārī’ sei mahā-bhāgyavān
“A person
𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠
but who has developed firm faith in chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra and
who is also undeterred in the execution of his prescribed devotional service
should be considered a madhyama-adhikārī.
Such a person is very fortunate.”
(Cc. Madhya 22.67)
--------------------------------------
Note :
Only the uttama-adhikari is expert in logic, argument, and the revealed scriptures.
.
While the madhyama-adhikari devotee is not very expert in argument and logic based on revealed scriptures.
He who does not know scriptural argument very well.
-------------
Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya-lila 22- 65.66.67.68 :
uttama-adhikārī—the topmost devotee;
"One who is expert in logic, argument and the revealed scriptures and who has firm faith in Kṛṣṇa is classified as a topmost devotee. He can deliver the whole world.
(CC Madhya-lila 22- 65)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/22/65
---
" 'One who is expert in logic and understanding of revealed scriptures, and who always has firm conviction and deep faith that is not blind, is to be considered a topmost devotee in devotional service.'
(CC Madhya-lila 22- 66)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/22/66
---
madhyama-adhikārī—second-class devotee;
"One who is not very expert in argument and logic based on revealed scriptures but who has firm faith is considered a second-class devotee. He also must be considered most fortunate.
(CC Madhya-lila 22- 67)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/22/67
.
" 'He who does not know scriptural argument very well but who has firm faith is called an intermediate or second-class devotee.'
(CC Madhya-lila 22- 68)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/madhya/22/68
---
All these explanations given by Bhanu Swami are malicious manipulations typical of a beginner lacking sound judgment, contradicting Srila Prabhupada's words in his books and instilling false concepts and definitions in naive and intellectually docile listeners.
--------------------------
Dayānanda: But what about the persons who may be a little bit devoted but who have not achieved that unalloyed devotion?
.
Prabhupāda: Kaniṣṭha-adhikārī.
They are not devotees, but they are called bhaktābhāsa.
There is some signs of bhakti.
Actually they are not bhakta.
Bhaktābhāsa.
Ābhāsa.
Ābhāsa means a simple, a little light.
.
(Morning Walk-February 6, 1976, Māyāpura)
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../mayapura/february/06/1976
.
Hṛdayānanda: So devotee really means one who has love for Kṛṣṇa.
.
Prabhupāda: Yes, unalloyed, without any condition.
.
Anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyam [Brs. 1.1.11], zero, all other, that "I am this, I am that, I am jñānī, I am yogi, I am karmī, I am minister, I am king"—all these are thinking like that, they're all nonsense.
.
"I am servant of Kṛṣṇa"—that is greatness.
Jīvera svarūpa haya nitya-kṛṣṇa-dāsa [Cc. Madhya 20.108-109].
.
That is self-realization, ātma-tattvam.
.
(Morning Walk-February 6, 1976, Māyāpura)
.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../mayapura/february/06/1976
---------------------------------
If they need to go to books other than Srila Prabhupada's books this in itself proves that Srila Prabhupada never in any way said that the guru can be anyone other than a maha-bhagavata devotee.
.
All of this contradicts Srila Prabhupada's clear instructions,
because he said that
he has fully explained everything about Krsna consciousness.
.
What is the qualification to make a genuine translation of the texts of previous acharyas?
.
"Similarly, any transcendental message, any Vedic literature, unless it is presented by a self-realized devotee, is poison. You simply misunderstand the whole thing, and you do not get the benefit. Rather, you become a victim of misunderstanding."
(Lecture, Bhagavad-gita 4.1-2 -- Columbus, May 9, 1969)
.
What is the value of translations and commentaries made by conditioned souls on books written by previous acharyas?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Srila Prabhupada said:
.
-ANSWERS ARE THERE IN MY BOOKS. (1)
.
-A thorough study of my books .
THEN ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.” (2)
.
- You should read my books daily and
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED (3)
.
- You must regularly read our book and automatically ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.”(4)
.
-By reading daily THE KNOWLEDGE WILL BE REVEALED TO YOU(5)
.
YOU CAN ASSOCIATE WITH KRISHNA BY READING Bhagavad-Gita. (6).
.
-WHATEVER I HAD TO SAY,I HAVE ALREADY SAID IN MY BOOKS.
WHETHER I AM PRESENT OR NOT DOES NOT MATTER (7).
.
-I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU THROUGH MY BOOKS AND ORDERS. 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-ANSWERS ARE THERE IN MY BOOKS. (1)
.
-ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.” (2)
.
-ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED (3)
.
-ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.”(4)
.
- THE KNOWLEDGE WILL BE REVEALED TO YOU (5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.
(1)
Devotee: Srila Prabhupada when you're not present with us, how is it possible to receive instructions?
For example in questions that may arise...
.
Srila Prabhupada: Well THE QUESTIONS are answ...ANSWERS ARE THERE IN MY BOOKS.
(SP Morning Walk, Los Angeles, 13/5/73)
.
(2)
.
"So utilise whatever time you find
to make A THOROUGH STUDY OF MY BOOKS.
.
THEN ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.”
.
(SP Letter to Upendra, 7/1/76)
.
(3)
"If it is possible to go to the temple, then take advantage of the temple.
.
A temple is a place where by one is given the opportunity to render direct devotional service to the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.
.
In conjunction with this
.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS READ MY BOOKS DAILY AND
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED
and you will have a firm basis of Krishna Consciousness.
.
In this way your life will be perfect."
.
(SP Letter to Hugo Salemon, 22/11/74)
(4)
.
"Every one of YOU MUST REGULARLY READ OUR BOOKS
at least twice, in the morning and evening,
and AUTOMATICALLY ALL QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.”
.
(SP Letter to Randhira, 24/01/70)
.
(5)
"In my books the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is explained fully
so if there is anything you do not understand,
then you simply have TO READ AGAIN AND AGAIN.
.
BY READING DAILY THE KNOWLEDGE WILL BE REVEALED TO YOU
and by this process your spiritual life will develop."
.
(SP Letter to Brahmarupa Dasa, 22/11/74)
.
.(6)
Paramahamsa: My question is, a pure devotee,
when he comments on Bhagavad Gita,
someone who never sees him physically,
but HE JUST COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE COMMENTARY,explanation,
is this the same thing?
…
Srila Prabhupada: Yes.
.
YOU CAN ASSOCIATE WITH KRISHNA BY READING Bhagavad-Gita.
.
And these saintly persons, they have given their explanations, comments.
.
So where is the difficulty?
.
(SP Morning Walk, Paris 11/6/74)
.
(7)
"There is nothing new to be said.
WHATEVER I HAD TO SAY,I HAVE ALREADY SAID IN MY BOOKS.
.
Now YOU MUST TRY TO UNDERSTAND IT and continue with your endeavours.
.
WHETHER I AM PRESENT OR NOT DOES NOT MATTER.”
.
(Arrival Conversation, Vrindavan, 17/5/77)
.
8
.
"If I depart there is no cause for lamentation.
.
I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU
THROUGH MY BOOKS AND ORDERS.
.
I will always remain with you in that way."
.
(Back To Godhead 13:1-2, December 1977)
.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
What is the value of translations and commentaries made by conditioned souls on books by previous acharyas?
.
Srila Prabhupada : "So under the instruction of Nārada Muni, Vyāsadeva first of all made his life perfect.
.
Yes.
.
How he made his life perfect?
.
Because if you write books without any perfection, that will not be effective.
.
One has to become perfect before he writes some books.
.
So in this way he made his life first of all perfect,
then he wrote this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam after becoming perfect.
.
Therefore you will find in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, each word is transcendental.
.
Each word is full of meaning and transcendental knowledge,
because the writer, the composer of this transcendental book, is Vyāsadeva.
He is perfect, Vedavyāsa, perfect in Vedic knowledge.
.
(Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.7.6-April 18, 1975-Vṛndāvana)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
“The statements of Thakura Bhaktivinode are as good as scriptures because he is liberated person.”
.
(Letter to Janardana-New York-26 April, 1968)
https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../april/26/1968/janardana
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" So unless one is self-realized, there is practically no use writing about Kṛṣṇa.
.
This transcendental writing does not depend on material education.
.
It depends on the spiritual realization.
.
You'll find, therefore, in the comments of Bhāgavatam by different ācāryas, even there are some discrepancies, they are accepted as asat-patha.
.
It should remain as it is."
Lectures : Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.23-24 -- Vrndavana, March 31, 1976
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But we must select only those books written by tattva-darśīs
(jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ),
not the books of so-called scholars
who claim knowledge only on the basis of a doctorate.
(SB 9.10.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prabhupāda: A realized soul, must be.
Otherwise, simply by imitating A-B-C-D will not help.
My purports are liked by people because it is presented as practical experience.
(GBC Meets with Śrīla Prabhupāda—May 28, 1977, Vṛndāvana)
https://prabhupadabooks.com/.../gbc.../vrndavana/may/28/1977
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