India's pedophile guru cults is not just ISKCON's problem.
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MAYAPUR SCHOOLS
Hare Krishna
MAYAPUR SCHOOLS
Hare Krishna
Something with the Children (and Women too) is not happening good in Mayapur. Just in the last few weeks, there are 7-8 cases came to public related to CHILD & women too just in ISKCON Mayapur campus itself. Besides, Another complaint has been posted anonymously by an Ex-Primary SMIS teacher in the Mayapur Community Forum WA group highlighting the concerns towards how the School Management focus is not towards the CHILD CARE & PROTECTION at all. The original message is below for your read.
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Hare Krishna, Dear Devotees.
Hare Krishna, Dear Devotees.
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I would like to share my experience of working at SMIS. I am sharing this with the sincere hope that it will contribute positively to the school and the community.
My first year at SMIS was a wonderful experience. However, after I became a primary form teacher, I witnessed what felt to me like a very different reality in the way the primary section was being managed.
* Discrimination and exclusion: I observed students being treated differently based on their race and nationality. I also witnessed children being excluded from English classes when they were academically behind. Although the coordinator is a capable and knowledgeable teacher, I found some of her interactions with students and colleagues deeply discouraging. I also witnessed instances that I felt were mocking or belittling towards others.
* Teachers need greater support and appreciation: In my experience, some teachers have felt that their dedication was not sufficiently valued. Many experienced primary teachers living in Mayapur have left after experiencing significant mental pressure. As a result, much of the primary section now consists of relatively new and inexperienced teachers. I sincerely feel that retaining experienced and dedicated teachers would greatly benefit the students and the school.
* Experienced teachers should be encouraged to remain: I feel that experienced and capable teachers bring valuable knowledge and stability to a school. I hope that SMIS can create an environment where experienced teachers feel encouraged, respected, and secure enough to remain and contribute for many years.
* Concerns about communication and behaviour: In my experience, some leaders behaved differently in public compared with private interactions. At times, I felt that teachers and others were spoken about negatively behind their backs. I believe that open, respectful, and transparent communication would create a much healthier environment.
* A culture where people hesitate to speak: I have observed that some parents, teachers, and even students seem hesitant to raise concerns or ask questions because they worry about possible consequences. Some teachers have already tried to raise concerns through appropriate channels, but unfortunately, from what I have observed, meaningful changes have not followed. I feel that providing a safe and confidential way for teachers and parents to share their experiences could help the school understand these concerns more fully.
Regarding the Principal and Management: I want to make it very clear that I have great respect for the school management and especially for Mother Rachitambara. I have always found her to be a very kind, caring, and compassionate person, particularly towards the students. I believe that she genuinely wants the best for the children and for SMIS. I also appreciate the years of service and dedication that the coordinators have given to the students school. Because they have been serving for many years, it is completely understandable that the management would have developed trust and confidence in them.
At the same time, I feel that some of the experiences taking place at the ground level may not always reach the management. I sincerely believe that Mother Rachitambara and the management may not be aware of everything that has happened behind the scenes. Some teachers have already tried to express their concerns. If the management could confidentially speak with both current and former teachers who have worked closely with the primary coordinators, I believe it could provide a broader and more balanced understanding of the situation.
I sincerely hope these concerns will be received with an open heart and that meaningful steps can be taken to make the primary section an even healthier, more supportive, and compassionate environment for students and teachers.
I am grateful for the opportunity I had to work at SMIS, and I sincerely wish the school, its management, teachers, students, and the entire community continued growth and success.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
My first year at SMIS was a wonderful experience. However, after I became a primary form teacher, I witnessed what felt to me like a very different reality in the way the primary section was being managed.
Unfortunately, in my experience, some practices in the primary section have contributed to what I felt was a difficult and unhealthy work environment.
* Weak students are not adequately supported: Instead of providing extra guidance, patience, and encouragement to children who struggle academically, I sometimes felt that there was an inclination to remove weaker students from the school rather than support them in improving. Every child deserves patience, support, and an opportunity to grow.
* Discrimination and exclusion: I observed students being treated differently based on their race and nationality. I also witnessed children being excluded from English classes when they were academically behind. Although the coordinator is a capable and knowledgeable teacher, I found some of her interactions with students and colleagues deeply discouraging. I also witnessed instances that I felt were mocking or belittling towards others.
* Teachers need greater support and appreciation: In my experience, some teachers have felt that their dedication was not sufficiently valued. Many experienced primary teachers living in Mayapur have left after experiencing significant mental pressure. As a result, much of the primary section now consists of relatively new and inexperienced teachers. I sincerely feel that retaining experienced and dedicated teachers would greatly benefit the students and the school.
* Experienced teachers should be encouraged to remain: I feel that experienced and capable teachers bring valuable knowledge and stability to a school. I hope that SMIS can create an environment where experienced teachers feel encouraged, respected, and secure enough to remain and contribute for many years.
* Concerns about communication and behaviour: In my experience, some leaders behaved differently in public compared with private interactions. At times, I felt that teachers and others were spoken about negatively behind their backs. I believe that open, respectful, and transparent communication would create a much healthier environment.
* A culture where people hesitate to speak: I have observed that some parents, teachers, and even students seem hesitant to raise concerns or ask questions because they worry about possible consequences. Some teachers have already tried to raise concerns through appropriate channels, but unfortunately, from what I have observed, meaningful changes have not followed. I feel that providing a safe and confidential way for teachers and parents to share their experiences could help the school understand these concerns more fully.
Regarding the Principal and Management: I want to make it very clear that I have great respect for the school management and especially for Mother Rachitambara. I have always found her to be a very kind, caring, and compassionate person, particularly towards the students. I believe that she genuinely wants the best for the children and for SMIS. I also appreciate the years of service and dedication that the coordinators have given to the students school. Because they have been serving for many years, it is completely understandable that the management would have developed trust and confidence in them.
At the same time, I feel that some of the experiences taking place at the ground level may not always reach the management. I sincerely believe that Mother Rachitambara and the management may not be aware of everything that has happened behind the scenes. Some teachers have already tried to express their concerns. If the management could confidentially speak with both current and former teachers who have worked closely with the primary coordinators, I believe it could provide a broader and more balanced understanding of the situation.
I am not sharing this to criticise the Principal or the management. On the contrary, I am sharing it because I respect the school and sincerely hope that the management will have an opportunity to hear perspectives that may not always reach them. Our children deserve a safe, nurturing, and compassionate environment where every child is encouraged to learn, regardless of their academic ability. Teachers also deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
I sincerely hope these concerns will be received with an open heart and that meaningful steps can be taken to make the primary section an even healthier, more supportive, and compassionate environment for students and teachers.
I am grateful for the opportunity I had to work at SMIS, and I sincerely wish the school, its management, teachers, students, and the entire community continued growth and success.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda’s System for Initiations in ISKCON
by Narasiṁha Dāsa
Śrīla Prabhupāda never hesitated to offer spiritual initiation to anyone who agreed to follow his instructions. He initiated persons not born in brāhmaṇa families or families that followed Vedic culture. Śrīla Prabhupāda accepted both men and women from all backgrounds as his initiated disciples and promised he would take them back to Godhead if they followed his instructions. What is especially unusual about the system of initiations Śrīla Prabhupāda arranged is that it requires no physical contact between Śrīla Prabhupāda and his new student.
In fact, many devotees were initiated by Śrīla Prabhupāda without ever meeting His Divine Grace. Such initiations would have been impractical had Śrīla Prabhupāda not authorized senior disciples to accept and train new students on his behalf.
To expand Lord Caitanya’s transcendental mission, Śrīla Prabhupāda made many arrangements to help sincere souls approach him, inquire from him, and accept him as sad-guru. By making himself available in the form of his books, mūrtis, movement, and representatives, he greatly expanded opportunities for devotees to get the fully potent association of a paramahaṁsa Vaiṣṇava. As the movement expanded, the facilities for innocent persons to take shelter of Śrīla Prabhupāda also expanded.
Near the time of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s departure, the Movement was growing more quickly than ever. Therefore, on July 9th, 1977, he formally established an initiation system that had already been in practice in ISKCON. By his final order, Śrīla Prabhupāda authorized deputies to accept disciples on his behalf, yet without writing to him for confirmation, as they had done before. By this order, Śrīla Prabhupāda authorized representatives to decide who would be accepted for initiation in ISKCON. Śrīla Prabhupāda had already clearly established the standards for being accepted as his initiated disciple; therefore, he trusted the discretion of senior disciples to manage this system on his behalf. (For exact descriptions of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s standards for initiation, see Cc. Ādi 17.265 and Cc. Madhya 24.330, purports.)
Śrīla Prabhupāda never authorized anyone to initiate their own disciples in his movement, and he never gave the GBC authority to select or approve dīkṣā-gurus. What Śrīla Prabhupāda did do was set up a system to continue initiations in ISKCON according to the standards he had already established. His final order on initiations simply confirms the system Śrīla Prabhupāda had already set up in ISKCON. The only adjustment Śrīla Prabhupāda made by his final directive was to eliminate the need for representatives (such as temple presidents) to write to him for approval. Rather, they were instructed to write to the local ṛtvik, the representative of the ācārya. In this way, Śrīla Prabhupāda authorized ṛtviks to accept disciples on his behalf.
The GBC has no authority to discontinue devotional practices or management systems His Divine Grace Śrīla Prabhupāda personally arranged. The GBC has no authority to sanction dīkṣā-gurus. In fact, the entire arrangement of gurus and initiations in ISKCON today is a concoction. Śrīla Prabhupāda never ordained dīkṣā-gurus, nor did he set up any system to empower the GBC to do so. Yet the GBC insists on defending its concocted guru system, which has caused division and chaos in ISKCON for more than 20 years.
Question: Are you saying that the GBC has no authority to regulate who initiates in ISKCON?
Answer: Śrīla Prabhupāda initiates in ISKCON. His words and example inspire us all to join Lord Caitanya’s movement. The GBC has authority to preserve what Śrīla Prabhupāda established, not to create something new. Śrīla Prabhupāda never approved the idea of self-appointed gurus or gurus appointed or approved by an ecclesiastical board. He criticized his Godbrothers several times for trying artificially to create posts of dīkṣā-guru, or ācārya, in the Gauḍīya Maṭha.
Question: Must Śrīla Prabhupāda always remain the initiating guru in ISKCON?
Answer: We must follow the order we have. The entire Hare Kṛṣṇa movement follows Śrīla Prabhupāda. He’s the spiritual master of the universe. What’s wrong with that idea?
Answer: We must follow the order we have. The entire Hare Kṛṣṇa movement follows Śrīla Prabhupāda. He’s the spiritual master of the universe. What’s wrong with that idea?
Question: How do we know that Śrīla Prabhupāda won’t order someone to become dīkṣā-guru, the initiating spiritual master? Maybe he already has.
Answer: Śrīla Prabhupāda’s arrangement for initiations in ISKCON is clear. We can’t change this arrangement, which is based on Śrīla Prabhupāda and his authority, just because someone claims that Śrīla Prabhupāda told him he could initiate his own disciples. Who is making such claims?
Question: What if a new devotee wants to accept one of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s disciples as the spiritual master rather than trying to develop a direct relationship with Śrīla Prabhupāda? Could he do that?
Answer: Not in ISKCON. Śrīla Prabhupāda made himself fully available in the form of his extensive vāṇī and also as his divine mūrti. Daily attendance at his guru-pūjā and maṅgala-ārati prayers, and careful study of his books, are essential for all ISKCON devotees. Yet devotees may naturally follow senior advanced disciples who inspire them in their devotion to Śrī Guru and Śrī Gaurāṅga. Śrīla Prabhupāda encouraged such practical training and teacher-student relationships. Yet he never authorized any disciple to set himself up as the initiating spiritual master in ISKCON. He never authorized any of his disciples to act as the sad-guru, who must be worshipped like the Supreme Lord.
Question: But sannyāsīs receive worship from others.
Answer: Genuine Vaiṣṇavas are certainly worthy of worship. To be a faithful disciple of Śrīla Prabhupāda is an exalted status. Nonetheless, no regular worship or formal status as dīkṣā-guru was ever authorized by Śrīla Prabhupāda for any of his disciples in ISKCON. Śrīla Prabhupāda wanted faithful disciples, not self-appointed pretenders. If a new devotee hasn’t developed faith in Śrīla Prabhupāda as his guru, he should not accept initiation in ISKCON. Similarly, if a disciple wants to appoint himself as guru, he has no right to use ISKCON for his enterprise.
Question: But doesn’t the law of disciplic succession prohibit jumping over the current guru in favor of the previous ācārya?
Answer: Śrīla Prabhupāda is still the current ācārya. Who can deny this? Do we need a candle to see the full moon? Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura said, “He reasons ill who tells that Vaiṣṇavas die, when thou art living still in sound.” Who is that guru we jump over by accepting Śrīla Prabhupāda? If someone says new devotees need to surrender heart and soul to unauthorized or mixed devotees, such ignorant persons should be jumped over or ignored.
Question: Doesn’t the sincere disciple automatically become the guru and then serve his own disciples by helping them become Kṛṣṇa conscious?
Answer: The disciple follows the order of the ācārya and serves in that way. Śrīla Prabhupāda created many posts for his disciples (such as sannyāsa, GBC, and temple president), but he never created posts of dīkṣā-guru. Nor did he tell the GBC to do so. Śrīla Prabhupāda is both the śikṣā-guru and dīkṣā-guru in ISKCON. Advanced devotees should train new disciples to associate with Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly by hearing from him repeatedly with rapt attention. In this way, everyone gets the same benefit and guarantee in their cultivation of pure devotional service.
Answer: The disciple follows the order of the ācārya and serves in that way. Śrīla Prabhupāda created many posts for his disciples (such as sannyāsa, GBC, and temple president), but he never created posts of dīkṣā-guru. Nor did he tell the GBC to do so. Śrīla Prabhupāda is both the śikṣā-guru and dīkṣā-guru in ISKCON. Advanced devotees should train new disciples to associate with Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly by hearing from him repeatedly with rapt attention. In this way, everyone gets the same benefit and guarantee in their cultivation of pure devotional service.
Question: But don’t Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books talk often of his disciples becoming dīkṣā-gurus and accepting their own disciples?
Answer: No. Śrīla Prabhupāda asks everyone to become guru by preaching and training others in the philosophy and practices of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He never asked anyone to begin initiating their own disciples in ISKCON. We find no such instruction. Not all pure devotees initiate disciples and accept worship from other Vaiṣṇavas. It’s not automatic that pure devotees will initiate. A pure devotee accepts the post of spiritual master when the Supreme Lord or His empowered representative orders him. (See Ś.B. 4.8.54, purport.)
Answer: No. Śrīla Prabhupāda asks everyone to become guru by preaching and training others in the philosophy and practices of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He never asked anyone to begin initiating their own disciples in ISKCON. We find no such instruction. Not all pure devotees initiate disciples and accept worship from other Vaiṣṇavas. It’s not automatic that pure devotees will initiate. A pure devotee accepts the post of spiritual master when the Supreme Lord or His empowered representative orders him. (See Ś.B. 4.8.54, purport.)
Question: Don’t Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books say that everyone should become guru and help others? Isn’t this Lord Caitanya’s mission?
Answer: Lord Caitanya’s mission is to give pure chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa and pure devotional service. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that no one should be accepted as a pure devotee if he is not properly authorized. Please consider this passage from Caitanya-caritāmṛta: “Vallabha Bhaṭṭa wanted to be initiated by Gadādhara Paṇḍita, but Gadādhara Paṇḍita refused, saying, ‘The work of acting as a spiritual master is not possible for me. I am completely dependent. My Lord is Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. I cannot do anything independently, without His order.’” (Cc. Antya-līlā 7.150–151.) Pure devotees never think they are independent. All work in ISKCON is created by Śrīla Prabhupāda. The post of “ISKCON guru” is a GBC concoction. Unfortunately, due to this concoction, many preachers have been polluted by false ambition.
Question: But Lord Caitanya gave a blanket order for everyone to become guru. Why do you say such gurus can’t initiate their own disciples?
Answer: They may initiate when they get an order to initiate. Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita himself said he needed a direct order to initiate! Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted everyone to become Kṛṣṇa conscious and preach. He never said all devotees must initiate their own disciples. In fact, Śrīla Prabhupāda specifically warns, “It is better not to accept any disciples.” Śrīla Prabhupāda said, “A guru can become guru when he’s ordered by his guru. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can become guru.” (Ś.P. Bg. lecture, 1975.)
Answer: They may initiate when they get an order to initiate. Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita himself said he needed a direct order to initiate! Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu wanted everyone to become Kṛṣṇa conscious and preach. He never said all devotees must initiate their own disciples. In fact, Śrīla Prabhupāda specifically warns, “It is better not to accept any disciples.” Śrīla Prabhupāda said, “A guru can become guru when he’s ordered by his guru. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can become guru.” (Ś.P. Bg. lecture, 1975.)
Question: By preaching and practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, isn’t one automatically qualified to become an initiating guru?
Answer: Not necessarily. But qualification is a separate issue. We may have qualifications, but an order is still required. For instance, I may be qualified for the order of sannyāsa, but in ISKCON I will need authorization to be accepted as a sannyāsī. The position of a Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava guru, or ācārya, is equal to that of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (Cc. Ādi 1.46.) Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita said he was unable to initiate without the direct order of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Why speak of others?
Question: How is it possible that Śrīla Prabhupāda can accept disciples after his departure? And how do we know he wants to?
Answer: You think there’s something that’s impossible for Śrīla Prabhupāda? He set up a ṛtvik system for this. He established ISKCON to train devotees to be his steady disciples and preach. It used to be common knowledge among devotees that His Divine Grace was willing to accept the whole world as his disciples. He accepted disciples in Australia while in Europe. He accepted disciples in America while in India. He accepted disciples he had never met. Śrīla Prabhupāda can do this. He is still doing this. It is in our hands to get the credit for helping him do this by agreeing to remain his faithful representatives.
Question: Then we should ask new devotees to surrender heart and soul to someone they can never meet personally or write a letter to.
Answer: Do you think Śrīla Prabhupāda is dead? The issue here is the authority of the Jagat-guru. He never said his physical presence was essential. Many of his so-called “direct” disciples, devotees initiated prior to 1977, never saw him or wrote to him. Śrīla Prabhupāda said following his order is essential. He never stressed his physical presence. His order is directly the will of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Why should we tax our brains to justify defying Śrīla Prabhupāda’s order? The problem is that devotees have not carefully heard from Śrīla Prabhupāda or his genuine representatives. They’ve been misled by the GBC to think Śrīla Prabhupāda is gone and can no longer personally guide or initiate devotees.
Question: According to Vedic tradition, when the guru departs, his disciple becomes the initiating guru and accepts his own disciples. This is the paramparā system. We can’t stop this eternal system.
Question: According to Vedic tradition, when the guru departs, his disciple becomes the initiating guru and accepts his own disciples. This is the paramparā system. We can’t stop this eternal system.
Answer: There is no such tradition of de facto guru, or guru by automatic inheritance. Yet all Vedic traditions are satisfied if we follow Śrīla Prabhupāda’s formula for expanding the worldwide mission of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. One day there may be millions of devotees qualified to offer dīkṣā. Yet in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission, they will follow Śrīla Prabhupāda’s system and train disciples to offer their full devotion and surrender to Śrīla Prabhupāda and his mission rather than to themselves. Such self-realized souls may have many devoted followers. Pure devotees teach by their example how to serve Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission as humble representatives of the Śaktyāveśa-avatāra, the Jagat-guru. If representatives of Śrīla Prabhupāda train everyone to accept Śrīla Prabhupāda as ācārya, the paramparā system will flourish gloriously. Advanced devotees will happily agree to remain humble representatives of His Divine Grace, the Jagat-guru, Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Question: But don’t all genuine spiritual masters accept disciples on behalf of the previous ācāryas? Don’t ISKCON gurus engage their followers in unalloyed service to Śrīla Prabhupāda?
Answer: Yes, to the first question. No, to the second. They are misleading their so-called disciples. These ambitious men could have been loved and honored as the representatives of Śrīla Prabhupāda, but instead, due to false ambition, they created intrigue and suffering for everyone, including themselves. What’s at stake here? Why all the fuss to reject Śrīla Prabhupāda’s final order on initiations? Think about it!
Question: Isn’t dīkṣā just a formality? Isn’t it the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra that actually initiates everyone?
Answer: Dīkṣā is the process by which one can awaken his divya-jñāna and vanquish sinful reactions (Cc. Madhya 15.108). The initiation ceremony is a formality, but that also has been recommended and established by our Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava ācāryas, beginning with Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī. By definition, then, the dīkṣā-guru must be a fully self-realized soul. No one else is qualified to offer true dīkṣā.
Question: If everyone takes śikṣā from Śrīla Prabhupāda, isn’t that enough? Why should we worry about who initiates?
Answer: The śikṣā-guru and dīkṣā-guru must be seen equally. Generally, they are the same person. They are both absolute. Why deny new devotees the assurance of being directly connected with Śrīla Prabhupāda through both dīkṣā and śikṣā? Who will they accept as Śrīla Prabhupāda’s equal? The real point is following the formula Śrīla Prabhupāda personally arranged. Why does the GBC refuse to accept Śrīla Prabhupāda’s arrangement?
Question: The GBC believes that ordaining gurus is the most effective way to recruit and train devotees and thus continue the paramparā.
Answer: The paramparā is continued by disciples who follow the order of the ācārya. ISKCON devotees must follow Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instruction to preach on his behalf. Śrīla Prabhupāda is the Jagad-ācārya. His position is the same as Lord Nityānanda’s or Lord Balarāma’s. No order of His Divine Grace can be changed or ignored. By training everyone to be disciples of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the paramparā will continue gloriously.
Question: I think most ISKCON gurus are representing Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission.
Answer: Preachers who represent Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission teach that Śrīla Prabhupāda is the absolute shelter for all ISKCON devotees. They teach devotees to hear from Śrīla Prabhupāda and worship him with full surrender. They don’t encourage devotees to worship mixed devotees or offenders as the initiating spiritual master. Nor do they teach that mixed devotees are in the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava sampradāya. Rather, they train devotees to accept Śrīla Prabhupāda and surrender to his mission directly. Unless the GBC accepts Śrīla Prabhupāda’s order, they’ll continue to mislead innocent devotees and create chaos.
Question: Are all ISKCON gurus offenders?
Answer: According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, those who attempt to exploit or misdirect the mission of the ācārya due to personal ambition are “severe offenders.” No one can capture the post of Vaiṣṇava ācārya by artificial arrangements. “A Vaiṣṇava ācārya is self-effulgent, and there is no need for any court judgment.” (Cc. Madhya 1.220, purport.) Śrīla Prabhupāda and Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī both warn that one who covets the post of Vaiṣṇava ācārya or tries to assume the post without authority causes havoc by his imitation. Even Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita, the incarnation of devotional energy, says he needs a direct order to initiate. He was not willing to assume the post of Supreme Personality of Servitor Godhead without a direct order from Lord Caitanya. Yet if we ask an ISKCON guru, “When did Śrīla Prabhupāda order you to become the initiating spiritual master?” what will he say?
Question: He might say, “I am a guru because the GBC confirmed my nomination. I don’t claim to be absolute. Only my disciples see me that way because the śāstras say the guru must be worshipped like God. I accept the authority of the GBC as absolute. In that way, I am absolute.”
Answer: This is no reply. They’ll agree to be ṛtviks of a deviated GBC but not of Śrīla Prabhupāda! They misrepresent the most exalted post of Vaiṣṇava guru. By their deviation, they’ve opened the floodgates for sahajiyā cheating and anarchy. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura warned, “One who thinks he is guru is ‘garu.’” ‘Garu’ means cow. A cow is an animal. We may worship a cow sometimes, but it remains an animal nonetheless.
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SRILA PRABHUPADA Vyasa Puja offering of five prayers glorifying special characteristics of Srila 108 Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati Goswami Thakura. Presented on the commemoration of his appearance, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, at the Radha-Damodara temple, Vrindavana, India, in 1961.
First Vasistya
1. On this day, O my master, I made a cry of grief; I was not able to tolerate the absence of my guru.
2. On this auspicious day I have come with this offering just to worship you, remembering your lotus feet.
3. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's judgement is that renunciation is most important. Not only that, but such knowledge must be delivered to every conditioned being.
4. The beginner in devotional service has no ability to solve this dilemma, but you are a maha-bhagavata, you have given us direction.
5. One bewildered by ignorance, what kind of renunciate can he be? He will only be a "phalgu-vairagi"; renouncing externally.
6. Renunciation is actually the result of real spiritual emotion. Without such feeling it is simply known as show-bottle.
7. But there is another "show-bottle" for the purpose of preaching. That is the Lord's sannyasa by which the Mayavadis are defeated.
8. Lord Caitanya's Philosophy is beyond varnasrama; it is Bhagavata dharma, for putting an end to all cheating processes of religion.
9. Performing dry renunciation there can be no real preaching. Therefore "Yukta vairagya" is given the highest essential understanding.
10. "That sannyasa which I have given you" is for preaching in devotion. The faithless sense enjoyers are unable to understand this.
Second Vasistya
11. Generally the sannyasis renounce everything and go and stay in the mountain caves, but you, O master, keep your sannyasis in mansions of marble.
12. To see a sense enjoyer is just like drinking poison, but you, O my master, go far and near, even abroad, to give them your darsana.
13. Mlecchas and Yavanas are forbidden to enter the Hindu temples, but you my Lord, make them chairmen and sit them in the assembly of devotees.
14. Hindus are not allowed to cross the ocean, but you send your devotees overseas to preach.
15. In the cities of Kali-yuga, the instructions of the bona fide spiritual preceptors are forbidden. Still you remain here in any way possible.
16. The devotees want to hide in a secluded place to perform their bhajan. You, however, do not accept this in your judgement.
17. Whenever there is an increase in population, there in that place preaching is to be found.
18. In London you want a student hostel. You explain that it must be first-class.
19. In the land of barbarians a student hostel for preaching Hari-Katha! Who can understand the significance of these things?
20. To resolve all the apparent contradictory statements is not the play of some incompetent fool.
21. If everyone simply sat down together and considered these things, what nice preaching there could be.
22. What is your order also, that everyone, coming together, should merge in your message and preach it to the world.
23. If everyone just initiates then there will only be a contradictory result. As long as it goes on there will be only failure.
24. Now even, my godbrothers, you return here to the order of our master, and together we engage in his puja.
25. But simply a festival of flowers and fruits does not constitute worship. The one who serves the message of the guru really worships him.
26. The service of the message is the real meaning of the Vedas. Don't be proud, brothers, come back to this.
27. Kalidas Nag (a learned man who was defeated by Srila Saraswati Thakura and later became his disciple), that master said in public forum one day.
28. That Kali's mission was to kill the entire world while the essential meaning of Lord Caitanya's message was kept locked up in a cage.
29. O shame! My dear brothers, aren't you embarrassed? In the manner of businessmen you increase your disciples.
30. Our master said to preach. Let the neophytes stay in the temples and ring the bells.
Third Vasistya
31. All these things are not our spiritual master's preaching methods. These are all the things done by the caste Gosvamis.
32. But just take a look at the terrible situation that has arisen. Everyone has become a sense enjoyer and has given up preaching.
33. In the temples they have also begun to lock the doors. Preach this bhagavata dharma, don't hesitate.
34. Within this world is another world, Whose sound is the unequaled penetrating force.
35. The preaching that "mullah (Muslim priest) only goes as far as the mosque and no further" should be put to an end today.
36. From the seas, across the earth, penetrate the universal shell, come together and preach this Krishna consciousness.
37. Then our master's service will be in proper order. Make your promise today. Give up all your politics and diplomacy.
38. Everyone come together on this day and make your valued comment. The five of you get together and decide what should be done.
39. You have become renouncers, brothers, so renounce everything. But if you also renounce the order of the spiritual master, then what kind of renunciation is that?
40. The one who renounces the guru's order (guru tyagi) and the one who tries to enjoy the assets of his spiritual master (guru-bhogi) are two kinds of useless persons. First become a servant of your spiritual master (guru-sevi) and then you will understand things clearly.
Forth Vasistya
41. If there is only one Supreme Lord, then a true sadhu, if his faith increases, he gives up the desire for profit, distinction and adoration in the material world.
42. Your gold, brother, is the father of sense gratification. This meaningful statement was spoken by Srila Prabhupada himself.
43. Give up your wealth for preaching. Sit down together and make some special judgement.
44. The Supreme Lord says that everything is Mine. Don't protest. Just unite and preach.
45. Srila Prabhupada gave this final message himself. Take care to follow that completely in all respects.
46. Otherwise, your sannyasa will be wasted and useless. O saintly ones, be careful; afterwards you will regret.
47. So, what is the difficulty for all of us to come together in this way and why do all these things even have to be said to you?
48. Give up your stubbornness, there is no time. Come all my brothers on this auspicious holy occasion.
Fifth Vasistya
49. When will that day come when there will be a temple established in every house in every corner of the world?
50. When the big court judge will be a Gaudiya Vaisnava with tilak beautifully decorating his forehead.
51. A Vaisnava winning votes will be elected president of the land and preaching will spread everywhere.
52. The demons simply plunder the Lord's wealth. The hapless populace cry, "Hai Hai" in distress.
53. The demons want so many plans just to cheat the people. They sell wheat flour at 32 rupees a mound.
54. Will opening a factory fill a hungry man's belly? Being oppressed by starvation they will eat grass and mango pits.
55. Wearing a two pisa string a man is called a brahmin. Wearing a saffron cloth he has become a sannyasi.
56. The householders beg from sannyasis, and why not? The sannyasis have tens of millions of rupees in the bank.
57. As the days pass, the influence of Kali-yuga increases and the poor are crying in distress.
58. Ten thousand cows are killed daily and the nations expert leaders are all eating untouchable foodstuffs.
59. People of muddy intelligence increase day by day. A man and his wife separate on mere word.
60. Everyone has become a witch by the influence of this age. Everyone is unhappy due to the absence of the mercy of the Vaisnavas.
61. The Vaisnavas are famous as "para dukha dukhi." This fame will increase as the preaching increases.
62. If eternally pure devotional service to Krsna is awakened in everyone, then Kali will flee, screaming of his own accord.
63. "Praninan upakaraya" do work for the benefit of all living beings. This is Mahaprabhu's teachings. This is the storehouse of happiness in this life and the next.
64. So much work has fallen into your hands, so gather together and do it.
65. Vasudeva Datta said to the Lord, paying his obeisances, save all the living beings in the material world.
66. Give all their sins and suffering to me, who am the lowest of all. In this way all the suffering and miseries of the fallen will end.
67. He was the best of the Vaisnavas, para dukha dukhi. He knows that there is not real happiness in gratifying the senses.
68. And what kind of mercy can the non-Vaisnavas give? They simply make offenses by their Daridra Narayana philosophy.
69. The mercy of the Vaisnavas is scientific and authorized, without their mercy this world is simply insurmountable maya.
70. If there is a kingdom of Visnu and Vaisnavas on the surface of the earth, then the world will be happy--so say the great sages and rishis.
71. Why is everyone crying for Rama-rajya? The only way it can be had is if there is a Visnu centered kingdom.
72. Lord Krsna enthroned King Yudhisthira; then the whole world was rich and fortunate due to the qualities of a Vaisnava.
73. The streams, rivers, trees and fields and mountains, were all full of fruits and flowers. The milk laden cows were floating in abundant milk.
74. The birds, beasts and lower creatures were all non-envious. Material life in the Vaisnava kingdom was regulated and perfect.
75. All immersed in bliss, singing the glories of the Hari. The hearts of Vaisnavas dance in ecstasy to see this.
76. The entire world is filled with the use of material objects, without a trace of devotion to the Lord.
77. Still they are searching after peace. Preach Krsna consciousness; fulfill their desires.
78. Today my brothers, get to this task. Save the battered souls by your preaching.
79. Srila Prabhupada, please be merciful today. This time have compassion. You are not a conditioned soul of this material world.
80. Whatever independence we have, let it be cast to the waters. The lowly Abhay offers this presentation today.
Vrndavana, Radha Damodara.
December 1958
Translated from Bengali into English by Daśaratha-suta dasa
First Vasistya
1. On this day, O my master, I made a cry of grief; I was not able to tolerate the absence of my guru.
2. On this auspicious day I have come with this offering just to worship you, remembering your lotus feet.
3. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's judgement is that renunciation is most important. Not only that, but such knowledge must be delivered to every conditioned being.
4. The beginner in devotional service has no ability to solve this dilemma, but you are a maha-bhagavata, you have given us direction.
5. One bewildered by ignorance, what kind of renunciate can he be? He will only be a "phalgu-vairagi"; renouncing externally.
6. Renunciation is actually the result of real spiritual emotion. Without such feeling it is simply known as show-bottle.
7. But there is another "show-bottle" for the purpose of preaching. That is the Lord's sannyasa by which the Mayavadis are defeated.
8. Lord Caitanya's Philosophy is beyond varnasrama; it is Bhagavata dharma, for putting an end to all cheating processes of religion.
9. Performing dry renunciation there can be no real preaching. Therefore "Yukta vairagya" is given the highest essential understanding.
10. "That sannyasa which I have given you" is for preaching in devotion. The faithless sense enjoyers are unable to understand this.
Second Vasistya
11. Generally the sannyasis renounce everything and go and stay in the mountain caves, but you, O master, keep your sannyasis in mansions of marble.
12. To see a sense enjoyer is just like drinking poison, but you, O my master, go far and near, even abroad, to give them your darsana.
13. Mlecchas and Yavanas are forbidden to enter the Hindu temples, but you my Lord, make them chairmen and sit them in the assembly of devotees.
14. Hindus are not allowed to cross the ocean, but you send your devotees overseas to preach.
15. In the cities of Kali-yuga, the instructions of the bona fide spiritual preceptors are forbidden. Still you remain here in any way possible.
16. The devotees want to hide in a secluded place to perform their bhajan. You, however, do not accept this in your judgement.
17. Whenever there is an increase in population, there in that place preaching is to be found.
18. In London you want a student hostel. You explain that it must be first-class.
19. In the land of barbarians a student hostel for preaching Hari-Katha! Who can understand the significance of these things?
20. To resolve all the apparent contradictory statements is not the play of some incompetent fool.
21. If everyone simply sat down together and considered these things, what nice preaching there could be.
22. What is your order also, that everyone, coming together, should merge in your message and preach it to the world.
23. If everyone just initiates then there will only be a contradictory result. As long as it goes on there will be only failure.
24. Now even, my godbrothers, you return here to the order of our master, and together we engage in his puja.
25. But simply a festival of flowers and fruits does not constitute worship. The one who serves the message of the guru really worships him.
26. The service of the message is the real meaning of the Vedas. Don't be proud, brothers, come back to this.
27. Kalidas Nag (a learned man who was defeated by Srila Saraswati Thakura and later became his disciple), that master said in public forum one day.
28. That Kali's mission was to kill the entire world while the essential meaning of Lord Caitanya's message was kept locked up in a cage.
29. O shame! My dear brothers, aren't you embarrassed? In the manner of businessmen you increase your disciples.
30. Our master said to preach. Let the neophytes stay in the temples and ring the bells.
Third Vasistya
31. All these things are not our spiritual master's preaching methods. These are all the things done by the caste Gosvamis.
32. But just take a look at the terrible situation that has arisen. Everyone has become a sense enjoyer and has given up preaching.
33. In the temples they have also begun to lock the doors. Preach this bhagavata dharma, don't hesitate.
34. Within this world is another world, Whose sound is the unequaled penetrating force.
35. The preaching that "mullah (Muslim priest) only goes as far as the mosque and no further" should be put to an end today.
36. From the seas, across the earth, penetrate the universal shell, come together and preach this Krishna consciousness.
37. Then our master's service will be in proper order. Make your promise today. Give up all your politics and diplomacy.
38. Everyone come together on this day and make your valued comment. The five of you get together and decide what should be done.
39. You have become renouncers, brothers, so renounce everything. But if you also renounce the order of the spiritual master, then what kind of renunciation is that?
40. The one who renounces the guru's order (guru tyagi) and the one who tries to enjoy the assets of his spiritual master (guru-bhogi) are two kinds of useless persons. First become a servant of your spiritual master (guru-sevi) and then you will understand things clearly.
Forth Vasistya
41. If there is only one Supreme Lord, then a true sadhu, if his faith increases, he gives up the desire for profit, distinction and adoration in the material world.
42. Your gold, brother, is the father of sense gratification. This meaningful statement was spoken by Srila Prabhupada himself.
43. Give up your wealth for preaching. Sit down together and make some special judgement.
44. The Supreme Lord says that everything is Mine. Don't protest. Just unite and preach.
45. Srila Prabhupada gave this final message himself. Take care to follow that completely in all respects.
46. Otherwise, your sannyasa will be wasted and useless. O saintly ones, be careful; afterwards you will regret.
47. So, what is the difficulty for all of us to come together in this way and why do all these things even have to be said to you?
48. Give up your stubbornness, there is no time. Come all my brothers on this auspicious holy occasion.
Fifth Vasistya
49. When will that day come when there will be a temple established in every house in every corner of the world?
50. When the big court judge will be a Gaudiya Vaisnava with tilak beautifully decorating his forehead.
51. A Vaisnava winning votes will be elected president of the land and preaching will spread everywhere.
52. The demons simply plunder the Lord's wealth. The hapless populace cry, "Hai Hai" in distress.
53. The demons want so many plans just to cheat the people. They sell wheat flour at 32 rupees a mound.
54. Will opening a factory fill a hungry man's belly? Being oppressed by starvation they will eat grass and mango pits.
55. Wearing a two pisa string a man is called a brahmin. Wearing a saffron cloth he has become a sannyasi.
56. The householders beg from sannyasis, and why not? The sannyasis have tens of millions of rupees in the bank.
57. As the days pass, the influence of Kali-yuga increases and the poor are crying in distress.
58. Ten thousand cows are killed daily and the nations expert leaders are all eating untouchable foodstuffs.
59. People of muddy intelligence increase day by day. A man and his wife separate on mere word.
60. Everyone has become a witch by the influence of this age. Everyone is unhappy due to the absence of the mercy of the Vaisnavas.
61. The Vaisnavas are famous as "para dukha dukhi." This fame will increase as the preaching increases.
62. If eternally pure devotional service to Krsna is awakened in everyone, then Kali will flee, screaming of his own accord.
63. "Praninan upakaraya" do work for the benefit of all living beings. This is Mahaprabhu's teachings. This is the storehouse of happiness in this life and the next.
64. So much work has fallen into your hands, so gather together and do it.
65. Vasudeva Datta said to the Lord, paying his obeisances, save all the living beings in the material world.
66. Give all their sins and suffering to me, who am the lowest of all. In this way all the suffering and miseries of the fallen will end.
67. He was the best of the Vaisnavas, para dukha dukhi. He knows that there is not real happiness in gratifying the senses.
68. And what kind of mercy can the non-Vaisnavas give? They simply make offenses by their Daridra Narayana philosophy.
69. The mercy of the Vaisnavas is scientific and authorized, without their mercy this world is simply insurmountable maya.
70. If there is a kingdom of Visnu and Vaisnavas on the surface of the earth, then the world will be happy--so say the great sages and rishis.
71. Why is everyone crying for Rama-rajya? The only way it can be had is if there is a Visnu centered kingdom.
72. Lord Krsna enthroned King Yudhisthira; then the whole world was rich and fortunate due to the qualities of a Vaisnava.
73. The streams, rivers, trees and fields and mountains, were all full of fruits and flowers. The milk laden cows were floating in abundant milk.
74. The birds, beasts and lower creatures were all non-envious. Material life in the Vaisnava kingdom was regulated and perfect.
75. All immersed in bliss, singing the glories of the Hari. The hearts of Vaisnavas dance in ecstasy to see this.
76. The entire world is filled with the use of material objects, without a trace of devotion to the Lord.
77. Still they are searching after peace. Preach Krsna consciousness; fulfill their desires.
78. Today my brothers, get to this task. Save the battered souls by your preaching.
79. Srila Prabhupada, please be merciful today. This time have compassion. You are not a conditioned soul of this material world.
80. Whatever independence we have, let it be cast to the waters. The lowly Abhay offers this presentation today.
Vrndavana, Radha Damodara.
December 1958
Translated from Bengali into English by Daśaratha-suta dasa
