CONTROVERSY THEORY -- part 1

During a Bhagavatam lecture (1.16.11) January 8, 1974 in Los Angeles, Srila Prabhupada said, "There is a controversy among the Vaisnava community about Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.  Just as the Nimbarka Sampradaya, they say, "We accept Lord Caitanya as a great devotee."  But the Gaudiya Sampradaya, we say that Lord Caitanya is the Supreme Personality of Godhead because it is stated in the Sastra."

Lord Caitanya's advent is predicted and described in many Sastras, including the Kurma Purana, Padma Purana, Sama Veda, Visvasara Tantra, Jaimini-bharata, Visnu-yamala, Brahma-rahasya, et al.  For example, in the Saura Purana it is said: "The Supreme Personality of Godhead appears in two forms, He is either dark Lord Krsna, who is always worshipped by all, or He is fair Lord Gaura, a brahmana who knows the meaning of all the Vedas."  And in the Matsya Purana: "In Kali-yuga I will take birth in a place where three rivers meet.  I will be fair and tall.  I will have a shaven head; I will be very merciful.  I will eagerly chant the Holy Names."

Therefore, the authority and order of the Sastra is clear, Lord Caitanya is to be accepted as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.  Yet, the controversy goes on because the sastra is either overlooked or ignored, both of which indicate a poor fund of knowledge.

Similarly, the unique position of Srila Prabhupada -- empowered to teach to the whole world the ultimate siddhanta as originally taught by the Supreme Lord Himself -- is not carefully understood in his own movement, especially by those who were born after his disappearance.  This, even though many of his disciples are still present; they are not emphasizing enough Srila Prabhupada's exalted position to the younger devotees.  In fact, back in 1977, July 17th, in Vrndavan, Srila Prabhupada himself was aware that his contribution to the world was in danger of being minimized.  "And people are recognized I am great.  Don't make me small.  I'll not give you much trouble, but I am now invalid.  What can I do?"  The sinister cause of Srila Prabhupada's having had to say this should be thoroughly investigated.  This is a real controversy created by Srila Prabhupada himself.  

This clearly indicates Srila Prabhupada was aware of something very disturbing, even more so because he was too ill to do anything about it.   In retrospect, this statement foretold the future falldowns of those who tried to imitate him, and misuse his legacy and properties.  It is mortifying for any loyal disciple to think that Srila Prabhupada would have to make such a statement.  This is probably the singlemost cause for controversy -- trying to imitate Srila Prabhupada.  The whole society was contaminated by this single act they committed in 1977.

For any faithful disciple, it is devastating to realize that his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, felt obliged to make this comment during a recording, indicating he wanted it publicly known.  And among those who knew he made this statement at the time, nobody did a damn thing about it!

Since then, because too much continuous 'overlooking, minimizing and ignoring' of Srila Prabhupada-vani has occurred, the result has been that newcomers in recent decades have inherited a poor fund of knowledge about Srila Prabhupada's exalted position and his priorities for ISKCON.  And all this despite abundant evidence of his unequalled accomplishments and documented instructions.  The continuing results have been either lethargy or a plethora of controversies.

During his manifest presence, devotees had a much clearer understanding, even when the movement, entirely new to them, was without the extensive facilities of temples, books, experienced adherents, etc., all of which are now the norm.  Initially, Srila Prabhupada even used Dr. Radhakrishnan's rendition of the Bhagavad-gita for his classes.  Verses quoted from that book are found in numerous articles by his disciples throughout the first twenty issues of Back to Godhead.  He told us not to read the purports and he explained to us the actual meanings of the verses himself.  His words were sacrosanct; there were no controversies.

(CONT. below)

By 1977, motivated by Srila Prabhupada's entreaties, all the devotees in America and Britain, a relatively small number, had accomplished amazing things, what to speak of the devotees distributing books in Europe and India?  And the Soviet Union!  Devotees were regularly, at great risk, infiltrating the Iron Curtain countries.  The GBC operations in these countries were kept secret, even from other GBC men.  When Srila Prabhupada returned from his visit to Moscow in 1971, he remarked how the Communist government was "a horrible, horrible government" and that the Russian people were also Europeans and they wanted freedom.  Clearly, after such a statement of condemnation from an exalted devotee like Srila Prabhupada, it was just a matter of time before the Iron Curtain would come down.  Indeed, in 1988, the U.S. President boldly said at a big press conference in West Berlin: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"  A startled audience, including his cabinet members, rose to their feet with a standing ovation.  Little did they know that Srila Prabhupada's agents had already been penetrating that wall since the early seventies!

One of the devotees, Pancadravida das, described how he would wear a formidable winter coat like everyone, but sewn in the lining were pockets for holding books.  At an opportune moment he would open his coat to passersby and suggest that they might "like to have a book on yoga?"  People would react with wide eyes and trembling hands, reaching out for a book.  Hiding it under their garments they would walk briskly out of sight.

Devotees risked their lives to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books everywhere, even in America.  In the Southern U.S., for instance, there were fanatic sectarian groups, like Klu Klux Klan.  In one instance, two firebombs were thrown at two a. m. into a house rented by a traveling party preaching at colleges.  An 18 year-old brahmacari, Brajajana das, who had just received second initiation that evening, was killed and two were wounded.  One of them, Shankar das, was seriously burned.  A revolver was found in the grass.  No one was ever apprehended.

But devotees joined the movement to spread it.  It was a revolution, and revolutionaries take risks.  Srila Prabhupada had already set the example himself.  He once explained that the Sankirtan yajna in Kali-yuga was a greater austerity and sacrifice than those of previous yugas, because it required approaching people directly and being prepared to tolerate refusal and abuse.  It required more daring and humility.  And greater risk. 

So the question must arise.  How could devotees do these things?  Why did they do it?  The answer is:  they did it for Srila Prabhupada.  They loved Srila Prabhupada.  He was dear to them, and he was front and center in their lives.  It is hard to explain to those who never knew him or who were born after he disappeared just how pleasing Srila Prabhupada was foremost for everyone, individually and collectively.  Thus, there were no controversies.

These statements of appreciation by Srila Prabhupada repeated above only further endeared him to the devotees, who knew it well that pleasing Krsna without pleasing Srila Prabhupada was not possible.  And they knew that if Krsna was pleased their lives were successful.  It was that simple.  Of course, there had been problems when some devotees would develop separate interests.  But those who blooped were quickly replaced by new recruits.  Then, as now, there were casualties in the ranks; maya tested and took her toll.  But Srila Prabhupada had made the adjustments and kept on writing and travelling and preaching.

And then things began to change.  Srila Prabhupada had been seriously ill in 1967 and again in 1974, but as 1977 progressed things became more alarming and devotees were in constant anxiety, awaiting reports from the leadership.  Then in November 1977, everything took a complete turn.  Srila Prabhupada's disappearance plunged ISKCON into an ocean of grief.  When the devotees from around the world came to the Mayapur festival, they found eleven brand new vyasasanas in the temple room.  It was too much of a shock for many; too much too soon.  Some disciples had already offered constructive criticism, calling for a reality check and a very conservative transition.  Devotees like Pradyumna Pandit (as Srila Prabhupada named him), Kailascandra das, Jadurani dasi, et al were ostracized.  Jadurani was severely beaten in New Vrindaban.  Many others left soon thereafter and over the coming years.

The first great schism had been created in ISKCON: the bifurcation of the Governing Body Commission into eleven gurus and approximately thirteen "non-gurus" or, as the leader of the Gaudiya Math put it so undiplomatically, "the fit and the unfit".  The Great Controversy was born.  More schisms and endless controversies to come were spawned from that single act.  Some parts of the complicated history that ensued are well documented, some are not.  Much has been written in bits and pieces about it.

But here, the focus is on underlying cause of that controversial event.  Another controversy had been previously created, as Srila Prabhupada explained hereinbefore, when the Vaisnavas of the Nimbarka Sampradaya did not accept Lord Caitanya as He is.  Whatever underlying motives there may have been, it was due to a poor fund of knowledge.  

Like the followers of Nimbarka, the GBC remains embarrassed by their poor fund of knowledge.  And what makes a controversy when there is a poor fund of knowledge in the ISKCON community?  Ignoring, overlooking, misinterpreting or contravening Srila Prabhupada's voluminous translations and purports, voluminous documented communications, as well as the documented instructions on management (e.g., his classic letter of rejection to Karandhar regarding centralization and bureaucracy, 12/22/72,); that is how controversies are created.  

The GBC has historically demonstrated by its acts and legislation a dismal fund of knowledge, in their modification of Srila Prabhupada's instructions, regarding: editorial policy and book distribution, Srila Prabhupada's disciplic succession, funding the mission of the Bhaktivedanta Archives, avoidance of the Gaudiya Math, Deity standards, the protection of women and children, Vaisnava etiquette, gurukula education, asrama regulations, farm projects, restaurants, the Bhaktivedanta Institute, the duties of temple presidents, GBC and BBT members, as well as requirements, character and qualifications of a guru in ISKCON, to summarize a few.

In addition, the GBC evades the gravest and growing controversies regarding "Hinduization", social welfare programs, "interfaith" agendas, as if these activities were actually approved by Srila Prabhupada or originated by him.  In fact, these programs as now implemented are all tainted with compromise (a species of cowardice), although new members accept them as bonafide.  

Meanwhile, the BBT leaders educate devotees to assimilate their contention, their underlying presumption, that whatever book revisions they have made would be allowed by Srila Prabhupada if they could be shown to him.  But in fact, this speculation is but an advanced symptom of what Srila Prabhupada named "the change disease". Thus, from their ignoring his instructions against unnecessary changes, no interpolations, in his books, the controversy over the book changes rages on.

There are numerous constructive critics inside and outside of official ISKCON, including more recently an official guru, who has been critical since at least 2005.  But the "insider" critics tend to overlook the unbonafide practices of democratically electing gurus (since when does a bona fide sannyasi need permission to take disciples?), or the revising of Srila Prabhupada's books, both of which lack parampara precedence and Srila Prabhupada's authorization.  This is precisely how controversies are created, rooted in a poor fund of knowledge.  In Webster's authoritative Collegiate Dictionary (2005), "controversy" is defined: 1. a public dispute concerning a matter of opinion, and 2. contention, strife or argument.  

The issue of changes in his printed books was raised by Srila Prabhupada himself, showing his disapproval, on June 22, 1977.  He expected his disciples would do the needful rectifications, to correct the incorrect 'corrections'.  There is nothing controversial about that and no room for any other opinion or argument.

Yasodananda Maharaj was present, and Srila Prabhupada instructed him to send a letter to Satsvarupa Maharaj, which he did on the 24th.  The letter appointed Satsvarupa, Jayadvaita Brahmacari (for English) and Prema Bhakti Maharaj (for sanskrit) to go over his printed books and correct all the mistaken changes which had been made.  A committee to correct the corrections!  Unfortunately, the committee didn't manifest, but it could have been a "hands-on" learning experience for those devotees, regarding just what kind of corrections or editing Srila Prabhupada had in mind, both then, and in the future.  Thus, as they did NOT have this training experience from His Divine Grace, they now carry no mandate of authorization to continue making changes.  Anyway, Srila Prabhupada made it extremely clear how he wanted assurances that his books, when reprinted, not be changed without his consent.  And all this tempest, over the "rascal editors", took place less than six months before Srila Prabhupada-vapu was to disappear, leaving his society to depend solely on Srila Prabhupada-vani.

The originally successful 1977 hijacking of the GBC eventually proved to be the undoing of the perpetrators, who forgot that control of the Hare Krsna Movement is beyond the pale of mortals, defined as those who are about to die.  But the GBC has never been the same since; it is now a mere shadow of Srila Prabhupada's original creation, and like the exploitive monarchies of Europe, their potency to govern has been gradually withdrawn by their creator.  Srila Prabhupada had warned the GBC, his "Mahajans", that a slight error, like that of Yamaraj, would get them a birth as sudras (lecture 6/4/74, Geneva).  And he didn't say where.

By 1980, the devotees in general, still recovering from Srila Prabhupada's untimely disappearance, found themselves plunged into a veritable ocean of controversies.  Those controversies continue to multiply within an ever-metamorphosing ISKCON under the expanding leadership of guru devotees, who more or less steer the GBC, the BBT and everything else.  Despite the huge increase in membership, the gradual obfuscation of Srila Prabhupada's front-and-center position has actually resulted in the diminution of book distribution, which should have exponentially increased in ratio to the massive increasing membership.   He considered his original books his greatest contribution to the world.  Their unauthorized changing has resulted in the greatest controversy of the modern age, because the future of the world depends upon their perfect preservation.  

One cannot say that Srila Prabhupada is still front and center like he was up to his departure in 1977, as demonstrated herein.  If so, the proof would be his book distribution.  Literature would be going out on a scale matching the increases in ISKCON membership since Srila Prabhupada's manifest presence, because he is still, now, actually present in his vani form.  Well-publicized and successful programs, publications, etc. by his disciples are no substsitute for the vast number of literatures that could have been for all the decades since.  Of course this is in reference to the unrevised books.  The world is much the worse off because of it, and the consequent loss of the World Acarya's benediction is regrettable, to say the least.  

Certainly there are notable exceptions to this assessment, individually and collectively.  Yet a discerning perusal of the Internet reveals an increasing number of interpretations, modifications, adjustments, amendments, etc. going on in the devotee world, due to a poor fund of knowledge regarding Srila Prabhupada's written and spoken instructions.  Thus, the controversies are created.  

This is due, primarily, to a lack of what may be called a 'Krsna conscience', or the commitment of leadership to conscientiously pass on and maintain what Srila Prabhupada has given, and live it themselves.  ISKCON suffers from a failure of leadership.  And the vacuum created is being filled with so many customs, innovations, 'multi-sangas', the latest crazes, political correctness, extra rituals and lifestyles -- all superfluous to measurable spiritual advancement, collectively and individually, for both devotees and the public.

Now it stands to reason that the key players in the modern ISKCON scenario are the guru devotees, because new members accept their guru's explanation of the mission as authoritative, first and foremost.  If their gurus would tell them to do what Srila Prabhupada says, to distribute his books profusely, they would do it.  just as Srila Prabhupada followed the instructions of his spiritual master to print and distribute books, Srila Prabhupada's disciples, who are acting as gurus, can follow the order of their spiritual master to distribute books, unchanged books, which would be passing on the transcendent family tradition to their disciples.  

Srila Prabhupada's books are the lawbooks for mankind.  The books written by his disciples are not the lawbooks for mankind.  They are important as long as they bring readers to the point of taking Srila Prabhupada's books, which embody both the Book Bhagwat, the verses, and the Person Bhagwat, the purports, on every page!

So, if the tens of thousands of new devotees are positively mobilized just as Srila Prabhupada did, the primary mission of ISKCON, which is to propagate the transcendental teachings immortalized in Srila Prabhupada's books, will be achieved.  End of controversy!

As far as practical book distribution and preaching is concerned, it is far better to distribute and talk about the 1st editions printed during Srila Prabhupada's time, because they have far less corrections of the unnecessary corrections to be made than the later revised editions do.  There are so many unnecessary 'corrections' of punctuations, grammar, philosophy and style made in the revised editions, that when compared to the originals they are proving unreliable for giving Srila Prabhupada-vani as he is.  The very voice of Srila Prabhupada is revised!  His brilliant transcendent emphases, which perfectly reveal the deeper meanings, are superseded, obfuscated.  Thus, they have planted so many seeds of controversy.

To conclude, the mis-leaders of the material world have brought their peoples to the brink of moral, economic and military disaster.  Srila Prabhupada made it so clear in those last months in 1977, his final instructions to the members of ISKCON, and for the future members also:  "Our attempt is to awaken people to understand Krsna.  There is no other way -- hearing, glorifying Krsna through book distribution."

Official ISKCON gurus, GBC and BBT devotees and their followers are by definition but assistants, servants of Srila Prabhupada.  That humility is the first price to pay, and it must be paid; conquering pride, it becomes a most welcome opulence.  The moral of the story of devotional service is that humility triumphs, that taking the humble position dasanudasa, is best.  In the light of Srila Prabhupada's devotion and accomplishments, simply by remembering them, one can always see oneself a fig by comparison.   A devotee should always feel proud of Srila Prabhupada, "ebe jasa ghusuk tribhuvana", may your fame be proclaimed throughout the three worlds.  Or else controversies proliferate.

Read those final wishes of Srila Prabhupada again.  Only the hardest heart could miss the message.  Srila Prabhupada's unique service made him most dear to Lord Krsna.  By making Srila Prabhupada's orders most dear, the follower becomes dear to Lord Krsna.  It's good to remember that old jewel of a saying -- "very important", Srila Prabhupada said -- "If you love me; love my dog." And another important quote: "By service of the bona fide spiritual master, the Lord consents to reveal Himself in proportion to the service rendered."  (SB 1.5.23 purport)  And this old man heard Srila Prabhupada say, "Guru is not a particular person, it is a truth".  So let all his avowed followers always come forward in truth and let all glory go to Srila Prabhupada.  In 1977, he intended what he said about his books to be heard around the world.  Transcendental, beyond space, beyond time, Srila Prabhupada's words remain a clarion call to all.  Beyond controversy.  The Master's voice...

by Rupanugadas ACBSP

rupanugadas66@hotmail.com

COMMENTS & QUESTIONS WELCOME

In a conversation with Professor O’Connell on June 18, 1976 in Toronto (Conv. Vol.22, p. 19-20), Srila Prabhupada explains that on the spiritual platform, there is no distinction between classes by “one who is actually learned, he is actually, sama darshina.  He does not make any distinction…But as far as our material body is concerned, there must be some distinction for keeping the society in order.” He explained to a lady present, that because of the superficial bodily distinction, women and men may be kept separately, “Otherwise, the rights are the same.”

 Professor O’Connell then asks, “Is it possible, Swamiji, for a woman to be a guru in the line of disciplic succession?”  Srila Prabhupada answers, “Yes,” and gives Jahnavi-devi, the wife of Nityananda Prabhu, as an example in the disciplic succession: “If she is able to go to the highest perfection of life, why is it not possible to become guru? But, not so many.”  He goes on to say that any man or woman who is qualified can become guru.  Srila Prabhupada asks, “In our material world, is it any prohibition, that woman cannot become professor?  If she is qualified, she can become professor.  What is the wrong there? She must be qualified. That is the position. So similarly, if the woman understands Krishna consciousness perfectly, she can become guru.”

 Then, an Indian man asks, “Well, to understand Krishna consciousness, do you not require adhikari?" Srila Prabhupada explains adhikari means one “must agree to understand. That is adhikari.  But we do not agree. That is our fault.”  The Indian man asks, “Is this agreement due to learning or out of…” “No,” Srila Prabhupada says, “Krishna says, sarva-dharman purityajna mam, you surrender, you become qualified. You agree, ‘Yes, I surrender,’ Krishna says.”  So, Srila Prabhupada is saying, in  effect, that one must surrender to agreeing to understand, like Arjuna surrendered to agreeing to understand the Gita.  Or, similarly, Prof. O’Connell had to agree to understand the appropriate subject matter to become a professor.

  And, just as there was a measurement of that understanding for Prof. O’Connell to become a professor, Srila Prabhupada had informed his GBC, six months earlier, of his method for measuring the understanding of his disciples’ qualifications needed to attain certain positions in Iskcon, by examining their appropriate working knowledge of Krishna consciousness.

 He had already indicated his plans in a letter to Hamsadutta das Adhikari, back in December 3, l968, in which he wrote about a series of examinations, including one entitled “Bhaktivedanta.”  “One who will pass this examination will be awarded the title of Bhaktivedanta.  I want all of my spiritual sons and daughters will inherit this title of Bhaktivedanta, so that the family transcendental diploma will continue through the generations.  Those possessing the title of Bhaktivedanta will be allowed to initiate disciples.  Maybe by 1975, all of my disciples will be allowed to initiate and increase the numbers of the generations.”

 In a letter to Kirtananda Maharaj on January 12, 1969, a year later, Srila Prabhupada said, “By 1975, all of those who have passed all of the above examinations will be specifically empowered to initiate and increase the number of the Krishna Consciousness population.” In this letter, Srila Prabhupada mentioned the books he had already translated, or was in the process of translation at that time, 1969, which would be part of the exams. He included the Vedanta-sutra, which he never had the time to translate. (He later asked the then Swarup Damodar Brahmacari, to write a scientific commentary on that sastra.)  There are no gender qualifications mentioned in these letters.  In  fact, a Bhaktisastri exam was given locally by Srila Prabhupada in 1969, but the exams were reportedly lost in India.

 These letters are reaffirmed and expanded in the detailed and definitive order, entitled “To All Governing Body Commissioners,” dated January 6, 1976, Nellore, South India.  Therein, Srila Prabhupada listed all of his works he wanted included sequentially in each exam.  This document has no expiration date, and the crystal clarity of this instruction is obvious, leaving no confusing necessity to consult other sampradayas, traditions, sastras, etc.

  In this instruction, Srila Prabhupada states that, "Factually, there are numerous instances when our sannyasis and brahmins have fallen down, often due to insufficient understanding of the philosophy...The problem is that not all devotees are carefully studying the books..." (See below PDF file to read the entire written order to the GBC.)

 As for any present controversy, Srila Prabhupada has already clearly stated that he wanted both men and women disciples to take the Bhadtivedanta exam, as seen in the letters above, and that those who passed could initiate disciples. This avoids consideration of current mundane concepts such as feminism, equal rights or gender, which are the preoccupations of the greater society.

 Therefore, women devotees who are considering the responsibility of accepting disciples should set the proper example and insist on sitting for this exam, along with men devotees. This priviledge has nothing to do with feminism, equal rights or gender, nor with testimonials regarding character or deportment, e.g. ‘no objections’.  It is simply about following Srila Prabhupada's instructions in the matter regarding how one is considered qualified to be a guru for initiating disciples.

  In the 1976 order to the GBC (attached PDF below), His Divine Grace writes, “Anyone wishing to be initiated as a brahmin will have to pass the Bhakishastri exam and anyone wishing to take sannyas will have to pass the Bhaktibaibhava examination as well.  This will prevent our Society from degrading to the level of so many other institutions where, in order to maintain the Temple, they accept all third-class men as brahmins. Any sannyasis or brahmins already initiated who fail to pass the exam will be considered low class or less qualified.” (Ital. & bold, mine.)  Srila Prabhupada goes on to explain the exams would be held once, every year, in Mayapur, in essay form, with authoritative quotations being given a higher score, and no books would be allowed.

  Devotees who have already demonstrated their qualifications for years by doing the work properly, as instructed by Srila Prabhupada, without fall-down or unsteadiness, should be able to continue their services without required examinations, unless they volunteer. However, leaders already in positions of authority and responsibility, such as gurus and sannyasis, with or without any history of spiritual turpitude or immorality, should be given the appropriate examinations expediently, with adequate facility for study.  Henceforward, the examinations should be administered regularly, as required by Srila Prabhupada.

 Of course, there are many, many appropriate questions at different levels, up to the Bhaktivedanta exam, including, for example, from the 26 qualities to the six definitive questions asked Suta Goswami by the sages of Naimisaranya, examples of the pure devotees in each rasa, the catur slokas of the Gita and Bhagavatam, etc.

 It is clear here that instead of background checks, interviews, testimonials, and other protocols used to vet people in ordinary societies, Srila Prabhupada is using these sastric examinations as his vetting process to qualify devotees for various positions of responsibility and trust in Iskcon, including gurus. The instruction states, “Factually, there are numerous instances when our sannyasis and brahmins have fallen down often due to insufficient understanding of the philosophy.” Every attempt must be made to address and alleviate Srila Prabhupada's concerns. As was stated in his order to his GBC, the devotees' lack of sufficient knowledge of sastra "should not be a point of criticism, nor a reason for fall-down".

   In this connection, skipping these exams has undoubtedly fostered the fall-downs and unsteadiness Srila Prabhupada wanted to avoid. There are too many cases of unqualified devotees taking or remaining in positions of trust and leadership in Iskcon for decades, which in turn has bred corruption, hypocrisy, child abuse, confusion, loss of faith, etc.  Fortunately, the first Bhaktishastri exams were given in Mayapur in 1976. But by Mayapur time in 1977, Srila Prabhupada’s illness, in its relentless, increasing severity, had caused much disturbance and apprehension throughout the Society.  Nevertheless, it is clear that the exams were designed by Srila Prabhupada to continue indefinitely.

 The actual certifying process, passing the Bhaktivedanta examination, was required by Srila Prabhupada to become a bona fide guru. Yet, there was also another more advanced examination, the Bhakisarvabhouma, which includes all the previous books in the previous exams, plus the entire Chaitanya Charitamrita. This illustrates that passing the Bhaktivedanta exam to qualify one to take disciples is not the end of bhaktimarg.

 There is no instruction from Srila Prabhupada that any devotees, including female devotees, who passed the Bhaktivedanta exam, had to be further qualified by anyone, including the GBC. The GBC could recognize individuals with a diploma, and those devotees with exceptionally high scores might receive formal  recognition, with “honors”-- similar to what Srila Prabhupada mentioned in his 1976 order to the GBC.

 His instructions to "All Governing Body Commissioners" did not expire, nor was it superseded by any of his instructions to them at the final full GBC meeting on May 28, 1977 (during which, for example, he appointed the GBC members for life, cancelling any need for elections, as detailed in the original DOM; made new appointments; worked out BBT details with some members, etc.)

 In conclusion, on the one hand, compromising or postponing Srila Prabhupada’s order for continuous examinations to qualify for leadership in Iskcon, both male and female devotees, is notably tantamount to the offense to the Holy Name, “neglecting the orders of the spiritual master.”

 On the other hand, how can it be doubted that if the examinations Srila Prabhupada insisted upon are faithfully executed throughout Iskcon, without unnecessary postponement or excuses, then future risk of rife, turmoil, disappointment and loss of faith can be avoided, and the rule of law, order and justice can be assured. Subsequently, unrequited love for the purity of the mission still in the hearts of many followers of Srila Prabhupada, will be recognized, addressed and hopefully, at least, somewhat mitigated.

 The Bhaktivedanta examination, for the purpose of qualifying as an initiating guru, should be offered to all of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples, within or without the jurisdiction of Iskcon, because Iskcon is intended to be an educational institution.  It is clear from Srila Prabhupada’s explanations that he had firm faith that a working knowledge of the sastra which he translated would prevent unsteadiness and fall-downs.  Most notably, other than his own exceptions, he considered no other options or alternatives to these exams for both certifying and identifying qualified devotees.

  In any case, a distinction is becoming more and more apparent between the present Iskcon policies and practices and the original Hare Krishna Movement Srila Prabhupada-vapu presided over until 1977.  Any means for clarifying the teachings of Srila Prabhupada-vani, as they are, directly to the world, continues to present an open challenge for many faithful followers.  Hare Krishna, and all glories to Srila Prabhupada! 

Humbly submitted to all interested parties, Rupanuga das, ACBSP

(C). January 2023

rupanugadas66@hotmail.com

COMMENTS & INQUIRIES WELCOME

Those sincere souls who have been submitting for decades to disciples of Srila Prabhupada as spiritual masters, only to be disappointed, need not leave the proven path of Bhakti as revealed by Srila Prabhupada (who is not at all at fault). Because of such disappointments, one may have doubts about success in Krsna consciousness. But the path is not to be abandoned. Instead, under the complete shelter of Srila Prabhupada one will be saved for sure from material existence.

There is no need to get initiated again and again. One can take complete shelter of Srila Prabhupada and the Holy Name, Nama Prabhu. Nama Rupe is independent, as confirmed in Caitanya-caritamrta Madhya lila, Chapter 15, verses 106 through 111 with purports, a MUST READ carefully.  They can be read below. These verses and purports clearly indicate that a sincere soul, initiated or not, can take shelter of Srila Prabhupada-vani and Lord Krsna, the Holy Name, directly. 

CAITANYA CARITAMRTA, Madhya-lila, Ch. 15

                                                             TEXT 106

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu replied, "Whoever chants the holy name of Krsna just once is worshipable and is the topmost human being."

                                                             PURPORT

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura says that simply by chanting the holy name of Krsna once, a person becomes perfect. Such a person is understood to be a Vaisnava. With such faith and belief, one may begin a life of Krsna consciousness, but an ordinary person cannot chant the holy name of Krsna with such faith. This is confirmed by Srila Rupa Gosvami in Upadesamrta: krsneti yasya giri tam manasadriyeta. One should accept the holy name of Krsna to be identical with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Transcendence Himself. The holy name is also identical with Krsna and is cintamani. The name Krsna is personification of sound perfectly transcendental and eternally liberated from material contamination. One should understand that the name Krsna and Krsna are identical. Having such faith, one must continue to chant the holy name. When one is situated on the neophyte platform, one cannot understand the devotional ingredients of a pure, unalloyed devotee. However, when the novice engages in devotional service--especially in Deity worship--and follows the order of a bona fide spiritual master, he becomes a pure devotee. Anyone can take advantage of hearing about Krsna consciousness from a pure devotee and thus gradually become purified.

A devotee who believes that the holy name of the Lord is identical with the Lord is a pure devotee, even though he may be in the neophyte stage. By his association, others may also become Vaisnavas.

                                                          TEXT 107

"Simply by chanting the holy name of Krsna, one is relieved from all the reactions of a sinful life.  One can complete the nine processes of devotional service simply by chanting the holy name."

                                                         PURPORT

The nine types of devotional service are mentioned in Srimad-Bhagavatam (7.5.23)

[sravanam kirtanam...]

These are the activities of hearing, chanting, remembering, serving, worshiping, praying, obeying, maintaining friendship and surrendering everything.  As far as chanting the holy name of Krsna is concerned, one can be freed from all sinful reactions by chanting the holy name without committing offenses.  If one chants offenselessly, he may be saved from all sinful reactions.  It is very important in devotional service to chant the holy name of the Lord without committing offenses.  The nine devotional processes such as sravana and kirtana can all be attained at once if one simply chants the holy name of the Lord offenselessly.

In this regard, Srila Jiva Gosvami states in his book "Bhakti-sandarbha" (173): yadyapi anya bhaktih kalau kartavya, tada kirtanakhya-bhakti-samyogenaiva.  Out of the nine processes of devotional service, kirtana is very important.  Srila Jiva Gosvami therefore instructs that the other processes, such as arcana, vandana, dasya and sakhya, should be executed, but they must be preceded and followed by kirtana, the chanting of the holy name.  We have therefore introduced this system in all of our centers.  Arcana, arati, bhoga offering, Deity dressing and decoration are all preceded and followed by the chanting of the holy name of the Lord -- Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

                                                     TEXT 108

"One does not have to undergo initiation or execute the activities required before initiation.  One simply has to vibrate the holy name with his lips.  Thus even a man in the lowest class [candala] can be delivered.

                                                    PURPORT

... [pg.57, first printing] ... the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra is so powerful that it does not depend on official initiation, but if one is initiated and engages in pancaratra-vidhi (Deity worship), his Krsna consciusness will awaken very soon, and his identification with the material world will be vanquished.  The more one is freed from material identification, the more one can realize that the spirit soul is qualitatively as good as the Supreme Soul.  At such a time, when one is situated on the absolute platform, he can understand that the holy name of the Lord and the Lord Himself are identical.  At that stage of realization, the holy name of the Lord, the Hare Krsna mantra, cannot be identified with any material sound.  If one accepts the Hare Krsna maha-mantra as a material vibration, he falls down.  One should worship and chant the holy name of the Lord by accepting it as the Lord Himself.  One should therefore be initiated properly according to revealed scriptures under the direction of a bona fide spiritual master.  Although chanting the holy name is good for both the conditioned and liberated soul, it is especially beneficial to the conditioned soul because by chanting it one is liberated.  When a person who chants the holy name is liberated, he attains the ultimate perfection by returning home, back to Godhead.  

In the words of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta (Adi 7.73):

"Simply by chanting the holy name of Krsna one can obtain freedom from material existence.  Indeed, simply by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra one will be able to see the lotus feet of the Lord."

The offenseless chanting of the holy name does not depend on the initiation process.  Although initiation may depend on purascarya or purascarana, the actual chanting of the holy name does not depend on purascarya-vidhi, or the regulative principles.  If one chants the holy name once without committing an offense, he attains all success.  During the chanting of the holy name, the tongue must work.  Simply by chanting the holy name, one is immediately delivered.  The tongue is sevonmukha-jihva -- it is controlled by service.  One whose tongue is engaged in tasting material things and also talking about them cannot use the tongue for absolute realization.

[atah...]

According to Caitanya-caritamrta (Madhya 17.134):

"With these material senses, one cannot understand the transcendental holy name of the Lord or His form, activities and pastimes.  However, when one actually engages in devotional service, utilizing the tongue, the Lord is revealed."

                                                         TEXT 109

"By chanting the holy name of the Lord, one dissolves his entanglement in material activities.  After this, one becomes very much attracted to Krsna, and thus dormant love for Krsna is awakened."

                                                          TEXT 110

" 'The holy name of Lord Krsna is an attractive feature for many saintly, liberal people.  It is the annihilator of all sinful reactions and is so powerful that save for the dumb who cannot chant it, it is readily available to everyone, including the lowest type of man, the candala.  The holy name of Krsna is the controller of the opulence of liberation, and it is identical with Krsna.  Simply by touching the holy name with one's tongue, immediate effects are produced.  Chanting the holy name does not depend on initiation, pious activities or purascarya regulative principles generally observed before initiation.  The holy name does not wait for all these activities.  It is self-sufficient.' "

                                                         PURPORT

This verse is found in the "Padyavali" (29) by Rupa Gosvami.

                                                          TEXT 111

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu then finally advised, "One who is chanting the Hare Krsna mantra is understood to be a Vaisnava; therefore, you should offer all respects to him."

                                                         PURPORT

In his "Upadesamrta", Srila Rupa Gosvami states:  Krsneti yasya giri tam manasadriyeta diksasti cet.  An advanced devotee should respect a person who has been initiated by a bona fide spiritual master and who is situated on the transcendental platform, chanting the holy name with faith and obeisances and following the instructions of the spiritual master.  Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura comments that serving Vaisnavas is most important for householders.  Whether a Vaisnava is properly initiated or not is not a subject for consideration.  One may be initiated and yet contaminated by the Mayavad philosophy, but a person who chants the holy name of the Lord offenselessly will not be so contaminated.  A properly initiated Vaisnava may be imperfect, but one who chants the holy name of the Lord offenselessly is all-perfect.  Although he may apparently be a neophyte, he still has to be considered a pure unalloyed Vaisnava.  It is the duty of the householder to offer respects to such an unalloyed Vaisnava.  This is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's instruction.