The meaning of NIYAMAGRAHA in terms of EMERGENCY Ritvik Initiations
BY: MAHESH RAJA
6. September 2014 by Prabhupada News — The meaning of NIYAMAGRAHA in terms of EMERGENCY Ritvik Initiations
“A devotee should have intelligence to know who is deviating. SURRENDER BY YOUR INTELLIGENCE BUT DON’T SURRENDER YOUR INTELLIGENCE.” (SP to Bali Mardana, 1974)Note: In Srila Prabhupada’s books BRAHMANA IS A PRIEST. A Brahmana is QUALIFIED to ACT in the ROLE OF PRIEST (Ritvik) to conduct FORMALITY “THAT IS NOT VERY IMPORTANT THING.” RITVIK Initiation is ABOUT FORMALITY INITIATION – that is ALL IT IS!
SB 1.7.44 The Son of Drona Punished
Dhanur-veda, or military science, was taught by Dronacarya with all its confidential secrets of throwing and controlling by Vedic hymns. Gross military science is dependent on material weapons, but finer than that is the art of throwing the arrows saturated with Vedic hymns, which act more effectively than gross material weapons like machine guns or atomic bombs. The control is by Vedic mantras, or the transcendental science of sound. It is said in the Ramayana that Maharaja Dasaratha, the father of Lord Sri Rama, used to control arrows by sound only. He could pierce his target with his arrow by only hearing the sound, without seeing the object. So this is a finer military science than that of the gross material military weapons used nowadays. Arjuna was taught all this, and therefore Draupadi wished that Arjuna feel obliged to Acarya Drona for all these benefits. And in the absence of Dronacarya, his son was his representative. That was the opinion of the good lady Draupadi. It may be argued why Dronacarya, a rigid brahmana, should be a teacher in military science. But the reply is that a brahmana should become a teacher, regardless of what his department of knowledge is. A LEARNED BRAHMANA SHOULD BECOME A TEACHER, A PRIEST AND A RECIPIENT OF CHARITY. A BONA FIDE BRAHMANA IS AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT SUCH PROFESSIONS.761016iv.cha Conversation Interviewer: What is the procedure of the movement? Do you initiate yourself all the disciples or do your other disciples also do that? Prabhupada: WELL, INITIATION OR NO INITIATION, FIRST THING IS KNOWLEDGE. (BREAK) …KNOWLEDGE. INITIATION IS FORMALITY. JUST LIKE YOU GO TO A SCHOOL FOR KNOWLEDGE, AND ADMISSION IS FORMALITY. THAT IS NOT VERY IMPORTANT THING.
Note: the holy name HAS ALREADY BEING GIVEN BY SRILA PRABHUPADA the ONE INITIATOR – just needs FORMALITY as Srila Prabhupada states like a SCHOOL ADMISSION:JUST LIKE YOU GO TO A SCHOOL FOR KNOWLEDGE, AND ADMISSION IS FORMALITY. THAT IS NOT VERY IMPORTANT THING.
In the school YOU GO FOR KNOWLEDGE but ADMISSION IS PART OF FORMALITY. 1ST AND 2ND INITIATIONS ARE FORMALITES AND IN STAGE OF MADHYAMA ADHIKARI HE SEES GOD THAT IS NOT FORMALITY – THAT IS KNOWLEDGE. OBJECTIVE is to get KNOWLEDGE our SVARUPA constitutional position SO WE CAN SEE GOD AND SERVE HIM IN OUR SVARUPA DASYA-SERVANT SAKHYA-FRIEND ETC.
68-03-06. Letter: Andrea Temple
Yes, whoever you tell the chant to, it is effective. You have heard it from me and my disciples, similarly I have heard it from my Guru Maharaja, and so on, and on. Because you have heard it from a pure devotee of the Lord, therefore it is transmitted from you to another. Just as an aerial message, is transmitted from one place to another, similarly, this Guru parampara system is working. MY DISCIPLES ARE MY AGENTS, MY REPRESENTATIVES, SO BY HEARING IT FROM THEM, YOU ARE RECEIVING IT FROM ME. AND BECAUSE YOU ARE A SINCERE SOUL, THOSE WHO ARE HEARING THE MANTRA FROM YOU ARE RECEIVING IT IN DISCIPLIC SUCCESSION, FROM LORD CAITANYA AND FROM LORD KRISHNA.
Note: If the city church/temple/mosque/synagogue is bombed and no QUALIFIED priest is there does it mean there should be no marriage at all? Do you take the priest home WITH YOU AFTER YOUR MARRIAGE TO LIVE WITH YOU FOREVER?
1st and 2nd initiations are JUST FORMALITIES. Common-sense! Priest (Ritvik) is REQUIRED FOR FORMALIZATION IN SOCIETY it is a CEREMONY – THAT IS ALL! In this case, THIS IS FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF 1ST AND 2ND INITIATIONS. F-O-R-M-A-L-I-T-Y. You can NOT say NO PRIEST. The SOCIETY REQUIRES PRIEST. Priest Ritvik (Brahmana) has got FUNCTIONALITY IN HUMAN SOCIETY. Ritvik has ALWAYS been in Vedic society for PARTICULAR FUNCTIONS. If there is NO Brahmana priest (Ritvik) then where is Daivi Varnasrama? ALL the varnas ARE REQUIRED for the Daivi Varnasrama TO FUNCTION. Krsna says in Bhagavad Gita Catur Varna 4 Varnas (F-O-U-R Varnas). Means Brahmana, Ksatriya, Vaisya, Sudra. AND THE –WORK- ASCRIBED TO THEM means RITVIK (priest) Brahmana is EVEN REQUIRED. You can NOT say NO RITVIK. That is BOGUS!
SB 7.11.18-20 The Perfect Society: Four Social Classes
As stated in Bhagavad-gita (4.13), CATUR-VARNYAM maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah: the FOUR DIVISIONS of human society were CREATED BY THE SUPREME LORD ACCORDING TO THE THREE MODES OF MATERIAL NATURE AND THE WORK ASCRIBED TO THEM.
NIYAMAGRAHA in terms of EMERGENCY Ritvik Initiations
CLEARLY this situation is EMERGENCY because the ISKCON temples are occupied by Anti Ritvik THUGS. In EMERGENCY Ritviks CAN be SELECTED by the principle of NIYAMAGRAHA to conduct F-O-R-M-A-L-I-T-Y CEREMONY. PRIESTS are REQUIRED FOR THE CEREMONY. 1977-2014 that Is 37 years! of ANTI RIVTIK SLAVERY MAKING MONEY SCREWING BUNCH OF CROOKS. You can NOT say no emergency. This IS EMERGENCY and NIYAMAGRAHA is that AUTHORIZATION for Ritviks.
660808BG.NY Lectures
Atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpah. Prajalpa means for nothing talking nonsense. People are accustomed to talk so many things unnecessarily just in clubs, amongst friends’ circle, which has no benefit either spiritually or materially. So that sort of talking should be avoided.Atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah. NIYAMAGRAHA MEANS TO STICK TO THE RULES REGULATION. SUPPOSE IN YOUR FAITH OR IN MY FAITH THERE ARE CERTAIN RULES AND REGULATIONS TO BE OBSERVED. BUT IF I GO TO SOME OTHER PLACE WHERE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS CANNOT BE STRICTLY OBSERVED, AND IF I WANT TO OBSERVE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS, THEN MY MAIN BUSINESS IS SUFFERING. SO WE SHOULD NOT STICK TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS. WE SHOULD SEE TO THE BUSINESS.
Just like I am an Indian sannyasi. I have come to your country, at your country. Oh, there are many rules and regulations in India which is different from your rules and regulations. But if I follow, if I stick to rules and regulations of Indian conception, then it is impossible to remain here. So I have to propagate this mission, Krsna consciousness, so I am not so much attached to the rules and regulations, but I am attached to the preaching work. So therefore niyamagraha. Atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah. This four, this niyamagraha, is also against Krsna consciousness. AND NIYAMAGRAHA. AND WHEN YOU ARE IN A QUITE CONVENIENT POSITION, IF YOU DO NOT OBSERVE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS, THAT IS ALSO AGAINST KRSNA CONSCIOUSNESS. Atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah.
And laulyam. Laulyam means greediness. That is against Krsna consciousness. Laulyam, and jana-sangas ca. Jana-sanga means to associate with persons who are not interested in Krsna consciousness. We should avoid. We should avoid association of persons who are not interested in Krsna consciousness. If we make more association with persons who are not interested in Krsna consciousness, then it will go against me.
681129BG.LA Lectures
Similarly there are six things which should be avoided. What are those? Atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah, laulyam jana-sangas ca sadbhir bhaktir vinasyati. Atyahara, too much eating or too much, I mean to say, keeping bank balance or money, or collecting more than the necessities. Atyahara. Generally, too much eating is prohibited. We have to eat simply just to keep the body and soul nicely to execute Krsna consciousness. Atyaharah prayasas ca. Prayasa means taking some risky work which will require too much endeavor. We should avoid that. Atyaharah prayasah, prajalpa, nonsense talking which has no connection with Krsna consciousness. Atyaharah prayasah prajalpo niyamagrahah. Following the rules, but actually I’m not very much careful in executing the work. SO NIYAMAGRAHA. NIYAMAGRAHA MEANS NOT TO ACCEPT THE RULES AND REGULATION, AND ANOTHER MEANING IS SIMPLY TO ACCEPT THE RULES AND REGULATION WITHOUT GOOD EFFECT. Atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah laulyam, greediness, and jana-sangas ca, and associating with nondevotees. These things are against execution of devotional service, and the first thing, the patience, enthusiasm, and confidence, these six things are favorable. So we have to take notice of the don’ts and dos. Then it will be all right. Do this, don’t do this. There are six kinds of “don’t do this,” and six kinds of “do this.” So that will be nice. Yes?660328BG.NY Lectures
Pranasyati means “It is lost.” “The spiritual path is lost by the second six principles.” And what are these? Now, atyahara. Atyahara means to eat more than what you need or to accumulate more than what you need. Ahara means eating, and ahara means accumulation. So, of course, any householder, he requires some deposit in the bank for emergency. That is, of course, allowed for householders. But just for us, we are sannyasi; we are renounced order of… We haven’t got to accumulate any money. You see? That is the system of Indian philosophy. But those who are householder, family men, they may have some deposit for emergency. Otherwise, those who are renounced order, those who are brahmacari, for them to keep money separately for his maintenance or for accumulating bank balance is not allowed. Atyahara. Similarly, ahara, eating. You have to eat only things which can maintain your body properly. Now, say, for human being. Say, human being, the eating things are grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and so many things which are given by God for human eating. So we should be satisfied with those things which are meant for humanity. We should not simply… For the pleasure of the tongue we should not eat anything. That is called atyahara. So atyahara and then prayasa. Prayasa means to labor very hard to achieve a thing. Life should be conducted in such a way that our necessities of life may come not with great effort, easily, easily. We should not encumber ourself, our life, living policy, in an encumbered way. Then our spiritual progress will be hampered. The modern society has practically encumbered the whole human activities, and therefore they have no time for spiritual culture. You see? But the conception of Vedic civilization was that people used to be satisfied on agricultural produce and for three months working during rainy season. So they get some agriculture produce and they used to eat the whole year. So nine months they were free to advance in spiritual culture and only three months they used to work for accumulating their foodstuff. You see? So atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpa. Prajalpa means talking nonsense. We assemble and go on talking for nothing, neither for this life, neither for that life. We should not talk… Suppose if we are gaining something materially, we may go on talking. Or if you are gaining some spiritually, we may talk. But if there is no gain, simply wasting time, that should not be done. Atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah. Niyamagraha means simply to stick up to the rituals. Just like people… In every religion there are some rituals that… In our Hindu religion the people are advised to observe some ceremonies. In every religion the same system is there. They go to temple, you go to church, and the Mohammedans, they go to mosque, and similarly, there are different systems. BUT IF ONE IS SIMPLY STICKING UP TO THE SYSTEM WITHOUT SEEING “HOW MUCH PROGRESS I AM MAKING IN MY LIFE?” THEN THAT IS WASTE OF TIME. THAT IS CALLED NIYAMAGRAHA, SIMPLY OBSERVING THE RULES. AND NIYAMAGRAHA ALSO MEANS THAT YOU SHOULD NOT NEGLECT ALSO THE RULES. YOU SHOULD NOT NEGLECT THE RULES AND REGULATION; AT THE SAME TIME YOU SHOULD NOT STICK UP TO THE RULES AND REGULATION. So atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah laulyam. Laulyam means to be, to be greedy, to be greedy. You should not be greedy, that “I want so much. I want so much. I want so much.” No, not like that. Atyaharah prayasas ca prajalpo niyamagrahah laulyam and jana-sangas ca. Jana-sangas ca means the persons who are not interested in spiritual matter, we should not associate with them. This should be… These are the, these six things, which retrograde the progress of spiritual life, and the other six things which I previously, just moment, I described, they will help us in our progressive life to the spiritual path.should avoid it. We should avoid it.SB 1.17.16 Punishment and Reward of Kali
There are regular scriptural injunctions for different persons engaged in different occupational duties, and one who follows them is called svadharma-stha, or faithful in one’s prescribed duties. In the Bhagavad-gita (18.48) it is advised that one should not give up his occupational prescribed duties, even if they are not always flawless. SUCH SVA-DHARMA MIGHT BE VIOLATED IN CASES OF EMERGENCY, IF ONE IS FORCED BY CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT THEY CANNOT BE VIOLATED IN ORDINARY TIMES. The state executive head is to see that such sva-dharma is not changed by the follower, whatever it may be, and he should give all protection to the follower of sva-dharma. The violator is subject to punishment in terms of the sastra, and the duty of the king is to see that everyone strictly follows his occupational duty, as prescribed in the scripture.SB 4.14.39-40 The Story of King Vena
The saintly persons and great sages killed King Vena out of emergency, but they did not choose to take part in the government in order to subdue the uprising of thieves and rogues, which took place after the death of King Vena. IT IS NOT THE DUTY OF BRAHMANAS AND SAINTLY PERSONS TO KILL, ALTHOUGH THEY MAY SOMETIMES DO SO IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. They could kill all the thieves and rogues by the prowess of their mantras, but they thought it the duty of ksatriya kings to do so. Thus they reluctantly did not take part in the killing business.70-04-21.Sat Letter: Satsvarupa
In the beginning I was seriously corresponding with Indian friends to get some good mrdanga players, but when I found it too difficult to get a man from India some of my students were given the rudimentary lessons in playing and simply by practice they are putting on Sankirtana Party everywhere. MY GURU MAHARAJA USED TO SAY THAT IN A FOREIGN LAND WHERE YOU CANNOT SPEAK THE LANGUAGE WITH THE NATIVES VERY NICELY, WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THERE IS A FIRE IN YOUR HOUSE JUST TO GET THEIR HELP? IN SUCH EMERGENCY ONE HAS TO EXPRESS HIMSELF SOMEHOW OR OTHER TO HIS FOREIGN FRIENDS AND GET THEIR HELP TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. BUT IF HE WANTS TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE FIRST AND THEN TALK WITH THE FOREIGN FRIENDS TO GET HELP, THEN EVERYTHING IN THE MEANTIME WOULD BE FINISHED. Similarly if we have to learn and then paint, it will be a long-term affair. But immediately we want so many pictures for all of our books, so all the artists may always be engaged in painting works and that painting itself will gradually teach them how to make things nice
Note: Selecting a REPRESENTATIVE of Acarya MEANS IDEAL ACARYA-LIKE. WHO is DEVIATING he CAN be REPLACED. Srila Prabhupada SET-UP RITVIK SYSTEM as a FIRST WORKING PRINCIPLE which in the BEGINNING had problems as they were not QUALIFIED (acarya-like). NATURALLY this is EXPECTED. NOW that the MECHANISM (Ritvik System) was IN PLACE. It was SET-UP it NEEDED further UPDATING to make it FIRM with PROPER QUALIFIED ACARYA-LIKE devotees: “IN THE –BEGINNING- WE HAVE DONE *FOR WORKING*. *NOW* WE SHOULD BE VERY CAUTIOUS. ANYONE WHO IS DEVIATING, HE CAN BE REPLACED”.
770528me.vrn Conversations
Tamala Krsna: Of course, if someone has a falldown, just like in the past some GBC men have fallen down…
Prabhupada: He should be replaced.
Tamala Krsna: Then he should be replaced. But that’s a serious falldown, not some minor discrepancy.
Prabhupada: THEY MUST BE ALL IDEAL ACARYA-LIKE. IN THE BEGINNING WE HAVE DONE FOR WORKING. NOW WE SHOULD BE VERY CAUTIOUS. ANYONE WHO IS DEVIATING, HE CAN BE REPLACED.
Srila Prabhupada’s 07-09-77, Letter to All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents:
The name of a newly initiated disciple should be sent by the representative who has accepted him or her to Srila Prabhupada, to be included in His Divine Grace’s “Initiated Disciples” book.
Note: the RITVIK SYSTEM was to CONTINUE. Tamal Krsna is mentioning the book of Initiated disciples that HE MAINTAINED. Tamal Krsna was Srila Prabhupada’s SECRETARY hence Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence was NOT required JUST TO ENTER into the diary the Initiated person’s NAMES – SUCH A MENIAL TASK. The Anti-Riviks say the names were to be sent to Srila Prabhupada so HE CAN ENTER the names and since Srila Prabhupada was no longer PHYSICALLY present it can not be done. THAT – IS JUST THEIR FLIMSY EXCUSE WHICH HOLDS NO GROUND – AT ALL! Here is WHY: Tamala Krsna: YOU KNOW THAT BOOK I’M MAINTAINING. Tamal Krsna was MAINTAINING the book as Srila Prabhupada’s SECRETARY. CLEAR CUT EVIDENCE WHICH DEMOLISHES THE ANTI RITVIK ARGUMENT COMPLETELY.
770707rc.vrn
Tamala Krsna: These men, they can also do second initiation. So there’s no need for devotees to write to you for first and second initiation. They can write to the man nearest them. BUT ALL THESE PERSONS ARE STILL YOUR DISCIPLES. ANYBODY WHO GIVES INITIATION IS DOING SO ON YOUR BEHALF.
Prabhupada: YES.Tamala Krsna: YOU KNOW THAT BOOK I’M MAINTAINING OF ALL OF YOUR DISCIPLES’ NAMES? SHOULD I CONTINUE THAT?
PRABHUPADA: HM. (meaning YES you can check the tape)
Note: ONE WHO IS INITIATED IS AUTHORIZED, AND ONE WHO IS NOT INITIATED IS NOT AUTHORIZED
68-11-14. Letter: Satsvarupa
Yes, there is definitely a vast difference between initiated and non-initiated. ONE WHO IS INITIATED IS AUTHORIZED, AND ONE WHO IS NOT INITIATED IS NOT AUTHORIZED. JUST LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, PRADYUMNA IS ATTENDING CLASS IN SANSKRIT IN A COLLEGE, HE IS GIVEN CHANCE TO LEARN SANSKRIT, BUT HE IS NOT EQUAL WITH THE REGULAR STUDENTS. ONE WHO BECOMES INITIATED IS CHANNELIZED TO THE AUTHORITIES IN THE DISCIPLIC SUCCESSION. One who isn’t initiated may chant Hare Krishna (and should certainly be encouraged to do so) and serve in his own way, and gradually by doing so he may want to be initiated. But otherwise he may fall away from following the rules and regulations.
Note: THE CHANTING HARE KRISHNA IS OUR MAIN BUSINESS, THAT IS REAL INITIATION. CEREMONY HAS VALUE
68-08-19. Letter: Tamala Krsna
About my coming to San Francisco, I have already written to Jayananda. I am always hankering after going there, but because there are some other program, immediately, so please ask all the devotees on my behalf to wait and in the meantime, enjoy chanting Hare Krishna. THE CHANTING HARE KRISHNA IS OUR MAIN BUSINESS, THAT IS REAL INITIATION. AND AS YOU ARE ALL FOLLOWING MY INSTRUCTION, IN THAT MATTER, THE INITIATOR IS ALREADY THERE. NOW THE NEXT INITIATION WILL BE PERFORMED AS A CEREMONY OFFICIALLY, OF COURSE THAT CEREMONY HAS VALUE BECAUSE THE NAME, HOLY NAME, WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE STUDENT FROM THE DISCIPLIC SUCCESSION, IT HAS GOT VALUE, BUT IN SPITE OF THAT, AS YOU ARE GOING ON CHANTING,
Note: CHOOSING Ritvik Representative. Ritvik is a PRIEST it is about USING YOUR INTELLIGENCE just like you have to be INTELLIGENT ENOUGH to DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE KANISTHA-ADHIKARI, MADHYAMA-ADHIKARI AND UTTAMA-ADHIKARI. You are SELECTING a RITVIK (PRIEST) REPRESENTATIVE OF ACARYA WITH ACARYA-LIKE QUALITY:
NoI 5 -- IN THIS VERSE SRILA RUPA GOSVAMI ADVISES THE DEVOTEE TO BE INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE KANISTHA-ADHIKARI, MADHYAMA-ADHIKARI AND UTTAMA-ADHIKARI. The devotee should also know his own position and should not try to imitate a devotee situated on a higher platform. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has given some practical hints to the effect that an uttama-adhikari Vaisnava can be recognized by his ability to convert many fallen souls to Vaisnavism. One should not become a spiritual master unless he has attained the platform of uttama-adhikari. A neophyte Vaisnava or a Vaisnava situated on the intermediate platform can also accept disciples, but such disciples must be on the same platform, and it should be understood that they cannot advance very well toward the ultimate goal of life under his insufficient guidance. Therefore a disciple should be careful to accept an uttama-adhikari as a spiritual master.
Ritvik– **representative** of the acarya, FOR THE PURPOSE OF performing initiations, both first initiation and second initiation.
Note the word *representative* indicated below which was ALSO mentioned in July 9th 1977 directive.
Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya 24.330:
“Similarly, a disciple’s qualifications must be observed by the spiritual master before he is accepted as a disciple. In our Krsna consciousness movement, the requirement is that one must be prepared to give up the four pillars of sinful life-illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication and gambling. In Western countries especially, we first observe whether a potential disciple is prepared to follow the regulative principles. Then he is given the name of a Vaisnava servant and initiated to chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, at least sixteen rounds daily. In this way the disciple renders devotional service under the guidance of the spiritual master OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE for at least six months to a year. He is then recommended for a second initiation, during which a sacred thread is offered and the disciple is accepted as a bona fide brahmana.”
Srila Prabhupada’s 07-09-77, Letter to All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents:
“Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Recently when all of the GBC members were with His Divine Grace in Vrndavana, Srila Prabhupada indicated that soon He would appoint some of His senior disciples to act as “ritvik–representative of the acarya, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PERFORMING INITIATIONS, BOTH FIRST INITIATION AND SECOND INITIATION. His Divine Grace has so far given a list of eleven disciples who will act in that capacity:
His Holiness Kirtanananda Swami His Holiness Satsvarupa dasa Gosvami His Holiness Jayapataka Swami His Holiness Tamala Krsna Gosvami His Holiness Hrdayananda Gosvami His Holiness Bhavananda Gosvami His Holiness Hamsaduta Swami His Holiness Ramesvara Swami His Holiness Harikesa Swami His Grace Bhagavan dasa Adhikari His Grace Jayatirtha dasa Adhikari
In the past Temple Presidents have written to Srila Prabhupada recommending a particular devotee’s initiation. Now that Srila Prabhupada has named these representatives, Temple Presidents may henceforward send recommendation for first and second initiation to whichever of these eleven representatives ARE NEAREST THEIR TEMPLE. After considering the recommendation, these representatives may accept the devotee as an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupad by giving a spiritual name, or in the case of second initiation, by chanting on the Gayatri thread, just as Srila Prabhupada has done. The newly initiated devotees are disciples of his divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta swami Prabhupad, the above eleven senior devotees acting as His representative. After the Temple President receives a letter from these representatives giving the spiritual name or the thread, he can perform the fire yajna in the temple as was being done before. The name of a newly initiated disciple should be sent by the representative who has accepted him or her to Srila Prabhupada, to be included in His Divine Grace’s “Initiated Disciples” book.
(Srila Prabhupada’s signature appears in the original)
Note further analysis:
http://www.iskcon-truth.com/ritvik-letter-july9th.html
This July 9th 1977 letter was never revoked by Srila Prabhupada. This being the case, all the newly initiated devotees are disciples of his Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for as long as ISKCON exists.
A History below was compiled by another devotee which shows Srila Prabhupada’s intentions.
History:
July 9th, 1977 – “Now that Srila Prabhupada has named these representatives, Temple Presidents may henceforward send recommendation for first and second initiation to whichever of these eleven representatives are nearest their temple. After considering the recommendation, these representatives may accept the devotee as an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada by giving a spiritual name, or in the case of second initiation, by chanting on the Gayatri thread, just as Srila Prabhupada has done. The newly initiated devotees are disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, the above eleven senior devotees acting as His representative.”
(Srila Prabhupada’s final signed Directive describing the initiation system to be followed in ISKCON, sent to all GBC’s and Temple Presidents)
July 11th, 1977 – “A letter has been sent to all the Temple Presidents and GBC which you should be receiving soon describing the process for initiation to be followed in the future. Srila Prabhupada has appointed thus far eleven representatives who will initiate new devotees on His behalf.”
(Letter from Tamala Krishna Goswami to Kirtananda describing the above system) July 19th, 1977 – “Make your own field and continue to be Ritvik and act on my charge.” (Room Conversation, above dictated by Srila Prabhupada to his secretary Tamala Krishna Goswami)
July 31st, 1977 – “Make your own field and continue to become ritvik and act on my behalf.”
(Above dictation sent out to Hamsaduta Swami by Tamala Krishna Goswami in a letter) Nov 1977 – “The system of management will continue as it is now and there is no need of any change.”
(Srila Prabhupada’s Last Will and Testament, which now comes into force for the lifetime of ISKCON)
Nov 1977 – “In the event of death or failure to act for any reason of any of the said directors, a successor director or directors may be appointed by the remaining directors, provided the new director is my initiated disciple …”
(Srila Prabhupada’s Last Will and Testament, which now comes into force for the lifetime of ISKCON. The above system of selecting directors can only work if Srila Prabhupada’s initiated disciples exist throughout ISKCON’s lifetime.)
Note: if there is NO INITIATED disciple of Srila Prabhupada the Will can NOT exist for the FUTURE GENERATIONS hence, you NEED the Ritvik System with Representative OF Acarya Srila Prabhupada as per July 9th 1977 Order. THAT is the SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT: THE SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT WILL CONTINUE AS IT IS NOW AND THERE IS NO NEED OF ANY CHANGE. Without the INITIATED disciples of Srila Prabhupada there is NO WAY the Will can continue for the FUTURE Generations.
DECLARATION OF WILL
I, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acarya of the International Society for Krishna consciousness, Settlor of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and disciple of Om Visnupada 108 Sri Srimad Bhaktsiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvama Maharaja Prabhupada, presently residing at Sri Krsna-Balarama Mandir in Vrndavana, make this my last will:
The executive directors who have herein been designated are appointed for life. In the event of death or failure to act for any reason of any of the said directors, a successor director or directors may be appointed by the remaining directors, PROVIDED THE NEW DIRECTOR IS MY INITIATED DISCIPLE FOLLOWING STRICTLY ALL THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS AS DETAILED IN MY BOOKS, AND PROVIDED THAT THERE ARE NEVER LESS THAN THREE (3) OR MORE THAN FIVE (5) EXEUTIVE DIRECTORS ACTING AT ONE TIME.
Note: Brahmana is PRIEST (Ritvik) for the SPECIFIC “FOR THE PURPOSE OF PERFORMING INITIATIONS, BOTH FIRST INITIATION AND SECOND INITIATION.”
Brahmana (Kanistha Adhikari)
SB 1.2.17 T Divinity and Divine Service
śṛṇvatāṁ sva-kathāḥ kṛṣṇaḥ - puṇya-śravaṇa-kīrtanaḥ
hṛdy antaḥ-stho hy abhadrāṇi - vidhunoti suhṛt satām
Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the TRUTHFUL DEVOTEE, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.
Nectar of Instruction 5:
The kanistha-adhikari is a neophyte who has received the hari-nama initiation from the spiritual master and IS TRYING TO CHANT THE HOLY NAME OF KRSNA. One should respect such a person within his mind as a kanistha-vaisnava. A madhyama-adhikari has received spiritual initiation from the spiritual master and has been fully engaged by him in the transcendental loving service of the Lord.Note: Kanistha adhikari is QUALIFIED BRAHMANA. Even such a person is TRYING to chant so when we speak of ACTUALLY chanting and Krishna dancing on our tongues it is on the Vaisnava platform that BEGINS at Madhyama Adhikari who CAN SEE the SUPREME LORD – Isvara.
Note: Madhyama can SEE Isvara, the Supreme Lord THERE IS NO MORE THEORETICAL.
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In the madhyama-adhikari he can see four things. What is that? Four things means, FIRST OF ALL THE SUPREME LORD, ISVARA, THE CONTROLLER, HE CAN SEE. He can see means he understands, he appreciates, he can conceive, “Yes, the Supreme Lord is there”. THERE IS NO MORE THEORETICAL.
Prabhupada: KANISTHA-ADHIKARI MEANS HE MUST BE A BRAHMANA. THAT IS KANISTHA-ADHIKARI. The spiritual life, kanistha-adhikari, means he must be a QUALIFIED brahmana. That is kanistha. What is esteemed as very high position in the material world, brahmana, that is kanistha-adhikari.
arcāyām eva haraye - pūjāṁ yaḥ śraddhayehate
na tad-bhakteṣu cānyeṣu - sa bhaktaḥ prākṛtaḥ smṛtaḥ
The brahmana means from the material stage gradually he is elevated to the spiritual stage. AND BELOW THE BRAHMANA THERE IS NO QUESTION OF VAISNAVA.
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Dayananda: Even the jnanis and yogis become… Prabhupada: What is these jnanis? They are also another rascal, another edition of rascals. Bahunam janmanam ante jnanavan mam prapadyate. Therefore so-called jnanis, after many, many births’ practical realization, they surrender to Krsna. Vasudevah sarvam iti sa mahatma. Then he understands that Krsna is everything. But such great person is very, very rare. Sa mahatma sudurlabhah, very, very rare. Dayananda: But what about the persons who may be a little bit devoted but who have not achieved that unalloyed devotion? Prabhupada: KANISTHA-ADHIKARI. THEY ARE NOT DEVOTEES, BUT THEY ARE CALLED BHAKTABHASA. THERE IS SOME SIGNS OF BHAKTI. ACTUALLY THEY ARE NOT BHAKTA. BHAKTABHASA. ABHASA. ABHASA MEANS A SIMPLE, A LITTLE LIGHT. Hrdayananda: So devotee really means one who has love for Krsna. Prabhupada: Yes, unalloyed, without any condition. Anyabhilasita-sunyam, zero, all other, that “I am this, I am that, I am jnani, I am yogi, I am karmi, I am minister, I am king”–all these are thinking like that, they’re all nonsense. “I am servant of Krsna”–that is greatness. Jivera svarupa haya nitya-krsna-dasa. That is self-realization, atma-tattvam.SB 1.2.20 P Divinity and Divine Service
The very same thing is confirmed herein in the above words. No ordinary man, or even one who has attained success in human life, can know scientifically or perfectly the Personality of Godhead. Perfection of human life is attained when one can understand that he is not the product of matter but is in fact spirit. And as soon as one understands that he has nothing to do with matter, he at once ceases his material hankerings and becomes enlivened as a spiritual being. This attainment of success is possible when one is above the modes of passion and ignorance, or, in other words, when one is actually a brahmana by qualification. A BRAHMANA IS THE SYMBOL OF SATTVA-GUNA , OR THE MODE OF GOODNESS. AND OTHERS, WHO ARE NOT IN THE MODE OF GOODNESS, ARE EITHER KSATRIYAS, VAISYAS, SUDRAS OR LESS THAN THE SUDRAS. THE BRAHMINICAL STAGE IS THE HIGHEST STAGE OF HUMAN LIFE BECAUSE OF ITS GOOD QUALITIES. SO ONE CANNOT BE A DEVOTEE UNLESS ONE AT LEAST QUALIFIES AS A BRAHMANA. The devotee is already a brahmana by action. But that is not the end of it. AS REFERRED TO ABOVE, SUCH A BRAHMANA HAS TO BECOME A VAISNAVA IN FACT TO BE ACTUALLY IN THE TRANSCENDENTAL STAGE. A PURE VAISNAVA IS A LIBERATED SOUL AND IS TRANSCENDENTAL EVEN TO THE POSITION OF A BRAHMANA. IN THE MATERIAL STAGE EVEN A BRAHMANA IS ALSO A CONDITIONED SOUL BECAUSE ALTHOUGH IN THE BRAHMINICAL STAGE THE CONCEPTION OF BRAHMAN OR TRANSCENDENCE IS REALIZED, SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUPREME LORD IS LACKING. ONE HAS TO SURPASS THE BRAHMINICAL STAGE AND REACH THE VASUDEVA STAGE TO UNDERSTAND THE PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD KRSNA.Madhya 20.59 Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Instructs Sanatana Gosvami in the Science
PURPORT This verse is spoken by Prahlada Maharaja in Srimad-Bhagavatam (7.9.10). A brahmana is supposed to be qualified with twelve qualities. As stated in the Mahabharata:
dharmaś ca satyaṁ ca damas tapaś ca - amātsaryaṁ hrīs titikṣānasūyā
yajñaś ca dānaṁ ca dhṛtiḥ śrutaṁ ca - vratāni vai dvādaśa brāhmaṇasya
“A brahmana must be perfectly religious. He must be truthful, and he must be able to control his senses. He must execute severe austerities, and he must be detached, humble and tolerant. He must not envy anyone, and he must be expert in performing sacrifices and giving whatever he has in charity. He must be fixed in devotional service and expert in the knowledge of the Vedas. These are the twelve qualifications for a brahmana.”
Bhagavad-gita describes the brahminical qualities in this way:
śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ - kṣāntir ārjavam eva ca
jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ - brahma-karma svabhāva-jam
“Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, and religiousness–these are the qualities by which the brahmanas work.” (Bg. 18.42)
In the Muktaphala-tika, it is said:
śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ - kṣānty-ārjava-virakta yaḥ
jñāna-vijñāna-santoṣāḥ - satyāstikye dviṣaḍ guṇāḥ
“Mental equilibrium, sense control, austerity, cleanliness, tolerance, simplicity, detachment, theoretical and practical knowledge, satisfaction, truthfulness and firm faith in the Vedas are the twelve qualities of a brahmana.
Note: I am not the body is a very good slogan but when someone is sarcastic towards my body, mind, intelligence – then – I am the body. Then we dispatch our anger on the opponent. Contrast that with below:
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SO FIRST OF ALL, WE HAVE TO BECOME BRAHMANA. THEN VAISNAVA. BRAHMANA SIMPLY KNOWS THAT “I AM SPIRIT SOUL,” AHAM BRAHMASMI. BRAHMA JANATI ITI BRAHMANA. BRAHMA-BHUTAH PRASANNATMA. BY SUCH KNOWLEDGE ONE BECOMES PRASANNATMA. Means relieved. As you feel relief… When there is burden on your head, and the burden is taken away you feel relieved, similarly, this ignorance that “I am this body” is a great burden, a burden upon us. So when you get out of this burden, then you feel relieved. BRAHMA-BHUTAH PRASANNATMA. MEANS WHEN ACTUALLY ONE UNDERSTANDS THAT “I AM NOT THIS BODY; I AM SOUL,” then he has to work so hard for maintaining this body, so he gets relief that “Why I am working so hard for this lump of material things? Let me execute my real necessity of life, spiritual life.” That is great relief. That is great relief. Brahma-bhutah prasannatma na socati na kanksati.
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