Srila Prabhupada's Perfect and Natural Arrangement for the
Simple System of Initiation into the Krsna Consciousness Movement.
a
"The Guru is not a mortal, erring creature like ourselves. He is eternal Servant of Sri Krishna Whom He sends into this world for the deliverance of fallen souls. He comes into this world on this "Mission of Causeless Divine Mercy" in order to help us to rise, out of the depths of sin to our natural state of absolute purity, by methods which are perfectly consistent with the principles of our really unbiased reason. So long as we refuse to listen to him we are doomed to misunderstand everything." (SBSST)
Vaikunthanatha (ACBSP): In 1972, when Srila Prabhupada gave a series of lectures on The Nectar of Devotion for one month in Vrindavana, a thought was plaguing me. When I first joined, I'd been taught that the parampara-system is like a chain, and if you're not initiated, if you're not initiated, if you're not linked up to this chain, then you can't go back to Godhead. I thought, "We're distributing so many books, but if the people who read them are not initiated, then they can't go back to Godhead". So, one day I followed Srila Prabhupada from Rupa Goswami's samadhi, where he lectured, and just before Srila Prabhupada stepped onto his courtyard, I said, "Srila Prabhupada, we're distributing so many books but if people aren't initiated, then they can't go back to Godhead". Srila Prabhupada turned, looked me right in the eyes and said, "Just by reading my books they are initiated". I thought, "That is an incredible example of compassion".
"Diksa is the process by which one can awaken his transcendental knowledge and vanquish all reactions caused by sinful activity. A person expert in the study of the revealed scriptures knows this process as diksa." CC: Madhya Lila 15:108
The above statements are not hyperbole by our Acharyas. These two statements are acknowledged as objective reality. The assignation of such value to the spiritual master - rendering the Guru as "worshipable" is established by none other than the Supreme Lord - Lord Sri Krsna - Himself.
His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada asserts this in total - in the following offering delivered in 1936 as his Vyasa Puja offering of glorification of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur on his appearance day. It is found here - http://www.gosai.com/chaitanya/srila_sridhara_mj/sri_guru/sri_guru_pref.html
In the following essay SBSST explains in detail - all the essential details concerning initiation in Krsna Consciousness under the guidance of the Bonafide Spiritual Master. It can be found here:
http://www.gosai.com/chaitanya/srila_sridhara_mj/sri_guru/sri_guru_pref.html
The presentation of the facts - as they pertain to The Spiritual Master and how we are able to access his guidance and Mercy are perfectly facilitated in the arrangements of the Founder Acharya for ISKCON - Srila Prabhupada. Carefully read them below and you will see the simplicity and ease with which Srila Prabhuapda set about arranging for the whole world to come under the shelter of our Spotless Parampara descending from Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!
Srila Prabhupada's instructions on initiation are in perfect harmony with both his own essay and the essay on initiation by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Srila Prabhupada. They are as follows:
Original Letter Of July 9, 1977
Letter to: All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents
Vrindaban
9 July, 1977
77-07-09
To All G.B.C., and Temple Presidents
Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,
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 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. 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.
Hoping this finds you all well.
Your servant,
Tamala Krsna Gosvami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
Approved:(signed) A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
(Prabhupada signature appears on the original)
Conclusion:
This is the conclusory communiqué to all temples presidents and GBC's on the subject of future initiations/gurus in ISKCON after Prabhupada leaves his body. These instructions were sent after several GBC meetings during the previous month specifically on this subject.
The specific word "henceforward" has only one meaning, viz. "from now on" or "from this time forward". This is both according to Srila Prabhupada's own previous usage of the word and the meaning ascribed to it by the English Language. Unlike other words, the word henceforward is unambiguous since it only possesses one dictionary definition.
The word "henceforward" does not mean "from now onwards until I depart". It simply means "from now onwards". There is no mention in the letter that the system should stop on Srila Prabhupada's departure, neither does it state that the system was to only be operational during his presence.
This is the simple safe and secure system set up by Srila Prabhupada four months before his departure, with no subsequent instruction to terminate it. Without such a counter instruction, this letter remains intact as Srila Prabhupada's instruction on initiation.
This legal ISKCON document states ISKCON initiation policy from that time (July 9, 1977) onward. The recording of names cannot refer to the chronological validity of this document because there is no all-important time limitation stated nor is there mention of any time limitation in any of Prabhupada's other written or recorded statements on ritvik initiations. Therefore the word "henceforward" can only mean "from this time onwards" or until this document is specifically countermanded by him. This never took place.
Therefore, the appointed successor diksa-guru system in ISKCON today - which is obliged as the only choice offered a new devotee, is not the authorized system left us by Srila Prabhupada. One can only conclude that Srila Prabhupada's original system was rejected by the leadership of ISKCON. It is safe to conclude, upon careful examination of all the evidence, that this "rejection" was the result of personal motivation due to immaturity and/or insubordination and your basic immaturity, in concert with the acceptance of the guidance of "Higher Authority"**(see below) in the form of HH Sridhara Swami Maharaja in 1978. It has endured to this day.
** In 1978 the GBC "consulted" HH Sridhara Swami as to "How" they were to put into effect Srila Prabhupada's instructions in this matter of initiations. He counseled that the new men should be given an opportunity to "study the candidates" for some time - in order to determine in whom they were to repose their sraddha or faith". This was quite literally - a complete and total reversal of Srila Prabhupada's direct order in this matter. Srila Prabhupada's system of initiation never obliged the new men in Krsna Consciousness - whose faith in the science of Krsna Consciousness rested 100% upon his books and the standards maintained universally by ALL his initiated disciples - to upon his physical absence - search from amongst his authorized men -for a qualified "candidate" who was to be viewed as "worthy" of this new man's faith. Temple to Temple - leader to leader - the process was sublime and "standardized". There was no question of these men being "candidates". Srila Prabhupada's original appointees were "AUTHORIZED" to re-present Srila Prabhupada and HIS standards. That is all. There was no instruction to now "search from amongst them" thus scuttling the very simple and standardized procedures long established by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada for the easy adoption of Krsna Consciousness by anyone - anywhere - in the world.
It should be noted that the word "candidate" used by Sridhara Swami is in actuality to be applied to the aspiring disciple;not THE SPIRITUAL MASTER. A "Candidate" seeks the "approval" or vote of confidence from others. Srila Prabhupada was never a "candidate" or "suitor" seeking our approval or allegiance. He came to us - unrequested and unannounced and he introduced the absolute truth - within the atmosphere of open rebellion - that is this degraded Western culture. We could then accept or reject his authority - but he was not seeking our vote of confidence. We were humbly requesting his confidence in our sincerity to follow his standardized presentation of the science of Krsna Consciousness. The mere fact that Sridhara Swami even used this word to describe the appointed representatives of the Acharya Srila Prabhupada - denotes his own misunderstanding of his own position in relationship to Srila Prabhupada. He viewed himself - in the presence of the self-effulgent Acharya Srila Prabhupada - as a "candidate" for the allegiance or commitment of aspiring disciples, when he should have openly admitted to Srila Prabhupada's obvious exclusive authority as Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur's successor and shown full insistence that ALL should take full and unreserved shelter of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada
This counsel was rejected in its essence however and the GBC adopted the Zonal Acharya system instead. In this they got it 50% right: no need to search for one's "personal favorite" - but they misrepresented them selves as Acharyas. This inevitably led to a major rift between local leadership and the "gurus" who assumed the instruction to surrender to one's spiritual master - with "body, mind and intelligence" (CC Madhya Lila 15:108) was to be directed to them personally - as opposed to Srila Prabhupada and his mission. Gurus were "commandeering men and money" for their projects oft times without considering the input of inspiration of the Local Leadership. When they balked at the "intervention" they knew to be incorrect or misguided - the battle began. Exactly the effect Srila Prabhupada said would spoil his mission: "Quarrel. Quarrel is not Good. Quarrel is material". A series of falldowns and major losses of important assets - all acquired through the hard work of trusting devotees - served to undermine the very empire Srila Prabhupada had created.
Later - the "counsel" of HH Sridhara Swami was proffered by the next generation of reformers in 1986-as they argued in favor of opening up the position of Acharya to more men - AND - now encouraging the newcomers to search amongst the "candidates" - to see which one could actually inspire their conviction or "sraddha" as Sridhara Swami called it. We now see this phenomenon of "suitorship" being proffered within Srila Prabhupada's mission to one extent or another as the "exclusively" proper transmission of Srila Prabhupada's instructions. It is acceptable only if and when Srila Prabhupada's orginal system of "appointed" or "authorized re-presentatives are first clearly explained to be Srila Prabhupada's actual original arrangement.
Srila Prabhupada's Supporting Instructions:
There were other statements made by Srila Prabhupada, and his secretary, in the days following the July 9th letter, which clearly indicated that the system of officiating acharyas, working under the scrutiny and sanction of the mission itself and whose authorized duties were carefully enumerated, was intended to continue without cessation:
"...the process for initiation to be followed in the future." (July 11th)
"...continue to become ritvik and act on my charge." (July 19th)
"...continue to become ritvik and act on my behalf." (July 31th)
In these documents we find words such as "continue" and "future" which along with the word "henceforward" all point to the permanancy of this effective system. There is no statement from Srila Prabhupada that even hints that this system was to terminate on his departure.
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Letter to Hansadutta Das July 10th, 1977
ISKCON
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
July 10th 1977
My dear Hamsadutta Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Srila Prabhupad has received your letters dated July 4th and July 5th, 1977 respectively, and has instructed me to reply to them.
Srila Prabhupad was very pleased to hear how you have organized everything in Ceylon, and that so many people are now taking interest seriously is proof of the effectiveness of your preaching. His Divine Grace said, "You are a suitable person and you can give initiation to those who are ready for it. I have selected you among eleven men as "rittvik" or representative of the acharya, to give initiations, both first and second initiation, on my behalf." (A newsletter is being sent to all Temple Presidents and GBC in this regard, listing the eleven representatives selected by His Divine Grace. Those who are initiated are the disciples of Srila Prabhupada, and anyone who you deem fit and initiate in this way, you should send their names to be included in Srila Prabhupada's "Initiated Disciples" book. In this way the Temple Presidents will send their recommendations for initiation direct to the nearest representative who will give a spiritual name or chant on the Gayatri thread just as Srila Prabhupada has been doing.)
Srila Prabhupad smiled very broadly when he heard of the successful program organized by the local people in which 2000 persons attended. When he heard that you have introduced a full feasting program on Sundays, he said, "You are a good cook, so teach others now how to cook just as I taught you."
Regarding the printing going slowly, His Divine Grace stated, "Never mind. Go surely. It doesn't matter slowly." I inquired from Pradyumna Prabhu about the Sinhalese translation which you mentioned. He said that "On Chanting Hare Krishna Mantra" was translated into Sinhalese, and that translation is in his trunk in Bombay. We will try to get it to you as soon as possible. I do not know if Gopal Krishna has any Tamil manuscript, but if he does, when I see him in about ten days, I will tell him to send it to you. You may also write him directly. Pradyumna says it will be faster just to get a new translation - it is only 1 page.
Srila Prabhupada was very glad to know that you would try to bring some Ceylonese devotees to Mayapur and said, "Oh, that is very good!" He did not know whether the story about Bhaktisiddhanta's disciples seeing a man eating a rat was true or not. Regarding the exact position of Sri Lanka, this is the opinion of some people. Srila Prabhupad advised that we not discuss this matter publicly at this time. Prabhupad also recommended that from Hari Sauri you take ghee. He said that you could have one fifth of whatever Hari Sauri sends to India. Regarding whether you should use the name Swami or Goswami, Srila Prabhupad said, "Stick to one. Swami is better."
Your servant,
(signature appears on the original document)
Tamal Krsna Gosvami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupad
His Holiness Hamsadutta Swami
c/o ISKCON Colombo
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Letter to Kirtanandanda Swami from Srila Prabhupada July 11th, 1977
ISKCON
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
July 11th 1977
My dear Kirtanananda Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your feet. His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada has just received the latest issue of Brijabasi Spirit, Vol.IV,No.4, which brought Him great joy. As He looked at the cover showing Kaladri performing a fire ceremony, He said, "Just see his face how devotee he is, so expert in everything". When Srila Prabhupada opened the first page, His eyes fixed on the picture of Radha- Vrindavana Chandra, and He said, "Vrindavana Bihari - so beautiful. There is no danger wherever Vrindavana Chandra is." After enjoying the whole magazine thoroughly Srila Prabhupada said, "It is printed on their own press. It is very good progress." His Divine Grace very much appreciated the article "How I Was Deprogrammed" by the young devotee boy. Prabhupada was feeling great sympathy when he heard his story and said, "If one man is turned like this boy then this movement is successful. There is good prospect, good hope. You all combine together and push this movement on and on. Now I am assured that it will go on." While going through the magazine, Srila Prabhupada also saw your good photo on the page "Istagosthi" and Srila Prabhupada bestowed a long loving look upon your good self expressing his deep appreciation for how you have understood this Krishna Consciousness.
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. You can wait for this letter to arrive (the original has been sent to Ramesvara Maharaja for duplicating) and then all of the persons whom you recommended in your previous letters can be initiated.
His Divine Grace has been maintaining His health on an even course and most amazingly has doubled His translation work keeping pace with the doubling of book distribution. Hoping this meets you well.
Your servant,
Tamala Krsna Goswami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
(signature appears on original)
His Holiness Kirtanananda Swami
c/o ISKCON New Vrndavana
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Letter from Ramesvara Das - to all Godbrothers throughout ISKCON July 21,1977
BBT
THE BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST
Founder - Acarya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
July 21st, 1977
ALL GLORIES TO SRI GURU AND GOURANGA!
Dear GBC Godbrother Prabhus,
Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! I have just received some letters from Tamal Krishna Maharaja, and am enclosing herein two documents: 1) Srila Prabhupada's final version of his last will, and 2) Srila Prabhupada's initial list of disciples appointed to perform initiations for His Divine Grace. This initial list is also being sent to all centers.
From Tamal's letter it seems that Srila Prabhupada is enthusiastic despite poor health, and is translating full force. He especially becomes enthused when reports arrive from different GBC men and temples with preaching results, general good news, etc. and Tamal Krishna Maharaja has stressed that we should all be sending such reports, as His Divine Grace often asks, "What is the news?" An outstanding example of Srila Prabhupada's mood was shown after receiving an encouraging preaching report from Hansadutta Swami in Ceylon. Srila Prabhupada said, "I want to go to Ceylon. I can go. I can go anywhere by chair. It is difficult only in the imagination. The swelling is touching the skin, not my soul.
More than anything else, Tamal has stressed the genuine need for a visiting GBC member to come every month for personal service. Since Srila Prabhupada has recently said that now this regular visiting is very important, all GBC members should be anxious to do this, as it not only involves important work which will help relieve Prabhupada from management, but also involves attending Srila Prabhupada personally, giving him massages and many other nectarian services, and in general affords an unusual amount of personal association, even more than in the past. Out of over 23 GBC members there should never be one month not filled up.
One final news report is that Srila Prabupada has appointed a new GBC member for North India (including Delhi but not Vrndavana) - His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami. Tamal Krsna Maharaja said that His divine Grace appointed him to encourage him for the outstanding preaching work he is doing in Punjab.
Jai, I hope this finds you all well, and fully absorbed in preaching and thus satisfying Srila Prabhupada fully.
Your most unworthy servant,
(signature appears on the original document)
Ramesvara dasa Swami
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Letter from Tamal Krsna Goswami (on behalf of Srila Prabhupada) to Hansadutta Prabhu
July 31st 1977
My Dear Hansadutta Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your feet. I have been instructed by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada to thank you for your letter dated July 25th 1977.
You have written to Srila Prabhupada saying you do not know why Srila Prabhupada has chosen you to be a recipient of his mercy. His Divine Grace immediately replied, 'It is because you are my sincere servant. You have given up attachment for a beautiful and qualified wife and that is a great benediction. You are a real preacher. Therefore I like you. (Then laughing) Sometimes you become obstinate, but that is true of any intelligent man. Now you have a very good field. Now organize it and it will be a great credit. No one will disturb you there. Make your own field and continue to become ritvik and act on my behalf.'
Srila Prabhupada listened with great enthusiasm as I read to him the newspaper article. His Divine Grace was very pleased: 'This article will increase your prestige. It is very nice article. Therefore the newspaper has spared so much space to print it. It is very nice. It must be published in Back to Godhead. Now there is a column in Back to Godhead called 'Prabhupada Speaks Out'. Your article may be entitled 'Prabhupada's Disciple Speaks Out'. Yes, we shall publish this article certainly. Let this rascal be fool before the public. I have enjoyed this article very much. I want my disciples to speak out...backed by complete reasoning. 'Brahma sutra sunisthita', this is preaching. Be blessed. All my disciples go forward. You have given the challenge. They cannot answer. This Dr. Kovoor should be invited...For Dr. Svarupa Damodara's convention on 'Life comes from Life'. He can learn something at this scientific convention."
Yes, you should certainly get some ISKCON Food Relief money. For your program American money collected and sent for food distribution. That is my proposal. Three hundred people coming is no joke. You mentioned so many nice preparations. I would like to eat but I cannot. At simply hearing these names (of preparations) it is satisfying. Just thinking this morning of you, and now you have written me.
(last paragraph illegible)
Your Servant
Tamala Krsna Goswami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
(signature appears on the original)
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Srila Prabhupada's Declaration of Will
Tridandi Goswami A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acharya:International Society for Krishna Conciousness
CENTER: Krsna-Balarama Mandir
Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg
Ramanareti, Vrndavana, U.F.
DATE; 5th June 1977.
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 Governing Body Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Each temple will be an ISKCON property and will be managed by three executive directors. The system of management will continue as it is now and there is no need of any change.
Properties in India will be managed by the following executive directors:
Properties at Sri Mayapur Dhama, Panihati, Haridaspur and Calcutta: Gurukrpa Swami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhavananda Gosvami and Gopal Krsna das Adhikari.
Properties at Vrndavana: Gurukrpa Swami, Akahoyananda Swami, and Gopal Krsna das Adhikari.
Properties at Bombay: Tamala Krsna Gosvami, Giriraj das Brahmahary, and Gopal Krsna das Adhikari.
Properties at Bhubaneswar: Gour Govinda Swami, Jayapataka Swami, and Bhagawat das Brahmachary.
Properties at Hyderbad: Mahamsa Swami, Sridhar Swami, Gopal Krsna das Adhikari and Bali Mardan das Adhikari.
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) executive directors acting at one time.
I have created, developed and organized the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and as such I hereby will that none of the immovable properties standing in the name of ISKCON in India shall ever be mortgaged, borrowed against, sold, transferred, or in any way encumbered, disposed of, or alienated. This direction is irrevocable.
Properties outside of India in principle should never be mortgaged, borrowed against, sold, transferred or in any way enumbered, disposed of, or alienated, but if the need arises, they may be mortgaged, borrowed against, sold, etc., with the consent of the GBC committee members associated with the particular property.
The properties outside of India and their associated GBC committee members are as follows:
Properties in Chicago, Detroit and Ann Arbor: Jayatirtha das Adhikari, Harikesh Swami, and Balavanta das Adhikari
Properties in Hawii, Tokyo, Hong Kong: Guru Krpa Swami, Ramesvara Swami and Tamal Krishna Gosvami.
Properties in Melbourne, Sydney, Australia Farm, (unreadable): Guru Krpa Swami, Hari Sauri, and Atreya Rsi.
Properties in England (London Radlett), France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweeden: Jayatirtha das Adhikari, Bhagavan das Adhikari, Harikesa Swami.
Properties in Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa: Jayatirtha das Adhikari, Brahmananda Swami and Atreya Rsi)
Properties in Mexico, Venezuala, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecquador, Colombia, Chile: Hrdayananda Gosvami, Panca Dravida Swami, Brahmanananda Swami.
Properties in Georgetown, Guyana, Santo Domingo, St. Augustine: Adi Kesava Swami, Hrdayananda Gosvami, Panca Dravida Swami.
Properties in Vanouver, Seattle, Berkeley, Dallas: Satsvarupa Gosvami, Jagidisa das Adikari, Jayatirtha das Adikari.
Properties in Los Angeles, Denver, San Diego, Laguna Beach: Rameswara Swami, Satsvarupa Swami, Adi Kesava Swami.
Properties in New York, Boston, Puerto Rio, Port Royal, St. Louis, St Louis Farm: Tamal Krishna Gosvami, Adi Kesava Swami, Rameswara Swami.
Properties in Iran: Atreya Rsi, Bhagavan das Adhikari, Brahmanananda Swami.
Properties in Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Montreal and (unreadable): Rupanuga das Adhikari, Gopal Krishna das Adhikari, Jagadisa das Adhikari.
Properties in Pittsburg, New Vrndavana, Toronto, Cleveland, Buffalo: Kirtanananda Swami, Atreya Rsi, Balavanta das Adhikari.
Properties in Atlanta, Tennessee Farm, Gainsville, Miami, New Orleans, Mississippi Farm, Houston: Balavanta das Adhikari, Adi Kesava Swami, Rupanuga das Adhikari.
Properties in Fiji: Hari Sauri, Atreya Rsi, Vasudev.
I declare, say and confirm that all the properties, both movable and immovable which stand in my name, including current accounts, savings accounts and fixed deposits in various banks, are the properties and assets of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and the heirs and successors of my previous life, or anyone claiming through them, have no right, claim or interest in these properties whatsoever, save and except as provided hereafter.
Although the money which is in my personal name in different banks is being spent for ISKCON and belongs to ISKCON, I have kept a few deposits specifically marked for allocating a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000/- (unreadable addition) to the members of my former family, these specific deposits (corpus, interest, and savings) will become the property of ISKCON for the corpus of the trust, and the descendants of my former family or anybody claiming through them shall not be allowed any further allowance.
I hereby appoint Guru Krpa Swami, Hrdayananda Gosvami, Tamal Krishna Gosvami, Rameswara Swami, Gopal Krsna das Adhikari, Jayatirtha das Adhikari and Giriraj das Brahmachary to act as executors of this will. I have made this will this 4th day of June, 1977, in possession of full senses and sound mind, without any persuasion, force or compulsion from anybody.
Witnesses:
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
The above will was signed by Srila Prabhupada and sealed and witnesses by the following,
Tamal Krsna Goswami
Bhagavan das Adhikari
and several other witnesses. (signatures on original document)
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Codicil 5th November 1977
I, A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a sannyasi and Founder- Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Settlor of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and disciple of Om Visnupada 108 Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada, presently residing at Sri Krsna-Balarama Mandir in Vrindavana do hereby make this last will and codicil to give vent to my intention, and to clarify certain things which are to a certain extent a little vague in my previous Will dated 4th June, 1977, as follows:
I had made a Will on 4th June, 1977, and had made certain provisions therein. One of them being a provision of maintenance allowance to Sri M.M. De, Brindaban Chandra de, Miss Bhakti Lata De and Smt. Sulurmana Dey, who were born of me during my grhastha ashram, and Smt. Radharani De, who was my wife in the grhastha ashrama for their lives as per para.8 of the said Will. Since on careful consideration I feel that the said paragraph does not truly depict my intentions, I hereby direct that as regards Smt. Radharani De, she will get Rs. 1,000/- per month for her life out of interest to be earned from a fixed deposit of Rs. One Lakh Twenty Thousand to be made by ISKCON in any bank that the authorities of the said society think proper for a period of seven years in the name of ISKCON, which amount shall not be available to any of her heirs and after her death the said amount be appropriated by ISKCON in any way the authorities of ISKCON think proper looking to the objects of this society.
As regards Sri M.M. De, Sri Brindaban Chandra De, Smt. Sulurmana Dey and Miss Bhakti Lata De, the ISKCON will deposit Rs. One Lakh Twenty Thousand under 4 separate Fixed Deposit receipts, each for Rs. 1,20,000/- for seven years in a bank to earn interest at least Rs. 1,000/- a month under each receipt. Out of the said sum of Rs. 1,000/-, only Rs. 250/- will be paid to each of them from the interest of their Fixed Deposit receipts. The remaining interest of Rs. 750/- will be deposited again under new fixed Deposit receipts in their respective names for seven years. On the maturity of these Fixed Deposit receipts created from Rs. 750/- monthly interest for the first seven years, the said sums shall be invested by the above named persons in some Govt. Bonds, Fixed Deposit receipts or under any Govt. Deposit scheme or shall be used to purchase some immovable property so that the amount may remain safe and may not be dissipated. In case, however, the above named persons or any of them violate these conditions and use the said sum in purpose or purposes other than those described above, the ISKCON authorities will be free to stop the payment of the monthly maintenance of such person or persons from the original Fixed Deposits of Rs. 1,20,000/- and they shall instead give the amount of interest of Rs. 1,000/- per month to Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust. It is made clear that the heirs of the said persons will have no right to anything out of the said sums and that these sums are only for the personal use of the said persons of my previous life during their respective lifetimes only.
I have appointed some executors of my said Will. I now hereby add the name of Sri. Jayapataka Swami, my disciple, residing at Sri Mayapur Chandrodoya Mandir, Dist. Nadia, West Bengal, as an executor of my said Will along with the previous already named in the said Will dated 4th June, 1977. I hereby further direct that my executors will be entitled to act together or individually to fulfill their obligations under my said Will.
I therefore hereby extend, modify and alter my said Will dated 4th June, 1977, in the manner mentioned above. In all other respects the said Will continues to hold good and shall always hold good.
I hereby make this Will codicil this 5th day of November, 1977, in my full conscience and with sound mind without any persuasion, force or compulsion from anybody.
A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami
Witnesses: (signatures on original document)
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Finally - and most importantly HH Tamal Krsna Goswami sent the following letter to Vasudeva prabhu in Fiji only 27 days before HDG Srila Prabhupada left this world - providing the DIRECT TEMPLATE along with Srila Prabhupada's own sense of importance and URGENCY to "increase the number of devotees" from amongst the "local natives"- be they in Fiji, Nigeria or Grosse Pointe Michigan!
Vrndavana,
October 18, 1977
From: Tamal Krishna
Fiji
My dear Vasudeva Prabhu,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. I have been instructed
by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada to reply your letter dated
September 29th, 1977.
Although His Divine Grace is very ill, still he is so much interested in Fiji and the Krishna-Kaliya Temple that I thought it proper to read your Letter to him. Srila Prabhupada heard everything with great attention. Srila Prabhupada was very pleased to know that book distribution is being increased with the ample assistance of householders living outside the temple. Prabhupada said that "any of these sincere householders should be initiated. Increase the number of devotees there. You initiate them with a fire ceremony. I have already named eleven of my disciples so you can write to any of them the recommended persons and after receiving the spiritual name, you can hold a fire ceremony. Your idea for dressing the Deity is very good. Krishna's lotus feet should always be visible. But Krishna should not have too short a dress, that will not look nice. Yes, the Nagapatnis tails may also show. Please send a photograph showing how nicely the Deities look now. I will be very happy to see it. Yes, you may initiate the wife of Bhuhan Mohan Das she may help with the Deity worship.
In general, Srila Prabhupada's main desire is that you should increase the number of devotees. In this regard, His Divine Grace said, "Initiate the local natives. Ask them to give up their bad habits and become Vaisnavas. Four times while Srila Prabhupada heard your letter, He stressed this point of increasing the number of followers there. So just as when Srila Prabhupada went to America, He was very merciful and lenient in giving out first initiations, so you may also be. If someone has agreed to follow the regulative principles and has been attending the temple for some time and chanting rounds,** you can encourage them by giving initiation. You may send the names of such worthy persons to any one of the eleven devotees whom Srila Prabhupada has designated to initiate on His behalf, and after receiving the sanctified beads and new names, you can then perform the initiation ceremony. In this way spread very vigorously his glorious movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and try to make Fiji the first Krishna conscious country in the world.
Hoping this meets you in the best of health and Krishna consciousness.
Your servant,
Tamal Krishna Gosvami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
Sriman Vasudeva Das Adhikari
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**This conforms to Srila Prabhupada clear instructions in the purport to CC Madhya Lila 15: 104-108 as to how the new men approaching our International Society for Krsna Consciousness for initiation are guided.
"In the morning, afternoon and evening, one should worship the Deity, chant the Hare Krsna mantra, offer oblations, perform a fire sacrifice, and feed the brahmanas. These five activities constitute purascarya. To attain full success when taking initiation from the spiritual master, one should first perform these purascarya processes."
The word purah means "before" and carya means "activities." Due to the necessity of these activities, we do not immediately initiate disciples in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. For six months, a candidate for initiation must first attend arati and classes in the sastras, practice the regulative principles and associate with other devotees. When one is actually advanced in the purascarya-vidhi, he is recommended by the local temple president for initiation. It is not that anyone can be suddenly initiated without meeting the requirements. When one is further advanced by chanting the Hare Krsna mantra sixteen rounds daily, following the regulative principles and attending classes, he receives the sacred thread (brahminical recognition) after the second six months.
In concert with Book Distribution(see my opening comments by Vaikunthanatha prabhu) and his GBC/Temple President managerial system - Srila Prabhupada's perfect system does not ask of those who come to Krsna Consciousness, giving up any and all forms of "pretentious" religion, to now "pretend" that ANYONE is infallible and incapable of disappointing our Acharyas. Their "initiation" into Krsna Consciousness is not contingent upon their finding an "infallible" representative of Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara - but rather upon their willingness to serve the instructions of Srila Prabhupada as they naturally descend to them through his Bhaktivedanta Purports and the honest and loyal devotees who are carefully following those same instructions and "authorized" to teach the next generation how to do likewise. The life force of our progress in Krsna Consciousness is not dependent upon the person of the guru. His satisfaction with the disciple is the by product of our accepting his simple instructions. In the above cited verse and purport to CC Madhya Lila 15:108 it is stated:
"Without performing the purascarya activities, one cannot become perfect even by chanting this mantra for hundreds of years. However, one who has undergone the purascarya-vidhi process can attain success very easily. If one wishes to perfect his initiation, he must first undergo the purascarya activities. The purascarya process is the life-force by which one is successful in chanting the mantra. Without the life-force, one cannot do anything; similarly, without the life force of purascarya-vidhi, no mantra can be perfected."
So it is the emphasis upon training the new devotess in their adoption of this puruscharya process - for a minimum of 6 months - that is the actual "life force" that will bring them success in their chanting. It is this success - the increase in their attraction to Lord Krsna - and the diminishment of their attraction to the material world and whatever it pretends to offer - the serves to generate their faith in this process given by Srila Prabhupada. It is faith in Krsna and the means to please and attain him - that the Spiritual Master seeks to produce within us; not faith in him but faith in Krsna and the power of His Name. THAT is where a new man's faith will yield the desired effect.
Srila Prabhupada never so much as hinted that the men he selected to execute this important yet simple aspect of devotional service - were merely by means of this appointment - to be understood to be self realized or perfected souls - situated in "unbounded transcendental happiness" and incapable of disappointing him or the new initiates. He made it clear in his follow up letter to Hansadutta prabhu exactly why he had chosen him: "'It is because you are my sincere servant. You have given up attachment for a beautiful and qualified wife and that is a great benediction. You are a real preacher. Therefore I like you." No doubt his reasoning behind the other men was similar. All of us who knew these men and that period of ISKCON'S history know that these men were seen by Srila Prabhupada as his trusted and responsible and most capable leaders. Their loyalty was not in question then.
Simple - Sublime - Secure.
The absence of a countermanding order in this matter, is extremely signifcant.
If we study the above cited "Codicil" to his will that Srila Prabhupada legalized on November 5th 1977, we find that he concluded that such a "codicil" was needed because he wished to "clarify certain things which are to a certain extent a little vague in my previous Will dated 4th June, 1977".
What followed were specific "countermanding" instructions to his will. These new instructions rendered certain details in the will - dealing with the changes in the codicil - to be his clear and no longer "vague" wishes in those matters.
Had Srila Prabhupada considered his instructions on initiation to have been likewise "vague" - he certainly would have left countermanding instructions. He did not. Over the years there have been countless attempts on both side of the issue of initiation to explain WHY he did not. All that matters in the end is - that he did not. We are thus left with the instruction only.
In the material world there are numerous official organizations - literally thousands in every country - whose management is highly dependent upon very clear chains of command. Systems such as the United States Navy, or The Federal Reserve Banking System, The Red Cross, or The United States Coast Guard, to name only a few - are extremely dependent upon rigid adherence to all internal memorandums that deal directly with the execution of the affairs of each of those systems. In many cases - such adherence is routinely acknowledged as connected to factual "life and death" for countless individuals. No officer of such institutions is able to arbitrarily alter - or ignore - any internal memo - that directly mandates their actions. Doing so can and in most cases will result in highly negative consequences for everyone involved and in due course the violater(s) of such internal instructions - are terminated. Where their refusal to follow orders can result in death, destruction or enormous financial loss - their insubordination can even result in the offender's being placed in prison or their death!
These organizations are important - yet their influence is at the utmost, dealing with "Life and Death" only.
ISKCON however deals directly with "Life and Death --- and then Life and Death - and then again Life and Death" for all living entities!!
Consequently - each of Srila Prabhupada's direct memos - sent to his GBC and Temple Presidents - dealing with precisely what he wanted accomplished and how He had determined was the best way to achieve that - need to be recognized as infinitely more significant than any "internal memorandum or instruction" serving to guide the actions of any other organization in the world. They should be followed with resolute determination. Any thing less is insubordination.
The management of Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON is millions and millions of times more important than all of the mundane institutions in this world that carefully ensure that their instructions are strictly followed. End of Story.
In the above essay on "Initiation" SBBST states:
"It is, however, very rarely that a person with modern culture feels inclined to submit to the guidance of another specially in spiritual matters. But the very person submits readily enough to the direction of a physician for being cured of his bodily ailments. Because these latter cannot be ignored without consequences that are patent to everybody."
We all work in a world that carefully guards the sound principles that serve to ensure with careful and secure management, our wealth and/or our person. For example, we tend to choose airlines that we are reasonably certain follow the internal guidelines established by their company's management, that see to the all-important maintenance of the aircraft itself. Were we to know that in general the maintenance crew regularly ignores the internal guidelines of a particular airline as they directly pertain to the proper upkeep of the aircraft - there is NOT ONE GBC OR GURU in ISKCON who would knowingly test fate by flying such a whimsically managed airline where the men responsible for the safety of the aircraft regularly disregard the internal memos concerning the proper upkeep of the aircraft that are provided almost daily by their authorities: thus increasing the routine risks associated with air travel.
Likewise - no one would invest in a business or company of any kind - if it was discovered that the "chain of command" that is naturally vital to the health and profitability of any company - was regularly ignored or contradicted - without authority by the managers and employees.
As SBSST states above exactly why such caution is naturally exercised: "Because these latter cannot be ignored without consequences that are patent to everybody."
If this be true in such material situations, how much more cautious need we be in adhering to the instructions of our Acharya as they pertain to the management of his ISKCON mission.
SBSST states - that all that is needed to make our life successful is our consulting and following the instructions of a really competent "spiritual physician".
"The evil that results from our neglect of the ailments of the soul is of a nature that paralyses and deludes our understanding and prevents the recognitions of itself. Its gravity is not recognized as it does not apparently stand in the way of our worldly activities with the same directness as the other. The average cultured man is, therefore, at liberty to ask questions without realizing any pressing necessity of submitting to the treatment of spiritual maladies at the hands of a really competent physician".
Srila Prabhupada's simple and effective arrangement for bringing THE spiritual master easily within reach of every single soul - in any town or village of the world is obvious to all but the most stubborn. Clearly he established himself as the "really competent physician" and perfectly arranged for all souls to come under his expert guidance and care with the help of his books and his devotees.
The arrangement of Srila Prabhupada - solid men - devotees in fine standing - authorized to initiate on his behalf - clearly representing themselves as "officiating acharyas" - confirming the devotees initiation as Srila Prabhupada's grand disciple and an initiated member of ISKCON - is in fact the arrangement that is spelled out by HDG Srila Prabhupada as his instructions in the matter, in all the Directives sent out to his loyal men throughout the world. For anyone to protest otherwise - is merely "inventing" in the face of all the clear and simple evidence to the contrary.
This does not prevent someone from rising to the level of purity where it is naturally recognized by some and they may choose to accept this person as guru. But that must happen naturally, not with the assistance of coercive arrangements that bar him from first considering the arrangement of Srila Prabhupada for his easy initiation as it is described in his letter to Vasudeva prabhu. Anyone who prevents Srila Prabhupada's initial arrangement from being the primary arrangement offered by His Divine Grace to any new man - is guilty of a very grave infraction. Whether done in ignorance or malice -such withholding of Srila Prabhupada's instructions constitutes cheating of the highest order.
Krsna Consciousness is a very natural process. For some - their approaching Krsna - through the spiritual master - will conform to the process as given by Srila Prabhupada when he was both here with us and his simple system he left us. Their progress in both "vairagya and vidya" will be almost entirely dependent upon their immediate devotee association; the Temple residents, Temple President etc. They may have little to no contact with, nor dependence upon, those men authorized to confirm their initiation. Others though, may attribute great value to the association and leadership of some of these men and will naturally feel their Krsna Consciousness intimately linked with the compassion and guidance of one or some of these devotees.
Whether the relationship between the devotees and the men authorized to initiate is seen by them to be one of guru or "officiating guru" - the position of Srila Prabhupada's men is the same; to properly exemplify their commitment to the simple science of Krsna Consciousness as given us by Srila Prabhupada, with enthusiasm to share this science with any and all who can take it and to cooperate with the simple yet highly effective GBC/Temple President managerial system so carefully constructed by our Spiritual Master Srila Prabhupada. The new devotee may relate with them more intimately as guru but the relationship must always be endorsed FIRST as "official" by those leaders in ISKCON who have fully embraced their OATH OF ALLEGIANCE to Srila Prabhupada as the Supreme Authority for the Krsna Consciousness movement - while under the banner of ISKCON. There are countless devotees out their - whose joyful identification with ISKCON is only with the eternal principles of Krsna Consciousness - the spiritual idea that gave birth the ISKCON. I don't need to name them but they reject Srila Prabhupada as the Supreme Authority for this eternal mission. They reject his position as "exclusive" authority" - under the banner of ISKCON as he asserted. So they are not willing to work "on behalf of Srila Prabhupada's local preachers" in the proscribed manner given us by Srila Prabhupada. That is their loss but what can be done. "You can lead a devotee to the kirtan - but you can't make him dance!"
Again - Simple - Sublime - Secure.
SBSST states in the above essay "The crux of the matter lies not in the external nature of the ceremony of initiation as it appears to us because that is bound to be unintelligible to us being an affair of the other world, but in the conviction of the necessity of and the successful choice of a really good preceptor. "
The Liberty to Choose - based upon our sound reasoning and the wisdom of the scriptures - the "really good preceptor" now some 30 years after Srila Prabhupada left us, will find some men more willing to place their confidence in a direct relationship with one of Srila Prabhupada's duly initiated men who have proven themselves sufficiently to be capable of guiding them by precept and example as their "good preceptor". This will always be a matter of individual choice. Some will naturally prefer to avoid any risk of disappointment in this choice - by accepting Srila Prabhupada's simple system. They must never be discouraged to do so but likewise no one should object to a man's independently "assigning" absolute value to one of Srila Prabhupada's disciples as his guru either, provided this "guru" remains committed to Srila Prabhupada's system of management that emphasizes the instructions of Srila Prabhupada and his wishes to uplift "the local natives" with the assistance of his duly appointed GBC and Temple Presidents. This is extremely important. **
** See the above cited letter from HDG to Vasudeva Prabhu in Fiji
In either case - The order to seek and take shelter of the Bonafide Spiritual Master is simple and clear. How it can most easily be accomplished within the framework of Srila Prabhupada's teachings and ISKCON mission is likewise simple. With Srila Prabhupada's arrangement, there is no risk of disappointment. If one elects to take a risk -- choosing to take shelter of Srila Prabhupada by accepting one of his disciples as his Guru, it is personal and can thus never jeopardize the authority of The International Society for Krsna Consciousness in any way whatsoever.
He must be free to subjectively "assign" absolute value to his Spiritual Master and he must be allowed to subjectively consider his Spiritual Master in light of the "objective value" placed upon the Spiritual Master by Lord Sri Krsna Himself. (See my opening statement: "The Guru is not a mortal, erring creature like ourselves. ")
This is his natural right and we can no more disturb that - than we should hide from him Srila Prabhupada's original system established on the 9th of July 1977.
Likewise the officiating acharya's position is to be considered every bit as objectively valuable or worshipable by Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krsna. As in the Military - the rank is saluted - not the man; though the officer may in time also inspire great respect and love from his men. So too the new men should be taught to comprehend the officiating acharya as a direct manifestation of the mercy of Srila Prabhuapada. He is "appointed" or handpicked by Srila Prabhupada directly or through his leaders and serves as his directly appointed "agent". So the service he does - is every bit a part of Srila Prabhupada's "worship" of the Parampara and is part and parcel of the entire Parampara's delivering Krsna Consciousness to the world. All representatives of the Parampara - do what they do ON BEHALF of their previous Acharya. So in this sense - all gurus - are "officiating gurus" or "ritvik representatives" of their spiritual master. The blessing Srila Prabhupada gave us is merely to spell it out for us. That's all. When he first appointed the original 11 - Tamal Krsna Goswami - revealing his neophyte condition asked "Whose disciples are they Srila Prabhupada - yours or ours" and Srila Prabhupada immediately shot back "WHY consider whose?" The officiating acharyas are guru - they represent the Supreme Authority for the Krsna Consciousness movement on this planet - but their authority is specifically enumerated by Srila Prabhupada - and this serves the mission of Srila Prabhupada very nicely. If one is not willing to accept this - then there are countless "camps" out there - wherein one can do as they see fit - but "UNDER THE BANNER OF ISKCON" Srila Prabhupada's exclusive authority and directions are clear.
We need not complicate this aspect of devotional service. Devotees should not waste time fighting amongst themselves over this issue. Groups who advocate coercively barring the new men from accepting Srila Prabhupada's duly initiated men as their guru - on the grounds that Srila Prabhupada's system for initiation - forbids them from doing so - overlook the simple essence of the teachings of our Acharyas; "the conviction of the necessity of and the successful choice of a really good preceptor." This is and will always remain a matter of personal conviction.
Srila Prabhupada's Bhaktivedanta purports are clear as to who can and who cannot act as guru. They clearly spell out the superlative method of fulfilling the requirements in this matter. That is indisputable.
However, his leaving us with a risk-free system of "authorized" men who meet the minimum requirements in terms of qualifications - and the maximum qualifications where it matters most - loyalty to the purpose of Srila Prabhupada and his International Society for Krsna Consciousness - His ISKCON - to initiate on his behalf - is clear and likewise indisputable by all but the stubbornly insubordinate.
In the end - it is entirely up to the aspiring devotee. We need only explain to him his two options - and allow him the liberty to determine for himself - how he will meet the required mandate to seek out and take shelter of the "really good preceptor".
In either case - his duties will remain the same; to work cooperatively with this Temple President, GBC representative and fellow godbrothers and godsisters. His mission will remain the same. If he strictly follows the teachings of our Srila Prabhupada - in the end, he can be confident that the results will also - be the same. He will achieve the actual goal of life -fully pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Grown men are at liberty to determine whether they wish to simply accept the shelter of Srila Prabhupada and his instructions as he provided in his internal memo of July 9th 1977, or they can exercise their own liberty to choose from amongst any of the duly initiated disciples of His Divine Grace in good standing and take shelter of them as their chosen spiritual master - fully aware though that their choice - is in fact their personal choice - and they will have to live with the consequences of that decision - auspicious or not so. Both methods constitute the same act; taking shelter of Srila Prabhupada and the Parampara.
An impartial analysis of reality will lead to one's recognizing that for the most part - ISKCON has in substance accepted this arrangement - which is most natural. Their only defect lies in their not admitting it to themselves. So much effort and money are being squandered in opposing those who simply publically acknowledge this reality. This is senseless and has lead to gross mismanagement on many levels. If common sense can trump pride and this reality is accepted - all conflict in this matter will end and we can all get to the business at hand; Saving all souls entrapped in this material world with the wonderful Mercy of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His sweet samkirtan mission - the chanting of the Holy Names of Lord Krsna:
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
With Respect to all aspiring servants of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada
Praghosa Das
October 2, 2006
ADDENDUM:
Conclusion:
Over the years since 1977 there have been countless arguments made for and against the acceptance of the above evidence and their obvious mandates. It is important to note that all arguments beg for summary adjudication; the means to settle them. In this particular case - we all may be well intended but "good intentions" are not the means to measure the value of any particular argument in a disagreement. Only when there is a mutually accepted "final authority" whose authority is accepted as Absolute and Final - can dispute cease. For all those "initiated" by Srila Prabhupada by means of his authoritative presentation of Krsna Consciousness - he is that undisputed Absolute and Final authority. Other than Srila Prabhupada - we have no means to decipher the relative from the absolute; The Truth from Fiction. Consequently I offer the following as a final note to the above paper; the above paper being the summary adjudication of the "contended facts" and relevant evidence- the simple verbatim presentation of Srila Prabhupada's recorded instructions on this matter.
Up till now - I have found no one who disputes the existence of this evidence. However the disputes have always manifest after the above cited "evidence" has been accompanied by the myriad of interpretations and/or alterations introduced by others. Unless the above cited evidence is allowed to stand on its own merit - as Srila Prabhupada's own intended directives - we are left then with a movement that is fractured into as many opinions as there are members!
Srila Prabhupada in his own exchange with the famous Professor Staal stated:
"Regarding our correspondence, actually this quotation and counter-quotation cannot solve the problem. In a court both the learned lawyers quote from law books, but that is not the solution to the case. The determination of the case is the judgment of the presiding judge. So argument cannot bring us to a conclusion."
So I offer this final note from His Divine Grace to support my conclusion - which is this:
1.His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupa is our accepted Final and Absolute Authority - he is the "Judge" on this matter.
2. The evidence cited in this paper is merely a verbatim presentation of his factual instructions - nothing more - nothing less.
3. Without accepting those instructions - verbatim - in the ultimate issue - we are left with as many interpretations as there are human beings on the planet
Final Note by Srila Prabhupada in his wonderful exchange with Professor J. F. Staal: Professor of Philosophy and of South Asian Languages University of California Berkeley, California in January 1970:
In a court of justice two lawyers put forward their respective relevant arguments taken from the authorized law books to decide a point, but it is up to the judge to decide the case in favor of one of the litigants. When the opposing lawyers put forward their arguments, both of them are legal and bona fide, but the judgment is given as to which argument is applicable to the particular case.
Lord Caitanya gives His judgment on the authority of sastras that the chanting of the holy names of the Lord is the only means to elevate one to the transcendental platform, and actually we can see it is effective. Each and every one of our students who has seriously taken to this process may be examined individually, and any impartial judge will find it easy to see that they have advanced in their transcendental realization further than any philosophers, religionists, yogis, karmis, etc.
We have to accept everything favorable to the circumstances. Rejection of other methods in a particular circumstance does not mean that the rejected ones are not bona fide. But for the time being, taking into consideration the age, time, and object, methods are sometimes rejected even though bona fide. We have to test everything by its practical result. By such a test, in this age the constant chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra undoubtedly proves very effective.
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Arguments that do not favor the simple acceptance of Srila Prabhupada's clear instructions in this matter - for any reason whatsoever - spring not from the Absolute but from the Relative consideration of our minds. The moment we replace the exact words of our Acharya - or we augment them with OUR interpretation - which spring from our "biased reason" - we are in fact hearing ourselves not Srila Prabhupada and as Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur has said in the opening comments "So long as we refuse to listen to him - we are doomed to misunderstand everything".
I offer this paper with a desire serve the long term interests of all aspiring servants of Srila Prabhupada in their efforts to please the Lord and safely return Back to Home - Back to Godhead.
All Glories to His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
Praghosa Das