hare krishna

I made it quite clear to Maharaj at that time that I did not consider the initiation issue to be one that was of sufficient importance to divide Vaishnavas. (Please see Who genuinely represents Chaitanya Mahaprabhu?) I furthermore told him at that time that I recognized the validity of many of Saraswati Thakur’s reforms and how I accepted them as historically necessary in the evolution of the Gaudiya Vaishnava religion.

However, I also told him that I was deeply wounded by the Gaudiya Math rhetoric that makes a blanket condemnation of everyone outside its institutions as a Sahajiya or Mayavadi. I have met too many sincere and learned Vaishnavas outside the Gaudiya Math to be fooled by such talk. Tripurari Maharaj agreed with me that even the kanishtha adhikari merits respect and that even where there is disagreement, that is no excuse for wanton name-calling. I was deeply impressed at the maturity of Tripurari Maharaj’s insights into the problems of fundamentalism and sectarianism and came away renewed with hope that there was a possibility of a wider, more inclusive and universal Krishna consciousness movement.

Subsequently, when the opportunity came to work for Mandala Media, I happened to be available and I jumped at it, for it gave me the chance to remain close to my areas of expertise. Though I could no doubt have continued searching for work in the academic field or in the private sector as a translator (for which I am also qualified), there were many reasons that I prefered to work in this area: first of all, it permitted me to have the associate of devotees; it further gave me the chance to engage myself full time in the study of Krishna conscious literature; it allowed me to perfect my translation skills, and it also allowed me to use these skills in the service of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Furthermore, it has made it possible for me to encounter the sweet personality of Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaj and many of his disciples, whom I hold in the greatest esteem.

In the meantime, however, I have continued in my spare time to write and post articles that give my perspective on Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Some people see this as an attempt to undermine the Gaudiya Math and a conflict of interest. This is, I feel, a very narrow understanding of what I am doing. I would like to assure everyone that I have no malicious intent. My goal is not to destroy anyone’s faith, but rather to bring us to a more nuanced understanding of the issues, which hopefully will help us Vaishnavas to find greater understanding amongst ourselves, for we have common spiritual and human goals and should seek ways to find friendship and loving relationships, not enmity.

I have stated this elsewhere, but I repeat it again, for it bears constant repetition: there are essential and peripheral matters in spiritual life. The sara-grahi fixes his attention on the essence and does not allow peripherals to distract him. The sectarian is not a sara-grahi, for he takes peripheral matters of history as essential and is willing to fight for them. As with all sectarian attitudes, this is usually counterproductive. Most of the battles between the various Gaudiya Vaishnava groups are over peripheral issues.

Why bring them up, then, you may say? Unfortunately, they must be discussed in order to show their peripheral nature.

Logical argument is of no use against those who do not think logically. Our attachments to particular viewpoints are often clouded by emotions that we do not ourselves recognize. Nevertheless, I think it is important to show that “the other side has a point.” It is only possible to engage in meaningful discussion when we recognize value in the other person. Sectarianism insists that there is no good in the other. Fundamentalists live in a black and white universe, holed up in a fortress of their own cherished beliefs where they defend themselves against the oncoming hordes. The closer the hordes come, the more likely they are to take pot shots and use low blows.

The worst enemy in the mind of the Gaudiya Math is, not surprisingly, the traditional world of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, because they broke away from this world and are so often forced to defend themselves against the accusation that they do not genuinely represent the Chaitanya Vaishnava tradition. This is the same reason that Iskcon has to worry about the Gaudiya Math, which can always claim that Iskcon does not purely represent the traditions of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. I ask you not to mistake me for a cheap propagandist for one or the other side in these disputes. Each of these groups has its merits—and its faults. But the principal fault is, as usual, in our claims to be the exclusive purveyors of the truth. There is no other route to dialogue than through understanding the other’s point of view and trying to see its merit.

All of us are obliged by the law of spiritual life to seek out a path by which we can evolve to the highest degree. There are as many paths to spiritual development as there are individual human beings. This is why there are millions of religions and religious denominations in the world. Though the path we find for ourselves may illuminate our own understanding, it is not necessarily going to be the spiritual language that speaks to everyone. We live in a pluralistic world and it is an absolute necessity to accept that the beauty of Krishna consciousness lies in great part in the ability of Vaishnavas to create a culture of love and community. Its success as a religious movement will only come from its ability to do this. If we seek enmity and make fear and envy our guiding lights, then we condemn ourselves to become an ever fragmenting world of petty, warring sects. This was recognized by Saraswati Thakur. This was recognized by Srila Prabhupada, who condemned the Gaudiya Math for having succumbed to it. This was also recognized by Paramadvaiti Maharaj and Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaj, who formed the World Vaishnava Association in order to promote unity amongst at least the Saraswata Gaudiya Vaishnavas. The future of the Krishna consciousness movement lies not in exclusivism, but in openness.

 

Dear ChiefCowPie,

Thank you so much for all the beautiful posts.
They are so informative and it is so nice to look back into the history of our self-made making and breaking. I feel indebted to you for all the posts.

Particularly, the article of Jagadananda Dasa is excellent. His, love, sincerity and pain for HK movement is conspicuous throughout the article. I particularly love the following paras:

"I have stated this elsewhere, but I repeat it again, for it bears constant repetition: there are essential and peripheral matters in spiritual life. The sara-grahi fixes his attention on the essence and does not allow peripherals to distract him. The sectarian is not a sara-grahi, for he takes peripheral matters of history as essential and is willing to fight for them. As with all sectarian attitudes, this is usually counterproductive. Most of the battles between the various Gaudiya Vaishnava groups are over peripheral issues.

Why bring them up, then, you may say? Unfortunately, they must be discussed in order to show their peripheral nature.

Logical argument is of no use against those who do not think logically. Our attachments to particular viewpoints are often clouded by emotions that we do not ourselves recognize. Nevertheless, I think it is important to show that “the other side has a point.” It is only possible to engage in meaningful discussion when we recognize value in the other person. Sectarianism insists that there is no good in the other. Fundamentalists live in a black and white universe, holed up in a fortress of their own cherished beliefs where they defend themselves against the oncoming hordes. The closer the hordes come, the more likely they are to take pot shots and use low blows.

The worst enemy in the mind of the Gaudiya Math is, not surprisingly, the traditional world of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, because they broke away from this world and are so often forced to defend themselves against the accusation that they do not genuinely represent the Chaitanya Vaishnava tradition. This is the same reason that Iskcon has to worry about the Gaudiya Math, which can always claim that Iskcon does not purely represent the traditions of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. I ask you not to mistake me for a cheap propagandist for one or the other side in these disputes. Each of these groups has its merits—and its faults. But the principal fault is, as usual, in our claims to be the exclusive purveyors of the truth. There is no other route to dialogue than through understanding the other’s point of view and trying to see its merit.

All of us are obliged by the law of spiritual life to seek out a path by which we can evolve to the highest degree. There are as many paths to spiritual development as there are individual human beings. This is why there are millions of religions and religious denominations in the world. Though the path we find for ourselves may illuminate our own understanding, it is not necessarily going to be the spiritual language that speaks to everyone. We live in a pluralistic world and it is an absolute necessity to accept that the beauty of Krishna consciousness lies in great part in the ability of Vaishnavas to create a culture of love and community. Its success as a religious movement will only come from its ability to do this. If we seek enmity and make fear and envy our guiding lights, then we condemn ourselves to become an ever fragmenting world of petty, warring sects. This was recognized by Saraswati Thakur. This was recognized by Srila Prabhupada, who condemned the Gaudiya Math for having succumbed to it. This was also recognized by Paramadvaiti Maharaj and Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaj, who formed the World Vaishnava Association in order to promote unity amongst at least the Saraswata Gaudiya Vaishnavas. The future of the Krishna consciousness movement lies not in exclusivism, but in openness."

I suppose, we should take the above as words of caution for all of us.We should all try to become sar-grahi and should not keep squabbling over the peripherals.

Thanks again.

With love.......Kumar.

 

Dear All,

As far as I Know, after A.C. Vaktivedanta Prabhupada left His body I think Jayapataka Maharaj became the Acharya of ISKCON. I may be wrong. However, I would like to know more about him.

I would be highly obliged if somebody tells me about him.

With love........Kumar.

 

Dont know what all these lotus's are about but I'm a simple follower of Prabhupada. No, Jayapataka did not take over iskcon. He was chased by police for a while though for some unlawful thing. Prabhupada is the only one who still represents Prabhupada (and Lord Caitanya), but go for whoever youre into. Politics will always be there. Must rush again but will be back.


YL

 

Dear All,

Long back in 1980 I had the opportunity to visit ISKCON temple at Mayapur.
Jayapataka Maharaj was the Acharya of the temple at that time. It was a very nice experience for me. The atmosphere inside the temple,the deities,the habitants, guests and visitors- all made the whole place vibrant.

After a while, after making friendship, one of the inmates of the temple told me,
"If you want to see real great sadhu, please go out from the temple and walk a little. On the road side you will find a small hut and the sadhu inside. He used to live inside the temple before."

Immediately I ran for him and found the very small hut(10'x10' maxm). There was nobody around. The only door opened after some time and a tall American sadhu came out from inside. I did my pranam. He did not say anything and started walking along the road.

I still remeber him only because of his appearance, his face was glowing and whole body was radiant and jyotirmay. I came to know that after coming to ISKCON temple at Mayapur he had developed serious differences of opinions and after sometime he left the temple and started living inside that small hut.

I shall be highly obliged if anybody has any knowledge about this sadhu. I am not at all interested in knowing what went wrong between him and the others inside the temple. I do not know his name but till date I have not fogotten him.

With love........Kumar.

 

Dear YogaLady,

Thanks for all your beautiful posts.

Please calm down, no body is trying to do any politics here.

I always said, I know just a little. I knew little only about A.C. Vaktivedanta Prabhupada and His Guru. I mentioned that I was not sure about Jayapataka Maharaj. However, thank you so much for the information about him.

No body is fool or capable enough to try to degrade Prabhupada. May not be more than you but I love Him no less. I do not like to fool myself and the same I expect from others that they should not fool themselves.

We say we love, alright, but when true love comes then bias should disappear. I love Prabhupada very much but that should not mean that the others are not even worthy of discussion.

Lord Krishna is not only in A.C.Prabhupada, He is in you, me,ChiefCowPie and police-chased-Jayapataka Maharaj as well. As good devotees let us be more tolerant and less harsh.God's true devotees never fall short of love.
With love.........Kumar.

 

Here's some stuff Prabhuapda says about Gaudiya Math, and it appears Jagadananda (?) is a branch of that.

"Regarding the Gaudiya Math, our position has nothing to do with them. They cannot do anything and if somebody does something, they will be envious. That is the nature of third class men. My Guru Maharaja once told this story; one friend informed another that one man has become the High Court Judge. "Oh no," he replied, "No. That cannot be right." "Yes, he is now a Judge," said the first friend. "I have seen him sitting on the bench." The second man replied, "Maybe. But I don't think he is getting any salary." Such envious men will find out some fault anywhere. There is no fault, actually, but they will manufacture some fault. That is their business. So many persons were envious of my Guru Maharaja, but He was preaching and did not care for them." Prabhupada letter to Yamuna dd, Nov 18, 70

"There are similarly men also. Unnecessarily they are envious, offensive, unnecessary. They cannot tolerate others' opulence. Just like our Godbrothers. They are envious. What I have done to them? I am doing my business, trying to serve my Guru Maharaja. But they are envious because I am so opulent. I have got so much fame, so many influence, so much influence all over the world. Everyone is praising me about... That is ignorance. And this is regrettable because they are posing themselves as Vaisnava. Ordinary man can do that, but they are dressing like Vaisnava, and they are so envious. That Tirtha Maharaja, unnecessarily he was envious, whole life fighting, fighting, fighting in the court and died. Simply planning." Prabhupada's Room Conversation in Bombay 1/8/77

"So, we can understand that they have all become sudras. How can they have interest in Bhagavad-gita. Although some of them have been born in brahmana families, but by quality are all sudras." Prabhupada's letter to Niranjana 5/21/73

"So any one of my godbrothers cannot help me in this way of book writing because they are unfortunate in the matter of preaching work. They are simply trying to infiltrate our society to so something harmful by their attempt. So please do not have any correspondence with this Purusottama or any of my godbrothers, so-called." - Prabhupada letter to Karaunasindhu, Bombay, Nov 9, 75

I do not wish to discuss about activities of my Godbrothers but it is a fact they have no life for preaching work. All are satisfied with a place for residence in the name of a temple, they engage disciples to get foodstuff by transcendental devices and eat and sleep. They have no idea or brain how to broadcast the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. My Guru Maharaja used to lament many times for this reason and he thought if one man at least had understood the principle of preaching then his mission would achieve success. In the latter days of my Guru Maharaja he was very disgusted. Actually, he left this world earlier, otherwise he would have continued to live for more years. Still he requested his disciples to form a strong Governing body for preaching the cult of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He never recommended anyone to be acarya of the Gaudiya Math. -Prabhupada's letter to Rupanuga 4/28/74

"So I have now issued orders that all my disciples should avoid all of my godbrothers. They should not have any dealings with them nor even correspondence, nor should they give them any of my books or should they purchase any of their books, neither should you visit any of their temples. Please avoid them." ~ Srila Prabhupada's Letter to Visvakarma, 11/9/75

YL

 

LOL Relax Kumar. I'm not upset. Maybe you are reading it that way, but I'm not. Just making a point.

I never said don't talk about others. If open to truly talking about others, then why I can't post Prabhuapda's point of view on these others and yet we can talk about this without interpreting it as upset? Ahhh good point, eh? lol

There are politics. Not wanting to call them that doesn't remove them from the fact. Other gurus are not the politics. There are gurus all over the world. Politics come in when we say someone else took over Prabhuapda's movement when its not what he wanted. This is all my point is about. If a person wants to follow antother guru, I dont care. And I have repeatedly said here, I accept there are other gurus on earth.

Have one more post to make too. brb

YL

 

Again only have a few minutes, so will make this point quickly, than have to sign off. But ya know ya can't get rid of me. I'll be back. LOL

hEY, HEY, ME AND my good connection. Check this out:


ISKCON
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Vrindaban July 9th 1977

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 Prabhupada, 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 acceted 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


YL

 

once again, its a stretch to say there was complete emnity between Srila Prabhupada and his Godbrothers

Dr. OBL Kapoor, a Godbrother was appointed by Srila Prabhupada to be trustee of his Krishna Balarama Temple in Brindavan

Dissapearance Of Dr. O.B.L. Kapoor

[size=-3]BY R. SADHU[/size]

VRINDAVAN, INDIA, Jun 8 (VNN) — On April 9th of 2001, Dr. O.B.L. Kapoor (Srila Adikeshava Das), a dear disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur and Srila Gauranga Das Babaji, abandoned this mortal world at 3 a.m. in Sri Vrindavan Dham. Most provably to be reunited with them again in the spiritual realm.

Srila Adikeshava Maharaja was born Oudh Bihari Lal Kapoor in 1909. He had strong leanings towards the Advaitic philosophy of Shankara. In August 1931, when he was working as a research scholar in the University of Allahabad, he met his diksha-guru Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada, who puled him out of his Advaitic moorings and initiated him into Bhakti. His initiation ceremony took place in Sri Radhakunda-the holiest of all places in Vraja. On Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's advice and under his close supervision he wrote a thesis on the Philosophy of Sri Chaitanya. The thesis was approved by the Allahabad University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Srila Adikeshava Maharaja had the unique distinction of being the first Doctor of Philosophy of this prestigious University.

He was very much distressed after the physical disappearance of his beloved diksha-guru . Although he thought that his guru's benedictory hand was still on him, he felt that without his living presence he was like an orphan. While living in Vrindavana Dhama he received the advice of a saint to meet a Siddha-Mahatma. On this saint's own opinion: The only Siddha-saint in Vrindavana at he present. He is most unostentatious and humble. But the spiritual treasure behind his simplicity can hardly escape the eyes of a discerning sadhaka. You must go and see him. After accepting siksha from the distinguished Siddha-saint Sri Gauranga Dasa Babaji of Ramanareti, the blessings of his diksha-guru thus fully manifested. Srila Adikeshava Maharaja was living in Vrindavana since 1967 and wrote books and articles in Hindi on the philosophy of Bhakti and the lives of the Vaishnava saints. Having already accepted the vow of sannyasa-tirtha, i.e., never to leave Sri Vrindavan Dhama, in 1998 he moved to the original ashram in Ramamareti, where he met Srila Gauranga Das Babaji.

Due to his close association with his dear God brother, the world known Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, he was named as one of the trust members on the occasion of the establishment of the first Western temple in the history of Vrindavana - the Krishna-Balarama Mandir of ISKCON. Srila Prabhupada had a long and very friendly relationship with Srila Adikeshava Das, which was established during a period of eight years while he was living at Hallahabad. They used to meet often at the Gaudiya Math temple and in their respective houses. Srila Prabhupada deeply appreciated his articles in English and published several of them in the magazine of his international society. He also recognized Srila Adikeshava Maharaja's dialectic on Gaudiya Vaishnavism and expressed it clearly on a review for his book "The Philosophy and Religion of Sri Chaitanya", written few years before Srila Prabhupada's physical departure:

...the teatrise bears the hall-mark of authentic research. It is, in my opinion, the first scientific delineation of the philosophy of Sri Chaitanya, based primarily on His direct utterances, as contained in Chaitanya Charitamrita and Chaitanya Bhagavata, and supported profusely by reference to the vast literature left by His learned disciples, most of which was written under His express command and on the basis of the guide-lines provide by Him.

The book is written in elegant style. I am sure it will be acclaimed, not only by the Vaishnavas in India, but by the members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and the lovers of philosophy and religion all over the world.

After The Philosophy and Religion of Sri Chaitanya, which has been sanctioned by learned devotees as a text book for any serious student on Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy for all generations to come, Srila Adikeshava Maharaja wrote more than 25 books in Hindi besides dozens of articles dealing with the lives of the Vaishnava saints and the philosophical essence of the Universal Religion of Love of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. His work in Hindi Vrij Ke Bhakta (published in English under the title The Saints of Vraja in an abridged version) has been printed in five editions and is still being acclaimed by the inhabitant all round Vraja.

When the need to support the Gaudiya Vaishnava siddhanta and the primacy of the rasika-acharyas followers of Sri Chaitanya over the conclusions of some saints of other Sampradayas, Srila Adikeshava Maharaja wrote Vrij Ke Rasika Upasana, thus defining for ever the supremacy of the six Gosvamis of Vrindavana as the original holders of the topmost conlusions on Rasa-Tattva.

Srila Adikeshava Maharaja's contribution to the welfare of the young Hare Krishna movement all over the world started to fully manifest after his writings produced in Vrindavana were first published in 1992 in English version. Surely, they occupy a significant place in behalf of the spiritual growth of the followers of Sri Chaitanya's movement. For the first time in the history of the Western Gaudiya Vaishnavism a learned and devoted follower of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, broadly recognized by bonafide saintly devotees, has brought to the attention of the ample Western audience the deep philosophical understanding relating to the mode of worship brought by Mahaprabhu Himself, together with the relevant biographical data-mostly collected personally-of uncompromising Siddha-saints.

Srila Adikeshava Maharaja brought a new, refreshing and unprecedent inner inspiration from contemplating the numerous biographical references given on the lives of the Vaishnava saints from the time of Sri Chaitanya up to recent days. Srila Adikeshava Das contribution in bringing to light such biographies is unique, since becoming absorved in the devotional activities of the saintly devotees of the Lord, invokes our natural faith in the process of Bhakti, since they are the models of devotion and can safely lead us on the path to a complete and pure contemplation of the nectarean pastimes of the Divine Couple Sri Sri Radha-Krishna.

Srila Adikeshava Maharaja's departure was surrounded by all auspicious signs since he was constantly engaged in chanting and hearing about the Lord and His devotees. Barely a week before his departure Srila Adikeshava Maharaja's clear memory and jolly mood had impressed again a devotee who spoke with him over the phone from US. Ovbiously, it is a mistake to think that a Vaishnava dies, since he continues living in sound through his writings. A web site offering his books (www.sadhu.net) had just being released before the news of his physical departure. Regretfully, Srila Adikeshava Maharaja could not be informed on time about this, however, it is believed that he would be very happy of his valuable devotional contributions being exposed to the Vaishnava community worldwide. We feel thankful and inspired by the exemplary life manifested by Srila Adikeshava Maharaja during his physical permanence amongst us. Nitai-Gaura Haribol!

 

note: the Gaudiya Matha line of disciplic succession is a siksa line and not a diksa line of succession

Prabhupada at the time of his passing, encouraged his disciples to take siksa from his Godbrother and Siksa guru, Srila Sridhara Maharaja
Prabhupada's siksa guru
by Gopakumar das
Posted March 8, 2003

The disciples of Srila Prabhupada were so fortunate to have had him as both their diksa guru and siksa guru. In fact, in his presence there was no need for anything else but his empowered association. Nowadays, the grand disciples of Srila Prabhupada seek inspiration from anywhere they can and they find very good scriptural precedence to do so. Srila Prabhupada himself said:

There is no difference between the shelter giving Supreme Lord and the initiating and instructing spiritual masters. If one foolishly discriminates between them, he commits an offense in the discharge of devotional service (Purport to C.C. Adi 1.47) ​

In the absence of our Gurudeva or in great need for Krishna katha we seek out the association of many devotees, some of which take such a prominent role in our spiritual enlivenment that we bestow on them the title siksa guru. This is quite an honor to give someone since the Chatianya Caritamrta clearly states:

Siksa-guruke ta’ jani krsnera svarupa One should know the instructing spiritual master to be the Personality of Krishna. (Adi 1.47)

​

It is appropriate to accept such a siksa guru into ones life. In today’s modern devotional community it has even become fashionable to do so. Is there any precedence for this in the manifest lila of Srila Prabhupada? Did Srila Prabhupada himself consider anyone to hold such an exalted position in his life? Interesting quotes exist in this regard that are available to all and known to many. For example Prabhupada writes:

So if you are actually serious to take instructions from a siksa guru, I can refer you to one who is most highly competent of all my god-brothers. This is B.R. Sridhara Maharaja, whom I consider to be even my siksa guru, so what to speak of the benefit that you can have from his association. (January 1 1969 letter to Hrsikesa) ​

Srila Prabhupada, who knew well the exalted position of the title siksa guru (having translated and commented on the above text from C.C.) conferred this title on Srila Sridhara Maharaja. He thought so highly of Srila Sridhara maharaja that he also said:

What Sripad Sridhara Maharaja has directed I take on my head--it is appropriate that I should accept his instruction. (January 29, 1969 letter to Govinda Maharaja) What Govinda Maharaja has said is true. I consider his guru to be my siksa guru. (ISKCON Mayapur Candrodaya Mandira opening ceremony 1974)

​

Some devotees unfortunately use other statements made by Srila Prabhupada about his godbrothers and Srila Sridhara Maharaja in particular to justify vilifying him or at least ignoring these more significant statements made by Srila Prabhupada about his own siksa guru. It was only by the grand stature of our Srila Prabhupada that he was able to find relative flaws in his siblings. It is not for us to imitate this, unless we are also of that same stature. Prior to the disappearance of Srila Prabhupada, with his godbrothers present, Srila Prabhupada asked forgiveness for such statements of critique. It was Krsnadasa Babaji maharaja who responded that there was no offense. Whatever was done was done for the preaching. We, however, should regard Srila Sridhara Maharaja as a param siksa guru of our lineage in order to honor the relationship between he and our Srila Prabhupada. Our Srila Prabhupada said in the presence of many devotees such as Tamal Krsna Goswami Maharaja and Tripurari Maharaja that for any questions on philosophy we should see his godbrother BR Sridhara maharaja of Navadvipa. Tripurari Maharaja was massaging his feet at this time. Other devotees can verify this:

Prabhupada gave us the instruction that if we have difficulty then we should come to you (Sridhara maharaja), but they have deliberately neglected that instruction of Srila Prabhupada. (8-19-1980 Bhakti Caru Swami) According to Sridhara Swami, who Srila Prabhupada said we should consult about philosophy and practical points... (Giriraja Maharaja to GBC 9-16-1978)

​

Although this issue has been somewhat addressed and more of less retired by the Governing Body Commission of ISKCON, I am aware of many sincere devotees that are still preaching the message of our Srila Prabhupada who were excommunicated because of their love for and loyalty to the siksa guru of our Srila Prabhupada. When will the GBC call for the cooperation of all disciples of Srila Prabhupada, including those that have been demonized by following these injunctions of their gurudeva? Amongst these devotees are Tripurari Maharaja, Narasingha Maharaja, Visnu Maharaja, Paramadvaita Maharaja and many other devotees. When will they all be reunited at least in the spirit of cooperation? There is much to be gained in correcting our mistakes of the past. By this we can please our Srila Prabhupada who said:

We should not criticize each other, as Vaisnavas, because there is fault in everyone and we may be ourselves subject to criticism. Best thing is to be above suspicion ourselves, then if we see discrepancies and make suggestion the others will automatically respect and take action to rectify the matters. That is cooperation. And we must exist on such cooperation, otherwise the whole thing is doomed if we simply go on fighting over some small thing. So try to organize things and preach together in this spirit, and that will please me very, very much. (Letter to: Madhumangala, Hyderabad November 18, 1972) ​

Gopakumar das

 

Bhaktiraksaka Sridhara Maharaja

​

​

This is Sridhar Maharaj. He is also in the line from Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaj, his direct disciple, and, thus, a god-brother of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. He was the Founder-Acharya of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Nabadwip, West Bengal, India. He was born in 1895 at Hapaniya, Burdwan, West Bengal. He is said to have had inner faith in Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from his childhood, with a natural attraction and affinity for congregational chanting of the holy names (nama-sankirtan). He was a formidable scholar and renunciant. His first contact with Sri Gaudiya Math was in 1923, and he became a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, in 1926. In 1930 his guru gave him sannyasa (renunciation), giving him the name, Bhakti Rakshak [Guardian of Devotion]. He took a prominent part in the founding of, organizing and preaching at many of the Sri Gaudiya Maths all over India. Sridhar Maharaj composed many spiritual prayers and commentaries in Sanskrit and Bengali. He also had a special ability to represent Gaudiya Vaisnava thought in English. In this way, he was the author of numberous books.

Here is another picture of him:

​

Here are some of his major writings:

The Golden Volcano of Divine Love is here.

The Prapanna Jivanamritam here.

Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread is here.

Sri Guru and His Grace is here.

You can visit a website devoted to him here.

 

Jagadananda is a disciple of Lalita Prasada Thakura who was a son of Bhaktivinoda Thakura and therefore a brother (younger) of Bhaktisidanta Saraswati

as Gopakumar writes in the previous post, there is a contextual argument in the presentation of Prabhupada's comments on the Gaudiya Matha

 

Am back for a moment and see Chief Cowpie is taking over where BBB left off. LOL Only working the other side of the coin. Ahhh my curse. haha

Only a moment, so heres the bottom line.

1. I never said Prabhupada had emnity between himself and his godbrothers. It may appear like that to the untrained eye. Prabhupada LOVED his godbrothers. His complaints had absolutely nothing to do with how 'he' felt toward them. They were in relationship to 'qualification' as guru and if they were following their (his too) guru maharaja. Not if Prabhupada liked them or disliked them. On a personal basis, he was always very loving and kind to them. His instructions therefore, are just that, instructions to 'disciples' of his. Not what went on between himself and his godbrothers. (I dont mean to be redundant, just not sure if I am saying it clearly.)

2. Prabhuapda's instructions to all of his disciples were to avoid all of the Gaudiya Math (regarless of how many posts you put up by 'others' lol that say otherwise, its quotes from him you would need to show me). Again, this is more about spiritual qualification then anything else. He sees they deviated from the instruction of their spiriutal master, which is also his spiriutal master, therefore a relationship I feel we are not meant to get into. This is between him and them BUT he still can care for them while simultaneously give the instruction to avoid them. Besdies, others may not know this, but when he first came here to preach, some of his godbrothers made fun of him for being the "guru to the hippies." They put him down for it. I'll stick with the guru of the hippies who did not look down on us at any point in his life.

He simply did not want Gaudiya Math taking over his movement. No problem with them having a movement of their own.


Saturday --- shopping! Wont be back 'til tonight! See you then.


YL

 

It's funny. Yes, as though BBB reincarnated. In my opinion, this is just a way how to distract others in hearing about Prabhupada's message. Please, don't listen to it. Why do you refuse to listen Prabhupada's words? He did this -he came from India and during last 10 years of his life he did a miracle -he attracted so many people into Krishna consciousness, he wrote 50 books, bulit hundreds of temples. Isn't it worthy to hear the complete version of Prabhupada -of this man? Yes, it's true that we are all parcels of Krishna, but some are nto aware of it and therefore they live only for material enjoyment. They tell you things too, but it's a waste of time. Srila Prabhupada's message is simple and perfect: chant the Holy names of Sri Krishna and surrender to Him. He's giving you very complete instruction how you can achieve that. He doesn't care about anything else. He doesn't talk rubbish, he wrote all these books and made all these things just to spread the Holy Names. Those are the proofs. The one, who talks, but doesn't do, what he preach about is not worthy of listening.

 

"It's funny. Yes, as though BBB reincarnated. In my opinion, this is just a way how to distract others in hearing about Prabhupada's message. Please, don't listen to it. Why do you refuse to listen Prabhupada's words? He did this -he came from India and during last 10 years of his life he did a miracle -he attracted so many people into Krishna consciousness, he wrote 50 books, bulit hundreds of temples. Isn't it worthy to hear the complete version of Prabhupada -of this man? Yes, it's true that we are all parcels of Krishna, but some are nto aware of it and therefore they live only for material enjoyment. They tell you things too, but it's a waste of time. Srila Prabhupada's message is simple and perfect: chant the Holy names of Sri Krishna and surrender to Him. He's giving you very complete instruction how you can achieve that. He doesn't care about anything else. He doesn't talk rubbish, he wrote all these books and made all these things just to spread the Holy Names. Those are the proofs. The one, who talks, but doesn't do, what he preach about is not worthy of listening."
...............Sleeping Jiva


Dear Sleeping Jiva,

Being a devotee of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna you are so insolent !
Where is all the humility gone ?

If you have forgotten please read the following again :

NIRBAIRAH SARBABHUTESHU JAH SA MAMETI PANDAVA
.....FROM THE GITA, PART OF THE LAST SHLOKA NO.55
OF THE CHAPTER "VISWARUP DARSHAN YOGA"

However, I still love you.

..............Kumar.

 

there is no difference between what Sridhara Maharaja taught and what Srila Prabhupada taught...Sridhara Maharaja was Srila Prabhupada's siksa guru as well as Srila Prabhupada's final instruction was to go to Sridhara Maharaja for guidance

 

[size=+1]Our Affectionate Guardians[/size]
Chapter Four:

​

[size=+1]Prabhupada's Instructions[/size]

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​

Shortly before he left us in 1977, Srila Prabhupada advised his disciples to see Srila Sridhara Maharaja if they had questions about philosophical matters. This instruction was accepted by the entire [size=-1]GBC[/size] at that time, and from 1977 to 1981 they did approach Srila Sridhara Maharaja with many important questions.

A substantial portion of the [size=-1]GBC[/size] Guru Position Paper of March 1978, the [size=-1]GBC[/size]'s official statement published after their initial question-and-answer session with Srila Sridhara Maharaja, is taken directly from Srila Sridhara Maharaja's instructions to the [size=-1]GBC[/size], with a few noteworthy additions and subtractions.

That it was actually the instruction of Srila Prabhupada that we should approach Srila Sridhara Maharaja for spiritual instruction is corroborated by taped statements of Jayapataka Maharaja, Satsvarupa Maharaja, Bhakti Caru Swami, Tamala Krsna Maharaja, and many other [size=-1]GBC[/size]s [some of whom later changed their minds regarding the validity of their previous statements], as well as by Tripurari Maharaja who was personally massaging Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet in the midst of several senior devotees when he heard this instruction from Srila Prabhupada. The instruction came in response to a question from Tamala Krsna Maharaja as to whom we could approach for advice after Srila Prabhupada's disappearance. Bhakti Caru Swami related to Srila Sridhara Maharaja on August 19, 1980:

Prabhupada gave us an instruction that if we have any difficulty then we should come to you, but they are deliberately neglecting that instruction of Srila Prabhupada.

​

In addition, official [size=-1]GBC[/size] recognition of this instruction of Srila Prabhupada was given in the [size=-1]GBC[/size]'s March 1981 publication, "The Descending Process of Selecting a Spiritual Master." Giriraja Maharaja, in a letter of September 16, 1978 addressed to all [size=-1]GBC[/size] members, wrote:

According to Sridhara Swami, who Srila Prabhupada said we should consult about philosophy and practical points, there is relative and absolute considerationand we must give Sridhara Swami the highest regard. At one time, Srila Prabhupada said that apart from himself only Sridhara Swami was qualified to write the Bhagavatam purports. When we approached Srila Prabhupada before his departure about our writing books after his disappearance, Srila Prabhupada replied, "You can write when you are realized, but now none of you are realized."

So both in terms of relative rank and absolute realization, Sridhara Swami is far beyond any of us. Recently, I have heard statements to the effect that we have now surpassed Sridhara Swami and that we are in the position where we can improve upon Sridhara Swami's conception. In this connection, I am simply reminded of the words of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, svami na mane yei jana vesyara bhitare, tare kariye ganana, that we must remain faithful to our Swami [otherwise we will be prostitutes]. (Cc . Antya-lila 7.115)

​

In regard to Srila Sridhara Maharaja, Srila Prabhupada's disciples said:

[Prabhupada said] If there was question we should approach you. (Jayapataka Maharaja, tape, March 1978)

We should go to his godbrother Sridhara Maharaja for guidance. So this talk of October 21, 1980 certainly showed the gbc doing this, and Srila Sridhara Maharaja fulfilling this role, as Prabhupada requested he do for the disciples of Srila Prabhupada. (Satsvarupa Maharaja, tape, December 22, 1980)

​

Srila Prabhupada's leading disciples also greatly appreciated Srila Sridhara Maharaja. A historic series of darsanas during the Gaura Purnima of 1981 were attended every day by many leading iskcon devotees, including Tamala Krsna Maharaja, Ramesvara Maharaja, Kirtanananda Maharaja, Giriraja Swami, Jayadvaita Swami, Bhakti Caru Swami, Atreya Risi Prabhu, and many other [size=-1]GBCs[/size].

Our Guru Maharaja was kind upon us, so you are kind upon us. I find no difference at all in how you are blessing us. When I used to come every year to Mayapur, my whole purpose in coming was fulfilled when I would be in his association. So similarly, now I am feeling that as I have come here, that my purpose is being fulfilled, whenever I am in your association. (Tamala Krsna Maharaja, tape, February 26, 1981)

I take it that Prabhupada is speaking to us through you. (Ramesvara Swami, tape, March 5, 1981)

​

Additionally, other disciples stated:

Sridhara Maharaja's instructions are nondifferent than Prabhupada's. (Autobiography of a Jewish Yogi, Acyutananda dasa)

Prabhupada told me twice, "Everything I know, I learned from Sridhara Maharaja." (Hamsaduta dasa)

Maharaja, time will prove that they [[size=-1]ISKCON[/size] leaders] are wrong, and you are right. (Bhakti Caru Swami, tape, February 1982)

​

Srila Prabhupada himself spoke highly of Srila Sridhara Maharaja:

...who is the most highly competent of all my godbrothers. This is B. R. Sridhara Maharaja, whom I consider to be even my siksa guru . If you are serious about the advancement of your spiritual life, I advise you to go to Sridhara Maharaja and I will feel that you are safe.You can also make arrangements for your other godbrothers to go there in the future. (SP Ltr. Hrsikesa, January 1, 1969)

What Sripada Sridhara Maharaja has directed, I take it on my head.It is appropriate that I should accept his direction. (SP Ltr. Govinda Mj, 12-9-69)

What Govinda Maharaja has said is true. I consider his guru as my siksa guru . (SP, [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] Mayapur Candrodaya Mandira opening ceremony 1974)

Those who are intelligent, they are making something, Sridhara Maharaja and others. (SP Conversation, Allahabad, January 13, 1977) [size=-1][1][/size]

One of my important godbrothers [Sridhara Maharaja] says. He's sincere. He says, "The prediction of Caitanya-caritamrta, prthivite ache yata nagaradi-grama So you have done it." (SP LA Morning Walk, December 11, 1973 & SP Ltr. Bon Maharaja, July 7, 1975) [size=-1][2][/size]

Our relationship is very intimate. After the breakdown of the Gaudiya Matha I wanted to organize another organization making Sridhara Maharaja as the head. (SP Conversation, March 17, 1973) [size=-1][3][/size]

​

Over the years, various facts have mysteriously changed, according to the political climate. Statements included in this book are substantiated with hard copy and tape recordings. Understandably, one may change his opinion regarding certain things, but this does not change the essential facts, the actual truth, satyam param dhimahi .

 

Letter to Rupanuga

Despite Srila Prabhupada's final and conclusive statements regarding Srila Sridhara Maharaja, some take Srila Prabhupada's letter to Rupanuga in 1974 as the conclusive statement about Srila Sridhara Maharaja. An excerpt of the letter follows:

My dear Rupanuga Maharaja,

Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of April 17, from Washington D.C. and I have very carefully noted the contents.

You are right about Sridhara Maharaja's genuineness. But in my opinion he is the best of the lot. He is my old friend, at least he executes the regulative principles of devotional service. I do not wish to discuss about activities of my godbrothers but it is a fact they have no life for preaching work. All are satisfied with a place for residence in the name of a temple, they engage disciples to get foodstuff by transcendental devices and eat and sleep. They have no idea or brain how to broadcast the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. My Guru Maharaja used to lament many times for this reason and he thought if one man at least had understood the principle of preaching then his mission would achieve success. In the latter days of my Guru Maharaja, he was very disgusted. Actually, he left this world earlier, otherwise he would have continued to live for more years. Still he requested his disciples to form a strong governing body for preaching the cult of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He never recommended anyone to be acarya of the Gaudiya Matha. But Sridhara Maharaja is responsible for disobeying this order of Guru Maharaja, and he and others who are already dead, unnecessarily thought that there must be one acarya . If Guru Maharaja could have seen someone who was qualified at that time to be acarya he would have mentioned. Because on the night before he passed away he talked of so many things, but never mentioned an acarya . His idea was acarya was not to be nominated amongst the governing body. He said openly you make a [size=-1]GBC[/size] and conduct the mission. So his idea was that a self-effulgent acarya would be automatically selected from amongst the successful members of the [size=-1]GBC[/size]. So Sridhara Maharaja and his two associate gentlemen unauthorizedly selected one acarya and later it proved a failure. The result is now everyone is claiming to be acarya even though they may be kanistha-adhikari with no ability to preach. In some of the camps, the acarya is being changed three times a year. Therefore we may not commit the same mistake in our [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] camp. Actually amongst my godbrothers no one is qualified to become acarya . So it is better not to mix with my godbrothers very intimately because instead of inspiring our students and disciples they may sometimes pollute them. This attempt was made previously by them, especially [names three sannyasi godbrothers] but somehow or other I saved the situation. This is going on. We shall be very careful about them and not mix with them. This is my instruction to you all. They cannot help us in our movement, but they are very competent to harm our natural progress. So we must be very careful about them.

​

When there is a conflict between opposing statements, they must be reconciled. Rupa Goswami has written:

virodho vakyayor yatra napramayam tad isyate
yathaviruddhata ca syat tatharthah kalpyate tayoh

​

"When two scriptural statements contradict each other, one is not taken as inauthentic. One should give the meaning in such a way that the contradiction is removed." ( Laghu-bhag. 1.212)

​

The previously mentioned personal instruction of Srila Prabhupada to approach Srila Sridhara Maharaja for philosophy was given three years after the Rupanuga letter was written. This letter of Srila Prabhupada must be harmonized with the other statements by Srila Prabhupada in order to get an accurate picture of Srila Prabhupada's feelings about Srila Sridhara Maharaja. When seen in the light of proper historical perspective, the circumstantial nature of these remarks can be realized because the subsequent friendly and intimate dealings between Srila Prabhupada and Srila Sridhara Maharaja did not change in the slightest even after Srila Prabhupada made such remarks. Further, Srila Prabhupada and Srila Sridhara Maharaja lived together harmonously during the majority of the problems of the Gaudiya Matha mentioned in the Rupanuga letter, [size=-1][4][/size] and subsequent to this Srila Prabhupada requested Srila Sridhara Maharaja to be the president of [size=-1]ISKCON[/size]:

Our relationship is very intimate. After the breakdown of the Gaudiya Matha, I wanted to organize another organization, making Sridhara Maharaja the head. (March 1973) [size=-1][5][/size]

​

Unfortunately, taking the Rupanuga letter out of its true historical context, a handful of leaders have attempted to utilize it in order to discredit the deep and intimate relationship between Srila Sridhara Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada. Some of these leaders are fully aware of this deep relationship. Neither have we seen the letter written to Srila Prabhupada that elicited this response. A careful study of Prabhupada's many letters shows that quite often his letters are direct responses to particular circumstances and may even contradict other instructions in different situations.

According to Srila Sridhara Maharaja, a [size=-1]GBC[/size] was formed by the trustees of the Gaudiya Matha ten days after the disappearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, although it did not remain intact for long. Membership of the [size=-1]GBC[/size] was declined by Srila Sridhara Maharaja. The [size=-1]GBC[/size] elected an acarya and Srila Sridhara Maharaja helped advise the [size=-1]GBC[/size] when requested by them.

The War Is Over

In spite of Srila Prabhupada's sometimes strong criticism of his godbrothers, he also wrote positively about them:

Even amongst our godbrothers we have misunderstanding, but none of us is astray from the service of Krsna. My Guru Maharaja ordered us to execute his mission combinedly. Unfortunately, we are now separated. But none of us have stopped preaching Krsna consciousness. Even there was misunderstanding amongst the godbrothers of my Guru Maharaja, none of them deviated from the transcendental loving service of Krsna. (SP Ltr. Brahmananda, November 18, 1967)

The disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami are all godbrothers, and although there are some differences of opinion and we are not acting conjointly, every one of us is spreading this Krsna consciousness movement according to his capacity and producing many disciples to spread it all over the world. ( Bhag. 4.28.31)

So far as your question about controversy amongst the disciples of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja, that is a fact. But this controversy is not material. Just like in a national program, different political parties are sometimes in conflict and make propaganda against each other, but their central point is always service to the country. Similarly, amongst the disciples of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati there may be some controversy, but the central point is how to preach the mission of His Divine Grace. (SP Ltr. Mandali Bhadra, July 28, 1969)

​

The above letter to Brahmananda was written early on, subsequent to which there were many problems with Srila Prabhupada's godbrothers. The above purport, however, was written quite a bit later.

Srila Prabhupada also said, "The war is over now," and he created the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust for developing Gauda-mandala-bhumi and encouraging better relations and cooperation between [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] and Srila Prabhupada's godbrothers. Specifically, Srila Prabhupada instructed that this trust construct a kirtana hall at Srila Sridhara Maharaja's Matha and also one at the birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Yoga-pitha. [size=-1][6][/size]

 

[size=-1][/size]

When we examine the activities of these two Vaisnavas, we see the real intentions of these pure devotees of the Lord, fully absorbed in devotional service. One must examine all the facts impartially, not just make a superficial estimation based on one letter and general statements and pass a decree for all time. The mistakes made by the leaders of [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] were much more grave than the alleged mistakes of Srila Sridhara Maharaja [supporting an acarya who later fell down]. Within [size=-1]ISKCON[/size] the many mistakes of the leaders have been whitewashed, whereas Srila Sridhara Maharaja to this day is maligned. In light of an unbiased look at Srila Prabhupada's letters, conversations, and other instructions, it can be concluded that Srila Prabhupada did not discourage his disciples from receiving instruction (siksa) from Srila Sridhara Maharaja; on the contrary, he encouraged it. Similarly, an unbiased look at the siksa of Srila Sridhara Maharaja will show that his advice was perfect. When told of Srila Prabhupada's criticism of himself in the Rupanuga letter, Srila Sridhara Maharaja replied with a chuckle, "Just see the preaching of Swami Maharaja, he has not even spared me, his intimate friend!"

Notes:
[size=-1][1] [/size]770113RC.ALL
[size=-1][2] [/size]731211M2.LA in ref to SP Ltr Bon Mj July 7, 1975 & 760122MW.MAY
[size=-1][3] [/size]730317RC.MAY
[size=-1][4][/size] Lilamrta, Vol. 1, p. 100
[size=-1][5] [/size]730317RC.MAY
[size=-1][6] [/size]771030R2.VRN & 771106RC.VRN