By Shyamasundara Dasa
In order to promote their heterodox position, Bhaktarupa Prabhu and Madhavananda Prabhu have in their paper, “Some Evidence Regarding Education and Guruship for Vaishnavis“, sought to undermine the authority and applicability of the Manu Samhita by quoting the following letter by Srila Prabhupada:
“According to the Manu-samhita you are all mlecchas and yavanas. You cannot touch the Manu-samhita, what to speak of translating it. So if you try to follow the Manu-samhita then you become a mleccha and yavana and your career is finished.”
(Secretary‘s Letter to Madhusudana, 19 May, 1977)
The following is the actual explanation of this statement by His Grace Madhusudana Prabhu, the person it was addressed to.
dasa dasa anu dasa
Shyamasundara Dasa
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From: Shyamasundara Dasa
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2003 12:26 PM
Subject: Manu-samhita
Dear Madhusudana Prabhu,
PAMHO AGTSP
Recently there has been a bit of controvery regarding Srila Prabhupada, Vedic culture and Manu-samhita. Considering that everytime SP mentions the Manu-samhita he has done so in glowing terms the following text seems contradictory. Could you please explain the context surrounding this text. What did you ask SP and why did he answer like this?
Your humble servant
Shyamasundara Dasa
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From: Michael Blumert
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2003 4:27 PM
To: Shyamasundara Dasa
Subject: RE: Manu-samhita
At the time, my wife and I were having trouble conceiving a child for many years. Various sanskritists were beginning to recommend following the many rituals for auspicious conception etc. So I had asked Prabhupada if I should do those things and that was his response. Of course, Prabhupad’s instruction was to simply chant 50 rounds before trying to conceive.
My understanding is that the 50 rounds of chanting should not be minimized as being less effective that the Manu-samhita rituals. Also, it’s clear that I and many others were (I still am) mlecchas and yavanas (which became all too obvious when we screwed up the movement as we did), so how could we know how and when to apply the Manu-samhita. I think Prabhupada answered based on the time, place, and recipient.
That probably clears it up for you.
ys
Madhusudan