By Kesava Krsna dasa
Many of us some time or other may have known or encountered devotees who left Iskcon for so called ‘greener pastures.’ When asked about their reasons for doing so, one common response is, aside from usual grievances, is that Srila Prabhupada only gave us the basics, the ABC’s of spiritual life. Such recurring sentiments are carried over after having read or heard of ‘higher’ things written or spoken by ‘higher’vaisnavas. Are there things Srila Prabhupada has not taught us which others are?
If we play along with these suppositions as a devil’s advocate and presume they are true, then Srila Prabhupada becomes a John the Baptist type of figure who paved the way for – who? Or he had limited realizations and expressed them the best way possible for the western mentality – ABC style. Or, as in the Biblical sense, we the readers of his books and followers of his instructions are not ready to receive of higher things. Or yet again, he simplified the philosophy so much it has become basic rudimentary fare. The advocates of the ABC theory imply they are superior to those who lovingly follow him.
To counter these false assertions a conviction born of sraddha is required. Not just to know that Srila Prabhupada says everything is in his books, but how and why. Of course, if he says so, this is self-evident, because the words of a pure devotee are backed with Krsna’s approval. But our faith – ye yatha mam prapadyanta – is reciprocal to our conviction. It rewards us lesser or higher truths accordingly. So if we think Srila Prabhupada gave us partial knowledge, we will only become partially realized.
If with our limited realizations we feel fit to carry our baggage over to some ‘higher’ milk and honey source to receive mind blowing dazzling doses of ‘rasika’ hand-outs, will we be able to swallow them? Highly unlikely! If we feel we are not deriving higher understanding through Srila Prabhupada’s teachings then our faith can never withstand anything more. Besides, what will we gain if we go elsewhere?
If Srila Prabhupada implored us to stay within his mission, it meant it was important for him. The power of mercy and every other spiritual benediction are inbuilt in his desire. Is there not the risk of cutting ourselves off if we leave? We hardly hear of devotees defecting from other spiritual mathas because it is sacrilege to do so, an abomination to their respective guru/founders. It is an embarrassment for Srila Prabhupada if we leave for something supposedly ‘greener’ or ‘higher.’
An example of how important a mission is to the founder can be found in Srila Gopal Guru Goswami who lived during lord Chaitanya’s time. Before he left the world he entrusted organizational responsibility of his mission to his disciple Dhyanacandra, and then passed away. Some legal problems arose in which the government sealed off their temple due to non-transference of property deeds. The tears of Dhyanacandra brought his guru back to life, who then completed the deeds. It showed how important it was for Srila Gopal Guru to keep his mission intact. Iskcon is no less important for Srila Prabhupada.
One need not look very far to see how he gave us everything we need to succeed in devotional service. The foremost activity of chanting Hare Krsna requires a simple mention from Sri Yamaraja himself, who says in SB 6.3.22: “Devotional service beginning with the chanting of the holy name of the Lord, is the ultimate religious principle for the living entity in human society.” Is this ultimate activity a mere ABC token gesture?
BG 16.1-3 purport says: “The best sacrifice recommended in this age is called sankirtana-yajna, the chanting of Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. This is the best and most inexpensive sacrifice; everyone can adopt it and derive benefit.” Is this the best ABC we ever had? Does not the chanting take us through the entire alphabet? Where is the shortfall?
When we sing the lofty samsara prayers in the morning, are these just ABC nursery rhymes to keep us awake? Then we sing very exalted prayers for Srimate Tulasi Devi in which we beg to – seva- adhikara diye koro nija dasi – “please give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant.” Is this request to become a maidservant simply an ABC fantasy wish to become a fairy in wonderland?
When we read from the Srimad Bhagavatam which is sufficient in itself for God realization, situates one in transcendental goodness, is the mature fruit of the Vedic literatures, the literary incarnation of God, the essence of all Vedanta philosophy, dispels the darkness of Kali-yuga, is the spotless Purana, awakens love for Krsna etc, etc, etc. Is the Srimad Bhagavatam an ABC encyclopedia filled with never land tales to keep us guessing for something higher? Isn’t the Srimad Bhagavatam identical with Krsna?
The Chaitanya Caritamrta which describes Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s esoteric activities and teachings, to Whom we can apply logic and argument to His mercy, from Whom the six Goswamis were enriched in understanding of, and to Whom remembrance of makes difficult things become easy, Who taught inconceivable oneness and difference philosophy, Who is – Radha Krsna nahe anya, Who bestows conjugal love for Krsna etc, etc, etc. Is this work just an ABC elementary biography of a saint who taught that crying in separation from Krsna is the first step to – what? Would Srila Prabhupada spend valuable time writing his spiritual master’s favorite book as an ABC primer?
We have to conclude that Srila Prabhupada gave us the best, the ultimate, the summum bonum, the acme, the pinnacle, the topmost, the highest, the purest, the cream, the essence, in fact – everything. Still, one may ask: “What about the numerous sacred books written by the previous acaryas?” Srila Prabhupada recommended many other books to be read and translated – when we qualify ourselves.
In reading books written by Srila Prabhupada’s contemporaries, one will doubtlessly find inspiring words and realizations, differences of expression, prose and the use of Sanskrit terminology and so on. One thing is strikingly clear though – there is nothing extra to what Srila Prabhupada has written for us. What may appear ‘higher’ will be the difference of presentation, and in some cases, the indiscriminate communication of ‘rasika’ subjects to unqualified recipients who think they have now become maidservants of Vraja.
Because Srila Prabhupada wrote in English, he translated common Sanskrit terms that way too, which to an unfamiliar reader will seem staid, if not tedious. Whereas someone may say we have to progress through the stages of sadhu sanga, bhajana-kriya, anartha-nivrtti, nistha, ruci, asakti, bhava and prema; Srila Prabhupada did the same over and over with words like association, misgivings, steady, taste, attraction, ecstasy, love. He was not shy to refer to – raganuga-bhakti – frequently either, by using words like spontaneous. In fact one needs to know these Sanskrit terms to better understand his English.
To recognize Srila Prabhupada’s love and kindness for us can be seen in his reiteration of certain points to remind us, help us understand, and to prevent us from committing blunders and aparadhas. This combined with his brilliance in presenting the realizations of various rasika acaryas into English, his third or fourth language, is an assurance we are receiving higher knowledge. If we are convinced that he gave us everything, we can scale the devotional heights without limitation.
Next time we encounter someone who wishes to impress us with an ABC rendition, we should politely retort: “Srila Prabhupada gave me the ABC’s, the LMN’s and the XYZ’s thank you very much.”
Ys, Kesava Krsna dasa – GRS.
There is a saying that when a person is haunted by ghost, he says all kinds of rubbish that has no meaning to an intelligent person. Many unfortunate people said all kinds of garbage that Srila Prabhupada only gave this much or that much etc., therefore there is a need for something higher. Such persons can be compared to ghostly haunted persons. Therefore, they need not be taken seriously. I remembered once Srila Prabhupada was lecturing on how Krishna consciousness is a heart transaction, that the success of it depends on how much we adapt ourselfs to it. As a matter of fact, everything that’s needed to be known are all in Srila Prabhupada’s books and his teachings. The realisation of it all depends on our level of faith. As Srila Narottama dasa Thakura rightly pointed out that the lotus feet of the spiritual master are the only way by which one can attain pure devotional service. The lotus feet of the sad-guru like Srila Prabhupada is forever flowing with pure honey which are the nectar of Krishna conscioussness. Only those who are faithful to him can really taste the honey. The effect of being unable to taste the nectar is the wandering of the mind that says “Oh Srila Prabhupada only gave ABC, therefore let me go there to hear something deeper”. It’s nothing but maya.
I don’t know about other people’s realizations. If someone has a more advanced realization than me, by definition I’m hardly able to judge whether it is correct or not.
What I do know for a fact is that there is more information in Srila Prabhupada’s books than I have been able to absorb and put into practice yet, so I if there is an end to it it seems a long way off for me at least. Creating the functioning human civilization centered on Visnur aradhyate will take several life times. Once that is done with and I have a chance to read through the other things in there I’ll re-evaluate.
I think the position thats being argued against in this essay has been oversimplified and politicized.
Every Gaudiya Vaisnava will be happy to agree that all of the highest perfections of our tradition are available to one who sincerely and faithfully chants the holy name of Krishna. In that respect, it is sure that Srila Prabhupada has given the very highest, most sublime teachings of the Absolute Truth.
At the same time, the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu that we’ve inherited from Srila Prabhupada are vast and deep. God, of course, in unlimited and the realm of pure devotional service is also unlimited. Generation after generation, our Gaudiya Vaisnava acaryas have revealed and writen volume after volume after volume about the unlimited depths of pure devotional service to Krishna. Keeping this in mind, we can appreciate that Srila Prabhupada has just begun to introduce us to the unlimitedly vast and beautiful tradition he is asking us to be a part of.
From one angle we can say that Srila Prabhupada has given everything. From another angle we can say that he’s given but a small drop of the unlimited nectar ocean of pure devotional service. It is a fact that Srila Prabhupada presented the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to an audience for whom such teachings were entirely new. To say that he taught beginners is hardly a slight against him, but rather increases his glory as someone who as empowered to bring new people to Krishna consciousness. The fact that Srila Prabhupada was able to given so many people so much faith in the ABCs of Krishna consciousness is a truely wonderful and amazing thing that no one else has ever been able to accomplish.
I want to very humbly beg the devotees: Let us be broad minded in our Krishna consciousness. Let us not become limited by institutional politics and Vaisnava aparadha. If various devotees have different types of realizations, let us try to live and let live in a spirit of harmony and tolerance. Fighting will not help us. The deepest need of every living entity is to reestablish our lost relationship with Krishna in a spirit of pure devotion. Let us focus on that truth. If different devotees find a different type of faith in various teachers with a slightly different kinds of emphasis, let us try to encourage everyone in their service to Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada’s ABC philosophy
By Karuna Purna dasi
The last few days I was thinking of the ‘ABC theory’ that some of our Godbrothers and sisters profess nowadays when they go to other maths. They claim that Srila Prabhupada gave only the ABC of spiritual life, implying thus that there is more for us to be learned. I would like to make some observations on the subject and share my views with the assembled devotees.
Isvara das’ comment 1 on ‘Who Says Srila Prabhupada Only Gave Us The ABC’s?’ posted April 9th, , states that ‘The realisation of it all depends on our level of faith’. I would add however that I also learned and understood that Krsna Consciousness is a descending process and that our level of realisation depends only on guru’s and Krsna’s mercy bestowed upon us to advance in Krsna Consciousness and to go back to our original position as servants of Krsna. A series of elements ranging from following a good sadhana, reading our main books: Srila Prabhupada’s writings, trying to serve the devotees as much as possible etc. will not necessarily result in a devotee’s spiritual advancement and further level of realisation. My understanding is rather, that by following the sadhana, chanting attentively, following the principles etc. one attracts guru and Krsna’s attention who then will bestow His/Their mercy upon us, thus allowing us to see Him/Them and realise A: that we are not this body, C: that we are Radha and Krsna’s eternal servants and B: that in order to serve Radha and Krsna we need to serve Their devotees under the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master.
Srila Prabhupada gave C: the goal of the process, A: our starting point as conditioned humans and B: the different stages of devotional service. In addition, Srila Prabhupada gave the methodology to progress towards the goal: To receive the Lord’s mercy and serve Him in our eternal constitutional position at the end of this lifetime. So, from the scholastic point of view there is no fault. This point, I will develop next.
From my neophyte perspective, it is my opinion that Srila Prabhupada gave all the information that we needed with regards to humans to obtain Krsna’s mercy and go back to Godhead. Srila Prabhupada started giving from the basic teaching that we are not this body followed by the more difficult to realise ‘I am not this mind’ that I personally have to hammer in my head daily. Furthermore, Srila Prabhupada gave us gradual knowledge together with an access to the most intimate relationships of Krsna in a parental mood with Mother Yasoda as we all relish during Kartika time. Then Srila Prabhupada presented us with the Lord’s most intimate pastimes with Radharani and the other gopis. Srila Prabhupada therefore presented the beginning A to the final goal Z and all the stages in between. Arguably, there might be some details that Srila Prabhupada didn’t think important to mention in his books, but do we need anything more than Lord Gauranga’s mercy to revive our love for Radha and Krsna? This takes me to the next point.
It is not a question of faith but evidence, that Srila Prabhupada was the only person on this planet empowered to spread Krsna Consciousness outside India. The result of the empowerment is that he is succeeded. By the same logic we can say that as Srila Prabhupada was guided, he knew exactly at what moment to arrive in the West, what strategy to use and how much or what to write on his books on the mission of spreading Krsna Consciousness.
Coming back to the initial point on faith and regardless of ABC, Srila Prabhupada said to Yogeswara in Paris that when we will pass away, we will recognise him in the spiritual world and that, is all we want. And yes, I have firm faith that I will see Srila Prabhupada. There are no more letters in my neophyte’s alphabet than A, B and C. And yes, this is my only hope and certainty in life. Thanks to A, B and C I will see Srila Prabhupada when I leave this body, and that I will also see Krsna tending and milking His cows, if He allows me.
In conclusion, it is my humble opinion, that the ABC philosophy is an offence not only to Srila Prabhupada as, after all, he is the only person who can claim success in coming to the West at his age to fulfil the instruction of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta. The ABC philosophy is furthermore an offence in particular to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta himself who empowered Srila Prabhupada as he gave him the instruction. It is a further offence to Srila Bhaktividoda Thakura who predicted that Krsna Consciousness would be spread through the world and finally to Caitanya Mahaprabhu who wanted Krsna’s glories spread in every town and village. Srila Prabhupada pleased the parampara and the Lord as he completed his mission successfully and that is all that matters. The incomplete ABC philosophy that some Vaisnavas seem to argue is, in my opinion, due to frustration against ISKCON resulting in an unadulterated and a most pure form of envy and offence.
However, not withstanding the precedent, I share Radhika Seva dasi’s opinion. Fighting with those devotees who chose to continue their devotional service in
other maths serving other masters will not lead anywhere. On the contrary the risk is there to commit offences in all directions. Perhaps a solution would be to
respect their choice and in the meantime it might be an idea trying to reflect on the reasons that took those devotees to look for greener pastures outside ISKCON.
Your servant,
Karuna Purna dasi
Dear prabhus and matajis,
Quite diverse expressions have been made so far. I intended to write in a balanced way about a topic which – if not handled properly – could flare up into dire flames of aparadha. I simply presented Srila Prabhupada’s input, which is all we need to succeed, and how it is not always appreciated for the wrong reasons ,with faith being a factor.
Sits-Pati prabhu describes how the information in Srila Prabhupada’s books may take more than a lifetime to comprehend. Isvara prabhu, I thought was a little extreme with the haunting logic, though I cannot begrudge his defence of Srila Prabhupada’s contribution. To say such a thing in the face of one who has left Iskcon would not endear him/her to Iskcon, but rather antagonize even more. We have to make Iskcon an attractive proposition by presenting quality yet mature presentations. The stress on faith was the core of his comment.
Radhiks-seva mataji rather thought the essay over simplistic – which I take as a compliment – not wanting to get bogged down in gruelling details. Since the definition of politics means to know who our enemies are, and who are our friends, I fail to see much politicking here except to highlight a phenomenon without naming names or organizations. Still, the need for a mature approach is most required, which she emphasises – quite maturely.
Karuna Purna mataji deals more with the issue of faith. All you said was true, but faith or sraddha is an evolving momentum which through the grace of Sri guru increases up to the level of bhava. It is true that such great implicit faith can more speedily advance us in devotion which is essentially a state of mind. We are going beyond the ‘faith without works’ scenario. Then you concur with the need for maturity.
Ys,Kesava Krsna dasa.
To Kesava Krsna Das:
My essay was not about faith but about the following:
1. If devotional service is a descending process given by Guru and Krsna, and,
2. Srila Prabhupada was given the instruction hence empowered by Srila Bhaktisidhanta and the Parampara to spread Krsna Consciousness in the world, then,
3. The format in which Srila Prabhupada imparted Krsna Consciouness, was perfect.
Karuna Purna dasi.
Hare Krishna. Dandavats to the Vaishnavas. Just a small comment to add to this very interesting and enlightening discussion. In reading the later chapters of the Nectar of Devotion, the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Sri Caitanya Caritamrta one could hardly say that Srila Prabhupada just gave us the ABC’s. The most intimate mellows of devotional service are discussed in great detail in these books by Srila Prabhupada so I have always been rather astonished at how anyone could possibly suggest that Srila Prabhupada did not teach the entire siddhanta of our Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy. Furthermore, the topmost teaching of Vaishnavism is that by pure, selfless devotion unto the Lord (specifically unto Sri Guru and Gauranga) one attains perfection. And who could be a more pure and selfless servant of Sri Guru and Gauranga than Srila Prabhupada by his unparalleled preaching. So one who follows in his footsteps most certainly attains the same perfection. “The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krsna’s conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vrndavana. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.”
from a very poor and fallen soul – your humble servant,
Srutadeva das
Srila Prabhupada definitely gave us everything a jiva needs to go back to Krishna. Of that there is no doubt. As for ABC’s and XYZ’s the argument may go on, but one has to understand that spiritual life, if practised perfectly, is a simple and straightforward thing, just as Krishna’s words in Bhagavad Gita are. The apparent complications and contradictions are only due to our own imperfections and definitely not because of any inadequacy in the teachings or writings of Srila Prabhupada.
Aspiring for Vaisnava pada renu,
Dasanudasa,
Govardhan Giri Dasa
Karuna Purna mataji,
Point taken. In fact I lingered on your mention of faith for too long. You did say the process set by Srila Prabhupada was more than just an issue of faith – which I did not highlight – focusing on the matter of faith.
In fact your essays written both here and os the ‘best days of our lives’ article were nicely composed and meaningful.
Thanks, ys, Kesava Krsna dasa.
Srutadeva prabhu,
You are right. The information contained in the NOD and SB becomes highly technical. Even The Teachings Of Lord Chaitanya contains sophisticated terminology regarding the the realm of Krsna prema.
To gloss over this and say it is rudimentary can only come from a spiritually uneducated source, or a misinformed faithless one.
Ys, Kesava Krsna dasa.
Comment on ABC’s
By Nandanandana Das (ACBSP)
It seems that even within ISKCON there are devotees who don’t have a full understanding of Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental position and that of his teachings, otherwise it cannot be explained how some who were his disciples and followers had left him. There were some spiritual leaders who came and said, “I know your guru better than you do”, but when they spoke out we found out that that was not truth; rather their preaching was vilifying Srila Prabhupada’s position. Whether it was done intentionally or they just were unable to comprehend his position.
Even during Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence there were many of such undue attacks and criticisms against His Divine Grace. Now previous followers of Srila Prabhupada and new comers are being contaminated by such Vaisnava aparadhas against His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
First I want to make the point that the teachings and daily sadhana given by His Divine Grace are the perfect medium to attain pure devotion to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, from sraddha to prema bhakti. To attain raganuga and madurya-rasa, and the other rasas. It is the path chalked out by our acaryas, like our rasa-acarya Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhupada and rasa-raja Srila Narottamadas Thakur, Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, and all the previous acaryas of the Gaudiya-madhva-sampradaya, of whom Srila Prabhupada is their representative.
Some of the misconceptions are not accepting calling him Prabhupada, rather only “swamiji”, “your Prabhupada”, “our Prabhupada”. Srila Prabhupada got the title out of his own right by his preaching work, by fulfilling the desire of Lord Caitanya and that of our previous acaryas, like Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, of spreading the holy name all over the world! Not a small task! Lord Caitanya predicted it and he did it! He represented the Lord, Prabhu, serving unto His lotus feet, pada. Why those who call themselves Vaisnavas could not accept that he is Prabhupada? After these considerations, is he Prabhupada only for his followers? He is Srila Prabhupada, the representative of the Lord, for the entire world. Therefore he is Prabhupada.
Only ABC’s? Go somewhere else to get higher realizations?
After the false propaganda even for ISKCON devotees is difficult to grasp that Srila Prabhupada left us the complete science of pure devotional service. If those who claim to teach higher realizations cannot properly appreciate Srila Prabhupada, how can we believe that we can get “higher realizations” from them? To think that Srila Prabhupada only gave us the basis, the ABC’s, it is wrong.
In her comment mother Radhika-seva very graciously conveys, “The fact that Srila Prabhupada was able to give so many people so much faith in the ABCs of Krishna consciousness is a truly wonderful and amazing thing that no one else has ever been able to accomplish.”
She shows the same contamination right there, “to give so many people so much faith in the ABCs of Krishna consciousness”. She concedes only that much to Srila Prabhupada.
She further says, “I want to very humbly beg the devotees: Let us be broad minded in our Krishna consciousness. Let us not become limited by institutional politics and Vaisnava aparadha. If various devotees have different types of realizations, let us try to live and let live in a spirit of harmony and tolerance.”
What is to be broad minded for her and similar people? Is it that anybody comes and says any nonsense about Srila Prabhupada and we have to be silent?
By institutional politics, does she means Narayana Maharaja won’t use his institutional politics to try to take over ISKCON? Or is she using the typical cliché to attack ISKCON, coined by institution breakers?
What about Vaisnava aparadha? Anybody can say any nonsense and vilifying statements against Srila Prabhupada and that is not Vaisnava aparadha? I have not read or heard such defense. When some devotee responds attacks against Srila Prabhupada immediately the others cry, “Vaisnava aparadha!” But they do not consider their offensive and abusive language against Srila Prabhupada, that is Vaisnava aparadha.
Just consider this, Srila Prabhupada translated and commented Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, the postgraduate book in Krishna consciousness, the book that Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada used to read in his later years.
“Today [Caitanya-caritamrita] it remains the most authoritative book on Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s philosophy and life.”- CC Introduction.
“The direct disciple of Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami was Srila Narottama dasa Thakura, who accepted Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti as his servitor. Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura accepted Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji, the spiritual master of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, who in turn accepted Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji, the spiritual master of Om Visnupada Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja, the divine master of our humble self.
Since we belong to this chain of disciplic succession from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, this edition of Sri Caitanya-caritamrita will contain nothing newly manufactured by our tiny brains, but only remnants of food originally eaten by the Lord Himself…The subject matter of this book is not a mental concoction but a factual spiritual experience that one can realize only by accepting the line of disciplic succession described above. Any deviation from that line will bewilder the reader’s understanding of the mystery of Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, which is a transcendental literature meant for the postgraduate study of one who has realized all the Vedic literatures such as the Upanisads and Vedanta-sutra and their natural commentaries such as Srimad-Bhagavatam and the Bhagavad-gita.”-CC Adi-lila, summary of the 1st chapter.
“The present Krsna consciousness movement is also based on the authority of Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada. We are therefore generally known as rupanugas, or followers in the footsteps of Srila Rupa Gosvami Prabhupada. It is only for our guidance that Srila Rupa Gosvami prepared his book Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, which is now presented in the form of The Nectar of Devotion. Persons engaged in the Krsna consciousness movement may take advantage of this great literature and be very solidly situated in Krsna consciousness…Our love can be fully satisfied only when it is reposed in Krsna. This theme is the sum and substance of The Nectar of Devotion, which teaches us how to love Krsna in five different transcendental mellows.”-NOD Preface.
Those who say that Srila Prabhupada gave only the basis, the ABC’s only, they deny the importance of Srila Prabhupada’s work like Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, Nectar of Devotion, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Krishna Book, his classes, and so on. They deny that there is madurya-rasa, and that there is raganuga-bhakti in all of these. That is very offensive. Only a fool would accept such conclusions.
Don’t you see the offense? This is very vilifying. Trying to diminish him. He is the sampradaya-acarya, wich means that he represents the Gaudiya sampradaya of Lord Caitanya, and they try to diminish him.
They would come and say “he is good, but I am better.” That is NONSENSE.
“To preach whole world the name of Krishna…and to give Gita Sandesh…is the very good thing. This was done by…you should know. So I want to say that your Prabhupada has given these things…ONLY THESE THINGS…AND NOT BEYOND THESE THINGS. Then he was only the servant of Mahavisnu, not of Krishna. A strange thing…fact…but for them who are ignorant.”- Lecture given by Narayana Maharaja on September 19th, 1994.
This is Srila Prabhupada’s answer to those who say that “he only gave the basis, ABC, Bhagavad-gita only. No more than this”.
Bhagavad-gita class 1.4. London, July 10, 1973.
Translation: “Here in this army there are many heroic bowmen equal in fighting to Bhima and Arjuna; there are also great fighters like Yuyudhana, Virata and Drupada.”
Prabhupada: So all these heroes are mentioned not only in this verse, in several other verses also. So people may ask that “By mentioning these great fighter, what spiritual progress we make? Because we are meant for chanting Hare Krsna maha-mantra, so by chanting the names of these great fighters, what do we gain?” The question may be raised there. But the thing is that nirbandhah krsna-sambandhe, whenever there is connection with Krsna, that also becomes Krsna. This is a subtle form of philosophical understanding. Nirbandhah krsna-sambandhe. If there is relationship with Krsna… Therefore the sahajiyas, they do not read Bhagavad-gita. They say, “We have nothing to do with Bhagavad-gita.” They jump over to the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Tenth Canto, Krsna’s rasa-lila, as if Krsna is connected with rasa-lila and not with this lila. They make distinction. Krsna’s this fighting lila, pastimes, and the rasa-lila pastime, they are all the same because Krsna is the center. Krsna being center, whatever in connection with Krsna is there, that becomes also Krsna. This is the idea.
anasaktasya visayan
yatharham upayunjatah
nirbandhah krsna-sambandhe
yuktam vairagyam ucyate
This is the instruction of Srila Rupa Gosvami in his Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.So everything studied in relationship with Krsna, that is perfect knowledge, and that is described in the Bhagavad-gita. So it is not that like sahajiyas that we are interested in Krsna’s rasa dance, not with this fighting in the Battlefields of Kuruksetra. This is sahajiya-bhava. This is not wanted. Thank you very much. Hare Krsna. (end)
Not a servant of Krishna?
“Such neophytes, unable to appreciate the exalted service of the advanced devotee, try to bring the maha-bhagavata to their platform. We experience such difficulty in propagating this Krishna consciousness all over the world. Unfortunately we are surrounded by neophyte Godbrothers [and non-godbrothers too] who do not appreciate the extraordinary activities of spreading Krishna consciousness all over the world. They simply try to bring us to their platform, and they try to criticize us in every respect. We very much regret their naive activities and poor fund of knowledge. An empowered person who is actually engaged in the confidential service of the Lord should not be treated as an ordinary human being, for it is stated that unless one is empowered by Krishna, one cannot spread the Krishna consciousness movement all over the world.
When one thus criticizes a pure devotee, he commits an offense (vaisnava-aparadha) that is very obstructive and dangerous for those who desire to advance in Krishna consciousness. A person cannot derive any spiritual benefit when he offends the lotus feet of a Vaisnava. Everyone should therefore be very careful not to be jealous of an empowered Vaisnava, or a suddha-vaisnava.” – SP, N.O.I. 6.
A previous Srila Prabhupada’s disciple even published thru internet that Srila Prabhupada was not in madhurya-rasa. The idea behind this is that he has to go to someone else in order to get madhurya instruction and realization. It is the same idea. But the reality is that your rasa with the Lord is revealed, it cannot be forced by the conditioned soul, try to force it is siddha-pranali, a type of sahajiyism.
Prabhupada: Yes. When you are liberated, you will understand in which way you are related with Krsna. That is called svarupa-siddhi. But that is attained when you are actually perfect in devotional service.-SB Lecture 6.3.16-17. Gorakhpur. February 10, 1971.
“A devotee who is actually advanced in Krsna consciousness, who is constantly engaged in devotional service, should not manifest himself, even though he has attained perfection. The idea is that he should always continue to act as a neophyte devotee as long as his material body is there. Activities in devotional service under regulative principles must be followed even by the pure devotee. But when he realizes his actual position in relationship with the Lord, he can, along with the discharging of regulative service, think within himself of the Lord, under the guidance of a particular associate of the Lord, and develop his transcendental sentiments in following that associate.
In this connection, we should be careful about the so-called siddha-pranali. The siddha-pranali process is followed by a class of men who are not very authorized and who have manufactured their own way of devotional service. They imagine that they have become associates of the Lord simply by thinking of themselves like that. This external behavior is not at all according to the regulative principles. The so-called siddha-pranali process is followed by the prakita-sahajiya, a pseudosect of so-called Vaisnavas. In the opinion of Rupa Gosvami, such activities are simply disturbances to the standard way of devotional service.”-NOD 16.
Continuing with this line of reasoning, he may think that he is in a higher position than Srila Prabhupada, however this is material way of thinking. In the material world one tries to get something to become more important, this is material. Thinking that he has higher realizations than his guru he may write about guru-tattva, rasa-tattva, and what to speak about madhurya-rasa! But he does not even properly appreciate his guru! His writing about rasa is useless.
Yasomatinandana: Spiritual master gives knowledge, and then a disciple is eternally indebted to spiritual master.
Prabhupada: Yes.
Yasomatinandana: It is not that, like Mayavadis, they serve the spiritual master in the beginning and then they…
Prabhupada: Then they…
Yasomatinandana: …themselves become…
Prabhupada: …throw him away, “Go away. I have now learned.” Guru-mara-vidya, to, the knowledge of how to kill guru. Guru-mara-vidya. Their, the philosophy is that you cannot rise up. You take a ladder. But as soon as you rise, throw away the ladder. No more. No more needed. That is Mayavada philosophy. Our philosophy is dhyayan stuvams tasya yasas tri-sandhyam.
Yasomatinandana: Three…
Prabhupada: Eternally (…) We should always remain servant of the servant. Never we shall think that “I am better than my Guru Maharaja.” That is fall down.-Morning walk. LA 12/05/73.
I will just include a few events.
“In Isana and his wife’s letters there is reference to Tirtha Maharaja’s name, as if they were advised by Brahmananda Maharaja and company to come to India and join Tirtha Maharaja. It appears like that. I shall be glad if you kindly inquire on this point. It is now clear that my Godbrothers take objection of my being called as Prabhupada and on this point they wanted to poison the whole Society – that is now clear. But how it was manipulated – that is a mystery.” – SP letter to Rupanuga, Sept 25, 70, Calcutta
“You should not write anything to Madhava Maharaja’s camp. You may have talked many things with Mangala Niloy but why write him in black and white. The letter must not be sent. Their policy has been all along to suppress me and take credit for himself. [Is this any different from what Narayana Maharaj is doing?] Their proposal for cooperation is a myth. They haven’t done anything which is cooperative. You know in a recent article they managed to write in such a way that Madhava is doing the world movement and we are his subordinate. From the beginning that has been their mentality. So there is no possibility of cooperation with them. Rather you should avoid strictly meeting with them. They are not after preaching but material gain and reputation and adoration. Otherwise why they are non cooperating with me? So no cooperation is possible. Do not think or indulge in loose talks. Be careful always. Let us do the duty of propagation sincerely and seriously on our own principles. Krsna and Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura are our only hope and they and helping us. If anything has to be done it is to be talked on the higher level between Madhava Maharaja and myself, but I know his mentality is different and there is no possibility of cooperation.” Srila Prabhupada’s letter to Acyutananda 6/8/74
Who is this Madhava Maharaja? In Mayapura India Madhava Maharaja came over and shouted at Srila Prabhupada, pointed in his face with his finger quite rudely — to stop using the title “Prabhupada.” Devotees were very worried and alarmed at this sub-violent outburst. Then Prabhupada said (paraphrased), “Post a guard at my door, my God brothers might try to harm me.” –Pritha dd.
R-s dd further says, “let us try to live and let live in a spirit of harmony and tolerance.”
In good spirits Srila Prabhupada always invited everybody to work cooperatively with him, but you see what he gets. So, who started the disharmony and intolerance?
There was a time when Srila Prabhupada’ disciples thought that anyone coming from India was as Krishna conscious as him, it has been a rough wakening.
There is a short, but interesting and instructive article by Payonidhi prabhu. How can one loose faith in Srila Prabhupada like this?
Nitai Gauranga Jayatah
Couple of small comments to this interesting discussion:
1. Srila Prabhupada is glorified from his abitility to present sometimes very complicated philosophical points in a simple language, understandable for westeners. However, this doesn’t mean that he cannot write in a scholarly academic style. “From Renunciation to Wisdom.” which Srila Prabhupada wrote before coming to west is sometimes given as example.
2. And like it was mentioned in letter before, Srila Prabhupada encouraged books of the previous acaryas to be translated. One staunch follower and disciple of Srila Prabhupada recently commented to the question related to this topic that those who have adhikara can read books of high level topics for their own cultivation, but on public lectures we should follow certain standard and avoid too intimate Krsna-lila discussions.
Although many of us are not qualified to read such books.
Then we get to the point, are these books necessary?
One answer what I have heard as answer for this: they are not absolutely necessary, but one who has qualification can read and benefit.
ys mrd