Criticism of Leadership
BY: KURMA RUPA DASA
Jan 30, VRINDAVAN, INDIA (SUN) — Those who have been following the Preserve the Farm in Costa Rica Campaign
may be interested to note the contrast in how ISKCON leaders and the Yadu dynasty differ in the matter of facing criticism.
Once in Dvaraka, a brahmana's son died immediately after being born and the distressed father took it that if a child died before his parents, it indicated that the king was failing to perform his duties properly. The brahmana went before King Ugrasena and called him brahma-dvisah (one who is envious of the Vedas and brahmanas); Satha-dhi, (falsely intelligent); lubdha (greedy); visayatmanah (self-interested); and ksatra-bandhu (unqualified ksatriya).
The brahmana further declared, "No one should offer respects or worship to a king whose only business is envy... If such a king is worshiped or honored by the citizens, the citizens will never be happy. They will always remain poor, full of anxieties and aggrievement, and always unhappy." (Krsna Book, Chapter Eighty-nine, The Superexcellent Power of Krsna.)
This is what a Dvaraka brahmana publicly declared about the King of the Yadu dynasty.
What was King Ugrasena's reaction? He tolerated the harsh speech not once, but NINE TIMES and contemplated how to relieve the brahmana of his distress. Interestingly he did not in any way retaliate against the brahmana or attempt to discredit him in any way. In due course Arjuna rose to action to support King Ugrasena, not by calling the brahmana's character into question, but by taking a vow to return the brahmana's son or die!
The principle to be noted is that the real ksatriyas (managers) take the responsibility of satisfying their subjects as their life and soul. When a discrepancy in their kingdom or zone is pointed out, they contemplate carefully how to relieve the situation and take corrective action. And their supporters like Arjuna, do not attack the truth-sayer or dismiss his complaint because of the tone of his speech, rather they vow to appease him even if it means sacrificing their very life.
I notice quite a different standard in ISKCON today. There are unspoken rules and assumptions in place to insulate the leaders from all criticism. One such assumption is that those with titles and tenure are the most sincere and dedicated followers of Srila Prabhupada and Krsna and if there appears to be a discrepancy in their behavior, it is owing to the envious nature of the complainer. No exceptions.
One such unspoken rule is that if a discrepancy is discovered in a leader, it is the duty of the accuser to present it on his knees with folded hands with the voice of an angel behind closed doors so that the reputation of the wayward leader can be preserved. If this etiquette is not strictly observed, the accused leader is in no way obliged to respond and his silence is justified.
The cardinal sin is not to fail one's subordinates (guror na sya syat) but to publicly discredit the leader in question with truths. It is a misdemeanor for a leader to fail in his duty; yet it is a felony to make his failure publicly known. And the more thoroughly, convincingly and loudly solid evidence is presented to expose the deviant leader, the more severe the crime is considered. And those who dare to speak out are labeled envious faultfinders, uncivilized, unreasonable and it is every good devotee's duty
to avoid them at all costs.
Quite a contrast, isn't it?
Please note that though King Ugrasena failed the brahmana indirectly, he was accosted with very strong words. In contrast, when ISKCON leaders fail their subjects directly by removing the Deities from Their temple in the middle of the night and a brahmana refers to them in mild terms like "fallible man" or compares their behavior to that of a scorpion, the accuser - not the leaders - is charged with outrageous behavior!
Mahatma Vidura is another Vedic hero who boldly compared his deviant king to a dog and the Bhagavatam hails is him as a sadhu. In contrast, members of ISKCON who support and defend questionable leaders are hailed as sadhus!
Does Srila Prabhupada want us to follow the behavioral standards exhibited by the exalted devotees of the Bhagavatam, or the unspoken standards of ISKCON today?
