Reply to Svatantra das

BY: GOVINDA DEVI DASI (ACBSP)

Jun 28, 2016 — HAWAII (SUN) —

In reply to Svatantra Prabhu's scathing article, let me first say that I sincerely apologize for causing any grief to His Holiness Bhakti Vikas Swami, who is actually an old friend from Vrindaban in the '80's. I have never read BVKS controversial book, only glanced through it, saw a number of research errors, and did not read further. That was a year ago, perhaps before it became socially contentious.

I did not read his book, nor did I comment on his book. I commented on a series of Facebook posts.

The situation Svatantra Prabhu reported, quite inaccurately I may add, was in regard to an ongoing discussion on BKVS Facebook page. Someone had written me a letter of complaint, saying that the Swami was condoning polygamy on his Facebook page. It appeared that the page represented the teachings of BVKS, and there was no mention that the Swami was unaware of this post. (That post and the adjoining discussions have since been removed.)

When I went to the page, there was an ongoing discussion about polygamy. The basis of the discussion was a 1971 conversation between Srila Prabhupada and Karandhar, presented as if Srila Prabhupada approved of polygamy in Iskcon. There was no mention of the numerous letters to Rupanuga, Satsvarupa, Karandhar, and others, in which Srila Prabhupada clearly and adamantly forbade this practice in his ISKCON, saying "it would create chaos." There were even discussion posts from followers saying things like (paraphrased) "marriage with one wife is a Biblical concept."

The post was very misleading, as if it is something Srila Prabhupada advocated, and it could even appear duplicitous, since there was no mention of these letters to other leaders. My complaint was about this post. Since I lived through some of the chaos in the early '70s, created mostly by Karandhar and others, (most of whom are no longer around) I was alarmed to see this issue resurrected, and especially by such a staunch and sincere sannyasi as BVKS.

BVKS is indeed a very respectable and authentic sannyasi, in my opinion, a real "Bhaktisiddhanta style" sannyasi. So I questioned whether he should be delving into such societal/marital issues, as they may be beneath his station in life. And being a long time sannyasi, it also may be difficult for him to grasp the backlash of public opinion he is receiving, especially in the Western world.

In the West, and in most of the countries of the world, polygamy is another word for divorce. And it is seen that way throughout most of the world, other than perhaps some Islamic countries. Legally, it is considered adultery, and the wife would thus be legally entitled to property and the custody of children. That in itself could create "chaos."

As Srila Prabhupada so correctly stated, this issue would "create chaos" in his ISKCON. I was eyewitness to some of that chaos -- lusty young men chasing after co-wives, abandoned children, families torn apart, struggling single mothers, temples shut down or sold, etc. As Srila Prabhupada so correctly predicted, it "created chaos." Perhaps my reaction was extreme due to the fact that I WAS eye witness to some of the "chaos" that Srila Prabhupada predicted.

I was shocked and baffled that such a highly qualified preacher and sannyasi could be advocating something that could bring utter ruin to so many devotee families, and thus create such hardship for mothers and children as happened in the early '70s. And especially because Srila Prabhupada himself predicted it would cause chaos, and forbade it.

Had I actually been able to contact BVKS, then I may have discovered that he did not monitor his page or his disciples' posted discussions. But there was no mention of that, and since the page consisted of the Swami's lectures, photos, comments, etc. it certainly appeared as if this were coming directly from him.

I was under the impression that the gurus somehow stay abreast of their disciples' preaching on their behalf, but I imagine that must be very difficult in this age of technology. It was very difficult even in the prior age, before technology, as Srila Prabhupada had to deal with so many errant preachers, who often created situations that misled others, and caused confusion, some of which is still existing today.

Similarly, Svatantra das could also have contacted me on Facebook, or read more of the discussion on the Swami's page, including my subsequent letter to BVKS, to avoid his own misunderstanding. His scathing comments are certainly far more offensive than anything I have said. My letter of reply (and apology) to BKVS is still posted on his page, as well as on mine. If anyone wishes to see it, they may simply go to either page and view it.

Factually, I do respect BKVS very much. We occasionally spoke in Vrindaban back in the '80's, when he was doing extensive pilgrimage. He had studied Indian culture and I appreciated his interesting cultural insights at that time. His book, "Vamsi Das Babaji," as well as others, are on lofty spiritual platforms. I regret that he has become entangled in discussions of societal/marital/political issues that have caused him defamation. These topics may not be suitable for such a strict and authentic "Bhaktisiddhanta style" sannyasi, who may not relate to the emotional/financial/security issues of families today, especially in the Western world and in non-Indian societies. However, his spiritual books are most enlivening, and everyone should avail themselves of them.


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