Historical Account of the Greatest Shame of the Present ISKCON-GBC Members, Part 5
BY: SADHUDASA ANUDASA
Dec 07, 2011 — SRIDHAM MAYAPUR, WEST BENGAL (SUN) — A DEMONStration ("Exposition of demoniac traits") that proves the Mayavada contents of the ISKCON-GBC PRESS publication of 1996 entitled "Our [the GBC's] Constitutional Position" — and their denial to correct it.
The letters below are two of the many exchanges during the author's participation at the Prabhupada Disciples conference at pamho.net. In the upcoming PART SIX, the detailed historical introduction of the fallacious theory of falling from Krishnaloka will be revealed to this august Audience.
Subject: Re: Fall question
From: Sadhu.ACBSP@pamho.net
Date: 24 November 2009 7:47:41 AM GMT+05:30
To: Malati ACBSP and Distribution
On November-22-09, at 5:24 PM, Malati (dd) ACBSP (GBC) (New Vrindavan/Columbus - USA) wrote:
Can this statement be referenced? Who, when, where, are there consequences?
In a message dated 11/22/2009 6:40:23 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
hrid8@ivs.edu writes:
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Dear Mother Malati Devi Dasi,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and the pure Vaishnavas.
Although the message appears as if HH Hridayananda Das Goswami has said it, the statement is from HG Gaura Keshava Dasa.
IMHO he refers to the ban imposed on my fallen self by the ISKCON GBC Chairman on 1991, HG Virabahu Dasa and the BBT Director HG Sri Rama Dasa, to distribute my book compilation entitled TATASTHA-SHAKTI-TATTVA. The ban established that I should stop distributing the data I have compiled from Srila Prabhupada's books (please notice that at the time there was no electronic data of Prabhupada's books yet), which I have distributed exclusively amongst ALL GBC members at the time. If I would have distributed TATASTHA-SHAKTI-TATTVA amongst other ISKCON members besides its GBC, I would have been sued by the BBT due to copyrights infringement (?).
I remember that our dear god brother HG Janajanmadhi Dasa, wrote extensive letters (copies still available under request) to Sri Rama Dasa proving that BBT treat was totally illegal, including the document he and HG Virabahu Dasa had me sign to agree with such ban.
Furthermore, since HG Gaura Keshava Dasa wrote his statement in the present tense, we should concede that he may be referring to the theory supported by some god brothers stating that since Krishna's lila is an eternal lila, the falling from His sweet company is just another lila... which in actuality never happened, thus we are still in His presence. Thus under this analysis, he may be considering that since we all are living in an eternal HOMOGENEOUS pastime, which carries NO distinction within the UNDIFFERENTIATED BRAHMAN identity of the Lord, it doesn't matter if such fact occurred in 1991 or today.
I'm actually too stupid to even try to understand such intricate philosophical conceptions. My limited brain doesn't allow me to even trace the subtle rationality required for such understanding. Therefore, I stick to the transcendentally unambiguous purports of our Srila Prabhupada first, which I have humbly corroborated through BONA FIDE shastric conclusions (implying proper translations, or without any tinge of reading them for political correctness), and further confirmed by seeking the advice from two of Srila Prabhupada's dearest and intimate friends and god brothers as Srila BR Sridharadeva Goswami and Srila Adi Keshava Prabhu (Dr. O.B.L. Kapoor).
I also further confirmed the Jiva-Tattva siddhanta by humbly consulting with other spiritual uncles, direct disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhnata Saraswati Prabhupada, and my senior spiritual cousins who are their disciples. All of them, CONCLUDE that the Jiva NEVER FALLS from Krishnaloka or Vaikunthaloka, therefore I try to humbly follow their siddhanta—such acceptance begins with Srila Prabhupada's conclusions.
Within the principle of Unity in Diversity, I do respect my senior god brother's assertions on the contrary, but I also have the right NOT to agree with them. Most particularly since their personal assertions are NOT supported by what I have personally acquired from my dearest Srila Prabhupada's teachings, the ancient Vaishnava-Vedic tradition found in the shastras, and the direct personal instructions from my many siksha-gurus.
The striking different approach between my senior god brothers' realizations on the Jiva-Tattva subject and mine, is that I have humbly and directly inquired from sources closer to Prabhupada. My siksha-gurus are pure Vaishnava who are Srila Prabhupada's dearest friends, and/or actual sincere god brothers. Each of them actually admire and recognize Prabhupada's exalted position as a shakti-avesha-avatara, regardless of their circumstantial seniority towards him, therefore proving their sincerity.
In any aspects of life we are constantly subjected to become BONA FIDE students of somebody else. At birth we learn from a set of parents; while growing we go to school to accept different teachers as our siksha-gurus. Finally, we go to any famous University of philosophy or something else to graduate as PhDs, after humbling ourselves by accepting a big University Professor as our siksha-guru too. Therefore, the learning process ALWAYS continues.
Just changing a bit the subject, and taking the opportunity that you are an ISKCON GBC member, I want to humbly submit to you the following question:
Why, although the ISKCON GBC Resolution No. 79/1995 very declares: "THAT Vaikuntha is that place from which no one ever falls down. The living entity belongs to Lord Krishna's marginal potency (tatastha-shakti). On this we all agree... However, when the living entity, misusing his tiny independence, wants to enjoy himself, he falls down into the material world... No ISKCON devotee shall present or publish any contrary view as conclusive in any class or seminar or any media (print, video, electronic, etc.)," it was overturned by the ISKCON GBC PRESS publication "Our Constitutional Position" of 1996, after establishing the Jiva-tattva siddhanta as if the jiva is falling from Vaikunthaloka, thus neglecting the previous Resolution statement (THAT Vaikuntha is that place from which no one ever falls down) and Prabhupada's conclusion "Vaikuntha is that place from which no one ever falls down," (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.9.10 / 3.16.26 / 6.1.34-36 / 7.1.35)???
This insulting attitude is against the solid principles of even mundane managerial harmony, since it is CONTRADICTORY OR TOTALLY AMBIGUOUS. This attitude OFFENDS the intellect of responsible qualified managers, and MOST particularly the intelligence of the Brahminical class within the ISKCON mission—so gloriously established by our dearest Srila Prabhupada. Until this is not duly clarified by the respectable ISKCON GBC, it would eventually continue to be a laughing stock to many advanced ISKCON members.
IMHO although Srila Prabhupada establishes ISKCON as a school for training Brahmanas, it is much broader than just that. He literally created "a house where everybody could live," since he is awakening its members to their fully awareness of what actually VARNASHRAMA-DHARMA is, thus harmoniously leading to DAIVI-VARNASHRAMA.
I'LL BE ATTENTIVELY WAITING YOUR ANSWER TO THIS HUMBLE BUT PERTINENT QUESTION.
I beg to remain your servant, in Srila Prabhupada's seva.
Sadhu Dasa
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OBSERVATION: I still respect the ISKCON GBC Resolution No. 79/1995, when seeing from the RIGHT philosophical perception, i.e.: "THAT Vaikuntha is that place from which no one ever falls down. The living entity belongs to Lord Krishna's marginal potency (tatastha-shakti). On this we all agree... However, when the living entity, misusing his tiny independence, wants to enjoy himself, he falls down into the material world from the Lord's bhauma-lila."
A "SMALL" word, or proper interpretation of an intricate philosophical principle, CAN make a LOT of difference... even where there is NO difference (achintya-bhedabheda-tattva).
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From: Malati.ACBSP@
Subject: Re: GBC WITHIN ISKCON
Date: 22 August 2009 3:18:00 PM GMT+02:00
To: Distribution
Hare Krishna:
By way of reference, "Sadhu das" is the brother of Kesava Swami (Carlos Palleros) who caused so much grief for Miami. This person, Sadhu, at one time left ISKCON and took sannyas initiation from a member of Gaudyia Math. He has written extensive critical articles and even a book which he once showed me. He is sure that he is always right. He threatened to sue me for "defaming his brother-Kesava Swami, who did quite a good job of defaming himself in the Miami debacle.) Why are we giving this man any prominence? That is my question.
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In a message dated 8/22/2009 9:10:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
Bhaktarupa.ACBSP@ writes:
Most GBC Body decisions cannot be objectively evaluated as to whether they "properly represent Srila Prabhupada's desires for ISKCON". Srila Prabhupada expected that the GBC Body, collectively, would have to make decisions about the management of ISKCON according to time, place, and circumstances --setting priorities, allocating resources, resolving managerial disputes, etc. -- which are in the realm of subjectivity. Mostly, the responsibility to properly represent Srila Prabhupada's desires for ISKCON lies with each and every one of his followers. The GBC Body does not (and cannot!) control how you or I represent the teachings of the sampradaya in our preaching work. We can read and understand Srila Prabhupada's books just as well as they can. In an extreme case they may declare that a preacher is not part of ISKCON, but without going to such an extreme that might invite such an action, a preacher has a whole lot of flexibility.
The biggest check and balance is the voluntary nature of the society. The GBC Body does not control the finances of ISKCON, so if it fails to inspire the devotees and supporters that it is doing a good job then it will find itself lacking devotees and supporters willing to do its bidding.
Your servant, Bhaktarupa Das
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TOPIC: GBC WITHIN ISKCON
On Aug 18, 2009, at 9:31 PM, Sadhu Dasanudasa wrote:
To all ISKCON members and well-wishers, all GBC members, and members of this conference,
Dear devotees,
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
There are doubts amongst many devotees about the actual function of the GBC within ISKCON. Therefore it'll be enlightening to know from GBC members themselves what they think the definition of their role is, and where they want to take the GBC's managerial directions in the future.
Particularly while foreseeing a massive deception from world population on political leadership and economics rapidly increasing, thus opening up a unique opportunity for spreading Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON mission.
There have been doubts by ISKCON's rank and file devotees in understanding the GBC's practical governing system Srila Prabhupada established. Obviously there is plenty information on his books, letters, and conversations regarding spiritual performance through the observance and implementation of Varnashrama, exclusively leading towards Daivi-Varnashrama.
However, the dynamics of management in this world generally follows the principle of time, place and circumstances. From July 28th 1970, when Srila Prabhupada became the founder-acharya of the ISKCON GBC; the amendments of New York, July 22nd 1974 when the GBC becomes instrumental of the execution of Srila Prabhupada's Will; the fifty member's committee of the 80's, up to the present, there has been progressive corrections and adjustments.
Therefore, I'm humbly requesting the assembled devotees of this conference, all members from other ISKCON entities independent from the GBC, like BTG, BBT, and BI, and especially all GBC members to please post their opinion and valuable information to these two essential topics:
1— How do we ensure that the GBC properly represent Srila Prabhupada's desires for ISKCON? (What are the checks and balances?)
2— If a majority of ISKCON devotees feel that a particular GBC or group of GBC's are failing to properly represent Srila Prabhupada's desires for ISKCON what can they do about it?
I remain your servant in the seva to Srila Prabhupada,
Sadhu Dasa
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Dear GBC god brothers, and devotees at this Prabhupada.Disciples conference,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and the pure Vaishnavas!
This is an update on the subject presented at this conference, and now being forwarded to some dear GBC god brothers —kindly read the full message sent to this conference below, if you haven't read it at the conference.
WARNING TO SOME MEMBERS ON THIS CONFERENCE!!!.... If this message is
toooooooooooo loooooong 4 u 2 read, please skip to a more succint/ethnical/generic/bisexual/religious/kirtan-melodious or low profile subject. TXS!
I received a couple of personal answers to the topic I have recently placed. However, none of them gave any clear suggestion to the two questions humbly presented. Nonetheless, some god brothers —who've been more involved more than me with the GBC management— gave me the following insights below.
I hope that I can restate in my own words the points they have expressed to me —as they have requested so—, since they don't want me to post their direct reply to me. Hoping to become truly transparent to their statements, here is what they have to say:
One god brother has said that it will take much time describing what a particular GBC or GBCs seem to think —It seems that he was thinking in general, and not on the questions for suggestions herein placed. It appears that he had been designated to inform the ISKCON public about the GBC proceedings he attended, and has placed articles on Dandavats.com and on this conference also.
It appears that for several years the GBC has given H.G. Gopal Bhatta Dasa the task to coordinated sessions in which the GBC focuses on priorities for ISKCON's future. I was suggested then to discuss the concerns "I" have raised with current GBCs, and also to know more about them and GBC deputies.
It seems that it is not yet clear that the original posting on the subject "GBC WITHIN ISKCON" it is not "my personal" concern only, but of a lot/mayority?/many god brothers. I personally am a friend of several GBC god brothers —even before most of them became GBC members—, and also of others that are not any longer active GBCs but had a lot of experience.
I have discussed in general this particular subject with only a couple of them, and my conclusions —according to theirs— were "not so nice." Nonetheless, this is a more personal/private matter. The questions placed into consideration herein refers to a "management system" as a whole, for the ISKCON mission's GBC.
I have received also the following reply:
1— How do we ensure that the GBC properly represent Srila Prabhupada's desires for ISKCON? (What are the checks and balances?)
There aren't that many checks and balances. Srila Prabhupada set up the GBC by directing them to pass resolutions that could be reconsidered in the following years. We can monitor how closely the GBC decisions adhere to shastra, for one thing. We can propose resolutions. We can take part in some of the GBC's work, e.g., the constitutional committee, which is defining ISKCON membership and so on.
2— If a majority of ISKCON devotees feel that a particular GBC or group of GBC's are failing to properly represent Srila Prabhupada's desires for ISKCON what can they do about it?
You should inform others, even if some of the GBCs think that other GBCs are not performing their service poorly. So, they have a process of peer review, also team-building, and so on to encourage improvement. Getting to know the GBC members, and discussing your concerns with them might help.
Although there may be several opinions to still consider, at least is important to know that "there aren't that many checks and balances" from this dear and important god brother's assertions.
Thank you. I remain your servant, in Srila Prabhupada's seva,
Sadhu Dasa
