.... the greater body of devotees joining in with the general attitudes of the Gaudiya Vaisnavas of Bengal, or even all of India, or even all of the world, or do you see our society growing more as a religious/spiritual group, such as the Buddhists or Christians etc., but in our own unique way as worldwide adherents of something rather unique which Srila Prabhupada gave to us, ie ultimately independent upon identity as another Gaudiya Vaisnava group ?
Anyone have any opinion, and/or good quotes expressing Srila Prabhupada's wishes in this regards ?
Comments
Although we are undoubtedly in line from the Gaudiyas, yet Iskcon has many things about it which are much simpler, higher level technology, and therefore we must preserve this. For example, diksha by ritvik, women on altars and such ideas of gender equality, simple tantra rejecting the mind-numbing endless mantras which ocupy the minds of so many practioners of Gaudiya tantra, no caste or other restrictions to chant, daily 16 rounds versus 64, use of all manner of facilities, and great concern for the well-being of even the common man, etc. All these make Krsna consciousness meaningful and acceptable and exportable to the whole world, and people around it are participating. Previously, the whole world rejected Krsna consiousness.
Our spiritual master is clearly perfect and empowered by Godhead. Rather than be endlessly encumbered with the egos of upstarts, or to spend so much time searching for someone who can "deliver us", it is best not to gamble, and waste precious time, but to accept the bonafide Guru who can actually save us from material life; this is our Srila Prabhupada. It is best for the jivas to accept his services, and not wander about from this one to that one, most of whom have a lesser program. Siksha is had fully within Iskcon, as was always the case.
Srila Prabhupada is a social revolutionary seeking to benefit all, not just a handful of accolytes. Prabhupada wants to benefit even the farmers and the workers and the politicians and everyone, his movement is not restrictive nor prejudiced nor rascist nor caste conscious. His example and emphasis are perfect for the people of the world. His program suits the world, not just a handful of caste brahmanas.
For these and other reasons, i see this Movement continuing as a religious/spiritual organization independent of the old-fashioned and lesser ways of the Gaudiya groups outside our organization. Had they been adequate, Srila Prabhupada would not have left them to start our Movement independently. They refused us at first, so let them live with that result now.
Yes, there are many other literatures from other camps and perhaps some rare advanced pure devotees, that is fine, but we are not overly concerned with them or their activities. We do not reject them, they just are outside our realm and therefore we hope they have very good successes, but we will not be merging with them anytime soon that i can forsee. They try to make Srila Prabhupada into just another sannyasi, like themself, and do not always accept his position as Jagad-guru. The big acaryas of past, such as Narayana Maharajah, Puri Maharajah, Sridhara Goswami etc all praised Srial Prabhupada most highly, as untouchable and the highest , but nowadays the new men who follow them they want to BE Srila Prabhupada, not understanding nor fully respecting Prabhupada's extremely exalted position.
Do we really need ongoing troubles as guru after guru vies for topmost spot among the jet-set highly paid cliques? Is this not why Gaudiya Vaisnavism has sat in the background while more cohesive groups such as the Christians etc have spread everywhere, ie so many semi-perfect men claiming to be the Messiah, some even voted into position by cronies, instead of worshipping Godhead, who is perfect and infallible? The Catholic Church, for example, with its insider clubbers, is the center of endless corruption. Do we need endless big rock stars proclaiming themselves as good as God and accepting worship, money, power and position from herds of ignorant but faithful innocent slaves? Would we not be better off if all are equally servants of the servants? Are not so many innocents bewildered and abused by these so-called authorities, who are like the wolves in the clothing of sannyasis? Just see what havoc this man-worship mind-set created for us all in past and even up to today, with no end in sight. Let those who want to be worshipped go join the mayavadis. We prefer worship of the perfect masters and Godhead.
When one has gold bars, chocolate bars dont quite cut it anymore! When one has the best and perfect thing, lesser things are not needed anymore, they are but a diversion. Therefore, in my opinion, better to stay somewhat seperate, lest we become buried under so many bogus ideas from others.
The above is not addressed specifically to followers of Srilas Narayana, Puri, Sridhara, nor Gour Govinda Swami, or any other pure devotees.
NM is among those whom are above my head and we here at spi in general appreciate and do not criticize him, or them, or anyone except our own Godbrothers sometimes, as it is unnecessary and at risk.
However, on this very topic of ritvik devotees and the disciplic succession, the following was received from a senior disciple of Srila Narayana Maharajah; paraphrased
I can now see that you guys simply are simply following what you see as Srila Prabhupada's instructions ! I will not interfere but will always believe that if I can find a living pure devotee I shall associate and hear from him as much as is physically possible. So no problems, you don’t interfere with my spiritual association and I wont interfere with yours."