Hare Krishna! Here are a few initial thoughts:
Srila Prabhupada's philosophy is grounded in thousands of years of history and practice. His teaching comes from the original source, Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is revealed to all of humanity through the Bhagavad-Gita as a combination of Samkya philosophy and Bhakti-yoga. This being said, since these teachings come from the original source, they surpass all philosophy and religion, hence their transcendence.
The key to Prabhupada's mission is to bring Krishna Consciouness to everyone. It is not necessary to live in a temple or dress a certain way. George Harrison, for example, was very spiritual, but dressed as a plain-clothes Krishna. In addition, he used his talents to spread Krishna Consciousness to many people around the world. This is an example of true meaning behind the Varnasrama system. Each person has different talents and skills, but regardless of what they are, they can be used to serve Krishna.
In the quote from RM Devi Dasi, I think Prabhupada was simply trying to avoid the problems experienced by the Gaudia Math after the death of Bhaktisiddanta Saravati. Rather than move forward with the spiritual goals set forth by their guru, they chose to engage in all manner of political and legal disputes that made the Math ineffective. Prabhupada did not want his movement to suffer such an end.
"So far as personal association with Guru is concerned..."
This is an excellent quote. Anytime we read the words of Prabhupada or other acaryas, they are speaking to us, just as if they were in the room. We can learn from them, follow their example and instruction, but only if we are open to receiving the words. A person can read, or even memorize a text, but that does not mean that they understand it. One must experience the presence of the author and submit. When the presence is felt, the Truth is revealed. It is the loving service that produces the connection.
Similarly, Krishna is everywhere and in all things. If a person's eyes are open to this, they will see; if not, they will fail to see. No one can see what he refused to see.
"Within the last five hundred years..."
The modern literature is vast, just as the ancient literature is vast. One could sample from the Vedas, Upanishads, etc; but most chose not to and lacked the time to, so Sri Krishna, in His mercy, gave us the Bhagavad-Gita as a basic textbook. Still today, we can pick up this work and come to know Krishna, and enter into His service. However, we can get a much fuller understanding through Srimad-Bhagavatam, as well as other texts from Prabhupada and the acarya's before him. There are multitudes of lifetimes worth of literature for those who wish to delve into it. There is no reason to reject it.
These are just some initial comments. I will likely have more later. Please feel free to reply or question.
Haribol!
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