Appendices
July 9th, 1977 Letter
ISKCON
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
July 9th, 1977
To All G.B.C., and Temple Presidents
Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Recently when all of the GBC members were with His Divine Grace in Vrndavana, Srila Prabhupada indicated that soon He would appoint some of His senior disciples to act as "rittik"-representative of the acarya, for the purpose of performing initiations, both first initiation and second initiation. His Divine Grace has so far given a list of eleven disciples who will act in that capacity:
• His Holiness Kirtanananda Swami
• His Holiness Satsvarupa dasa Gosvami
• His Holiness Jayapataka Swami
• His Holiness Tamala Krishna Gosvami
• His Holiness Hrdayananda Gosvami
• His Holiness Bhavananda Gosvami
• His Holiness Hamsaduta Swami
• His Holiness Ramesvara Swami
• His Holiness Harikesa Swami
• His Grace Bhagavan dasa Adhikari
• His Grace Jayatirtha dasa Adhikari
In the past Temple Presidents have written to Srila Prabhupada recommending a particular devotee"s initiation. Now that Srila Prabhupada has named these representatives, Temple Presidents may henceforward send recommendation for first and second initiation to whichever of these eleven representatives are nearest their temple. After considering the recommendation, these representatives may accept the devotee as an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada by giving a spiritual name, or in the case of second initiation, by chanting on the Gayatri thread, just as Srila Prabhupada has done. The newly initiated devotees are disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, the above eleven senior devotees acting as His representative. After the Temple President receives a letter from these representatives giving the spiritual name or the thread, he can perform the fire yajna in the temple as was being done before. The name of a newly initiated disciple should be sent by the representative who has accepted him or her to Srila Prabhupada, to be included in His Divine Grace"s "Initiated Disciples" book.
Hoping this finds you all well.
Your servant,
Tamala Krishna Gosvami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
Approved: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
[Srila Prabhupada's signature appears on the original]
Letter to Hamsadutta July 10th, 1977
ISKCON
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
July 10th 1977
My dear Hamsadutta Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Srila Prabhupad has received your letters dated July 4th and July 5th, 1977 respectively, and has instructed me to reply to them.
Srila Prabhupad was very pleased to hear how you have organized everything in Ceylon, and that so many people are now taking interest seriously is proof of the effectiveness of your preaching. His Divine Grace said, “You are a suitable person and you can give initiation to those who are ready for it. I have selected you among eleven men as “rittvik” or representative of the acharya, to give initiations, both first and second initiation, on my behalf.” (A newsletter is being sent to all Temple Presidents and GBC in this regard, listing the eleven representatives selected by His Divine Grace. Those who are initiated are the disciples of Srila Prabhupada, and anyone who you deem fit and initiate in this way, you should send their names to be included in Srila Prabhupada’s “Initiated Disciples” book. In this way the Temple Presidents will send their recommendations for initiation direct to the nearest representative who will give a spiritual name or chant on the Gayatri thread just as Srila Prabhupada has been doing.)
Srila Prabhupad smiled very broadly when he heard of the successful program organized by the local people in which 2000 persons attended. When he heard that you have introduced a full feasting program on Sundays, he said, “You are a good cook, so teach others now how to cook just as I taught you.”
Regarding the printing going slowly, His Divine Grace stated, “Never mind. Go surely. It doesn’t matter slowly.” I inquired from Pradyumna Prabhu about the Sinhalese translation which you mentioned. He said that “On Chanting Hare Krishna Mantra” was translated into Sinhalese, and that translation is in his trunk in Bombay. We will try to get it to you as soon as possible. I do not know if Gopal Krishna has any Tamil manuscript, but if he does, when I see him in about ten days, I will tell him to send it to you. You may also write him directly. Pradyumna says it will be faster just to get a new translation – it is only 1 page.
Srila Prabhupada was very glad to know that you would try to bring some Ceylonese devotees to Mayapur and said, “Oh, that is very good!” He did not know whether the story about Bhaktisiddhanta’s disciples seeing a man eating a rat was true or not. Regarding the exact position of Sri Lanka, this is the opinion of some people. Srila Prabhupad advised that we not discuss this matter publicly at this time. Prabhupad also recommended that from Hari Sauri you take ghee. He said that you could have one fifth of whatever Hari Sauri sends to India. Regarding whether you should use the name Swami or Goswami, Srila Prabhupad said, “Stick to one. Swami is better.”
Your servant,
(signature appears on the original document)
Tamal Krishna Gosvami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupad
His Holiness Hamsadutta Swami
c/o ISKCON Colombo
Letter to Kirtanananda July 11th, 1977
ISKCON
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
July 11th 1977
My dear Kirtanananda Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your feet. His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada has just received the latest issue of Brijabasi Spirit, Vol.IV,No.4, which brought Him great joy. As He looked at the cover showing Kaladri performing a fire ceremony, He said, "Just see his face how devotee he is, so expert in everything". When Srila Prabhupada opened the first page, His eyes fixed on the picture of Radha- Vrindavana Chandra, and He said, "Vrindavana Bihari - so beautiful. There is no danger wherever Vrindavana Chandra is." After enjoying the whole magazine throughly Srila Prabhupada said, "It is printed on their own press. It is very good progress." His Divine Grace very much appreciated the article "How I Was Deprogrammed" by the young devotee boy. Prabhupada was feeling great sympathy when he heard his story and said, "If one man is turned like this boy then this movement is successful. There is good prospect, good hope. You all combine together and push this movement on and on. Now I am assured that it will go on." While going through the magazine, Srila Prabhupada also saw your good photo on the page "Istagosthi" and Srila Prabhupada bestowed a long loving look upon your good self expressing his deep appreciation for how you have understood this Krishna Consciousness.
A letter has been sent to all the Temple Presidents and GBC which you should be receiving soon describing the process for initiation to be followed in the future. Srila Prabhupada has appointed thus far eleven representitives who will initiate new devotees on His behalf. You can wait for this letter to arrive (the original has been sent to Ramesvara Maharaja for duplicating) and then all of the persons whom you recommened in your previous letters can be initiated.
His Divine Grace has been maintaining His health on an even course and most amazingly has doubled His translation work keeping pace with the doubling of book distribution. Hoping this meets you well.
Your servant,
Tamala Krishna Goswami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
(signature appears on original)
His Holiness Kirtanananda Swami
c/o ISKCON New Vrndavana
Letter From Ramesvara, July 21 1977
BBT
THE BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST
Founder - Acarya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
July 21st, 1977
ALL GLORIES TO SRI GURU AND GOURANGA!
Dear GBC Godbrother Prabhus,
Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! I have just received some letters from Tamal Krishna Maharaja, and am enclosing herein two documents: 1) Srila Prabhupada's final version of his last will, and 2) Srila Prabhupada's initial list of disciples appointed to perform initiations for His Divine Grace. This initial list is also being sent to all centers.
From Tamal"s letter it seems that Srila Prabhupada is enthusiastic despite poor health, and is translating full force. He especially becomes enthused when reports arrive from different GBC men and temples with preaching results, general good news, etc. and Tamal Krishna Maharaja has stressed that we should all be sending such reports, as His Divine Grace often asks, "What is the news?" An outstanding example of Srila Prabhupada's mood was shown after receiving an encouraging preaching report from Hansadutta Swami in Ceylon. Srila Prabhupada said, "I want to go to Ceylon. I can go. I can go anywhere by chair. It is difficult only in the imagination. The swelling is touching the skin, not my soul.
More than anything else, Tamal has stressed the genuine need for a visiting GBC member to come every month for personal service. Since Srila Prabhupada has recently said that now this regular visiting is very important, all GBC members should be anxious to do this, as it not only involves important work which will help relieve Prabhupada from management, but also involves attending Srila Prabhupada personally, giving him massages and many other nectarian services, and in general affords an unusual amount of personal association, even more than in the past. Out of over 23 GBC members there should never be one month not filled up.
One final news report is that Srila Prabupada has appointed a new GBC member for North India (including Delhi but not Vrndavana) - His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami. Tamal Krishna Maharaja said that His divine Grace appointed him to encourage him for the outstanding preaching work he is doing in Punjab.
Jai, I hope this finds you all well, and fully absorbed in preaching and thus satisfying Srila Prabhupada fully.
Your most unworthy servant,
(signature appears on the original document)
Ramesvara dasa Swami
Letter from Tamala Krishna Goswami (on Srila Prabhupada's behalf) to Hansadutta.
July 31st 1977
My Dear Hansadutta Maharaja,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your feet. I have been instructed by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada to thank you for your letter dated July 25th 1977.
You have written to Srila Prabhupada saying you do not know why Srila Prabhupada has chosen you to be a recipient of his mercy. His Divine Grace immediately replied, "It is because you are my sincere servant. You have given up attachment for a beautiful and qualified wife and that is a great benidiction. You are a real preacher. Therefore I like you. (Then laughing) Sometimes you become obstinate, but that is true of any intelligent man. Now you have a very good field. Now organize it and it will be a great credit. No one will disturb you there. Make your own field and continue to become ritvik and act on my behalf."
Srila Prabhupada listened with great enthusiasm as I read to him the newspaper article. His Divine Grace was very pleased: "This article will increase your prestige. It is very nice article. Therfore the newspaper has spared so much space to print it. It is very nice. It must be published in Back to Godhead. Now there is a column in Back to Godhead called "Prabhupada Speaks Out". Your article may be entitled "Prabhupada's Disciple Speaks Out". Yes, we shall publish this article certainly. Let this rascal be fool before the public. I have enjoyed this article very much. I want my disciples to speak out...backed by complete reasoning. "Brahma sutra sunisthita", this is preaching. Be blessed. All my disciples go forward. You have given the challenge. They cannot answer. This Dr. Kovoor should be invited...For Dr. Svarupa Damodara"s convention on "Life comes from Life". He can learn something at this scientific convention."
Yes, you should certainly get some ISKCON Food Relief money. For your program American money collected and sent for food distribution. That is my proposal. Three hundred people coming is no joke. You mentioned so many nice preperations. I would like to eat but I cannot. At simply hearing these names (of preperations) it is satisfying. Just thinking this morning of you, and now you have written me.
(last paragraph illegible)
Your Servant
Tamala Krishna Goswami
Secretary to Srila Prabhupada
(signature appears on the original)
Srila Prabhupada's Declaration of Will
Tridandi Goswami A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami
Founder-Acharya:International Society for Krishna Conciousness
CENTER: Krishna-Balarama Mandir
Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg
Ramanareti, Vrndavana, U.F.
DATE; 5th June 1977.
I, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acarya of the International Society for Krishna consciousness, Settlor of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and disciple of Om Visnupada 108 Sri Srimad Bhaktsiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvama Maharaja Prabhupada, presently residing at Sri Krishna-Balarama Mandir in Vrndavana, make this my last will:
The Governing Body Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Each temple will be an ISKCON property and will be managed by three executive directors. The system of management will continue as it is now and there is no need of any change.
Properties in India will be managed by the following executive directors:
Properties at Sri Mayapur Dhama, Panihati, Haridaspur and Calcutta: Gurukrpa Swami, Jayapataka Swami, Bhavananda Gosvami and Gopal Krishna das Adhikari.
Properties at Vrndavana: Gurukrpa Swami, Akahoyananda Swami, and Gopal Krishna das Adhikari.
Properties at Bombay: Tamala Krishna Gosvami, Giriraj das Brahmahary, and Gopal Krishna das Adhikari.
Properties at Bhubaneswar: Gour Govinda Swami, Jayapataka Swami, and Bhagawat das Brahmachary.
Properties at Hyderbad: Mahamsa Swami, Sridhar Swami, Gopal Krishna das Adhikari and Bali Mardan das Adhikari.
The executive directors who have herein been designated are appointed for life. In the event of death or failure to act for any reason of any of the said directors, a successor director or directors may be appointed by the remaining directors, provided the new director is my initiated disciple following strictly all the rules and regulations of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness as detailed in my books, and provided that there are never less than three (3) or more than five (5) exeutive directors acting at one time.
I have created, developed and organized the International Society for Krishna Consiousness, and as such I hereby will that none of the immovable properties standing in the name of ISKCON in India shall ever be mortgaged, borrowed against, sold, transferred, or in any way encumbered, disposed of, or alionated. This direction is irrevoable.
Properties outside of India in principle should never be mortgaged, borrowed against, sold, transferred or in any way enumbered, disposed of, or alionated, but if the need arrises, they may be mortgaged, borrowed against, sold, etc., with the consent of the GBC committee members associated with the particular property.
The properties outside of India and their associated GBC committee members are as follows:
Properties in Chicago, Detroit and Ann Arbor: Jayatirtha das Adhikari, Harikesh Swami, and Balavanta das Adhikari
Properties in Hawii, Tokyo, Hong Kong: Guru Krpa Swami, Ramesvara Swami and Tamal Krishna Gosvami.
Properties in Melbourne, Sydney, Australia Farm, (unreadable): Guru Krpa Swami, Hari Sauri, and Atreya Rsi.
Properties in England (London Radlett), France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweeden: Jayatirtha das Adhikari, Bhagavan das Adhikari, Harikesa Swami.
Properties in Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa: Jayatirtha das Adhikari, Brahmananda Swami and Atreya Rsi)
Properties in Mexico, Venezuala, Brazil, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecquador, Colombia, Chile: Hrdayananda Gosvami, Panca Dravida Swami, Brahmanananda Swami.
Properties in Georgetown, Guyana, Santo Domingo, St. Augustine: Adi Kesava Swami, Hrdayananda Gosvami, Panca Dravida Swami.
Properties in Vanouver, Seattle, Berkeley, Dallas: Satsvarupa Gosvami, Jagidisa das Adikari, Jayatirtha das Adikari.
Properties in Los Angeles, Denver, San Diego, Laguna Beach: Rameswara Swami, Satsvarupa Swami, Adi Kesava Swami.
Properties in New York, Boston, Puerto Rio, Port Royal, St. Louis, St Louis Farm: Tamal Krishna Gosvami, Adi Kesava Swami, Rameswara Swami.
Properties in Iran: Atreya Rsi, Bhagavan das Adhikari, Brahmanananda Swami.
Properties in Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Montreal and (unreadable): Rupanuga das Adhikari, Gopal Krishna das Adhikari, Jagadisa das Adhikari.
Properties in Pittsburg, New Vrndavana, Toronto, Cleveland, Buffalo: Kirtanananda Swami, Atreya Rsi, Balavanta das Adhikari.
Properties in Atlanta, Tennessee Farm, Gainsville, Miami, New Orleans, Mississippi Farm, Houston: Balavanta das Adhikari, Adi Kesava Swami, Rupanuga das Adhikari.
Properties in Fiji: Hari Sauri, Atreya Rsi, Vasudev.
I declare, say and confirm that all the properties, both movable and immovable which stand in my name, including current accounts, savings accounts and fixed deposits in various banks, are the properties and assets of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and the heirs and successors of my previous life, or anyone claiming through them, have no right, claim or interest in these properties whatsoever, save and except as provided hereafter.
Although the money which is in my personal name in different banks is beiing spent for ISKCON and belongs to ISKCON, I have kept a few deposits specifically marked for allocating a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000/- (unreadable addition) to the members of my former family, these specific deposits (corpus, interest, and savings) will become the property of ISKCON for the corpus of the trust, and the descendants of my former family or anybody claiming through them shall not be allowed any further allowance.
I hereby appoint Guru Krpa Swami, Hrdayananda Gosvami, Tamal Krishna Gosvami, Rameswara Swami, Gopal Krishna das Adhikari, Jayatirtha das Adhikari and Giriraj das Brahmachary to act as executors of this will. I have made this will this 4th day of June, 1977, in possession of full senses and sound mind, without any persuasion, force or compulsion from anybody.
Witnesses:
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
The above will was signed by Srila Prabhupada and sealed and witnesses by the following,
Tamal Krishna Goswami
Bhagavan das Adhikari
and several other witnesses. (signatures on original document)
Codicil 5th November 1977
I, A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a sannyasi and Founder- Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Settlor of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and disciple of Om Visnupada 108 Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada, presently residing at Sri Krishna-Balarama Mandir in Vrindavana do hereby make this last will and codocil to give vent to my intention, and to clarify certain things which are to a certain extent a liitle vague in my previous Will dated 4th June, 1977, as follows:
I had made a Will on 4th June, 1977, and had made certain provisions therein. One of them being a provision of maintainance allowance to Sri M.M. De, Brindaban Chandra de, Miss Bhakti Lata De and Smt. Sulurmana Dey, who were born of me during my grhastha ashram, and Smt. Radharani De, who was my wife in the grhastha ashrama for their lives as per para.8 of the said Will. Since on careful consideration I feel that the said paragraph does not truly depict my intentions, I hereby direct that as regards Smt. Radharani De, she will get Rs. 1,000/- per month for her life out of interest to be earned from a fixed deposit of Rs. One Lakh Twenty Thousand to be made by ISKCON in any bank that the authorities of the said society think proper for a period of seven years in the name of ISKCON, which amount shall not be available to any of her heirs and after her death the said amount be appropiated by ISKCON in any way the authorities of ISKCON think proper looking to the objects of this society.
As regards Sri M.M. De, Sri Brindaban Chandra De, Smt. Sulurmana Dey and Miss Bhakti Lata De, the ISKCON will deposit Rs. One Lakh Twenty Thousand under 4 seperate Fixed Deposit receipts, each for Rs. 1,20,000/- for seven years in a bank to earn interest at least Rs. 1,000/- a month under each receipt. Out of the said sum of Rs. 1,000/-, only Rs. 250/- will be paid to each of them from the interest of their Fixed Deposit receipts. The remaining interset of Rs. 750/- will be deposited again under new fixed Deposit receipts in their respective names for seven years. On the maturity of these Fixed Deposit receipts created from Rs. 750/- monthly interest for the first seven years, the said sums shall be invested by the above named persons in some Govt. Bonds, Fixed Deposit recepits or under any Govt. Deposit scheme or shall be used to purchase some immovable property so that the amount may remain safe and may not be dissipated. In case, however, the aboved named persons or any of them violate these conditions and use the said sum in purpose or puposes other than those described above, the ISKCON authorities will be free to stop the payment of the monthly maintainance of such person or persons from the original Fixed Deposits of Rs. 1,20,000/- and they shall instead give the amount of interest of Rs. 1,000/- per month to Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust. It is made clear that the heirs of the said persons will have no right to anything out of the said sums and that these sums are only for the personal use of the said persons of my previous life during their respective lifetimes only.
I have appointed some executors of my said Will. I now hereby add the name of Sri. Jayapataka Swami, my disciple, residing at Sri Mayapur Chandrodoya Mandir, Dist. Nadia, West Bengal, as an executor of my said Will along with the previous already named in the said Will dated 4th June, 1977. I hereby further direct that my executors will be entitled to act together or individually to fulfill their obligations under my said Will.
I therefore hereby extend, modify and alter my said Will dated 4th June, 1977, in the manner mentioned above. In all other respects the said Will continues to hold good and shall always hold good.
I hereby make this Will codocil this 5th day of November, 1977, in my full conscience and with sound mind without any persuasion, force or compulsion from anybody.
A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami
Witnesses: (signatures on original document)
ROOM CONVERSATION - APRIL 22, 1977, BOMBAY
Srila Prabhupada: "I told him that "You cannot do so independent. You are doing nice, but not to do in the magazine." (Pause) People complained against Hansadutta. Did you know that?"
Tamala Krishna: "I'm not sure of the particular incidences, but I've heard general..."
Srila Prabhupada: "In Germany. In Germany."
Tamala Krishna: "The devotees there."
Srila Prabhupada: "So many complaints."
Tamala Krishna: "Therefore, change is good."
Srila Prabhupada: "You become guru, but you must be qualified first of all. Then you become.
Tamala Krishna: "Oh, that kind of complaint was there."
Srila Prabhupada: "Did you know that?"
Tamala Krishna: "Yeah, I heard that, yeah."
Srila Prabhupada: "What is the use of producing some rascal guru?"
Tamala Krishna: "Well, I have studied myself and all of your disciples, and it's a clear fact that we are all conditioned souls, so we cannot be guru. Maybe one day it may be possible."
Srila Prabhupada: "Hmm!"
Tamala Krishna: "...but not now."
Srila Prabhupada: "Yes. I shall produce some gurus. I shall say who is guru, "Now you become acarya. You become authorised." I am waiting for that. You become, all, acarya. I retire completely. But the training must be complete."
Tamala Krishna: "The process of purification must be there."
Srila Prabhupada: "Oh yes, must be there. Caitanya Mahaprabhu wants. amara ajnaya guru hana. You become guru. But be qualified. (Laughs) Little thing, strictly follower."
Tamala Krishna: "No rubber stamp."
Srila Prabhupada: "Then you'll not be effective. You can cheat, but it will not be effective. Just see our Gaudiya Math. Everyone wanted to become guru, and a small temple and guru. What kind of guru? No publication, no preaching, simply bring some foodstuff...My Guru Maharaja used to say, "Joint mess, a place for eating and sleeping."
ROOM CONVERSATION. May 27 1977
Bhavananda: "There will be men, I know. There will be men who want to try and pose themselves a gurus."
Tamal Krsna: "That was going on many years ago. Your Godbrothers were thinking like that. Madhava Maharaja ... "
Bhavananda: "Oh yes. Oh, ready to jump."
Srila Prabhupada: "Very strong management required and vigilant observation ... "
ROOM CONVERSATION. Vrindavana, May 28th, 1977
Satsvarupa: "Then our next question concerns initiations in the future, particularly at that time when you are no longer with us. We want to know how first and second initiations will be conducted."
Srila Prabhupada: "Yes. I shall recommend some of you. After this is settled up. I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acarya."
Tamala Krishna: "Is that called ritvik-acarya?"
Srila Prabhupada: "Ritvik. Yes."
Satsvarupa: "What is the relationship of that person who gives the initiation and..."
Srila Prabhupada: "He's guru. He's guru."
Satsvarupa: "But he does it on your behalf."
Srila Prabhupada: "Yes. That is formality. Because in my presence one should not become guru, so on my behalf. On my order, amara ajnaya guru hana, be actually guru. But on my order."
Satsvarupa: "So they maybe considered your disciples?"
Srila Prabhupada: "Yes, they are disciples but consider... who..."
Tamala Krishna: "No. He is asking that these ritvik-acaryas, they are officiating, giving diksa, their - the people who they give diksa to - whose disciples are they?"
Srila Prabhupada: "They are his disciples."
Tamala Krishna: "They are his disciples."
Srila Prabhupada: "Who is initiating...His grand-disciple..."
Satsvarupa: "Then we have a question concerning..."
Srila Prabhupada: "When I order you become guru, he becomes regular guru. That's all. He becomes disciple of my disciple. Just see."
ROOM CONVERSATION. Vrindavana, July 7th, 1977
Tamala Krishna: Srila Prabhupada, we are receiving a number of letters now. These are people who want to get initiated. So, up until now, since you're becoming ill, we asked them to wait.
Srila Prabhupada: The local senior sannyasis can do.
Tamala Krishna: That's what we were doing. I mean, formally we were...the local GBC sannyasis were chanting on their beads, and they were writing to Your Divine Grace. And you were giving a spiritual name. So should that process be resumed, or should we...I mean, one thing is that it is said the spiritual master takes on the...he takes on the...he has to cleanse the disciple by...so we don't want that you should have to uh...your health is not so good, so that should not be...That's why we've been asking everybody to wait. I just want to know if we should continue to wait some more time.
Srila Prabhupada: No. Senior sannyasis.
Tamala Krishna: So they should continue to...
Srila Prabhupada: You can give me a list of sannyasis. I'll mark them.
Tamala Krishna: OK.
Srila Prabhupada: You can do. Kirtanananda can do. Satsvarupa can do. So these three can do.
Tamala Krishna: So suppose someone is in America. Should they simply write to Kirtanananda or Satsvarupa?
Srila Prabhupada: Nearby. Jayatirtha can do.
Tamala Krishna: Jayatirtha.
Srila Prabhupada: Bhagavan. And he can do also...Harikesa.
Tamala Krishna: Harikesa Maharaja.
Srila Prabhupada: Five, six men they divide, who is nearest.
Tamala Krishna: Who is nearest. So persons wouldn't have to write to Your Divine Grace. They could write directly to that person. Actually they are initiating that person on Your Divine Grace's behalf. The persons who are initiated are still your...
Srila Prabhupada: Second initiation. We shall think. Second.
Tamala Krishna: This is for the first initiation. OK. And for second initiation, for the time being they should...
Srila Prabhupada: Again have to wait. Second initiation, that should be.
Tamala Krishna: Some devotees are writing you now for second initiation. And I am writing to them to wait a while, because you are not well. So can I continue to tell them that?
Srila Prabhupada: They can be second initiated.
Tamala Krishna: By writing to you?
Srila Prabhupada: No. These men.
Tamala Krishna: These men. They can also do second initiation. So there's no need for devotees to write to you for first and second initiation. they can write to the man nearest them. But all these persons are still your disciples. Anybody who would give initiations is doing so on your behalf.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes.
Tamala Krishna: You know that book that I'm maintaining of all your disciple's names? Should I continue that?
Srila Prabhupada: Hmm!
Tamala Krishna: So if someone gives initiations like Harikesa Maharaja, he should send the persons name to us here, and I'll enter it into the book. OK. Is there someone else in India that you want to do this?
Srila Prabhupada: India? I am here. We shall see. In India - Jayapataka.
Tamala Krishna: Jayapataka Maharaja?.
Srila Prabhupada: You are also in India. You can note down these names.
Tamala Krishna: Yes I have them.
Srila Prabhupada: Who are they?
Tamala Krishna: Kirtanananda Maharaja, Satsvarupa Maharaja, Jayatirtha Prabhu, Bhagavan Prabhu, Harikesa Maharaja, Jayapataka Maharaja and Tamal Krishna Maharaja.
Srila Prabhupada: That's alright. Now distribute.
Tamala Krishna: Seven. There's seven names.
Srila Prabhupada: For the time being, seven names. Sufficient. (A little time passes) You can write, Ramesvara Maharaja.
Tamala Krishna: Ramesvara Maharaja.
Srila Prabhupada: And Hrdayananda.
Tamala Krishna: Oh, South America.
Srila Prabhupada: So without waiting for me, whoever you consider deserves. That will depend on discretion.
Tamala Krishna: On discretion.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes.
Tamala Krishna: That's the first and second initiations.
Srila Prabhupada: Hmm!
Tamala Krishna: Should I send a kirtana party, Srila Prabhupada?
Room Conversation July 19th 1977, Vrndavan
Tamala Krishna: Upendra and I could see it far last... (break)
Srila Prabhupada: And nobody is going to disturb you there. Make your own field and continue to be ritvik and act on my charge. People are becoming sympathetic there. The place is very nice.
Tamala Krishna: Yeah. He says: "the introduction of Bhagavad-Gita has been translated into Tamil, and I will have the second chapter done next. Then publish a small booklet for immediate distribution."
ROOM CONVERSATION Vrindavana, October 18th 1977
Srila Prabhupada: "Hare Krishna. One Bengali gentleman has come from New York?" (One man had travelled from New York to be initiated by Srila Prabhupada.)
Tamala Krishna: "Yes, Srila Prabhupada. Mr Sukamoy Roy Choudry."
Srila Prabhupada: "So I have deputied some of you to initiate?"
Tamala Krishna: "Yes."
Srila Prabhupada: "So, I think Jayapataka can do that. If you like, I have already deputed. Tell him, some deputies, that Jayapataka's name was there? So, I depute him to do this at Mayapur and he may go with him. I have stopped for the time being. Is that alright?"
Tamala Krishna: "What Srila Prabhupada?"
Srila Prabhupada: "This initiation I have deputed my disciples, is that clear or not?"
Tamala Krishna: "It is clear"
Srila Prabhupada: "You have got a list of names? And if by Krishna's grace I recover from this condition then I shall begin or I may not but in this condition to initiate is not good".
ROOM CONVERSATION Vrindavana, November 2nd, 1977
(Srila Prabhupada is explaining what was discussed with the guests)
Srila Prabhupada: "...So after you, who will take the leadership, and (I said) everyone will take. All my disciples. If you want you can take also. (Laughter) But if you follow. They are prepared to sacrifice everything. they'll take the leadership. I may, one, go away. But there will be hundreds. Hundreds will preach. If you want you can also be leader. We have no such thing that here is leader. Anyone who follows the previous leadership. He's leader.
Tamala Krishna: "Hmm"
Srila Prabhupada: "Indian! We have no such distinction. Indian. European.
Devotee: "They wanted an Indian to be leader".
Srila Prabhupada: "Yes. Everyone. All my disciples they're leaders. As purely as they follow, they'll become leaders. If you want to follow, you can become leader. But you don't follow. I told that. (pause)
Tamala Krishna: "Yeah. They probably wanted to propose someone who would take over our movement."
Srila Prabhupada: "Yes. Hmm. (pause) "Leader"...all nonsense. (pause) Leader means one who has become first-class disciple. He's leader, "evam parampara praptam", one who is perfectly following our instructions, He's leader. Hmm. To become leader is not very difficult, provided one is prepared to follow the instructions of a bona fide guru.
PYRAMID HOUSE CONFESSIONS December 3rd 1980
Tamala Krishna Maharaja: "I've had a certain realization a few days ago.(...) There are obviously so many statements by Srila Prabhupada that his Guru Maharaja did not appoint any successors.(...) Even in Srila Prabhupada's books he says guru means by qualification.(...)
The inspiration came because there was a questioning on my part, so Krishna spoke. Actually Prabhupada never appointed any gurus. He appointed eleven ritviks. He never appointed them gurus. Myself and the other GBC have done the greatest disservice to this movement the last three years because we interpreted the appointment of ritviks as the appointment of gurus.
What actually happened I'll explain. I explained it but the interpretation is wrong. What actually happened was that Prabhupada mentioned he might be appointing some ritviks, so the GBC met for various reasons, and they went to Prabhupada, five or six of us. (This refers to the meeting of May 1977,). We asked him, "Srila Prabhupada, after your departure, if we accept disciples, whose disciples will they be, your disciples or mine?"
Later on there was a piled up list of people to get initiated, and it was jammed up. I said, "Srila Prabhupada, you once mentioned about ritviks. I don't know what to do. We don't want to approach you, but there's hundreds of devotees named, and I'm just holding all the letters. I don't know what you want to do".
Srila Prabhupada said, "All right, I will appoint so many..." and he started to name them. He made it very clear that they are his disciples. At that point it was very clear in my mind that they were his disciples. Later on I asked him two questions, one: "What about Brahmananda Swami?". I asked him this because I happened to have an affection for Brahmananda Swami.(...) So Srila Prabhupada said, "No, not unless he is qualified". Before I got ready to type the letter, I asked him, two: "Srila Prabhupada is this all or do you want to add more?". He said, "As is necessary, others may be added."
Now I understand that what he did was very clear. He was physically incapable of performing the function of initiation; therefore he appointed officiating priests to initiate on his behalf. He appointed eleven, and he said very clearly, "Whoever is nearest can initiate". This is very important because when it comes to initiating, it isn't whoever is nearest, it's wherever your heart goes. Who (you) repose your faith on, you take initiation from him. But when it's officiating, it's whoever is nearest, and he was very clear. He named them. They were spread out all over the world, and he said, "Whoever your nearest, you just approach that person, and they'll check you out. Then, on my behalf, they'll initiate." It is not a question that you repose your faith in that person - nothing. That's a function for the guru.
"In order for me to manage this movement", Prabhupada said, "I have to form a GBC and I will appoint the following people. In order to continue the process of people joining our movement and getting initiated, I have to appoint some priests to help me because(...) I cannot physically manage everyone myself."
And That's all it was, and it was never any more than that, you can bet your bottom dollar that Prabhupada would have spoken for days and hours and weeks on end about how to set up this thing with the gurus, because he had already said it a million times. He said: My Guru Maharaja did not appoint anyone. It's by qualification." We made a great mistake. After Prabhupada's departure what is the position of these eleven people?(...)
Prabhupada showed that it is not just sannyasis. He named two people who were grihastas, who could at least be ritviks, showing that they were equal to any sannyasi. So anyone who is spiritually qualified - it's always been understood that you cannot accept disciples in the presence of your guru, but when the guru disappears, you can accept disciples if you are qualified and someone can repose their faith. Of course, they (prospective disciples) should be fully appraised at how to distinguish who is a proper guru. But if you are a proper guru, and your guru is no longer present, that is your right. It's like a man can procreate(...) Unfortunately the GBC did not recognise this point. They immediately (assumed, decided) that these eleven people are the selected gurus. I can definitely say for myself, and for which I humbly beg forgiveness from everybody, that there was definitely some degree of trying to control(...) This is the conditioned nature, and it came out in the highest position of all, "Guru, oh wonderful! Now I am guru, and there is only eleven of us"(...).
I feel that this realization or this understanding is essential if we are to avoid further things from happening, because, believe me, it's going to repeat. It's just a question of time until things have a little bit faded out and again another incident is going to happen, whether it's here in L.A. or somewhere else. It's going to continuously happen until you allow the actual spiritual force of Krishna to be exhibited without restriction.(...) I feel that the GBC body, if they don't adopt this point very quickly, if they don't realize this truth. You cannot show me anything on tape or in writing where Prabhupada says: "I appoint these eleven as gurus". It does not exist because he never appointed any gurus. This is a myth.(...) The day you got initiated you get the right to be come a father when your father disappears, if you are qualified. No appointment. It doesn't require an appointment, because there isn't one.
Comments