Jul 18, 06 — Haribol, Praghosa Prabhu; PAMHO. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Are you the Praghosa Prabhu that used to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras book distribution, back in about 1974-76? I travelled there with the Winnipeg brahmacaris, and used to follow you about on the streets, because you were so undeterred by Maya's face, and I took shelter of that determination and transcendence.
To the point at hand; I suppose that having spent some time with Gour Govinda, I believe from observation as well as reading, that he is 100% Prabhupada's man, with no taste for self-aggrandizement at all. I tend to be protective of him, as he was definitely abused by our godbrothers back in the day, causing much hurt and disillusionment among literally thousands of respectable persons in Orissa.
I practically had to force him to accept any glorification in the times before he was recognized more widely. I remember having a nice decorated cushion made for him to sit on when he gave class in Oriya to local people in Bhubanbeswara. He refused it. I had to convince him that by such a respected position, his preaching would be more effective, that it was for the listeners, and so he finally agreed to sit on it for the Sunday lecture only. Maharajah usually did not lecture in English when his godbrothers were around, as he said that he is not qualified to preach to his Western Godbrothers! It was only after, when he was taken as guru, that he preached to all actively in English.
As you may be aware, Srila Prabhupada showered his mercy on Gour Govinda Swami, gave him sannysa, and sent him alone to preach with a bead bag and mrdanga. prabhupada had such confidence in him.
He used to cry at most every kirtana; not voluminously, but in secret, but we could see the tears and hear the tremor in his kirtana. He used to call out, "Govinda! ", at night, in his sleep. He was like fire if anybody dared to suggest that Srila Prabhupada left anything out of his books. He was most pleased when we made a small effort to do sankirtana. All his books, and there are about eight in English, mostly compiled from lectures by his disciples, are devoted to elaborating or explaining Srila Prabhupada's teachings. He never went on much about rasa-lila or any of that sahajiyiaistic thing, but as Prabhupada did, he tried to give us a hint. Of all the others, including Sridhara Swami, Narayana Maharajah, etc., his preaching is the most similar to our Srila Prabhupada's.
"While I find articles like yours - offered by various men who have been "touched" by the likes of HH Narayana Swami and now much to my surprise, HH Gaur Govinda Swami, unpleasant - I also find them essentially meaningless."
The phrase "the likes of " in English is usually used to indicate someone with bad morals or a criminal, etc. It is definitely derogatory, and marginalizes Gour Govinda's positon. You make it sound like Gour Govinda has some disease that has contaminated others!
"And quoting HH Gaur Govinda Swami as having affirmed this - does not CONFIRM it. It only casts his understanding as deficient."
Well spoken, it is the disciple's misunderstanding, hence the word 'cast". Here's the thing... Gour Govinda is preaching that one must approach a bonafide Vaisnava guru, this in the times when less-qualified men unfortunately failed their disciples, and the Ritvik thing was raging. You and I both know the importance of siksa gurus to us, as we heard and understood Prabhupada's books in our early devotional life through the via media of our Godbrothers, to a large extent. Prabhupada's books convinced me to join, but it was the preaching of others that led me to the straight and narrow understanding I hope correctly. Maharajah specializes in explaining Srila Prabhupada's teachings. Is this wrong? Where is the deficiency?
"We don't claim that you cannot find merit in your chosen "Messiahs" but merely because you cannot find Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krsna - precisely where he left himself and the Lord - FULLY AVAILABLE does not mean no one else can."
So true, but meanwhile, Gour Govinda is an advanced siddha svarupa. We definitely need to hear from such devotees. Gour Govinda Swami does not contradict Srila Prabhupada. We must approach a Vaisnava for initiation, etc. Meanwhile did our fallen godbrothers actually understand Prabhupada's teachings, or were they somehow deviant, or accept a position of authority without being qualified? Gour Govinda is an advanced pure devotee; he is not subject to the four faults of the common man. That he should extend his shelter is a great mercy.
"Besides - nonsense statements by HH Gaur Govinda Swami - that either imply or directly support your inability - only lead to the inevitable question: "Since Gaur Govinda Goswami directly stated that one cannot approach the Lord through Srila Prabhupada's books - who was HIS living guru?"
Gour Govinda never ever speaks nonsense. He is misquoted or taken out of context. His preaching to neophytes to not try to be themselves the so-called authority, is 100% correct. One must have a spiritual master, and with Srila Prabhupada gone from this material-vision world, then the pure devotees must be approached for explanation etc. Otherwise, one who thinks he knows it all, falls down. Srila Prabhupada himself said that we cannot read Srila Bhaktisiddhantaji's books and understand them, unless we have first heard from him!
"the protests of men like yourself that "Srila Prabhupada cannot be understood - unless he is explained by the likes of a Gaur Govinda Goswami or Narayana Swami" will fall on the ears of men who are already full with the nectar of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and will have no effect at all."
Yes, but are all so fortunate?
Prabhu, I did not read the original article you are describing, but am merely responding to the words which you have used. There is no need to disparage Gour Govinda Swami to correct the misunderstanding of another devotee. And to put Narayana Swami, who has been described as having some inimical attitude to ISKCON, in the same boat as Gour Govinda Swami, is untrue and even offensive. I know that you are devoted to our Srila Prabhupada, and that it is our inheritance which you are defending, with righteous indignation, but don't put Gour Govinda Swami in a bad light because of the misunderstanding of others, please. that is not constructive.
All Glories to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
So, thank you for writing to me. I mean no hard feeling towards you, and I take you as my siksa sankirtana guru. I sincerely hope this exchange has been helpful, not argumentative. The Internet is full with misunderstandings and aparadhas. I simply propose that we take great precautions. I have not always been so cautious myself, and so I don't want others to fall in the same dark pit.
Wishing you all the best,
I remain your servant,
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