Other Related Objections
1) "Srila Prabhupada has not mentioned the use of ritviks in his books."
1) The word "ritvik" (meaning "priest") and its derivatives actually have 31 separate references in Srila Prabhupada's books, only slightly less than the word "diksa" and its derivatives, which has 41 separate references in Srila Prabhupada books. Certainly, the use of ritvik priests to assist in ceremonies is a concept fully sanctioned in Srila Prabhupada's books:
Ritvik : 4.6.1 / 4.7.16 / 5.3.2 / 5.3.3 / 5.4.17 / 7.3.30 / 8.20.22 / 9.1.15 .
Rtvijah : 4.5.7 / 4.5.18 / 4.7.27 / 4.7.45 / 4.13.26 / 4.19.27 / 4.19.29 / 5.3.4 / 5.3.15 / 5.3.18 / 5.7.5 / 8.16.53 / 8.18.21 /8.18.22 / 9.4.23 / 9.6.35
Rtvijam : 4.6.52 / 4.21.5 / 8.23.13 / 9.13.1 .
Rtvigbhyah : 8.16.55 .
Rtvigbhih : 4.7.56 / 9.13.3 .
(all these references are from the Srimad-Bhagavatam)
2) Although spiritual principles were covered extensively by Srila Prabhupada in his books, the specifics concerning those principles would o
Read more…
Evidence used to support an alternative to the ritvik system falls into three basic categories :
Srila Prabhupada's frequent call for everyone to become guru, often made in conjunction with the "amara ajnaya guru hana" verse from the Caitanya-Caritamrta.
The half dozen or so personal letters where Srila Prabhupada mentions his disciples acting as diksa guru after his departure.
Other statements in Srila Prabhupada's books and lectures where the principle of disciples going on to be diksa guru are mentioned.
Looking first at category 1):
The instruction for everyone to become guru is found in the following verse in the Caitanya-Caritamrta, which was often quoted by Srila Prabhupada:
"Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Sri Krishna as they are given in Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land." (C.c. Madhya, 7.128)
However, the type of guru, which Lord Caitanya is encouraging everyone to become, is c
Read more…
ISKCON Revival Movement
THE FINAL ORDER
Proves Srila Prabhupada Is ISKCON's Initiating Guru
By:
Krishnakant
Foreword by Dr. Kim Knott
Professor of Religous Studies, Leeds University, U.K.
Originally requested for submission to
a select committee of ISKCON's GBC in October 1996
Contents
• Foreword by Dr. Kim Knott
• Preface
• Introduction
• The Evidence
• Objections Relating Directly to the Form and Circumstances of the Order
• The "Appointment Tape"
• Other Related Objections
• Conclusion
• What is a ritvik?
• Relevant Quotes from Srila Prabhupada's Teachings:
• Does the Guru need to be physically present?
• Follow the Instruction not the body
• The Books are enough
• Srila Prabhupada is our Eternal Guru
Appendices:
• July 9th, 1977 Letter "To All GBC, and Temple Presidents"
• July 10th, 1977 Letter
• July 11th, 1977 Letter
• July 21st, 1977 Letter
• July 31st, 1977 Letter
• Srila Prabhupada’s Declaration of Will (4th June, 1977) &
• Codicil (5th November, 1977)
• Room conver
Read more…
