A Contradiction of Etiquette
BY: KURMA DASA (NOT THE CHEF)
Mar 04, AUSTRALIA (SUN) — We have so many gurus coming here to Australia over the summer months that it's hard to keep up with all the excitement. Devamrita Swami was recently here initiating, along with his friends. Around the time the Maharaja rocks up, this in turn usually means that Bhanu Swami, Ramai Swami, Bhaktisiddhanta Swami, Indradyumna Swami, and Kurma dasa the famous chef also turn up. A very special friendship has been developed amongst this group of men. They are a part of ISKCON's elite decision makers in this part of the world, kind of like Australasia's Special Forces Battalion.
The latest guru to visit was H.H. Kadamba Kanana Swami. Kadamba Kanana Swami is an initiated disciple of Jayadvaita Swami, who coincidentally is also a voted-in ISKCON guru. While here, the Maharaja gave one class in which he claims the sannyasi asrama is a "nice little niche for serving Krishna".
Now many of us devotees out here -- you know, those of us who are considered the demons that dare speak up regarding peculiarities, deviations, criminal elements, contradictions, and dangerous liaisons, etc. -- well, we find the case of Kadamba Kanana Swami a very intriguing example of contradiction. In one letter to Tusta Krishna, February 12, 1975, Srila Prabhupada stated:
"But as a matter of etiquette it is the custom that during the lifetime of your Spiritual Master you bring the prospective disciples to him, and in his absence or disappearance you can accept disciples without any limitation. This is the law of disciplic succession."
In pointing this out I would like to note that the above letter from Srila Prabhupada in no way implies that 200 gurus could be voted into their positions and take over Srila Prabhupada's Society. Common sense prevailing, then the disciples being qualified would go out on their own, just as Srila Prabhupada had done.
Considering the above letter from Srila Prabhupada, how is it that Kadamba Kanana Swami is not following custom and etiquette according to Srila Prabhupada, but instead is initiating before his guru, who is Jayadvaita Swami, departs?
