Romapada Swami Tries to Discredit Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj
BY: KRISHNASMARANA DASA
Mar 08, 2011 — USA (SUN) — I have always looked up to Bhakti Tirtha Swami as my spiritual uncle. Although a senior devotee in all respects, he was always there as my spiritual friend, ready to guide me and show me moral support. Many devotees sought his association, but he always thought of others first, and that was pretty universal in his behavior with his disciples, his godbrothers, and also with god-nephews like me.
In a conversation with him during his last months in this world, he confided in me how so many senior godbrothers and ISKCON leaders were calling him, or personally coming to him to pay their respects, and in some cases, to seek some inspiring words from him. Accordingly and as he was so much known for, he would respond with love and encouragement. although in a few instances he said he would offer some guidance in the form of some chastising words.
One particular meeting he told me about was with Romapada Swami. Romapada Swami was among those who came to briefly visit Maharaj during his last days. According to Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj, he had discovered that it was Romapada Swami who had led some investigation against him, which in Bhakti Tirtha Swami's words was to show proof to discredit and defame him, and paint him as deviating from the spiritual principles and vows he took from his own Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada. But evidently Romapada Maharaj tried to keep his connection and involvement with the inquisition sheathed.
So when Romapada Swami came to see him, Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj called him on it, as we say. When Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj mentioned names of people that he discovered were involved in the inquisition, and each time was able to tie it all back to Romapadai Swami, Romapada Maharaj would continually deny any involvement. More facts were mentioned and Romapada Maharaj would still continue and disclaim his involvement. But Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj is clever and with his persistence, Romapada Maharaj finally conceded to his deed and bowed his head out of embarrassment. Interestingly, I heard that no apology was made on behalf of Romapada Swami. I believe that two other Prabhupada disciples and close friends of Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj were present during the session with Romapada Swami. Those devotees were Vakreshvara Pandit and Maha Muni prabhus.
I have been struggling with this story and information for a long time. It was very disheartening for me to hear all these insinuations by Romapada Maharaj against someone who I consider one of my siksa gurus. The world of Vaishnavas know that Bhakti Tirtha Swami held such an amazing track record in his devotional service, and was personally recognized by Srila Prabhupada himself. For someone like Romapada Swami to try and discredit him for whatever reason is reprehensible. For him to lie about it, nay, to a man on his deathbed, might reveal something about Romapada Swami's personal character. After reading other exposes about Romapada Swami recently on the Sampradaya Sun (e.g., "Why Doesn't Romapada?"), I thought that I would also utilize this opportunity for some release of my disappointment.
How an ISKCON GBC-sannyasi-guru such as Romapada Maharaj can show no respect for even the basic qualities of a brahmana, such as truthfulness, is very surprising and bewildering. Srila Prabhupada writes that a brahmana or sannyasi should be straightforward in all his dealings. He should be straightforward in dealing even with an enemy, what to speak of with a godbrother like Bhakti Tirtha Swami. If someone who is supposed to be a guru in ISKCON casually uses lies in ordinary dealings, how can they turn around and then promise their disciples that they can take them back to Godhead? We expect much from a devotee of Krishna or initiated brahmana. We expect much more from a GBC representative, and even more from someone who the ISKCON GBC promotes as a guru.
Lying is breaking the laws of Vaishnavism and misrepresenting the guru parampara. For someone who is supposed to be a guru or GBC member, it is a serious deviation of sanatana-dharma and a disqualifying act.
In summery, I am sure glad Romapada Swami is not my guru. There's no telling where I might end up by serving his feet.
