Acharyadeva's New Message of R&R
BY: URDHVA KETU DASA
Jun 17, 2010 — USA (SUN) — Since resigning from the GBC earlier this year, Shrila Acharya Dave has entered into seclusive meditation. (Read: "free paid vacation"). Sun readers will recall that Shrila Acharya Dave had been a GBC member for over a generation. Until, that is, the power of brahminical commentary and opinion as reported in the Sampradaya Sun caused the Society he claimed to represent to take an honest look at his true legacy. Just as the brahmanas were once forced to pull King Vena from his post, so it is with the brahminical press.
We do not need to remind Sun readers that as one of the "original eleven acharyas", Shrila Acharya Dave was responsible for chasing thousands of devotees from the halls of Krishna Consciousness. He gold stamped his name with the title "His Divine Grace" upon the cover of the Spiritual Master's Srimad Bhagavatam and he dallied with young women while bending the rules of sannyasa to suit his own whims. Notice that his translation of the Bhagavad Gita below is also not from Bhagavad Gita As It Is.
It will be understood that Shrila Acharya Dave has been properly rested up (read: "chastised and reformed") when he drops his unauthorized moniker, "Shrila Acharyadeva", starts wearing proper sannyasa garb with tridanda, takes up chanting Hare Krishna 16 rounds daily on beads, refrains from associating with young ladies, and begins once again preaching Bhagavad Gita As It Is. Best wishes for Shrila Acharya Dave (and his astrologer) in his forthcoming transformation.
From the latest Newsletter:
I'm glad that Srila Acaryadeva is doing whatever it takes to renew his strength and inspiration. Sometimes a period of seclusion is good even for preachers, to give facility to self-examine and reflect. He has many disciples and responsibilities, and it takes a lot of detachment from position and influence, and trust in the disciples, to leave things in their hands, and "move behind the scenes".
--- In istagosthi@yahoogroups.com, "Giridhari Das" Dear Devotees,
Please accept my blessings. Jaya Srila Prabhupada. Since I last wrote you, I
have been traveling slowly, happily and peacefully, in the Rocky Mountains,
staying in college towns, and recuperating my strength.
The fact is that over the years I have exhausted my energy and now it is
taking some time to rebuild my strength. Lord Krishna states in the
Bhagavad-gita 6.16-17:
"There is no yoga for one who eats too much, or who simply focuses on
not eating; nor for one who sleeps too much, or simply stays awake.
"[Rather], yoga develops and destroys all unhappiness for one who is
moderate in eating and recreation, who endeavors moderately in all actions,
who is moderate in sleeping and staying awake."
Of course, in one sense everyone must find their own 'moderation'. Since we
are all unique, we have different needs, different histories in this and
previous lives, and different levels of material and spiritual strength. And
yet, ironically, the spiritual inspiration that comes from preaching Krishna
consciousness has led many sincere, compassionate devotees to neglect their
health in the Lord's service.
However noble this sacrifice may be, Prabhupada also urged us to take care
of our health so that we do not unnecessarily curtail our preaching career.
All of this certainly applies to me. As stated by a learned devotee
astrologer (!), and as I myself deeply experience, I have entered a new and
wonderful phase of my devotional career. In order to embrace the thrilling
service opportunities that Prabhupada and Krishna are offering me, I must
follow Prabhupada's instruction and rebuild my strength.
To be honest, it is taking me some time to regain sufficient stamina to
execute this sacred service of writing. Naturally, I am eager to absorb
myself in this activity, but for at least a little while longer, my service
seems to be to rest. Lord Krishna is taking me to some of the most beautiful
places on earth, places with majestic snow-capped mountains, clear, flowing
rivers, verdant valleys etc. The result: it is more clear to me than ever
that only loving service to Krishna can ultimately satisfy the soul.
Thus Krishna has brought me to beautiful places to recuperate, and at the
same time, He increases my knowledge and conviction that service to Him,
without material motive, is the only true happiness.
I pray that you are all happy, healthy and progressive in your spiritual
lives. Finally, as a little gift, I offer you this video of George Harrison
glorifying Krishna.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AhmPPS4W-M&feature=related
With best wishes,
Hridayananda das Goswami
