Jun 06, 2017 — SPAIN (SUN) —
I am very much shocked and indeed am stunned to read about the atrocities perpetrated on children in such detailed articles about child abuse and child abusers in ISKCON. These recent articles about the ISKCON child abuser, Bhakti Vidyapurna Swami show so many varied viewpoints about the history, and the varied interpretations of the history, of child abuse and child abusers in ISKCON, the role of the ISKCON Child Protection Office and the blatant neglect of the CPO's decisions.
I am wondering how this present series of articles reflects on and influences the various ISKCON Gurukula authorities and teachers around the world, and how these articles affect the protection, or lack thereof, that is afforded to the children attending, or who will be attending such ISKCON Gurukulas.
By the way, is there a Gurukula under the auspices of H.H. Bhakti Vikasa Swami?
Perhaps in the near future? Is he planning to "set up" one?
Bhakti Vikasa seems to think it is required that one have a Gurukula before one can talk about discipline, child abuse and its consequences.
He says in his recent article:
"What does Sanaka Rsi Prabhu have to offer in comparison? If he cares so much for children, what is he positively doing for them? He has had enough time in his life to set up a gurukula in the manner that Srila Prabhupada wanted. All he can do is bash others who have literally given their life to fulfill Srila Prabhupada's instructions in this regard."
This series of articles certainly brings into question attitudes for the concern of children in ISKCON Gurukulas. However, I am not sure if "bash" is the appropriate word, as used by Bhakti Vikasa. Personally, I think, as has been shown in all H.G. Sanaka Rsi's recent articles, that he is very "positively" highlighting the plight of children in the ISKCON Gurukulas and the danger to ISKCON and to everyone in ISKCON, including the children, especially the children, if there is not a dedicated group of people providing and ensuring a situation in which the children are offered proper protection in Gurukula.
So, I gather from the recent submissions by Bhakti Vikasa Swami that since he is such an expert on children and cares so much for children, and has had enough time in his life he himself must have, or soon be opening, and setting up his own Gurukula "in the manner that Srila Prabhupada wanted".
I do so hope that Bhakti Vikasa and others will continue to submit their thoughts so that parents can be made aware of just what is going on, what has gone on, and what is likely to go on with Bhakti Vikasa and others supporting such people as Bhakti Vidyapurna Swami at the helm of the tutelage of children's spiritual education.
I would beg Bhakti Vikasa Swami to please print out his policy for disciplinary measures, corporal punishment, ear twisting et. al, in his Gurukula (his present Gurukula or the one he will be "setting up", or even his recommendations for any Gurukula) and submit it to the Sampradaya Sun for all to see, just so that his policy on discipline and abuse can be made very, very clear. I would like to see this clearly delineated in black and white with no grey areas and no room for misinterpretation.
I appreciate that all the participants do take the time to write such detailed and informative articles and I do appreciate the editors of Sampraydaya Sun allowing these issues of child abuse by Bhakti Vidyapurna Swami to be addressed.
Go on Bhakti Vikasa Maharaj, asirvadam, please do not stop now. Do not say, ".....I am finished." Perhaps include it (your policy for disciplinary measures, corporal punishment, ear twisting etc.) in your first revelatory series of articles about H.H. Indradyumna Swami!
"I plan one more article on these topics, concerning Indradyumna Swami. Then I'm finished. I am under no obligation to engage with anyone…" ("Serious Accusations, but False")
Tell us, Bhakti Vikasa Swami, your Disciplinary Code of Conduct for the kids at your Gurukula. And your stance on how an independent Child Protection Office will play a realistic part in your Gurukula. I am most sincerely and eagerly and with great anticipation waiting to read your policy on corporal punishment and disciplinary action and how you would deal with child abusers in your Gurukula.
References:
ISKCON Timeline Documents
Regarding Child Abuse – Lectures – Bhakti Vikasa Swami
"In Response to Bhakti Vikasa Swami"
"A Response to H.H. Bhakti Vikas Swami"
