The Letter He Didn’t Ask Me To Write
BY: RADHA KRSNA DAS
Oct 18, USA (SUN) — As did many of you, I followed Bhakti-Tirtha Swami's
illness from its inception last year until his recent
demise. During that time, I began to reflect on what
meaning could be drawn from his condition. My first
thoughts focused on BTS’s personal conclusion that his
cancer had resulted from his recent prayer, wherein,
in the mood of Vasudeva-datta, he'd requested Srila
Prabhupada to let him accept the sins of the
conditioned souls to relieve them of their suffering.
Vasudeva-datta had prayed to Lord Caitanya, “My Lord,
my heart breaks to see the sufferings of all the
conditioned souls; therefore I request You to transfer
the karma of their sinful lives upon my head. My dear
Lord, let me suffer perpetually in a hellish
condition, accepting all the sinful reactions of all
living entities. Please finish their diseased material
life.“ (CC Madhya 15.162-163.)
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami expressed surprise at the efficacy
of his prayer and the ensuing cancer, explaining on
August 14, 2004, “So here in like ten days I have this
accelerated tumor, I have sugar diabetes, I get the
operation, then I have cancer. The MRI, nothing seemed
to suggest this, nor the previous bloodwork. So my
intuitive understanding or reflection is that
Prabhupada seems to be calling me back, maybe not. The
prayer has been heard, the prayer has been accepted.
Now how and what he does with it I am okay.”
The Maharaja continued pressing this point over the
months. On December 18, 2004 he states, “So you know
there are times when I'm thinking how much more. I
know that we're never given more than what we can
bear. And so whatever is given there is a purpose for
it. There is a reason. Because in my case I
particularly asked allow me to suffer or to experience
whatever can assist helping a quantity number of
people to be more free in their own spiritual
journey.”
On January 8, 2005 he stated, “In my own immature way
I am trying to take on some of the mood of Vasudeva
Datta, by asking to be used to extinguish some of the
obstacles that many devotees are experiencing which
causes them so much suffering in their daily lives.”
This continued up to his final letter last May, “I
want to thank you so much for helping my life to be
successful by allowing me in my own small way to offer
myself up in sacrifice, somewhat in the mood of
Vasudeva Datta, to try to be the servant of the
servant.”
Satsvarupa Prabhu concurs with him in The Letter He
Asked Me to Write. “He wanted to do something more
dramatic because the world's corruption was so great
and there was also a need for purification even in
ISKCON.” Then he concludes, “Some have doubted his
prayer, but I accept it as sincere and also as
efficacious.” Many devotees shared Satsvarupa's view
in attributing the cancer to the prayer request, so
much so that at one point some even told him to take
back his prayer.
One might argue that the real intention of his prayer
was to increase awareness of the inequities in ISKCON,
and to inspire more loving relationships among
devotees. But the above statements make clear his
conviction, namely, that his prayer to alleviate the
burden of the world caused the cancer.
Unfortunately, accepting this logic introduces serious
theological complications, including compelling us to
accept Krishna as unfair and whimsical, a God Who
torments His devotees for delivering others. Krishna,
in fact, descended as the ecstatic incarnation of Lord
Caitanya already for this purpose, Who Srila
Prabhupada explains, "appeared in this present epoch
for the salvation of all souls." (Intro, Bramha
Samhita)
In Vaisnavism, the devotees and good souls are
protected and even cured by the Lord Himself-like in
the case of the leper Vasudeva-and not made to suffer
on account of their good intentions. Word-jugglery
notwithstanding, there is no connection between the
compassion we may feel for the suffering population
and our personal pain and disease.
By encouraging-either by direct assertion or tacit
support-devotees to accept this idea, we are guilty of
manipulating their sentiments. Remember,
Vasudeva-datta did not contract a terminal disease as
a consequence of his prayers; in fact, Sri Caitanya
Mahaprabhu instructed him that such sacrifice wasn’t
needed. The perpetuation of the "compassion-melanoma
link" theory is thus rasa-bhasa and has no place in
the doctrine of pure bhakti. By ignoring this
significant deviation IKSCON authorities open the door
to future fabrications in the name of Srila
Prabhupada’s teachings.
Such beliefs better fit the views of certain
Christians, or even the Aztecs or the Shintoists. For
example, Christians claim the Lamb of God is
sacrificed-by suffering, shedding his blood, and
ultimately dying like a common thief-to cleanse the
sins of the faithful. The Aztecs also routinely
sacrificed princes to the Sun god to secure the
welfare of the population. And during the Shinto's
Hadaka Matsuri Festival in Japan, a sacred man accepts
the torment of running naked through a drunked, unruly
mob filled with people who hope to divest their bad
fortune upon him.
As troubling as this distortion of Vaishnav
philoshophy may be, it takes another turn for the
worse, becoming some sort of morbid fascination when
Bhakti Tirtha Swami begins offering his own flesh to
alleviate ISKCON’s problems. He writes on April 23,
2005, "When I had my amputation I offered it up as a
sacrifice. I offered that a substantial quantity of
pain that some of the women, children, elders,
brahmins, and cows etc in our movement had suffered,
could be absorbed in my extremely deteriorated leg and
that when the leg was amputated, as it was thrown away
from my own body, that there would also be some
elimination of this unhealthy karma from the body of
our institution."
But even this is a prelude to the main show as BTS
states in the same letter, "So now today in a similar
spirit I want to offer in sacrifice all the rest of
what remains with this body. In other words, I fully
want to present myself to the Lord in the mood of
Saranagati-full surrender. ‘Thy will be done, so
please use me in this last way to make an ultimate
sacrifice for those devotees, saints and sadhus who
are having seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their
own spiritual journey.’"
Holy smoke! We have clearly entered the realm of
witchcraft or pagan ritualism, where a priest rubs an
egg all over a person's body-purportedly to absorb all
the negative energy-and then throws it away. Or they
may use a chicken or pigeon and then kill it. But
offering your own diseased flesh is yet unheard of
until now. Yet it is presented as a means to clear the
spiritual path for other Vaishnavas.
Bhakti Tirtha Swami's sacrifice-tinged as it is with
necrophilia-is obviously not the solution to the
problems that face ISKCON. I would suggest that in
preference to shamanic sacrifices the leadership might
contemplate institutionally supported programs to
assist the vulnerable members of the Society.
Unfortunately such assistance has been slow in coming,
or non-existent. Perhaps it was this widespread
institutional lethargy that so haunted BTS that he
decided he needed to offer his own flesh. Sorry
Maharaja, but not the right approach.
Allow me to turn to the nature of Bhakti-Tirtha
Swami’s disease since devotees express confusion over
how Krsna would take away such a distinguished
“general” from the “battlefield” when ISKCON yet faces
so many important challenges. In an istagosthi on
August of 2004 he explained, "They took the MRI, saw
the slides, x-rays. Nobody had any clue that it was
cancer, in the slightest. As a matter of fact on the
MRI it suggested that the tumor is able to be taken
out because previously I didn't have it taken out.
Twenty years ago when I first had some little trouble
because it continued to grow, I had a biopsy, and the
biopsy, they said it is benign, but have it taken out
... so then recently I started getting more trouble."
So twenty years ago BTS became aware of a benign tumor
in his foot that began to grow, and the physician
recommended that he remove it-advice neglected by BTS.
Potentially, this neglect resulted in the development
of the melanoma cancer. As do many other undiagnosed
or untreated illnesses, melanoma strikes 55,000
people, killing 8,000, every year in the U.S.
In a written tribute to Bhakti-Tirtha Swami,
Prahladananda Swami states, "A few years ago in the
Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai you showed me your
foot that you had been dancing on for years, and I
could understand that it was certainly empowered by
Lord Caitanya, otherwise, from the material point of
view, it would have been difficult even to use for
walking." Were there, then, clear indications that BTS
should treat his condition and prevent further medical
complications?
The point I am stressing is that, even after the
melanoma appeared, BTS refused to acknowledge the
untreated skin abnormality as the probable cause of
his cancer but instead claimed his compassionate
prayer was the cause of it. He lost an important
opportunity to use his own illness as a platform to
create greater health awareness throughout the
Society.
Many people in the world have used their own
afflictions in a highly effective way to create
community awareness. While it may not be as glamorous
as heralding oneself to be a Post-modern
Vasudeva-datta, it would certainly be more helpful to
the devotee population. Didn’t Srila Prabhupada often
finish his letters with, "I hope this meets you in
good health”?
This becomes more relevant considering ISKCON's
abyssmal record in taking care of its own. The cows
haven't been very lucky, nor the children, nor the
women, nor the devotees who served the Society for
twenty years and-for whatever reason-have to start
thinking "now what?" Time flies, devotees grow old,
there is no health insurance, no savings, no regular
check ups, and ISKCON is not going to provide these,
except-of course-to the elites. But rather than
addressing these grave shortcomings with actions and
tangible results, Bhakti-Tirtha Swami chose instead to
present himself as an incarnation of compassion,
announcing his readiness to sacrifice his own life for
the welfare of others.
I was speaking with my niece the other day, and she
made an interesting point to me in this regard. I take
her opinion seriously as she is an educated person
(M.A. in Government Administration from Harvard and
currently a fellow and Ph.D. candidate in Conflict
Resolution at M.I.T). She offered the insight that an
organization that heaps such grandiose attributes on
its leading members is still in the messianic stage.
Real compassion in an organization must be the result
of an official policy of total respect to its members
by acknowledging their qualities and rights. In ISKCON
this is not yet possible due to its paternalistic
culture and static layers of management authority,
neither of which reflects Srila Prabhupada’s
instructions on the subject.
If ISKCON had adopted a functional structure along the
lines of Srila Prabhupada’s neglected Directions of
Management, today compassion would be more of an
everyday reality. There wouldn’t be a need for
priviliged individuals to lead causes that often
improve more their own prestige than the real
well-being of the community.
To give just credit, Bhakti-Tirtha Swami was not a
typical, or ordinary, if you will, person. Perhaps his
life is even interesting enough to warrant the
biography he personally commissioned. On the other
hand, many of his personal beliefs and characteristics
seem oddly out of place in a person claiming to be an
exalted representative of the Gaudiya Vaisnava
Sampradaya.
First, consider his books, the source of numerous
questions by numerous serious-minded devotees. In
response to such concerns BTS flatly declared, "This
is their problem not mine." Speaking from personal
experience, I recall receiving from him a
complimentary copy of his Leadership for an Age of
Higher Conciousness. My honest opinion is that it does
not favorably compare in quality with the better
"karmi" books on leadership, health, stress
management, compassion, personal-growth, or even
new-age fussion ideas. Deepak Chopra, the Dalai Lama,
Covey, Jack Welsh, or Dr. Phil all do a far superior
job of addressing these issues. Unfortunately, in many
of his other writings, such as his essay Die Before
Dying, Krishna is barely mentioned or omitted all
together. So much for that "saving grace."
And, of course, there are his outfits, canes, crowns,
hats and other unconventional accessories he was so
fond of wearing. Defenders point to them as part of
his unorthodox preaching-creative adjustments
according to time and circumstances. Personally, I
find the photo of Srila Prabhupada in Moscow's Red
Square much more inspiring and dramatic. He declined
whimsical dress to please the Commies and stayed true
to his Vaishnava heritage. Neither did Srila
Prabhupada, while visiting us here in Mexico, don a
Zoot Suit to blend in with the locals. A crown on a
sannyasi? Regrettably, BTS looked every bit as silly
in it as did the original royalist, Kirtanananda.
Unfortunately, Bhakti-Tirtha Swami sees all strange
behavior as evidence of his spiritual advancement, and
actually implores us to relish his frivolity. He even
went so far as to establish a museum to display his
collection. "When the full biography comes out and
when some of you later visit the museum that’s being
set up and you see all the outrageous clothes, crowns,
canes, and volumes of books that I used as references,
you will realize that it's amazing how I appeared to
be as sane as I did." Uh, excuse me Maharaja, but to
many you didn't appear particularly sane. And might I
suggest a suitable location for this much anticipated
museum? How about Las Vegas, next door to the museum
of the flamboyant Liberace? Better yet, skip the whole
thing and sell off the stuff, and use the proceeds to
help buy health insurance for a few ISKCON devotees.
And then, of course, let us not forget the voodoo. In
a personal conversation some years back I noticed how
BTS kept directing the subject towards black magic,
incantations and occult powers. When I told him that
it was a bunch of superstitious mumbo-jumbo, he began
ranting that I better start believing in it, to which
I replied that it can only affect you if you bring
your mind to that level. I explained how in 1519 the
Conquistadores were overunning Aztec fighters and
approaching the Aztec capital. A desparate Montezuma
began placing curses and magic charms to impede their
progress, but the Spanish soldiers cared nothing for
his magic and so nothing stopped them, and Montezuma
was completely subdued.
Not wanting to leave any bogus beliefs untouched,
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami also includes extra-dimensional
encounters in his portfolio as well. Time and again he
speaks of appearing to people in dreams and connecting
with them in a different dimension. He stated last
April, "Why am I at this time ready to take more
disciples when I am leaving in a short time and won't
see 99 percent of you again in this lifetime other
than if I appear to you via visions, dreams, or sound
etc? ... and some even have connected with me from a
previous life."
Some leaders joined in endorsing these nocturnal
pow-wows, such as Radhanath Swami when he revealed how
BTS told him that they will continue to communicate
after he leaves the body. And, according to
Bhakti-Charu Swami, in their last conversation BTS
assured him, "Don’t worry, even after I leave, I will
come to you. We will continue to communicate with each
other. You know that the physical plane is not the
only plane for us to relate to each other." Is that
the theme from the Twilight Zone I hear softly in the
background?
As a result, some have already signed up for the
inter-planetary communications. Lokanath Swami says,
"You read my mind... so... you kindly came to me, you
paid me a visit in a dream." Satsvarupa says in his
letter, "He promised to keep in communication with me
even after he has left his body and I hope that this
can be true. Why not? Everything is possible in the
line of transcendental communications." In another
testimony we read, "One or two weeks before his
glorious departure, Maharaja wrote to me: ‘From now
on, Sacinandana Swami, we will associate in our
dreams.’ And he kept his promise. One of these
mornings he came and pacified us. And before leaving
he imparted an instruction: ‘In our hearts there are
two dogs-fighting. Who will win?’ Then he gave the
answer: ‘That dog will win whom you give food.’" That
is profound.
The catalogue of oddities continues and seems almost
limitless: The “Love” thing, his idea of continuing to
live through others, his intimacy with Lord Krsna, his
thoughts a couple of years ago about leaving this
world, the UFOs, the animism, or his missed departure
dates.
We also have his revelation last December about his
own spiritual status, “A few rare cases, where some of
us, or some have come in from some realms, rather
exalted and have gotten a little too entangled in some
missions in the material energy. In some rare cases
where that happens, mercy is there and the Lord
arranges according to His desire how to reclaim such
souls. We perhaps have had a few people in that
category in our own society who are very highly
evolved beings, but after several missions, have
gotten a little too much identifying with the work,
more than the identity. So some of that may be there
in my own case also.”
As the philosopher Ivan Illich states, "Nothing worse
than corrupting the best." This is true, perhaps more
dangerously so, when the corruption is unrecognized by
the corrupted party. So when the GBC claims that
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami was "strict with himself," it is
not accurate, at least not ideologically.
Nonetheless, by the time he died the voodoo and many
other oddities had dissapeared. Everything was now
very devotional, and selected vaisnava symbols
accompanied him-the Govardhana Sila on his head, the
Tulasi garland surrounding his neck, the sprinkled
Radha Kundha water, the devotional pictures around
him, the chanting of Hare Krsna, etc. Spiritual items
befitting a Spiritual Warrior, a Vaishnava King, a
Devotee Gentleman. Just like the distinguished
individual with his Gucci briefcase, Hugo Boss suit,
Bentley conveyance, and Rolex watch.
Although such a comparison may outrage some devotees,
I offer it for an important reason. A few years ago I
witnessed a godbrother of Bhakti-Tirtha Swami die in
the most pitiful way in the Mexico City temple-a
temple BTS regularly visited already. This godbrother
was not some indigent; in fact he was a temple board
member who lived in the temple building and attended
all the temple functions. Yet he died alone, lying on
the floor in his sleeping-bag with no arrangements for
auspicious paraphernalia.
Sadly, his death from pneumonia was completely
preventable, but he lacked resources to pay for any
medical attention. With no help, or even apparent
concern, from the temple devotees and authorities, he
developed a pulmonary congestion that became fatal.
His lonely death stands in stark contrast to BTS’s
elaborate departure, replete with the victory
palanquin, the Krsna conciouss ambiance, the devotees
singing at a perfect tempo, the flower bouquets, the
bonfires, the exuberant dancing, and the stately,
well-organzed ceremonies. BTS even was able to pick
his "own samadhi and all the stuff that comes with
it."
Ironically, BTS was personally cared for by his dear
godbrother and fellow guru Radhanath Swami-a New
Vrndavana fellow-alumnus of Sulochan Prabhu, who also
passed away unceremoniously from a bullet to his head
for speaking out about the corruption of ISKCON’s
authoritarian leadership. But Radhanath did not want
to see BTS pass away so ignomiously, so he assisted
him week after week along with a team of caretakers in
his well-being and visnu-smaranam and arranged for
nurses to check his vital signs and administer the
right doses of pain medication.
Present at the time of his demise was also the
heavenly singer Vrakesvara Pandit Prabhu. BTS had
asked him to “chant for me to go back to Godhead” and
stated that “your kirtana helps me to remember Srila
Prabhupada and Krsna.” It didn’t matter that
Vrakesvara Pandit is a certified child molester who
had been officially forbidden from leading any public
function in ISKCON.
Yes, as many of you already guessed, most ISKCON
members won’t get to die like a Spiritual Warrior;
more likely they will be treated as used up
merchandise. If this seems hyperbolic, might I suggest
you read ISKCON Vrndavana’s recent statement on the
terminally ill.
Nonetheless, I still am prepared to acknowledge
Bhakti-Tirtha Swami’s devotional service over the
years. He did please Srila Prabhupada with his
colleage preaching. He did lead many of kirtans in
which the Holy Name was invoked. He did lecture a lot
creating interest in Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. If
his mind was fully Krsna conciouss at the time of his
death it is very auspiciouss. I am not in a position
to judge all this. But might I remind you that such
service does not equate with nitya-siddha status, nor
does it excuse him from his overlooking and/or
contributing to so many of ISKCON's serious and even
dangerous shortcomings. He was clearly part of the
problem and his passing only makes this more evident.
So after all is said, I leave you with one question.
What should we expect from ISKCON gurus in the future?
I would anticipate more of the same-let those who
initiate disciples do as please as long as the ISKCON
boat is not rocked too hard by their actions. The
current de facto lassier-faire policy on guru matters
will likely continue, with some ambitious gurus on
permanent campaign for the role of successor acharya,
while others abide this to protect their comfort and
security and to keep certain skeletons in the closet.
Be prepared for more of the baroque complexity in both
the lives and the deaths of those in prominence, while
the ISKCON commoners experience neglect and
indifference. All a bit too medieval for my taste,
and, I suspect, too discriminatory and exploitative
for the true good of ISKCON. Forgive me if speaking my
mind honestly causes you any inconvenience. I invite
you to reply and tell me what you think.
Your servant
Radha Krsna dasa
Mexico City
