Dec 04, 2013 — CANADA (SUN) — GBC EC letter to Madhu Pandit: Bangalore prepared to relinquish their Ritvik position.
From: GBC EC
Date: 27-Oct-13 13:52 (19:22 +0530)
Comment: Text PAMHO:25713507 by Anuttama (das) ACBSP (IC N.America)
Subject: From the GBC EC
October 26, 2013
Dear Madhu Pandit Prabhu, Chanchala Pati Prabhu, and Jai Chaitanya Prabhu,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We have been informed by Bhanu Swami, Jayapataka Swami, and Dayaram Prabhu about the meeting you had with them at the Chennai ISKCON Temple on August 24, 2013. We were informed that the meeting was cordial and that both parties expressed themselves clearly on the issues that have separated us.
It was reported to us that your primary concern is to ensure that Srila Prabhupada's unique position and importance is not minimized within ISKCON now or in the future. We are in complete agreement with you about this point.
As acknowledged previously, we regret that after Srila Prabhupada's
departure his status was minimized by some within our society, especially during the "zonal-acharya" period of ISKCON. Our understanding of Srila Prabhupada's unique historical and spiritual position has evolved as we more clearly comprehend the greatness of His Divine Grace's contributions to the Lord's mission.
We were informed that in Chennai you stated that you no longer insist that Srila Prabhupada be considered the diksha guru of ISKCON devotees in the
future, nor for those who took initiation after the physical departure of His Divine Grace in November 1977.
We are happy to note that you have evolved your views on these points. This opens the door for concrete discussions to resolve our differences, while
recognizing your concern that Srila Prabhupada be the preeminent guru in the life of every ISKCON devotee.
Bhanu Swami, Jayapataka Swami, and Dayaram Prabhu informed us that you would like the GBC to establish (a) Srila Prabhupada as the Hari Nam guru, the
giver of 1st initiation, for ISKCON devotees, and (b) that persons who serve as diksha gurus in ISKCON will give the 2nd initiation.
We understand that you agree that the devotees who offer 2nd initiation will be called by your group as the diksha guru. Devotees in your group will not claim Srila Prabhupada as their diksha guru and will call the giver of second initiation their diksha guru.
A select committee of GBC Executive Committee members and other senior devotees discussed your proposal on October 9, 2013 at the Juhu Temple, but we did not come to a conclusion concerning making Srila Prabhupada the main guru in 1st initiation. The committee felt that the proposal needs deeper, thoughtful consideration. The GBC will have to ensure that this proposal is in line with scriptures, the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, and would be desired by Srila Prabhupada for ISKCON.
In our previous letter we referenced our recent statement regarding Srila Prabhupada's position in ISKCON and his relationship with every devotee:
"As the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness (ISKCON) and the preeminent teacher and ultimate authority within our society, Srila Prabhupada has a unique relationship with every ISKCON devotee. . .
"Srila Prabhupada, as the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is the preeminent siksa guru for all members of ISKCON. All members of ISKCON, for all generations, are encouraged to seek shelter of Srila Prabhupada. All members of ISKCON are entitled and encouraged to have a personal relationship with Srila Prabhupada through his books, teachings, service, and his ISKCON society. . ."
On this point we seem to agree.
We are also aware of the philosophical point, as explained by Bhanu Swami, that according to sastra, 1st initiation is generally not diksha but only a commitment to chant Hari Nam. Before Srila Prabhupada established it in our sampradaya diksha usually meant pancharatrika diksha (presently what is called 2nd initiation in ISKCON).
But, it is also a fact that Srila Prabhupada established the system of
giving 1st and 2nd initiation and that he used the term, "1st initiation." Therefore, again, before making any changes, the GBC body needs to give careful consideration.
In short, we are pleased that you have moved away from the "Ritvik" ideology and we now sincerely hope to find ways to accommodate your group of devotees within the greater ISKCON.
In the meantime, we are open to hearing other ideas you may have to help in clarifying Srila Prabhupada's position as both Founder-Acharya and preeminent siksha guru for all of ISKCON.
Your servants,
GBC Executive Committee
Tamohara das, Chair
Anuttama das
Praghosa das
