susvagatam jagannatha/authorised songs

[Guest guest]

Hare Krishna,

AGTSP, AG2SG+G,

PAMHO,

 

I believe that what Bhakti Vikasa Maharaj started off saying is true,

that we do not play "so-called bhajans" which have been composed by

bollywood singers/writers, mayavaadis etc. However, what we have to

be careful of are two things:

 

1) We should not have double standards within ISKCON - there is no

point in senior devotees singing these "other" bhajans and then

someone else saying that they shouldn't be sung - well who's correct

and more importantly why? This naturally comes round to my point that

there should be a central team who can research other acaryas

writings and "ADVISE" of suitability or "OTHERWISE" - not just laying

a heavy handed statement forbidding such bhajans without any reason

and explanation. We should not discourage natural questioning by

beginners and simply say "We only accept what our Guru says". We

should be able to back this up by sastra and give a reason. Then, if

someone still wants to go against what the Guru says, that is their

choice and the Guru has done everything in his power. We should not

develop a blind followers mentality which will only lead down the

same path as Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

 

2) We should not get too fanatical/exclusive that we stop considering

other areas where knowledge is available - as Srila Prabhupada used

to say we should be like bumble bees seeking "NECTAR" wherever it is

available, AND, we should be able to find the gold amongst the

filth/rubbish. Srila Prabhupada might have said that his books and

ISKCON will be the law for the next 10000 years, but, why not for

eternity? After all, if the Vedas, Puranaas, Upanisads and Gita are

the law books and Krishna Consciousness the only pure way to get back

to Godhead then this is for eternity. Did Srila Prabhupada foretell

the end of the ISKCON organisation after 10000 years because of the

fanatical attitude it may develop? We are not talking of the end of

Krishna Consciousness as the natural dharma of souls, but the

organisation ISKCON.

 

I humbly request consideration of above points, and less bickering

about suitability or otherwise, rather, there should be geniune

research and explanation. Thus far, there has been too much arguing

of points without the actual proof of why some bhajans are unsuitable.

 

Please forgive me if I have caused any offense and correct me if my

understanding and reasoning are not sound.

 

Haribol

Mahendra