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Dear Trivikrama Maharaja.

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

> We appreciate his honesty here, I imagine there are many sincere followers

> of Srila Prabhupada, perhaps even on this conference, who hold a similar

> opinion. However I am convinced that Srila Prabhupada doesn't feel that

> way. And for those of us who have remained loyal to Iskcon it is not very

> inspiring to see this person become more and more influential, often, as

> in the case of Bh. Alex here, at Iskcon's expense.

 

I carefully read your response to the case of certain bh. Alex. I would like

to ask you for some help in developing my understanding.

 

I don't know bh. Alex in any way, also I cannot say, that I agree with

quoted bh. Alex's view fully, but I may be familiar with some of his

presented points to some degree. It seems that it is hard to understand the

other party fully... It strucks me with wonder why is he thinking like that

and what could be done, in order not to exclude him from ISKCON society, and

paint him as ISKCON enemy, who just wants to destroy whatever ISKCON is, and

replace it with his own version. I'm wondering if this strong separatism is

actually needed. Actually, I'm more and more convinced, that there is not so

much of "this party and that party" at all. It is just a bunch of simple

devotees acting according to their own situation.

 

Please let me explain my thoughts.

 

There seem to be two kinds of devotees in ISKCON. Those, in leadership

positions, who can do much to change wrongdoings, and those in subordinate

positions, who cannot do much to change wrongdoings.

 

When misbehavior is spotted, both kinds of devotees reject questionable

activities, but each in his own way. Those, who can change things, remain

loyal to ISKCON by seeing wrongdoings as something, that is to be corrected,

and they know how to do it, and they have the means to do it. Therefore they

feel no frustration with ISKCON, rather they fully engage in correcting

mistakes. The others, who cannot change things, because they are not in

position, remain loyal to ISKCON by tolerating wrongdoings and by stepping

aside from problems, avoiding criticisms. They also feel no frustration with

ISKCON, rather they tolerate situation and avoid finding faults.

 

It is the same thing in both cases. Both kinds of devotees see wrongdoings,

and react according to their situation and ability. One engages in

correction, the other engages in tolerance. If they are both succesful in

this, there is no problem.

 

Problem arises, when they fail. When devotee in superior position fails to

correct wrongdoings, then there is problem, he becomes distanced from ISKCON

in the eyes of his subordinates. And when subordinate follower fails to

tolerate situation, he becomes distanced from ISKCON in the eyes of his

superiors. Thus ISKCON presents itself dual to both of them, partly

connected to Srila Prabhupada, and partly deviated, because of their own

failure to perform their duty.

 

The problem becomes existential, when one is judged for his failure in

performing his abovementioned duties. Subordinates judge superiors for their

failure to correct wrongdoings. And superiors judge subordinates for their

their failure to tolerate wrongdoings. Such judgement leads to separatism,

and creates camps, which fight over who is right. And it leads to sanctions

and excommunications.

 

I believe solution is in definition of duties of ISKCON members according to

varnasrama, to define who is superior, and who is subordinate. But thats

probably utopia, as was already mentioned several times here in forums. And

devotees will not be 100% sure even, if they are expected to act as superior

or as subordinate. Therefore, untill everybody is perfect in performing

their duties, there will be failures. Superiors will be judged for their

failure in correcting deviations, and subordinates will be judged for their

failure in tolerance and for their faultdinding. There is not much that can

be done regarding this.

 

One thing, we could do, is to try to avoid judging those, who fail to

perform their duty, and this may reduce separatism and reduce sanctions and

excommunications. And of course, those more advanced will be less

judgemental. But it seems a bit odd, because if 'avoiding judgement' is

connected to spiritual advancement, then leaders, who are most advanced,

should be most free from judging. But this makes no sense, actually those in

higher positions should judge the most, isn't it?

 

Please, kindly comment on this. What am I missing? Is my understanding

moving in proper direction at all?

 

Thank you

 

your servant Giri-nayaka das