Initiation (?)

[Guest guest]

On 16 May 1999, Gunamani dd wrote:

 

 

> This I would think to be the diksa of Arjuna, the Bhagavad Gita complete,

> first a lot of siksa and then the Lord gives His promise.

 

 

I tend to agree. It is the way I have always understood it. As in most of the

Bhagavat principles, things are more transcendental, internal, heart-oriented

than external ritual.

 

 

 

> Disciples of Arjuna I dont know but the following took place simultaniously

> as you know. It seems to be a confirmation that spiritual knowledge does not

> have to be recieved directly,physically but also that to recieve it we have

> to be connected to the parampara.

 

 

Srila Prabhupada is a connection to the parampara, I hope? Others are probably

there like the Gaudiya Matha and other sampradaya's? Personally I like Srila

Prabhupada's style and I hope he remains accessible to anyone who chooses him

as their guru in the future.

 

 

 

> What is your definition of diksa?

 

 

Similar to what you used as the example of Arjuna - receiving pure

instructions and hearing glorification of the Lord's pastimes, fame name, etc.

from the pure devotee and taking those pure instructions and kirtan to heart.

I do believe, however, and I think it is probably different than the present

leadership in ISKCON, that that pure instruction and kirtan can come from the

pure devotees written and recorded words forever. That is the meaning of the

"big mridanga" to me.

 

 

> And if you find formal diksa unnessecary then what is the need of

> ritvikpriests?

 

 

I do not think formal diksa rituals are "unnecessary". I think they are a very

important part of human cultural development just as daiva varnasrama-dharma

is. But I believe those rituals can be performed by authorized "ritviks" on

behalf of the pure devotee, and specifically the most current parampara

representative. This is essentially how diksa was performed in many cases in

ISKCON when Srila Prabhupada was initiating thousands of disciples all around

the world.

 

 

> Thank you for encouraging me to get a deeper understanding of Srila

> Prabhupada's books.

> With all respect

> Your servant Gunamani d.d.

 

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to THINK in the service of the Lord.

My words may not be so good but I am trying to think it out carefully. Please

remain patient with this fool.

 

Sincerely,

Your fallen servant,

Janesvara dasa