Initiation (?)

[Guest guest]

> On 17 May 1999, Mahanidhi das wrote:

>

> >

> > The striking thing is that when somebody's initiating guru

> > falls down, then both he and the relationship between him

> > and the disciples are taken for granted to be the matter for

> > dragging through a public forum. Like some public vivisection

> > exercise.

 

I just realised how insensitive I must have appeared to some of you in my

recent postings. I am really very sorry for that. When Jayatirtha fell, I

was certainly very distraught.

 

Actualy I feel fortunate to have had a good bit of association, with

Harikesa (swami). He personaly lent me laxmi ($1000), on one occaision for

my marrriage. On other occaisions we spent a lot of time together, in my

office, trying to create a draft masterplan for Mayapur. I was impressed

that for someone in his position he always took my suggestions seriously,

and it was very pleasant to work with him. He also took the trouble to

personaly teach me how to use a computer.

 

I made it a point not to treat him as a guru, as I understood that this was

not expected of me. I respected him as a sanyasi of course, and as a senior

ISKCON leader. He respected me for that. In a way I think he was relieved to

have association that did not require him to 'prove' himself.

 

When I reffered to him as a cheater. I was not thinking as if he

deliberately set out to cheat anyone. I know that he was sincere in many

ways. It appears to me though that he was probably trapped in a position

where his disciples heaped on more worship or praise than he could handle.

 

As a person he certainly has many many positive attributes. I was very happy

that he really pushed for sustainability, and varnasrama programs in

Mayapur, and I was happy to see his caring and personal nature.

 

I should have been more sensitive in my texts, and I reallly do apologise to

anyone who may have been affected. Mahanidhi Prabhu please forgive me. At

the end of the day, personal relationships, and real friendship count more

than rhetoric.

 

YS Samba das