Sentimentalism vs Sadhu's knife

[Guest guest]

On 11 Jul 1999, Sthita-dhi-muni Dasa wrote:

> Recently I was considering how just last year our Srila was advocating the

benefits of illicit sex with regards to his ability to follow regulations,

while now he is immersed in Gopi Bhava and at the same time denouncing various

senior Vaisnavas as incompetant. A very curious mix.

 

Your "consideration" reflects an imperfect memory. I never "advocated"

anything of the kind. Supply some definite reference for your allegation or

stand accused of misquoting.

 

On this same note, as far as both you and Mahanidhi taking benefit from

Gaudiya Matha are concerned, my general advice to others is not applicable to

you: Don't trouble yourselves with the Gaudiya Matha. Remain as your are.

 

But please avoid criticizing unimpeachable sadhus, because it will not do you

or anyone else who reads it any good. You can go on for many lifetimes

misusing your sarcastic wit to cut-and-paste and interpret Narayan Maharaja's

lectures as you like, but without submissive hearing and proper association

you will accumulate only offense.

 

People in the deprogramming movement use a similar methodology towards

perusing Srila Prabhupada's books. They gain little beyond a shadow of an

abhasa but in the meantime suffer from their devious mentality. In any case,

this is certainly not the recommended process for bonafide sadhakas.

 

> Geez, if it wasn't for Srila Prabhu's relentless mercy, I would be under the

impression HK prabhu remained as Chairman of the GBC. Sort of reminds me of

the story of the two brahmancaris crossing the river -- with one carry a women

to the other side, and the other carrying the women in his mind for many

endless miles.

 

I might mention that it was your criticism that initiated this "relentless"

polemic from the getgo. Apply your gifted intelligences to safer and more

gainful channels.

 

As as far your uncalled for speculation about my motives, I would "like" for

everyone to properly understand the goal of life (suddha-bhakti) and how to

attain it. I simply want to promote the PRINCIPLE that this *purusartha* can

only be achieved with the association of *pure* Vaisnavas. (*Pure* =

qualified *madhyama*, *nistha* or beyond, *anarttha nivrtti* complete,

chanting *suddha-nama*, etc.) There can be no sectarian considerations in

seeking bonafide sadhu-sanga. ISKCON should facilitate such sadhu-sanga, not

prohibit it.

 

I am curious as to your involvement in this discussion:

>From my analysis, your points have fallen into two types of advocacy:

 

a) individual freedom of expression (more an Amnerican ideology than spiritual

philosophy) and

 

b) maintaining an ISKCON-as-it-always-has-been (the institutional status quo).

How is this progressive, especially given the widespread falldowns of

ISKCON's most prominent leaders and the wholesale apostasy of most its

members?

 

In other words, you've criticized my proposal for bringing new hope and

reform. What's yours?

 

"Do your own thing"? (Hippie philosophy)

Keep things as they are?

 

Sincerely,

 

Srila dasa