GBC reform without Varnasrama-dharma?

[Guest guest]

I found the recent article entitled "Message from the GBC to the Devotees of

ISKCON" as a small step in the right direction towards correcting some of the

past mistakes made by the "leaders" of ISKCON and the GBC. The apologetic

attitude expressed therein actually seemed genuine regarding the Zonal Acarya

System. Such apologies are always welcome and help soothe many deep-rooted

feelings of betrayal and abandonment by some of our Godbrothers.

 

Unfortunately, the apparent majority of GBC-member opinions is to move forward

in a direction which does not promise much practical change or success in

solving the root problems of the society. As I first started to read the text

I had hopes of reading the all important words - varnasrama-dharma. But alas,

once again, the GBC has found in their infinite wisdom a way of putting

hundreds of nice words together about social and spiritual reforms within the

society without mentioning the Lord's and Srila Prabhupada's advice on how to

achieve these nice goals.

 

When Srila Prabhupada left this world he told us what he felt remained

"unfinished" in his movement - to establish varnasrama-dharma. How can such a

clear and bold statement by our Guru Maharaja go unheeded for almost 25 years?

We are continuing to belabor at so many things which by Srila Prabhupada's

statement are "finished". Certainly it doesn't mean we stop all of the things

which he started and encouraged for preaching, but more certainly it would

seem logical that the majority of our efforts would be put toward fulfilling

that which was left "unfinished".

 

How many times has Srila Prabhupada prescribed varnasrama-dharma as the social

cure for the ills of the human race? (The BBT is publishing a book of more

than a thousand of Srila Prabhupada's quotes regarding this.) We are the human

race aren't we? I do not believe any of us has transcended that yet,

especially in light of the recent realizations of the GBC and the many

mistakes made which leads them to the sincere desire for reforms.

 

Honestly, for the first time in more than 20 years I felt a little confidence

in wanting to participate in the activities of ISKCON when I read my email of

the recent Project Status report from the Mayapura project wherein Abhirama

Prabhu discussed the revised plans and goals for the project. Within that

report Abhirama Prabhu, whom I regard and I presume the GBC also regards as a

very competent and sincere disciple of Srila Prabhupada, having placed him in

such an important position, mentioned the words varnasrama-dharma many times

and with great import as to varnasrama-dharma's role in the planning,

development and goals of ISKCON's most important project.

 

Why didn't the GBC also include many mentions of varnasrama-dharma in their

letter to the devotees? Do they not believe that Srila Prabhupada recommended

its implementation within the society of devotees? If so, are the sannyasis

going to discard their dandas and sannyasa garb, too?

 

What positive reforms of management can be expected if the GBC is going to

rely upon social management systems not recommended by the Lord and Guru? If

they are not going to manage according to varnasrama-dharma what management

plan are they going to utilize to cure the ills of this society? Is there a

system which the Lord forgot to mention in the Bhagavad-gita which they are

aware of and we are not? This should be interesting.