Stop Sadhu-ninda

[Guest guest]

On 14 Jul 1999, Mahanidhi das wrote:

I will not repeat your uncouth attempt to slander Narayan Maharaja as a way of

winning your argument -- which seems to be the same technique as unscrupulous

lawyers use: say anything cynical or deprecatory that will cast doubt upon the

opponent's credibility, dredging up any muck you can possibly put your hands

on.

 

In response, I could also repeat scandalous information about different ISKCON

gurus -- which is well-known and documented -- but I will not stoop to such

low-minded tactics as a way of winning my points. Vaisnava etiquette forbids

me.

 

Your intention is simply to create doubt and criticize, not enlighten. You

don't know about those incidents of ladies massaging Maharaja's lower legs and

feet, but you assume the worst.

 

I say *atmanam manyate jagat*. You think of what you would do in that

position. A thief also thinks everyone will steal like him.

 

I can tell you because I have observed such incidents "before" like Payonidhi

did (with a contaminated and prejudiced vision) and "after,"

and I can attest that such exchanges completely innocent and pure. Yes, it may

not be completely befitting for a sannyasi technically, but if you look closer

there is no harm. Remember, Maharaja is 80 years old and these girls are

young enough to be his great grand-daughters. But we will imagine the most

salacious possibilities, won't we? So who is actually contaminated?

As a sannyasi, I can't support young girls touching Maharaja's feet like this,

but neither can I condemn it, because I know there is no "connection" or

mundane attachment in it. But I agree, as a principle, at least ostensibly, it

looks bad for a sannyasi to allow it. Let those who are staunchly firm the

reonounced order of life advise the Maharaja appropriately.

 

Those in "glass houses" (honey-combed with sex desire) shouldn't throw stones.

You don't know whom you may hit.

 

Sthita-dhi Muni wrote:

> > For me, such attitudes are reminiscent of ISKCON in the early 80's.

 

I hear you repeatedly mention these bad impressions from ISKCON's past. It

sounds like you've got a lot of past issues of broken faith to clear up. Don't

let these previous bad experiences and doubts color your ability to

discriminate impartially as a progressive spiritual practitioner.

 

Remember the episode of Krsnadasa Kaviraja's brother and Minaketana Ramadasa.

Devotional service is sometimes very mysterious and transcends our

apprehensions.

 

In any and all cases, beware of offending advanced Vaisnavas.

 

That is all I can say and the only good counsel can hope to offer.

 

A servant of the servant of the Vaisnavas.

Srila dasa