Guest guest Posted October 13, 1999 Report Share Posted October 13, 1999 Bhaktimarga Swami apologizes to Raghunatha Stocker By Bhaktimarga Swami Dear Ragunatha Prabhu, Please accept my humble respects. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. I read your letter and was indeed moved. I would like to respond as a voice that I’m sure reflects the empathy of a large volume of the ISKCON body of devotees. Many of us have become aware of the neglectful occurrences and subsequent pain that you and others have endured during your time in the Gurukula and we wish to reach out to you to help rectify the problems of the past. We say to you, “Brother / Sister, come and share the space in my home (or temple). We will cook for you, feed you. We will employ you or help you seek employment. We will offer you what funds we can to help you if you need to get your feet on the ground. We will sit down with you and hear all you have to say about the hurt that you feel.” I will admit that as a responsible adult in the movement for the past twenty-six years that I must share some of the blame for what happened. Your story (and the story of other victims) is one of human shame and the most remote scenario of what you would call “Krishna Consciousness.” As late as it may be taking the liberty to speak for others as well as myself I offer you these three famous words of reconciliation, the words that most modern day politicians have a problem with. “I am sorry!” And then there are three more, “Please forgive us!” “Talk is cheap,” some may say. Then please let me know what I can do (with more than just a nice gesture) in order to help. I know that as a current leader of ISKCON I have an obligation to our community of devotees, to see that temples within my area of influence are true safe sanctuaries where people come to fuel the soul by worshipping, chanting, dancing, honoring prasadam, receiving samskars, marrying, bonding and discussing the most important things in life. I know that I must represent Srila Prabhupada properly by my action and words. Again my words go out to you and all fellow victims who had undergone this great human tragedy. Sincerely I am sorry. Let me know what I can do. Can we communicate? Your servant, Bhaktimarga Swami © CHAKRA 1st-Oct-1999 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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