Information from Russian GBC

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Statement of the Russian GBC to the devotees of the CIS

 

1. By propagating a doctrine contrary to the fundamental teachings of His

Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the

International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the existing authorities of

St. Petersburg Temple, Moscow BBT, Radio Krishna Loka are undermining the

faith of many sincere vaisnavas and vaisnavis.

 

2. Sannyas dasa, Kamala Mala dasa, Brahmananda Puri dasa, and Bhramika dasa

and their followers have been systematically propagating misinformation of

the events surrounding the collapse of Harikesh Prabhu.

 

3. They have rejected the authority of the GBC and have chosen not to

participate in discussion with them.

 

4. They are propagating the following erroneous philosophical doctrines

that are contrary to the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta

Swami Prabhupada:

 

a. That in marriage the restriction of no illicit sex, as defined by Srila

Prabhupada, should not be followed.

 

b. That sexual expression is the basis of love between husband and wife.

 

c. That it is not necessary to chant 16 daily rounds of japa.

 

d. That the chanting of the gayatri mantra may or may not be accepted by

second initiated devotees.

 

e. That only those of Brahminical inclination can follow 4 regulative

principles and chant 16 rounds.

 

Therefore the Russian GBC is recommending that:

 

1. For the sake of their spiritual well-being the devotees of the CIS show

extreme caution when having to deal with devotees representing the above

mentioned devotees.

 

2. Due to the fact that the above mentioned devotees are not strictly

adhering to the philosophical conclusions of His Divine Grace A.C.

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the disciples of different spiritual

masters are advised not to visit or accept service in the St. Petersburg

temple or accept service under their guidance until this situation is

resolved.

 

3. The GBC recognizes the congregation of at least 300 devotees in St.

Petersburg that do not endorse the activities of Kamala Mala dasa, the

leader of the local temple, or the other above mentioned devotees.

 

4. The status of membership in ISKCON of the St. Petersburg temple will be

reviewed in the near future.

 

5. No ISKCON Sanyasis or visiting preachers will visit the St. Petersburg

Temple until the current situation changes.

 

The GBC invites any devotees that have any doubts about the spiritual

practices accepted in ISKCON for open discussion of these points in the form

of personal talks and discussions or debate.

 

The GBC cordially welcomes any devotees from the St. Petersburg Temple, BBT,

and Radio Krishna Loka that wish to return to the safe shelter of the lotus

feet of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya

of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.