Apology from the EC. (For 'X' )

[Guest guest]

To all members of ISKCON

 

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

We have been carefully listening to the feedback following our letter to the

Society on 12th August 1998 regarding the situation of Harikesa Prabhu. Many

of the respondents were grateful for the information that was presented, but

many devotees felt that the Executive Committee made some inappropriate

statements. We wish to acknowledge those concerns and clarify our

perspective.

 

We deeply apologise to any member of the Society who has been upset by our

words. It was not our intention to cause grief, particularly, to the

disciples of Harikesa prabhu who are deeply affected by his situation.

Neither would we wish to speak ill of Harikesa prabhu himself, nor, in any

way, to create obstacles in the process of his recovery back to full

service. We accept that, in the wording of our letter and in the methodology

of releasing so much information at one time, we over-stepped the etiquette

of presenting the circumstances of such a senior devotee.

 

We were aware that many of the details that we included in the letter were

being widely circulated on the Internet and were being sent around on COM.

We considered that it was important to make an open and definitive statement

to counter much worse accusations and rumours. We were also concerned that a

few disciples were explaining some of Harikesa prabhu's uncharacteristic

behaviour as transcendental activity. Even so, we are very sorry that we

breached proper etiquette in revealing too many details related to his

condition.

 

We also apologise if our previous statements implied that we believed he

should be held accountable for his actions and therefore liable for some

form of sanction. That was not our conviction. Rather, we have always felt

it best to allow him the time and space to make a full recovery without

passing judgement.

 

Our difficulty arose when Harikesa Prabhu himself refused to take a leave of

absence or vacation, even though he had previously asked for it. Presently,

he wishes to act in various official capacities, which are clearly

inappropriate for him. Therefore, unfortunately, there is really no

alternative for the EC other than to suspend him from his responsibilities

for the time being. Please understand this step to be a compassionate

gesture to assist Harikesa Prabhu and not a punishment.

 

To sum up, we offer our sincere apologies for any mistakes and inadequacies

in our efforts to handle this situation. If our message appeared

contradictory, it is because the situation is complex and we are struggling

to understand it as things unfold. We will do our best to be mindful of the

sensibilities of all the devotees.

 

As god-brothers and friends we are continually looking for ways to offer

Harikesa Prabhu our support and care. He certainly does need the care, the

love and well-wishes of the whole Society. We are thoroughly appreciative of

his wonderful achievements and daily we are praying for his speedy return to

active service for Srila Prabhupada.

 

Your servants

 

The GBC Executive Commitee

 

Akhandadhi das, Badrinarayan das, Ravindra Svarupa das, Sesa das