Is there any need for, or benefit
gained by comparing Vaisnavas to each other? My godbrothers often rejected
elevated Vaisnavas on the plea of: What did he do to save me?' Or, what
did he do for Krishna in comparison to Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Maharaj?' I felt so sad that, due to this material comparison, my brothers
were deprived of the sadhu sanga they needed so urgently.
Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur explains that
only the highest devotee can know what level of advancement the others
are on. He also says that a Vaisnava's glories can be understood by how
many temples he opened, how many devotees he brought to this line, or by
how much literature he wrote or distributed. While every Vaisnava should
be very happy if another Vaisnava is successful in his missionary activities,
we have to consider the many other Vaisnava instructions to get a complete
picture of the right course of mentality to develop.
The Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita
states: You should neither criticize nor glorify a Vaisnava. Srila A. C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj stresses in his purport that we may make an
exception in connection to glorifying a devotee for some extraordinary
feat he accomplished by Krishna's grace, but we should never criticize
a Vaisnava. This is so important that we can only refer here to the wonderful
book The Heart of Krishna by Srila B. P. Puri Maharaj. This book
shows us how Vaisnava aparadha will destroy our spiritual advancement.
Srila Sridhar Maharaj confirms that we
should only associate intimately with Vaisnavas who are favorable towards
the way our guru's mercy and Krishna descended into our lives. At
the same time, we should not associate with those who like to put down
our spiritual master, or who criticize other Vaisnavas unduly. The scriptures
also state that a spiritual master is known by his disciples. A good disciple
must therefore take care to please his guru by representing him
well.
Every devotee loves to speak of the glories
of his spiritual master. If he does not understand that same necessity
for another, or if he is not generous in the evaluation of another's feelings
for his guru, we can understand that he must be very immature. Such
a person cannot see beyond the I and mine platform. He thinks:
My guru is the best of all.' Or, my guru can give something
one cannot get elsewhere.' Such comments are extensions of ego consciousness,
are not in the line of a humble Vaisnava, and serve only to create disturbance
among the spiritual family.
If we give recognition to some person for
his great service, this is acceptable. But, if we commit the blunder of
using that fact to put down another Vaisnava in any way, we will become
aparadhis.
Even subtle indications of comparing the glory of one's
guru to
show his superiority' will become an offense to guru tattva, a breach
of Vaisnava etiquette, and in short an aparadha.
Every Vaisnava
who is accepted by other Vaisnavas must be a great soul. Among them, the
shining stars will naturally be recognized in their own light. They don't
need to be, nor would they like to be publicized among other Vaisnavas;
what to speak of being pushed on other Vaisnavas. This is nothing but spiritual
common sense.
In conclusion, one should treat Vaisnavas
properly at all times. Being sensitive to their feelings is definitely
more important than quantity or quality considerations. We have heard our
gurus
say that Srimati Radharani thinks that all are devotees except herself.
In the same light, Srila Sridhar Maharaj told us: whoever says, I have
something,' we should offer our respects to from a distance." Such a person
does not reflect what we are looking for.
Harmonizing Different Standards Among Gaudiya Maths
With the translations of many books and
songs for Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj's world-wide movement, the
worship of Krishna gradually took on different variations. Who could forget
the beautiful Govinda song composed by George Harrison which Srila Bhaktivedanta
Swami Maharaj introduced in his temples for the greetings of the deities.
In addition, in Africa people celebrated the leading devotees as tribal
chiefs, and in Brazil everybody brought their samba instruments to join
in Lord Chaitanya's kirtan.
Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj's
style of preaching in the West was very revolutionary; but his own guru's
suggestions for preaching had not been any less revolutionary. To open
ashrams
for
Vaisnava ladies was quite unique. Yet, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur had already
spoken about their existence and necessity in Prema Pradip .
This quality of adaptation is not new to
our sampradaya. Over the years, different branches of the Gaudiya
Math have developed many styles of kirtan, artik, puja, and preaching
techniques. Both Srila Narottam Das Thakur and Srila Syamananda Prabhu
developed particular kirtan styles. Vaisnavas of different areas
also chanted their bhajans in their respective languages, and the
influence of their local cultures became noticeable. Manipuri Vaisnavas
and Orissa Vaisnavas are examples of this.
The soul's craving for love of God is her
constitutional right, but in the external world everything changes to some
degree. Even deity styles, temple constructions, styles of Vaisnava book
publishing, festivals, and prasadam recipes change. While visiting
different Gaudiya Maths, I noticed that they chanted different songs for
their morning worship, and that the artik was also carried out with
subtle variation. Some had the guru-parampara on the altar starting
from the right side, some started from the left; some had a picture of
Vamsidas Babaji Maharaj, some did not. Once I witnessed my sannyas
guru, Srila Sridhar Maharaj, eat a piece of pizza out of love for his Western
lady disciple. All in all, I understood that we are only interested in
the essence. Neophyte devotees have the tendency to think that something
can only be done in one particular way but, in truth, an empowered preacher
may make adjustments according to time, place, and circumstance.
Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhupad states that
all bona fide spiritual masters teach the same essence of Krishna Consciousness
even though the details may change. If the essence is present in a preaching
mission and there is no deviation in the siddhanta, the details
of delivering that essence should be happily accepted. This may not always
be easy to understand. When I first heard of Straight-edge hard-core music
for Krishna I was horrified by the idea. Then, when I met young
people who were totally convinced of Vaisnavism due to their contacts with
this music scene, I recognized my narrow-mindedness in this regard. Today,
many Vaisnava rock groups have affiliated with our temples and help bring
many souls closer to the Holy Name of Krishna.
We have to judge things by their results.
We cannot expect all devotees of the Lord to act in the same way. Krishna
loves variety. If, however, He is displeased with some adjustment made
in a mission, it will come to be known soon or later. As long as we do
not forget the essence of Krishna Consciousness, all differences can be
harmonized with a generous mind. In this way, we will see that Lord Chaitanya's
plan is really for the whole world; and we will not be surprised of all
the new variations that arise as Krishna conquers the hearts of people
around the world.
Harmonizing the devotional community
could be compared to harmonizing a large kirtan. An inspirational
kirtan
requires the cooperation of many different types of devotees under proper
guidance and conception. It is the responsibility of spiritual authorities
with vision to arrange the kirtan with everyone's benefit in mind.
Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur states that the more advanced devotees should
lead the kirtan so that everyone may benefit. A devotee should not
lead a kirtan simply to satisfy his ambitious, passionate nature,
ignoring more qualified devotees. Fancy mirdanga playing with excessively
loud beats that drown out the chanting and call too much attention to the
player are also to be avoided. The instruments used are meant to support
the chanting of the Holy Names: the focus and center of any kirtan
being the Name of Krishna. The yuga dharma is coming together to
glorify Krishna through his Names and the Name should be the prominent
vibration supported by all other vibrations.
Life in a community, like a kirtan,
requires constant harmonization and protection. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
Prabhupad used to hold meetings in which disciples who did not appreciate
each other had to say something good about the other person. Srila Sridhar
Maharaj also taught us that it is simply a waste of time to go adjust the
environment - to adjust everything and everyone around ourselves. Time
is better spent 'oiling our own machine' or working on our own Krishna
Consciousness. Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj changed forever
the lifes of countless Westerners by his personal example.
The topic of godbrothers and goduncles comes
up in Vaisnava communities where a forum of discussion and possibilities
of disagreement exist. In some cases we may criticize our godbrothers,
but we should carefully avoid criticizing our goduncles. Usually, godbrothers
have different ideas and styles that may all please their guru.
Sometimes, these differences lead to the creation of a variety of services
and centers. However, if we criticize our godbrothers in a negative way
- by putting them down, or creating politics against them - then we will
commit aparadha which will disturb our devotional kripa.
With respect to the godbrothers of one's
own guru (one's goduncles), the topic is much more delicate. Unless
the goduncles have revealed a very negative attitude towards the guru,
they should also be treated with the same respect as one treats his guru.
As an example of this, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu showed formal respects in Puri
to Brahmananda Bharati who was not behaving properly, but was a godbrother
of his guru.
To meet an unqualified person in the seat
of an acharya is very painful, and we should pray that we may never
find ourselves in such a sad situation. If the heart of a devotee is telling
him that a Vaisnava is really doing something wrong, then he should keep
a distance from that Vaisnava or spiritual master and his disciples. Distance
will say enough.Narahari Sarkar, in his Bhajanamrita, has given
guidance to disciples who discover some wrongdoings in their guru; in many
details, he explains how to deal with such a sad situations. Yet, even
if a Vaisnava whose initiating spiritual master has disqualified himself
has to be given aid, it should happen in accordance with the most important
Vaisnava precepts. In the VVRS-WVA it is fundamental to accept all those
who wish to serve their guru of a recognized line. They will be
benefited by that sanga, and Krishna will do the rest to help all
of us in this complicated world.
In my experience in the Gaudiya Math
I have often come across mixed feelings with respect to Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Maharaj being called Prabhupad by his disciples in front of his godbrothers,
or, on the other hand, the not calling him Prabhupad by his godbrothers.
Overall, I believe the topic of who can be called Prabhupad and when one
can be called by that name can be harmonized quite easily.
We all know that the title Srila Prabhupad
has been given to great acharyas in our sampradaya in the
past. (Even other caste Goswamis use it for their gurus.) Every
spiritual master is also considered a great acharya by his disciples
and, as a representative of his guru's line, he is no more or less
than other spiritual masters. Whatever name or title a spiritual master
accepts to be called by his disciples is really of no business to his godbrothers.
But, as godbrothers, they also have a valid name for him. This sentiment
is understandable in that it would bring about equal confusion for each
of us if one of our godbrothers began being called the very same name which
we are accustomed to use for our guru. It is for this reason that
Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj's godbrothers call him Swami Maharaj
to this day. Since this book is meant for all members of the Gaudiya Math
family, we have also used his original sannyas name.
It should be understood that it is never
a mistake to call one's guru by the name one has learned, but in
front of the guru's godbrothers it is the proper etiquette to call
him by the name known by his godbrothers. The disciple should also learn
not to feel disturbed or upset when his guru's godbrother call his
guru
by their private brotherly name. Sometimes a godbrother may make an exception
to encourage the disciples of his godbrother, or he may have accepted his
godbrother as his siksa guru and thus also call him his guru
name. Such a behavior, however, should not be expected. Nor should we be
surprised if other great Vaisnavas do not consider our guru to have
the same exclusive importance as we do.
Only if such a standard can be introduced
will missions and leaders be able to freely associate with respect and
a strong sentiment of Unity in Diversity. I think that is what all of us
really aspire for. After the physical departure of even the most powerful
acharyas
in the world, the Vaisnava world is the only hope for disciples to happily
continue in separation from their guru. This is my understanding
of proper Vaisnava etiquette regarding names of gurus; and it is
my heartfelt wish that we can all create a VVRS-WVA environment where the
non offensive Vaisnavas will share with each other and help to protect
each other's preaching efforts and successes.
Every acharya will always be seen
in the light of the contribution he gave to the sampradaya. There
is no need to demonstrate the importance of our gurus by attaching
numbers of exclusive titles and glorification to his name. On the other
hand, if some disciples feel comfortable by glorifying their guru
with many titles, we should be generous enough to accept that. However,
let me ask you a question. Why is nobody anxious to attach many titles
to Narada Muni or Sukadev Goswami when they speak about them? I fear that
as long as we make the names an issue of contempt, we are not really in
contact with the substance.
Vaisnavas of the world unite for an
increased effort to save the conditioned souls from their karmic reactions.
Let us all create the loving network which will properly exhibit the dignity
of the supreme Lord Sri Krishna and all his empowered beloved sons and
daughters. The Visva Vaisnava Raj Sabha - World Vaisnava Association
is the perfect forum through which we can all associate within the plan
of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Therefore, let us join together at meetings,
Melas, and festivals of the VVRS-WVA. Let us share our preaching accomplishments
and encourage each other by hearing from each other. When Srila Sukadev
Goswami spoke, all the sages of India came to listen. It is well known
that the lord conveys his blessings through his devotees. Thus, we need
each other's association. Taking a straw between my lips I fall at your
feet and beg you not to deprive all of us of your holy association.
If we can present the world with the religious
culture of the Vedic tradition and a new strength of Unity in Diversity,
we will all sing and dance with increased happiness. Strong, independent
acharyas
and Vaisnava missions will all stand up for the one truth of Love Supreme.
They will do so not to control each other, but to exhibit the glories of
this living tradition which continuously grows as more and more people
with Vaisnava faith work to carry on the sacred tradition of the guru
parampara. Additional facilities such as the Internet allow for Vaisnavas
to communicate with each other all over the world. It also allows for the
accessibility of information on Vaisnava missions and their literature
for the majority of households in the world.
Whatever differences may have existed in
the past are instrumental in the growth of our transcendental understandings.
Broadmindedness and Vaisnava love, beyond the limits of one mission or
another, is a symptom of an advanced Vaisnava. It will not always be easy,
and some problems will not be resolved in a day, but this is not important.
The effort is the glory in itself which protects us from any failure.
All true Vaisnavas are members of this
sanga.
No formalities are required to be a part of it. But, if we want this forum
to be more effective, it will take many qualified Vaisnavas to invest a
lot of energy and ideas. All volunteers should try to meet and gather further
strength and ideas to make all Vaisnavas happy. In this way the Vaisnava
world will further enhance the Golden age of the spiritual renaissance
begun by Lord Sri Chaitanya in this age of Kali.
Again, I beg to be forgiven for the omissions
and possible mistakes made in this presentation. Time has been short and
we want to offer this publication to you in the year of the 100 birthday
of Srila Bhakti Promode Puri Maharaj, the President of the VVRS-WVA. All
Glories to him and to all the living disciples of Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta
Sarasvati Thakur. They have done a marvelous job to help this sanga
come together and have blessed us with their association and encouragement.
They, and all the Vaisnavas make living in this world bearable. We fall
at their feet and pray for causeless blessings. Let the glorious kirtan
of the Gaudiya Math branches embrace the world, so that the jivas
may discover real Love.
Srila Bhakti Alok Paramadvaiti Maharaj
was born on October 12th, 1953 in the village of Osterkappeln, Germany.
At a young age he felt an attraction to India and the monastic life. At
the age of forteen he started studying the Vedas (parallel to the study
of Carl Marx and Western philosophers). He published a book on social protest
and two journals against the injustices of this world. Still, he could
not find any true hope for the world and the mundane struggle for environmental
change.
At seventeen, after analyzing the world
of exploitation, he left all social connections to his society, parents
and school, and entered the yoga ashram of Sri Aurobindo in Germany.
There he experienced the life of impersonal indifference to the struggle
of the world. He quickly discovered, however, that this polite form of
atheism did not solve the problems of the world, nor did it seem to make
the practitioners humble or soft-hearted. The fact that God, the supreme,
merciful creator of all, did not exist in their philosophy, the impersonal
yogis
succeeded only in cultivating the pride of having none superior to themselves.
Thus, he decided to dedicate his energy towards finding a true spiritual
master.
Soon afterwards his prayers and meditations
led him to Sri Krishna's Holy Name. He then entered the Gaudiya Vaisnava
ashram
as a brahmachari in the recently inaugurated local Krishna ashram
of Düsseldorf, Germany. There, he was trained in the principles of
bhakti
yoga and prepared himself to become a disciple of Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Maharaj.
In 1972 he was initiated by Srila A. C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj in Paris. His name became Alanath das. From
this moment on, his life became very dynamic. He helped his spiritual master
distribute the message of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Europe and America.
Then, in 1976, his spiritual master sent him to help the mission in South
America.
After the departure of his guru
from this world, he struggled to keep the purity of his guru's mission.
After some years, he joined other Vaisnavas in India and started associating
with various Gaudiya Maths. In 1984 he received initiation into the renounced
order of the sannyas ashram from the great acharya Srila
Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj. Profoundly inspired by his teachers, he
began initiating disciples in order to help continue his spiritual masters
service.
He started a preaching branch known as
VRINDA (Vrindavan Institute for Vaisnava Culture and Studies), which
quickly spread to various countries. Today the VRINDA mission has 82 centers
around the world. He also founded ISEV The abreviations correspond to the
spanish equivalent. (Superior Institute of Vedic Studies) and SEVA
(Editorial
Service of Vaisnava Acharyas). He has published many holy books and
is the author of various others. He is a lecturer in English, German, and
Spanish languages. In addition, he has restored many old temples in Vrindavan
and started many temple constructions around the world. Vaisnava ecological
awareness and ecological communities have increased strongly under his
guidance. Many lectures on Krishna katha, festivals, book publishing,
and Vegetarian Restaurants are also inspired by him. He has established
country ashrams and has installed deities of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
and Radha-Krishna in many countries. He has also initiated many new sannyasis
and has sent them out to preach.
His home-study yoga course has spread
quickly bringing thousands of students to study the Bhakti teachings.
His latest work is to organize the University
education programs of the VVRS-WVA through the Internet and through local
Vaisnava academies. He has pioneered the preaching on the Internet, establishing
the Vaisnava presence in several languages. Under the guidance of his siksa
guru Srila B. P. Puri Maharaj he has tried to help unite the different
Vaisnava branches from different sectors of India and other countries through
the Visva Vaisnava Raj Sabha, in which he now serves as secretary.
To serve the dignity of all the great acharyas
of the past and the present, and to show the historic development, need,
and nature of Vaisnava Unity in Diversity, he has now compiled this book.
Other books by Swami B. A. Paramadvaiti
ENGLISH
The Yoga Course for Home Study
The Temple
president
The Search for Purity
Vaisnava
Ecology
SPANISH
The Liberated Woman (La Mujer Liberada)
Predictions for the Present Age (Predicciones
Para la Era Actual)
Abortion - Inviting Disgrace (El Aborto-
Invitando a la Desgracia)
Yoga vs. Drugs (Yoga versus Droga)
Yoga vs. Occultism (Yoga versus Ocultismo)
Vaisnava Etiquette (Etiqueta Vaisnava)
Illicit Sex (El Sexo Illicito)
The Will (El Testamento)
The Science of Vegetarianism (La Ciencia
del Vegetarianismo)
Bhagavad-gita: The Supreme Science (El
Bhagavad Gita: La Ciencia Suprema)
Initiation: The Second Birth (La Iniciación-
El Segundo Nacimiento)
GERMAN
Bhakti-yoga - How it came to the West (Bhakti
Yoga- Der Weg in den Westen )
For more Information in german contact
VRINDA-Info!
For more Information in spanish and english
contact ISEV Peru!
The following books have been used
in our research:
All Glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga
Please let us join together as a united
Gaudiya Vaisnava forum.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to deliver
the whole world. The Visva Vaisnava Raja Sabha - World Vaisnava Association
provides us all with a forum to create a united front against the influence
of the age of Kali. As Mayavada is spreading with full force and materialism
is continuing to destroy our mother earth and the morality of the citizens,
it is an urgent need to create a united front for all the followers of
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. We do not need to start a new organization. All
Vaisnavas can join their hands, minds and projects in such a way, that
they can be recognized as a true religion of freedom, truth and love. Many
Gaudiya Vaisnavas are very successful, still the united front will provide
the world with the unity in diversity, everyone can appreciate. Institutional
limitations will be transcended and eastern and western devotees from all
different branches of Gaudiya Vaisnavism will chant together in Sreedham
Mayapur and all over the world.
That day was predicted by our Srila Bhaktivinode
Thakur who again revived the Visva Vaisnava Raj Sabha of Srila Jiva Goswami.
Please help this proposal and visit our
yearly International meetings of the WVA-VVRS.
Day: Rama Ekadasi -Place: Old Govindaji
Mandir Vrindavan-Time 3PM
Day: One day before Gaura Purnima-Place:
Sri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math Mayapur-Time: 3 PM
Organisational Meetings are held one day
before the International Meetings
For more information please call 0565-443954
Or visit WVA-VVRS on the Internet:URL:
www.wva-vvrs.org
VRINDA
VRINDAVAN INSTITUTE FOR VAISNAVA CULTURE AND STUDIES