Has everyone forgotten what happened in the past? In the early ‘70’s Srila Prabhupada started his own ritvik system, surprise! At some point it became too much to chant on everyone’s beads and give the new spiritual names so what to do? He appointed some of his senior men to cover these details so he could go on with his writing and management of a world organization.
My wife and I were initiated in 1975 in Los Angeles, Srila Prabhupada had left the day before to go to San Francisco, by this time he deputed his personal secretary and Sanskrit scholar to look up the names; and then he would approve or disapprove.
During the fire sacrifice it was Hridayananda Maharaja that was standing next to the Vyasasana and handed out the beads and asked for the four regulative principles. Each time a new name was given there was a loud HARIBOL and everyone applauded.
In our group there was a Gaur Kisori das which opened a few eyes, and generated a loud response then I was called. I paid my obeisances to Srila Prabhupada’s picture on the Vyasasana and stumbled through the four regs. Then Maharaja handed me my beads and gave my name;
“Your name is Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati das!”
The temple exploded, what a name who is this rascal getting such a name? I was shocked I still have no idea what it meant, also in our group there was a devotee whose new name was ‘great kirtan leader’ this fellow was so shy he didn’t speak much to anyone let alone lead a kirtan or look like a great kirtan leader; so I thought my name was also the antithesis of my foolish character.
The point is – forget the political connotations and let us all remember it is Srila Prabhupada who is always in the centre and the force behind everything at all times. So it is understandable that if anyone is now taking the role of Acharya and not handing his initiates over to the source then, what is the fate of both the new guru and their initiates?
This movement would undergo a drastic change if all the new gurus who are initiating on behalf of Srila Prabhupada would recognize this fact and not take glorious worship and stand down to allow all new comers to this society full access to Srila Prabhupada who sweated blood and tears for each one of us who joined this movement. This is how it was in the beginning when Srila Prabhupada was physically with us and was not able to directly attend the initiation ceremony.
I am not a political antagonist but most of all my god brother’s and god sister’s like myself are all ritvik. Most of us were initiated when Srila Prabhupada was not physically present. This was not such a big deal to us we were all disciples of His Divine Grace.
Srila Prabhupada didn’t hand me my beads or give my name directly; so what is the difference today? Let’s make this movement a better place for all who have joined and will join in the future how we can deny anyone the right to take Srila Prabhupada as their life and soul.
I am told there are over 90 gurus now acting as diksa gurus instead of allowing Srila Prabhupada that privilege. To actually put Srila Prabhupada in the centre means to not stand in his way and to allow everyone unrestricted access to Srila Prabhupada like it was in the early days.
BY: BHAKTISIDDHANTA DASA (ACBSP)
July 10 2011, Vrindavan (PRABHUPADAVISION.COM) —
Great article. Common sense is a breath of fresh air.
I think i was also sitting in that initiation in LA. Me and Pranada dasi. Yes,Jayasachinandana das picked our names.Thanks Bhaktisidhanta,prabhu. You are 100% right.
I meant 100% right.
Bhaktisidhanta dasa is the real deal, love visiting him in Vrindavan & Mayapur (you can watch him give Srimad Bhagavatam class on Mayapur TV).
He is one dedicated soldier serving all those years in Vrndavan (now working at TVOP Mayapur).
Srila Prabhupada personally told him to stay in Vrndavan and he obeyed.
He is straightforward when asked on the changes of books and institutional guru scam.
You can’t argue with this saint.
Myself had rivik initiation in ’74,
Srila Prabhupada gave us our names by letter and he had Kirtananada swami chant on our beads and do the fire sacrifice.
Kirtanananda was a rascal, but at that time, he was in good standing with Srila Prabhupada who used him as his representative, he made the mistake of trying to be guru later and paid for it, karma will get you, as will happen to the rascals GBC and bogus institutional gurus still in control of ISKCON and enjoying Srila Prabhupada assets.
In ’75, I was traded to New Orleans to be Sankirtan leader but one of my Chicago godbrothers made a big fuss and he asked to go, taking my plane ticket at the last minute!
BY a good stroke of luck or providence, Sri Govinda das (Chicago T..P)
sent me to Detroit instead, suddenly I was living in this awesome mansion going out on Sankirtan in the Detroit area with my team.
Srila Prabhupada came to this beautiful temple later , this temple really pleased him, he was happy and relaxed while there.
He personally gave me second in initiation, even praised and notice my temple commander duties.
What good fortune is was for this 22 yr old to be with Srila Prabhupada on daily morning walks, fanning him in our beautiful garden with peacocks and hearing him preach daily.
He was even preaching to the local priests from an empty Catholic church nearby, they were invited to met Srila Prabhupada, while we gave them Prasadam, he was asking them to donate the land and building to us, Lion Guru!
We should all remember that Srila Prabhupada is the only pure representative diska guru at this time, he is living in his books, lectures and videos for us to connect daily.
“make your own field and continue to be rittvik and act on my behalf.'”
Thank you Bhaktisidhanta prabhu you are 100% right!