Prabhupada: RTVIK, YES

Prabhupada: RTVIK, YES

Ritviks ( Brahmanas PRIESTS) have always been used in VEDIC culture since time immemorial just see the Srimad Bhagvatam references. HOW can one ANYONE exclude them in ISKCON? Even now ISKCON – the ceremony FORMALITY initiation 1st and 2nd– IS— Ritvik ceremony. Diksa is ONLY given by MAHA BHAGAVATA (Srila Prabhupada). Ritviks conduct FORMALITY initiation 1st and 2nd on behalf of Srila Prabhupada – but when devotee is RECEPIENT of Diksa at an advanced stage SVARUPA SIDDHI (he can SEE KRSNA and HIS relationship is REVEALED in the heart) from Srila Prabhupada’s heart to the devotee’s heart. This can take place after many lives. We sing morning prayers janme janme prabhu sei to Srila Prabhupada. Birth after birth he, Srila Prabhupada, is my master. THAT is the meaning. Srila Prabhupada is my master to take me back home back to Godhead through this difficult journey IF we are actually serious to follow him.

It is NOT cheap. Here is graphic example of THAT Diksa:

SB 10.2.18 P Prayers by the Demigods for Lord Krsna in the Womb
As indicated here by the word manastah, the Supreme Personality of Godhead was transferred from the core of Vasudeva’s mind or heart to the core of the heart of Devaki. We should note carefully that the Lord was transferred to Devaki not by the ordinary way for a human being, but by diksa, initiation. Thus the importance of initiation is mentioned here. Unless one is initiated by the right person, who always carries within his heart the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one cannot acquire the power to carry the Supreme Godhead within the core of one’s own heart.

Note: Srila Prabhupada is WITH US TO GUIDE US through difficult journey of transmigration cycle to attaining Back to Godhead IF we follow him. Bilvamangal Thakura’s Spiritual master came thru a prostitute to deliver him so Srila Prabhupada is also SO POWERFUL to help us:

SB 3.15.24 P Description of the Kingdom of God

IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GO BACK TO GODHEAD IN ONE LIFE, but in the human form one should at least understand the goal of life and begin Krsna consciousness.

TEXT 57

cintāmaṇir jayati somagirir gurur me

śikṣā-guruś ca bhagavān śikhi-piñcha-mauliḥ

yat-pāda-kalpataru-pallava-śekhareṣu

līlā-svayaṁvara-rasaṁ labhate jayaśrīḥ

SYNONYMS

cintāmaṇiḥ jayati—all glory to Cintāmaṇi; soma-giriḥ—Somagiri (the initiating guru); guruḥ—spiritual master; me—my; śikṣā-guruḥ—instructing spiritual master; ca—and; bhagavān—the Supreme Personality of Godhead; śikhi-piñcha—with peacock feathers; mauliḥ—whose head; yat—whose; pāda—of the lotus feet; kalpa-taru—like desire trees; pallava—like new leaves; śekhareṣu—at the toe nails; līlā-svayam-vara—of conjugal pastimes; rasam—the mellow; labhate—obtains; jaya-śrīḥ—Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

TRANSLATION

“All glories to Cintāmaṇi AND MY INITIATING SPIRITUAL MASTER, SOMAGIRI. All glories to my instructing spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who wears peacock feathers in His crown. Under the shade of His lotus feet, which are like desire trees, Jayaśrī [Rādhārāṇī] enjoys the transcendental mellow of an eternal consort.”

PURPORT

This verse is from the Kṛṣṇa-karṇāmṛta, which was written by a great Vaiṣṇava sannyāsī named Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura, who is also known as Līlāśuka. He intensely desired to enter into the eternal pastimes of the Lord, and he lived at Vṛndāvana for seven hundred years in the vicinity of Brahma-kuṇḍa, a still-existing bathing tank in Vṛndāvana. The history of Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura is given in a book called Śrī Vallabha-digvijaya. He appeared in the eighth century of the Śaka Era in the province of Draviḍa and was the chief disciple of Viṣṇusvāmī. In a list of temples and monasteries kept in Śaṅkarācārya’s monastery in Dvārakā, Bilvamaṅgala is mentioned as the founder of the Dvārakādhīśa temple there. He entrusted the service of his Deity to Hari Brahmacārī, a disciple of Vallabha Bhaṭṭa.

Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura actually entered into the transcendental pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa. He has recorded his transcendental experiences and appreciation in the book known as Kṛṣṇa-karṇāmṛta. In the beginning of that book he has offered his obeisances to his different gurus, and it is to be noted that he has adored them all equally. The first spiritual master mentioned is Cintāmaṇi, who was one of his instructing spiritual masters because she first showed him the spiritual path. Cintāmaṇi was a prostitute with whom Bilvamaṅgala was intimate earlier in his life. She gave him the inspiration to begin on the path of devotional service, and because she convinced him to give up material existence to try for perfection by loving Kṛṣṇa, he has first offered his respects to her. Next he offers his respects to his initiating spiritual master, Somagiri, and then to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who was also his instructing spiritual master. He explicitly mentions Bhagavān, who has peacock feathers on His crown, because the Lord of Vṛndāvana, Kṛṣṇa the cowherd boy, used to come to Bilvamaṅgala to talk with him and supply him with milk. In his adoration of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead, he describes that Jayaśrī, the goddess of fortune, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, takes shelter in the shade of His lotus feet to enjoy the transcendental rasa of nuptial love. The complete treatise Kṛṣṇa-karṇāmṛta is dedicated to the transcendental pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. It is a book to be read and understood by the most elevated devotees of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/cc/adi/1/57

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Śrī Bilvamaṅgala Ṭhākura, a great ācārya of the Viṣṇusvāmī Vaiṣṇava sect, in his householder life was overly attached to a prostitute who happened to be a devotee of the Lord. One night when the Ṭhākura came to Cintāmaṇi’s house in torrents of rain and thunder, Cintāmaṇi was astonished to see how the Ṭhākura could come on such a dreadful night after crossing a foaming river which was full of waves. She said to Ṭhākura Bilvamaṅgala that his attraction for the flesh and bone of an insignificant woman like her would be properly utilized if it could be diverted to the devotional service of the Lord to achieve attraction for the transcendental beauty of the Lord. It was a momentous hour for the Ṭhākura, and he took a turn towards spiritual realization by the words of a prostitute. Later on the Ṭhākura accepted the prostitute as his spiritual master, and in several places of his literary works he has glorified the name of Cintāmaṇi, who showed him the right path.

Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/1/11/19

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Note: In the case of Bilva mangala Thakura, the prostitute was his Siksa guru – she gave him instructions to advance. However, it was his guru who ACTUALLY came to instruct him THROUGH that prostitute.

Somgiri was the Diksa guru of Bilvamangala – At the right moment, his spiritual master said through that prostitute, “Oh, you are so much attached with this flesh and bone. If you had been attached so much with Kṛṣṇa, how good you could have achieved.”

Devotee: Prabhupāda, I heard it said that the spiritual master will always come back until his devotees, his disciples, have achieved God realization. Can you explain that?

Prabhupāda: Yes. But don’t try to take advantage of it. (laughter) Don’t try to give trouble to your spiritual master like that. Finish your business in this life. That is especially meant for those who are slack. His devotee, his disciple should be serious in serving spiritual master. If he is intelligent he should know that “Why should I act in such a way that my spiritual master has to take the trouble to reclaim me again? Let my business be finished in this life.” That should be the right way of thinking. Not that, “Oh I am sure my spiritual master will come, let me do all nonsense.” No. So if you have got any, I mean to say, affection for the spiritual master, then you should finish your business in this life so that he may not come again to reclaim you. Is that all right? Don’t take advantage of this business. Rather, be serious to finish your business. That is a fact.

THERE IS AN INSTANCE OF BILVAMAṄGALA ṬHĀKURA. BILVAMAṄGALA ṬHĀKURA WAS IN HIS PREVIOUS LIFE, ELEVATED TO ALMOST PREMA-BHAKTI, HIGHEST PLATFORM OF DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS CHANCE OF FALLDOWN. SO SOMEHOW OR OTHER HE FELL DOWN. AND NEXT LIFE HE WAS BORN IN A VERY RICH FAMILY AS IT IS STATED IN THE BHAGAVAD-GĪTĀ: ŚUCĪNĀṀ ŚRĪMATĀṀ GEHE [BG. 6.41]. SO HE WAS BORN IN A RICH BRĀHMAṆA FAMILY, BUT HE BECAME, NATURALLY AS RICH BOYS BECOME ATTACHED TO WOMAN-HUNTER. SO IT IS SAID THAT HIS SPIRITUAL MASTER INSTRUCTED HIM THROUGH HIS PROSTITUTE. AT THE RIGHT MOMENT, HIS SPIRITUAL MASTER SAID THROUGH THAT PROSTITUTE, “OH, YOU ARE SO MUCH ATTACHED WITH THIS FLESH AND BONE. IF YOU HAD BEEN ATTACHED SO MUCH WITH KṚṢṆA, HOW GOOD YOU COULD HAVE ACHIEVED.” IMMEDIATELY HE TOOK TO THAT POSITION. SO THAT RESPONSIBILITY IS FOR THE SPIRITUAL MASTER. BUT WE SHOULD NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT. That is not very good. We should try: yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādaḥ **. We should not try to put our spiritual master in a position that he has to reclaim me from prostitute’s house. But he has to do it. Because he accepts his disciple, he has got the responsibility like that. Yes?

Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/classes/bg/6/46-47/los_angeles/february/21/1969

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770719rc.vrn Conversations
Prabhupada: And nobody is going to disturb you there. MAKE YOUR OWN FIELD AND CONTINUE TO BECOME RTTVIK AND ACT ON MY CHARGE. People are becoming sympathetic there. The place is very nice.

77-07-09.All Letter: All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Recently when all of the GBC members were with His Divine Grace in Vrndavana, Srila Prabhupada indicated that soon He would appoint some of His senior disciples to act as “RITVIK–REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ACARYA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PERFORMING INITIATIONS, BOTH FIRST INITIATION AND SECOND INITIATION. HIS DIVINE GRACE HAS SO FAR GIVEN A LIST OF ELEVEN DISCIPLES WHO WILL ACT IN THAT CAPACITY:

770528me.vrn Conversations
Satsvarupa: By the votes of the present GBC. Then our next question concerns initiations in the future, particularly at that time when you’re no longer with us. We want to know how first and second initiation would be conducted.
Prabhupada: Yes. I shall recommend some of you. After this is settled up, I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acaryas.
Tamala Krsna: Is that called rtvik-acarya?
Prabhupada: RTVIK, YES.

77-07-09.All Letter: All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents
Letter: All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents
Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Recently when all of the GBC members were with His Divine Grace in Vrndavana, SRILA PRABHUPADA INDICATED THAT SOON HE WOULD APPOINT SOME OF HIS SENIOR DISCIPLES TO ACT AS “RITVIK–REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ACARYA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PERFORMING INITIATIONS, BOTH FIRST INITIATION AND SECOND INITIATION. His Divine Grace has so far given a list of eleven disciples who will act in that capacity:

His Holiness Kirtanananda Swami
His Holiness Satsvarupa dasa Gosvami
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami
His Holiness Tamala Krsna Gosvami
His Holiness Hrdayananda Gosvami
His Holiness Bhavananda Gosvami
His Holiness Hamsaduta Swami
His Holiness Ramesvara Swami
His Holiness Harikesa Swami
His Grace Bhagavan dasa Adhikari
His Grace Jayatirtha dasa Adhikari

In the past Temple Presidents have written to Srila Prabhupada recommending a particular devotee’s initiation. Now that Srila Prabhupada has named these representatives, Temple Presidents may henceforward send recommendation for first and second initiation to whichever of these eleven representatives ARE NEAREST THEIR TEMPLE. AFTER CONSIDERING THE RECOMMENDATION, THESE REPRESENTATIVES MAY ACCEPT THE DEVOTEE AS AN INITIATED DISCIPLE OF SRILA PRABHUPADA BY GIVING A SPIRITUAL NAME, OR IN THE CASE OF SECOND INITIATION, BY CHANTING ON THE GAYATRI THREAD, JUST AS SRILA PRABHUPADA HAS DONE. THE NEWLY INITIATED DEVOTEES ARE DISCIPLES OF HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPAD, the above eleven senior devotees ACTING AS HIS REPRESENTATIVE. After the Temple President receives a letter from these representatives giving the spiritual name or the thread, he can perform the fire yajna in the temple as was being done before. The name of a newly initiated disciple should be sent by the representative who has accepted him or her to Srila Prabhupada, to be included in His Divine Grace’s “Initiated Disciples” book

SB 4.5.7 S Frustration of the Sacrifice of Daksa
atha–at that time; RTVIJAH--THE PRIESTS; yajamanah–the chief person performing the sacrifice (Daksa); sadasyah–all the persons assembled in the sacrificial arena; kakubhi udicyam–in the northern direction; prasamiksya–seeing; renum–the dust storm; tamah–darkness; kim–what; etat–this; kutah–from where; etat–this; rajah–dust; abhut–has come; iti–thus; dvijah–the brahmanas; dvija-patnyah–the wives of the brahmanas; ca–and; dadhyuh–began to speculate.
TRANSLATION
At that time, all the persons assembled in the sacrificial arena–the priests, the chief of the sacrificial performance, and the brahmanas and their wives–wondered where the darkness was coming from. Later they could understand that it was a dust storm, and all of them were full of anxiety.

SB 4.5.18 S Frustration of the Sacrifice of Daksa
sarve–all; eva–certainly; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; drstva–after seeing; sadasyah–all the members assembled in the sacrifice; sa-divaukasah–along with the demigods; taih–by those (stones); ardyamanah–being disturbed; su-bhrsam–very greatly; gravabhih–by stones; na ekadha–in different directions; adravan–began to disperse.
TRANSLATION
There was a continuous shower of stones, and all the priests and other members assembled at the sacrifice were put into immense misery. For fear of their lives, they dispersed in different directions.

SB 4.6.52 S Brahma Satisfies Lord Siva
devanam–of the demigods; bhagna-gatranam–whose limbs are badly broken; RTVIJAM–OF THE PRIESTS; ca–and; ayudha-asmabhih–by weapons and by stones; bhavata–by you; anugrhitanam–being favored; asu–at once; manyo–O Lord Siva (in an angry mood); astu–let there be; anaturam–recovery from injuries.
TRANSLATION
O Lord Siva, may the demigods and the priests whose limbs have been broken by your soldiers recover from the injuries by your grace.

SB 4.7.16 S The Sacrifice Performed by Daksa
maitreyah–the sage Maitreya; uvaca–said; ksama–forgiveness; apya–receiving; evam–thus; sah–King Daksa; midhvamsam–unto Lord Siva; brahmana–along with Lord Brahma; ca–also; anumantritah–being permitted; karma–the sacrifice; santanayam asa–began again; sa–along with; upadhyaya–learned sages; RTVIK–THE PRIESTS; adibhih–and others.

TRANSLATION
The great sage Maitreya said: Thus being pardoned by Lord Siva, King Daksa, with the permission of Lord Brahma, again began the performance of the yajna, along with the great learned sages, the priests and others.

SB 4.7.27 S The Sacrifice Performed by Daksa
RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; ucuh–began to say; tattvam–truth; na–not; te–of Your Lordship; vayam–all of us; ananjana–without material contamination; rudra–Lord Siva; sapat–by his curse; karmani–in fruitive activities; avagraha–being too much attached; dhiyah–of such intelligence; bhagavan–O Lord; vidamah–know; dharma–religion; upalaksanam–symbolized; idam–this; tri-vrt–the three departments of knowledge of the Vedas; adhvara–sacrifice; akhyam–of the name; jnatam–known to us; yat–that; artham–for the matter of; adhidaivam–for worshiping the demigods; adah–this; vyavasthah–arrangement.

TRANSLATION
The priests addressed the Lord, saying: O Lord, transcendental to material contamination, by the curse offered by Lord Siva’s men we have become attached to fruitive activities, and thus we are now fallen and therefore do not know anything about You. On the contrary, we are now involved in the injunctions of the three departments of the Vedic knowledge under the plea of executing rituals in the name of yajna. We know that You have made arrangements for distributing the respective shares of the demigods.

SB 4.7.45 S The Sacrifice Performed by Daksa
brahmanah–the brahmanas; ucuh–said; tvam–You; kratuh–sacrifice; tvam–You; havih–offering of clarified butter; tvam–You; huta-asah–fire; svayam–personified; tvam–You; hi–for; mantrah–the Vedic hymns; samit-darbha-patrani–the fuel, the kusa grass and the sacrificial pots; ca–and; tvam–You; sadasya–the members of the assembly; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; dampati–the chief person of the sacrifice and his wife; devata–demigods; agni-hotram–the sacred fire ceremony; svadha–the offering to the forefathers; somah–the soma plant; ajyam–the clarified butter; pasuh–the sacrificial animal.

TRANSLATION
The brahmanas said: Dear Lord, You are sacrifice personified. You are the offering of clarified butter, You are the fire, You are the chanting of Vedic hymns by which the sacrifice is conducted, You are the fuel, You are the flame, You are the kusa grass, and You are the sacrificial pots. You are the priests who perform the yajna, You are the demigods headed by Indra, and You are the sacrificial animal. Everything that is sacrificed is You or Your energy.

SB 4.13.26 S Description of the Descendants of Dhruva Maharaja
tam–unto King Anga; ucuh–said; vismitah–in wonder; tatra–there; yajamanam–to the institutor of the sacrifice; atha–then; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; havimsi–offerings of clarified butter; huyamanani–being offered; na–not; te–they; grhnanti–accept; devatah–the demigods.

TRANSLATION
The priests engaged in the sacrifice then informed King Anga: O King, we are properly offering the clarified butter in the sacrifice, but despite all our efforts the demigods do not accept it.

SB 4.19.27 S King Prthu’ s One Hundred Horse Sacrifices
tam–King Prthu; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; sakra-vadha–killing the King of heaven; abhisandhitam–thus preparing himself; vicaksya–having observed; duspreksyam–terrible to look at; asahya–unbearable; ramhasam–whose velocity; nivarayam asuh–they forbade; aho–oh; maha-mate–O great soul; na–not; yujyate–is worthy for you; atra–in this sacrificial arena; anya–others; vadhah–killing; pracoditat–from being so directed in the scriptures.

TRANSLATION
When the priests and all the others saw Maharaja Prthu very angry and prepared to kill Indra, they requested him: O great soul, do not kill him, for only sacrificial animals can be killed in a sacrifice. Such are the directions given by sastra.

SB 4.19.29 S King Prthu’ s One Hundred Horse Sacrifices
iti–thus; amantrya–after informing; kratu-patim–King Prthu, the master of the sacrifice; vidura–O Vidura; asya–of Prthu; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; rusa–in great anger; sruk-hastan–with the sacrificial ladle in hand; juhvatah–performing the fire sacrifice; abhyetya–having begun; svayambhuh–Lord Brahma; pratyasedhata–asked them to stop.

TRANSLATION
My dear Vidura, after giving the King this advice, the priests who had been engaged in performing the sacrifice called for Indra, the King of heaven, in a mood of great anger. When they were just ready to put the oblation in the fire, Lord Brahma appeared on the scene and forbade them to start the sacrifice.

SB 5.3.2 S Rsabhadeva’ s Appearance in the Womb of Merudevi, the Wife of King Nabhi
tasya–when he (Nabhi); ha vava–certainly; sraddhaya–with great faith and devotion; visuddha-bhavena–with a pure, uncontaminated mind; yajatah–was worshiping; pravargyesu–while the fruitive activities called pravargya; pracaratsu–were being performed; dravya–the ingredients; desa–place; kala–time; mantra–hymns; RTVIK–PRIESTS CONDUCTING THE CEREMONY; daksina–gifts to the priests; vidhana–regulative principles; yoga–and of the means; upapattya–by the performance; duradhigamah–not obtainable; api–although; bhagavan–the Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhagavata-vatsalyataya–because of His being very affectionate to His devotee; su-pratikah–possessing a very beautiful form; atmanam–Himself; aparajitam–not to be conquered by anyone; nija-jana–of His devotee; abhipreta-artha–the desire; vidhitsaya–to fulfill; grhita-hrdayah–His heart being attracted; hrdayangamam–captivating; manah-nayana-anandana–pleasing to the mind and eyes; avayava–by the limbs; abhiramam–beautiful; aviscakara–manifested.

TRANSLATION
In the performance of a sacrifice, there are seven transcendental means to obtain the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead: (1) by sacrificing valuable things or eatables, (2) by acting in terms of place, (3) by acting in terms of time, (4) by offering hymns, (5) by going through the priest, (6) by offering gifts to the priests and (7) by observing the regulative principles. However, one cannot always obtain the Supreme Lord through this paraphernalia. Nonetheless, the Lord is affectionate to His devotee; therefore when Maharaja Nabhi, who was a devotee, worshiped and offered prayers to the Lord with great faith and devotion and with a pure uncontaminated mind, superficially performing some yajna in the line of pravargya, the kind Supreme Personality of Godhead, due to His affection for His devotees, appeared before King Nabhi in His unconquerable and captivating form with four hands. In this way, to fulfill the desire of His devotee, the Supreme Personality of Godhead manifested Himself in His beautiful body before His devotee. This body pleases the mind and eyes of the devotees.

SB 5.3.3 S Rsabhadeva’ s Appearance in the Womb of Merudevi, the Wife of King Nabhi
atha–thereafter; ha–certainly; tam–Him; aviskrta-bhuja-yugala-dvayam–who manifested Himself with four arms; hiranmayam–very bright; purusa-visesam–the topmost of all living beings, Purusottama; kapisa-kauseya-ambara-dharam–wearing a yellow silk garment; urasi–on the chest; vilasat–beautiful; srivatsa–called Srivatsa; lalamam–possessing the mark; dara-vara–by a conchshell; vana-ruha–lotus flower; vana-mala–garland of forest flowers; acchuri–disc; amrta-mani–the Kaustubha gem; gada-adibhih–and by a club and other symbols; upalaksitam–symptomized; sphuta-kirana–radiant; pravara–excellent; mukuta–helmet; kundala–earrings; kataka–bracelets; kati-sutra–girdle; hara–necklace; keyura–armlets; nupura–ankle bells; adi–and so on; anga–of the body; bhusana–with ornaments; vibhusitam–decorated; RTVIK–THE PRIESTS; sadasya–associates; grha-patayah–and King Nabhi; adhanah–poor persons; iva–like; uttama-dhanam–a great treasure; upalabhya–having achieved; sa-bahu-manam–with great regard; arhanena–with ingredients for worship; avanata–bent; sirsanah–their heads; upatasthuh–worshiped.

TRANSLATION
Lord Visnu appeared before King Nabhi with four arms. He was very bright, and He appeared to be the best of all personalities. Around the lower portion of His body, He wore a yellow silken garment. On His chest was the mark of Srivatsa, which always displays beauty. He carried a conchshell, lotus flower, disc and club, and He wore a garland of forest flowers and the Kaustubha gem. He was beautifully decorated with a helmet, earrings, bangles, belt, pearl necklace, armlets, ankle bells and other bodily ornaments bedecked with radiant jewels. Seeing the Lord present before them, King Nabhi and his priests and associates felt just like poor people who have suddenly attained great riches. They received the Lord and respectfully bent their heads and offered Him things in worship.

SB 5.3.4-5 S Rsabhadeva’ s Appearance in the Womb of Merudevi, the Wife of King Nabhi
RTVIJAH UCUH–THE PRIESTS SAID; arhasi–please (accept); muhuh–again and again; arhat-tama–O most exalted, worshipable person; arhanam–offering of worship; asmakam–of us; anupathanam–who are Your servants; namah–respectful obeisances; namah–respectful obeisances; iti–thus; etavat–so far; sat–by exalted personalities; upasiksitam–instructed; kah–what; arhati–is able (to make); puman–man; prakrti–of material nature; guna–of the modes; vyatikara–in the transformations; matih–whose mind (is absorbed); anisah–who is most incapable; isvarasya–of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; parasya–beyond; prakrti-purusayoh–the jurisdiction of the three modes of material nature; arvaktanabhih–which do not reach up to, or which are of this material world; nama-rupa-akrtibhih–by names, forms and qualities; rupa–of Your nature or position; nirupanam–ascertainment, perception; sakala–all; jana-nikaya–of mankind; vrjina–sinful actions; nirasana–which wipe out; sivatama–most auspicious; pravara–excellent; guna-gana–of the transcendental qualities; eka-desa–one part; kathanat–by speaking; rte—except.

SB 5.4.17 S The Characteristics of Rsabhadeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
dravya–the ingredients for performing yajna; desa–the particular place, a holy place or a temple; kala–the suitable time, such as springtime; vayah–the age, especially youth; sraddha–faith in goodness, not in passion and ignorance; RTVIK–THE PRIESTS; vividha-uddesa–worshiping different demigods for different purposes; upacitaih–enriched by; sarvaih–all kinds of; api–certainly; kratubhih–by sacrificial ceremonies; yatha-upadesam–according to the instruction; sata-krtvah–one hundred times; iyaja–He worshiped.

TRANSLATION
Lord Rsabhadeva performed all kinds of sacrifices one hundred times according to the instructions of the Vedic literatures. Thus He satisfied Lord Visnu in every respect. All the rituals were enriched by first-class ingredients. They were executed in holy places according to the proper time by priests who were all young and faithful. In this way Lord Visnu was worshiped, and the prasada was offered to all the demigods. Thus the functions and festivals were all successful.

SB 8.16.53 S Executing the Payo-vrata Process of Worship
acaryam–the spiritual master; jnana-sampannam–very advanced in spiritual knowledge; vastra-abharana-dhenubhih–with clothing, ornaments and many cows; tosayet–should satisfy; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS RECOMMENDED BY THE SPIRITUAL MASTER; ca eva–as well as; tat viddhi–try to understand that; aradhanam–worship; hareh–of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

TRANSLATION
One should satisfy the spiritual master [acarya], who is very learned in Vedic literature, and should satisfy his assistant priests [known as hota, udgata, adhvaryu and brahma]. One should please them by offering them clothing, ornaments and cows. This is the ceremony called visnu-aradhana, or worship of Lord Visnu.

SB 8.16.55 S Executing the Payo-vrata Process of Worship
daksinam–some contribution of money or gold; gurave–unto the spiritual master; dadyat–one should give; RTVIGBHYAH CA–and to the priests engaged by the spiritual master; yatha-arhatah–as far as possible; anna-adyena–by distributing prasada; asva-pakan–even to the candalas, persons habituated to eating the flesh of dogs; ca–also; prinayet–one should please; samupagatan–because they have assembled there for the ceremony.

TRANSLATION
One should satisfy the spiritual master and assistant priests by giving them cloth, ornaments, cows and also some monetary contribution. And by distributing prasada one should satisfy everyone assembled, including even the lowest of men, the candalas [eaters of dog flesh].

SB 8.18.22 S Lord Vamanadeva, the Dwarf Incarnation
te–all of them; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; yajamanah–as well as Bali Maharaja, who had engaged them in performing the yajna; sadasyah–all the members of the assembly; hata-tvisah–decreased in their bodily effulgence; vamana-tejasa–by the brilliant effulgence of Lord Vamana; nrpa–O King; suryah–the sun; kila–whether; ayati–is coming; uta va–either; vibhavasuh–the fire-god; sanat-kumarah–the Kumara known as Sanat-kumara; atha–either; didrksaya–with a desire to observe; kratoh–the sacrificial ceremony.

TRANSLATION
O King, because of Vamanadeva’s bright effulgence, the priests, along with Bali Maharaja and all the members of the assembly, were robbed of their splendor. Thus they began to ask one another whether the sun-god himself, Sanat-kumara or the fire-god had personally come to see the sacrificial ceremony.

SB 9.4.23 S Ambarisa Maharaja Offended by Durvasa Muni
yasya–of whom (Maharaja Ambarisa); kratusu–in sacrifices (performed by him); girvanaih–with the demigods; sadasyah–members for executing the sacrifice; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; janah–and other expert men; tulya-rupah–appearing exactly like; ca–and; animisah–with unblinking eyes like those of the demigods; vyadrsyanta–being seen; su-vasasah–well dressed with valuable garments.

TRANSLATION
In the sacrifice arranged by Maharaja Ambarisa, the members of the assembly and the priests [especially hota, udgata, brahma and adhvaryu] were gorgeously dressed, and they all looked exactly like demigods. They eagerly saw to the proper performance of the yajna.

SB 9.6.35-36 S The Downfall of Saubhari Muni
ije–he worshiped; ca–also; yajnam–the Lord of sacrifices; kratubhih–by great ritualistic performances; atma-vit–fully conscious by self-realization; bhuri-daksinaih–by giving large contributions to the brahmanas; sarva-deva-mayam–consisting of all the demigods; devam–the Lord; sarva-atmakam–the Supersoul of everyone; ati-indriyam–transcendentally situated; dravyam–ingredients; mantrah–chanting of the Vedic hymns; vidhih–regulative principles; yajnah–worshiping; yajamanah–the performer; tatha–with; RTVIJAH–THE PRIESTS; dharmah–religious principles; desah–the country; ca–and; kalah–the time; ca–also; sarvam–everything; etat–all these; yat–that which is; atmakam–favorable for self-realization.

TRANSLATION
The Supreme Personality of Godhead is not different from the auspicious aspects of great sacrifices, such as the ingredients of the sacrifice, the chanting of Vedic hymns, the regulative principles, the performer, the priests, the result of the sacrifice, the arena of sacrifice, and the time of sacrifice. Knowing the principles of self-realization, Mandhata worshiped that transcendentally situated Supreme Soul, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Visnu, who comprises all the demigods. He also gave immense charity to the brahmanas, and thus he performed yajna to worship the Lord.

SB 9.13.3 S The Dynasty of Maharaja Nimi
nimih–Maharaja Nimi; calam–flickering, subject to end at any moment; idam–this (life); vidvan–being completely aware of this fact; satram–the sacrifice; arabhata–inaugurated; atmavan–self-realized person; RTVIGBHIH–BY PRIESTS; aparaih–other than Vasistha; tavat–for the time being; na–not; agamat–returned; yavata–so long; guruh–his spiritual master (Vasistha).

TRANSLATION
Maharaja Nimi, being a self-realized soul, considered that this life is flickering. Therefore, instead of waiting long for Vasistha, he began performing the sacrifice with other priests.

77-07-09.All Letter: All G.B.C., All Temple Presidents
Please accept my humble obeisances at your feet. Recently when all of the GBC members were with His Divine Grace in Vrndavana, Srila Prabhupada indicated that soon He would appoint some of His senior disciples to act as “RITVIK–REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ACARYA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PERFORMING INITIATIONS, BOTH FIRST INITIATION AND SECOND INITIATION.

770528me.vrn Conversations
Satsvarupa: Srila Prabhupada, we were all asked by the rest of the GBC to come to ask some questions. Most… These are the members of the original GBC as you first made it up. So our first question is about the GBC members. We want to know how long should they remain in office?
Prabhupada: They should remain for good.
Tamala Krsna: They should remain for good.
Prabhupada: Selected men are chosen, so they cannot be changed. Rather, if some competent man comes, he should be added. I shall recommend that Vasudeva become one of the GBC.
Tamala Krsna: Vasudeva is Deoji Punja. He’s the founder of our… He’s building the temple in Fiji.
Prabhupada: How many GBC’s are there already?
Tamala Krsna: Twenty-three.
Prabhupada: So add him. GBC is not to be changed.
Satsvarupa: But then, in the event that some present GBC member leaves, either leaves…
Prabhupada: Another should be elected.
Satsvarupa: By the votes of the present GBC. Then our next question concerns initiations in the future, particularly at that time when you’re no longer with us. We want to know how first and second initiation would be conducted.
Prabhupada: Yes. I shall recommend some of you. After this is settled up, I shall recommend some of you to act as officiating acaryas.
Tamala Krsna: Is that called rtvik-acarya?
Prabhupada: RTVIK, YES.
Satsvarupa: Then what is the relationship of that person who gives the initiation and the…
Prabhupada: He’s guru. He’s guru.
Satsvarupa: But he does it on your behalf.
Prabhupada: Yes. That is formality. Because in my presence one should not become guru, so on my behalf, on my order… Amara ajnaya guru hana. Be actually guru, but by my order.
Satsvarupa: So they may also be considered your disciples.
Prabhupada: Yes, they are disciples. Why consider? Who?
Tamala Krsna: No, he’s asking that these rtvik-acaryas, they’re officiating, giving diksa. Their… The people who they give diksa to, whose disciple are they?
Prabhupada: They’re his disciple.
Tamala Krsna: They’re his disciple.
Prabhupada: Who is initiating. He is granddisciple.
Satsvarupa: Yes.
Tamala Krsna: That’s clear.
Satsvarupa: Then we have a question concer…
Prabhupada: When I order, “You become guru,” he becomes regular guru. That’s all. He becomes disciple of my disciple. That’s it

================================

The Ritvik System July 9th 1977 Order is set out by Srila Prabhupada of how he wanted this continued: Srila Prabhupada stated specifically in his WILL:..”PROVIDED THE NEW DIRECTOR is MY INITIATED DISCIPLE following strictly all the rules and regulations of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness as detailed in my books”

“The executive directors who have herein been designated are appointed for life. In the event of death or failure to act for any reason of any of the said directors, a successor director or directors may be appointed by the remaining directors, PROVIDED THE NEW DIRECTOR is MY INITIATED DISCIPLE following strictly all the rules and regulations of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness as detailed in my books, and provided that there are never less than three (3) or more than five (5) exeutive directors acting at one time.”

Note: if they do not follow the WILL then HOW will they continue in future????
They can NOT disregard the WILL which clearly states: PROVIDED THE NEW DIRECTOR is MY INITIATED DISCIPLE following strictly all the rules and regulations of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness as detailed in my books.

Note: Ritvik System is a System of management:… “THE SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT WILL CONTINUE AS IT IS NOW AND THERE IS NO NEED OF ANY CHANGE. ”

2. Each temple will be an ISKCON property and will be managed by three executive directors. THE SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT WILL CONTINUE AS IT IS NOW AND THERE IS NO NEED OF ANY CHANGE.

771008r2.vrn Conversations
Prabhupada: Don’t fight amongst yourselves. I HAVE GIVEN THE EXPLANATION, MY WILL. EXECUTE LIKE THAT.
Tamala Krsna: Yes, Srila Prabhupada.

+++++++++++++++++

Exactly tell us WHERE do you find Srila Prabhupada give the Order: the words Srila Prabhupada used is “WHEN I order”. There was NO ORDER. He specifically used the word ***WHEN*** in May Conversation, May 28, 1977, Vrindavan.

From the year 1966 to 1977, Srila Prabhupada did NOT give ANY order to anyone SPECIFICALLY, “YOU become guru,” so HOW can you say that they are diksa guru?

IF Srila Prabhupada would have ordered BEFORE 1977, then there would be no point in 1977 of him stating in 1977 WHEN I order. It was SPECIFICALLY in the year 1977 that Srila Prabhupada said “WHEN I order” NOT before, so AFTER the year 1977, WHERE is the evidence of THAT order?

Prabhupada: “When I order, “You become guru,” he becomes regular guru. That’s all. He becomes disciple of my disciple. That’s it.”
(Srila Prabhupada Conversation, May 28, 1977, Vrindavan)

“Self-made guru cannot be guru. HE MUST BE AUTHORIZED BY THE BONA FIDE GURU. Then he’s guru. This is the fact…Similarly, bona fide guru means he must be authorized by the superior guru.”
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture on Nectar of Devotion, October 31. 1972)

“One should take initiation from a bona fide spiritual master coming in the disciplic succession, who is AUTHORIZED BY HIS PREDECESSOR SPIRITUAL MASTER. This is called diksa-vidhana.”
(Srimad Bhagavatam 4.8.54, purport)

Prabhupada: “Try to understand. Don’t go very speedily. A GURU CAN BECOME GURU WHEN HE’S ORDERED BY HIS GURU. That’s all. Otherwise nobody can become guru.
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 7.2, Nairobi, October 28, 1975)

The EXACT qualifications required for occupying the position of Diksa Guru : MAHĀ-BHĀGAVATA-śreṣṭho

MAHĀ-BHĀGAVATA-śreṣṭho
brāhmaṇo vai gurur nṛṇām
sarveṣām eva lokānām
asau pūjyo yathā hariḥ

ahā-kula-prasūto ‘pi
sarva-yajñeṣu DĪKṢITAḤ
sahasra-śākhādhyāyī ca
na guruḥ syād avaiṣṇavaḥ

“The guru MUST be situated on the topmost platform of devotional service. There are three classes of devotees, and the guru MUST be accepted from the topmost class.”

The first-class devotee is the spiritual master for all kinds of people. ….When one has attained the topmost position of MAHA-BHAGAVATA, he is to be accepted as a guru and worshiped exactly like Hari, the Personality of Godhead. ONLY SUCH A PERSON IS ELIGIBLE TO OCCUPY THE POST OF A GURU.

CC Madhya 24.330

Do you think that the words, ONLY SUCH A PERSON IS ELIGIBLE TO OCCUPY THE POST OF A GURU are offering compromise to choose less then a Maha-Bhagavata?

 

(by Mahesh Raja)