I’m motivated to continue the discussion of these issues primarily because I’ve read
” A Wonderful Story ” by HH Radhanatha Swami.
For all the same reasons previously stated, I find this article to be firmly placed in the category of sentimental stories having very little philosophical input.
Other than describing the so-called spiritual personalities, who in this particular case are completely unknown to anyone other than the author, this story has little to do with our Sampradaya.
Last week in Obeisances I addressed an issue that has bothered me for many years, regarding what I see as an absence of philosophy and a proliferation of storytelling in ISKCON.
The mytical Radhanath Swami and his hidden story
CANADA (SUN) –
A weekly response to Dandavats editorials.
BY: ROCANA DASA
Last week in Obeisances I addressed an issue that has bothered me for many years, regarding what I see as an absence of philosophy and a proliferation of storytelling in ISKCON. Whether it be in the form of auto-biographies or memoirs, or devotees telling their stories from the asana, there seems to be an over-abundance of it in the movement since Srila Prabhupada’s departure. I covered many of those issues in last week’s segment, and tried to explain why I believe many of these stories aren’t bona fide in terms of our tradition and Sampradaya. While I don’t want to repeat myself, I do wish to build on that theme today.
I’m motivated to continue the discussion of these issues primarily because I’ve read “ A Wonderful Story “ by HH Radhanatha Swami. For all the same reasons previously stated, I find this article to be firmly placed in the category of sentimental stories having very little philosophical input.
Other than describing the so-called spiritual personalities, who in this particular case are completely unknown to anyone other than the author, this story has little to do with our Sampradaya. There’s no qualification on Radhanatha Swami’s part as to who these personalities are from a philosophical point of view, or how much they’re in line with our siddhanta. Obviously he wasn’t in line with our siddhanta at the time these pastimes took place, given that he was a devotee of Lord Shiva, whatever that means. Basically, he was a young American who came to India chasing a dream about spiritual life.
Of course, one has to keep in mind that Radhanatha Swami Maharaja, like many other gurus and notorieties in ISKCON in the past, and many in the present, has what I would call a “myth” to maintain. This story plays to Radhanatha’s mystique in stereo. This story is about the mythical Radhanatha Swami who begins his past life, prior to coming to Krsna consciousness, traveling around India on a transcendental journey. The mystique insinuated in this story will undoubtedly be told and retold by his close admirers and followers, who will repeat it in tones of sastra-like awe and reverence.
The story tells us of the pastimes of Radhanatha while he was becoming a devotee in India. Of course, the pastimes that we rarely hear about are the ones that consumed most of his adult life and time in ISKCON – the time he spent at New Vrindavan under the wing and tutelage of Srila Bhaktipada. That part of his story he seldom broadcasts.
Just how much importance can we place on Radhanatha Swami’s pastimes as a Shiva bhakta? This is a designation that Srila Prabhupada rejects completely, as he said those who worship Lord Shiva cannot be considered devotees unless they accept Lord Shiva to be the greatest devotee of Lord Krsna. Of course, if one knew of Lord Shiva’s official philosophical status in comparison to Krsna, why worship Shiva? That’s obviously something Radhanatha decided to do once he came into contact with an actual pure devotee.
As far as the story is concerned, one has to first of all assume that he was very advanced himself at that point in his life. What does that make him from a sadhana-bhakta point of view, considering he hasn’t even begun to perform sadhana under the guidance of an actual bonafide Spiritual Master? We have to wonder what degree of realization he had during that era of his life… unless, of course, one wants to assume that he’s a nitya-siddha, which I’m sure some of his followers actually do. If you listen to his story here, one might be inclined to come to that conclusion:
“By the end of the 2 months I came to the conclusion that of all the theologies, philosophies, religions and spiritual paths that I have experienced there is nothing higher, nothing as sweet, nothing more beautiful then the religion of Vrindavana. Devotion to Sri Sri Radharani and Sri Krishna. So I decided to spend the rest of the my life in Vrindavana and never leave.”
I can’t say for sure whether it was his intention to paint himself as being very advanced in this article, either overtly or subtly, but that’s the overall impression I find the article gives. Basically, Radhanatha is a storyteller – he’s both the narrator of the story and one of the main characters, although he puts a lot of focus on the pujari in question, Ghanshyam, and the Deities that Ghanshyam was worshipping, Sri Sri Radha-Gopijanavallabha.
The story is obviously well thought out and very expertly narrated, and the overall message or impression that Radhanatha Swami wants to project comes through clearly. While I have not heard Radhanatha speak in person in recent years, his ‘voice’ in the story is very telling in that he omits many nouns and articles, like “a”, “an” and “the”. The effect is a contrived mock Indian voice intended to add Vaisnava authenticity to the presentation. For me, it has exactly the opposite effect. I have never liked the practice of devotee’s using a ‘pretend voice’ to imitate Srila Prabhupada’s speaking style, or trying to sound like a homegrown sadhu from Vrindavan.
Most of the detail that Radhanatha chooses to go into makes no philosophical point. It’s simply eloquent filler that keeps the spotlight on himself and the fact that he can so vividly remember what happened to him in 1971, prior to becoming a devotee. The story emphasizes the sense that Radhanatha is a very qualified, saintly person who was able to appreciate the Holy Dhama on a very high level. The story lets us know that he was able to ascertain, or was qualified to detect, the high degree of spiritual advancement in the characters we meet in the story. Basically, we all have to assume that the story is real, because there’s no way we can verify that it actually took place, and the character Ghanshyam is who Radhanatha chooses to illustrate him to be. There are no quotes from sastra and no collaborating evidence from devotees who witnessed these events, so we can’t determine the authenticity of the story. Yet we have to digest passages like the following:
“…we would go around Vrindavana every night in the moonlight. And one of these nice sadhus told me I want you to meet a very very very simple and pure soul. When you meet him you will understand what is bhakti.”
Of course, when this story was unfolding, Radhanatha Swami didn’t have access to our siddhanta, nor the mercy of the pure devotee, so all the detailed Vaisnava input that he’s given is something he came to after the fact. In other words, he couldn’t possibly have been thinking all these things at the time, or been able to analyze the circumstance in the way he’s describing it at this point in his life.
The timing of when Radhanatha met Srila Prabhupada and accepted him as his Spiritual Master is somewhat confusing in this story. It’s not clear why Radhanatha was taking instructions from Ghanshyam if he had already accepted Srila Prabhupada as his guru. He writes:
“And he [Ghanshyam] and a couple others were saying if you have to leave Vrindavana, because I was crying I have to leave Vrindavana. They said if you have to leave Vrindavana you should go to New Vrindavana. I asked what is this New Vrindavana? They said Swami Prabhupada, when he was here in Vrindavana, because I had already accepted Prabhupada as my guru by that time in Vrindavana.”
It’s very interesting to consider the main character in the story, who we’re told is an extremely advanced devotee and who personifies dedication to the Deities. This individual is described as extremely austere and has all the nice qualities one would expect to see in a true Vaisnava. In many of the stories Radhanatha Maharaja tells about his pastimes at New Vrindaban, he depicts himself in a very similar way to the description of Ghanshyam in this story. While one of the symptoms that an individual is not highly advanced is his tendency to self-glorify, these are the kinds of statements we read in Radhanatha Swami’s presentation:
“I was such a simple new devotee. I was thinking how is it possible, he’s serving Radha-Vrindavananatha. He is a personal, he is bathing Radha-Vrindavanatha, he is dressing Them, he’s feeding Them, why in the world would anyone who had such a wonderful service would want to get married. Inconceivable!! So I went to that devotee I said if you want female association come and help me milk cows. It’s the safest way to associate to with the opposite sex. Somehow or other he didn’t accept my advice. So he got married. Then the temple president said you should be the pujari. I said who is going to take care of the cows? He said you, you do both. So I was pujari for Radha-Vrindavananatha.”
In the years following his long service at New Vrindaban, Radhanatha has often explained to the devotees how he completely transcended all the nonsense that was going on at New Vrindaban over decades, how he never liked Bhaktipada, and how he kept his spiritual life alive by simply worshipping the Deities and staying aloof, transcendentally. Therefore he was untouched, like a lotus flower, from all the insanity, criminal activity and immoral pastimes that were going on all around him. Of course, this is not a verified version of the story. In fact, many, many persons who knew him during that period will attest to the fact that the image he’s projecting is incorrect. It’s not at all what he was like during those years at New Vrindaban, where he was actually playing a major role as one of Bhaktipada’s main supporters and enforcers. In his article, Radhanatha essentially tells us that whatever he did at New Vrindaban was simply the result of his great surrender and service attitude:
“We would never ever, ever act outside authority or blessings. So for 11 years I remained there worshipping the deities.”
Of course, he goes on to describe exactly the opposite scenario, as well:
“Kirtananda Maharaja made a rule that I was not allowed to speak about Vrindavana. That rule was very very difficult to follow. Sometimes devotees would come way up to that old mountain farmhouse where the temple was of Radha-Vrindavanatha and it would be just me and them looking after the offerings and the aratis. In between they would say tell me about Vrindavana. And I would start telling them about the places of Govardhana and the places of Vrindavana and the places of Nanda-ghama, Varsana.”
In fact, the more I study how Radhanatha Swami runs his ‘institution within the institution’ today in Chowpatty, the more I see that he uses a lot of the tricks of the trade that were sharpened to perfection by Kirtanananda. Kirtanananda was an expert cult leader, and he appeared to be very austere, very saintly, and very dedicated. He was a strict sadhana man, and he forced the members of New Vrindaban to be the same way – they worked really hard under very austere conditions, showed up for the morning program, and chant their rounds. Externally, Kirtanananda looked like he was into the Deities and he was dedicated to building Srila Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, but in reality he was into himself and his vision. Everything ultimately came down to Bhaktipada, because he controlled every aspect of New Vrindaban. He was the king – he even had the crown and scepter.
There is absolutely no question that Radhanatha was one of Kirtanananda main lieutenants. In fact, even though Bhaktipada had his administrative leaders like Kuladri and others who were running his construction program, on the so-called spiritual side, it was Radhanatha who helped prop-up Kirtanananda’s spiritual mirage. He was joined in that role by Bhakti Tirtha Swami, Umapati Swami and Chandramauli Swami. These Swamis helped to give the impression that Kirtanananda was actually advanced because they supported him and worshipped him. Today we see that the image Radhanatha emphasizes at this point in his career doesn’t include the most significant part of his life story — his relationship with Kirtanananda and New Vrindaban during the most notorious part of their history.
Considering all this, what is Radhanatha’s “wonderful story” really all about? What is the message behind it? Now people may think I’m cynical, conspiratorial, or fault-finding, but to me, this story is nothing but a story. It has no real significance and no purpose other than for the reasons I’ve stated above. Basically, the story helps to highlight and enhance Radhanatha’s image.
It’s interesting to note that the character Ghanshyam is not only described as having been instrumental in Radhanatha’s spiritual development, he also perfectly highlights many of the mythical qualities that Radhanatha is becoming known for having. Ghanshyam has apparently impacted Radhanatha’s life to such a degree that throughout his whole life he has emulated this person. Of course, one should question that, considering that Radhanatha has a Spiritual Master who’s a Sampradaya Acarya while Ghanshyam, as far as we know, has no connection to our Sampradaya at all.
The way Radhanatha depicts Ghanshyam, he’s an extremely advanced devotee. In fact, it’s interesting to note that the characteristics of this person were far beyond anything that I’ve seen anybody in ISKCON exhibit, except for Srila Prabhupada. Of course, Srila Prabhupada’s mood and qualities were far broader, deeper, and wider than anything this other character exhibits, so what does that really tell you?
Radhanatha tells us that Ghanshyam was practically a pure devotee, but only a few people in the whole world had the mercy of knowing that… and of course, HH Radhanatha was one of the persons advanced and fortunate enough to have the eyes to see what others could not:
“When we read about qualities of selfless service, when we read about the principle of servant of the servant of the servant, when we contemplate actual humility of the heart, Sri Gopijanavallabha empowered him to be a very wonderful wonderful example of that. But only a few people in the whole world ever saw him or knew him. He was just totally an unknown person.”
Frankly, I find the way Radhanatha is depicting himself throughout this article to be questionable. At one point he emphasizes that his transcendental adventures in Vrindavan happened very early in his life:
“Because one great sadhu living in Vrindavana had given me a name when I was little, the name Ratin-Krishna dasa. I never got initiated but he gave it out of affection. So Ghanshyam always called me Ratin.”
Of course, “little Ratin” was actually a full-grown man by this time. He tell us “I was such a simple new devotee”, but at the same time, denigrates the New Vrindaban pujari in his story about the pujari giving up his service in order to get married. On one hand he tells us that these are the thoughts of someone who’s a simple, new devotee, yet the actual message is that these are the thoughts of an advanced devotee. So throughout the whole article we get this duality wherein he’s depicting himself in a very humble way, and then on the other hand, he’s portraying himself to have this advanced spiritual vision.
In our tradition, one of the main aspects of our philosophy is that an advanced devotee is, by nature and by activities, very humble. So by portraying oneself in a humble way, you’re essentially glorifying yourself, because that’s the sign of an advanced devotee. So calling yourself a lowly person or a wretch is really a form of self-glorification. Of course, those who are listening to Radhanatha in this story would think the opposite, but the fact is that he’s portrayed throughout ISKCON as being one of the great gurus and sannyasis, and on account of that he gets a great deal of adoration and distinction.
The way the whole story of the Deities and Ghanshyam unfolds as it’s told here puts the reader on the spot, so to speak. You either have to think of Radhanatha as being an extremely rare and advanced soul, or you have to suspect that he’s pulling a Kirtanananda on us. I feel fortunate that I’m not put into this quandary, like so many devotees are, because his existence doesn’t directly impact me or my life, as it does so many others.
One of the great pains that I’ve experienced in my devotional career is seeing the devastation that’s created when a guru falls down, and those who have worshipped him as good as God and spent innumerable hours serving him, have to come to grips with the fact that they’ve been cheated, and the person wasn’t at all what they said they were. Not only does that impact the disciples psychologically, emotionally and spiritually, but it’s very hard for them to regain faith. Inevitably you are a neophyte if you have a guru who is of this type of character, and it’s very difficult for a neophyte to recover when the guru falls down. And it is even more difficult in the case of a fallen guru who had all along been presenting himself as highly advanced, when he was not. This is not an isolated case in ISKCON; many disciples of fallen gurus have lost faith in Srila Prabhupada and the whole process that’s presented by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. That’s the great loss, ultimately. I’ve seen this so many times, so forgive me if it appears that I’m looking at Radhanatha from this critical perspective – but I am. My fears and skepticism have been reinforced after reading this ‘story’.
The only time Radhanatha mentions Kirtanananda in this story is in the context of making Kirtanananda look bad, as in the story about Kirtanananda muzzling Radhanatha from telling stories about Vrindaban. All this would make sense, except that it doesn’t match the reality of Radhanatha’s relationship with Kirtanananda over the years. Perhaps Radhanatha was simply living a false life all those years, inwardly disliking Kirtanananda while outwardly acting as if he was the next great Sampradaya Acarya. But I don’t see how an advanced devotee could tolerate acting like that. The fact is that anyone who had any degree of spiritual enlightenment would have left New Vrindaban, and not have been faulted for it. History proves that to be a fact. Of course, this is the part of the Radhanatha myth that has to be covered up. And it appears that so many neophyte devotees are ready to buy into the perception he’s now projecting.
We should keep in mind that in around 1987, New Vrindaban was kicked out of ISKCON. There was a period of time thereafter when Kirtanananda was still in charge, and was busy changing everything at Srila Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold over to the neo-Christian motif. Radhanatha Swami stayed with Kirtanananda that whole time, even after he and his aberrant community were kicked out of his Spiritual Master’s movement. As recently as the 1990’s, Radhanatha was still on the record (via taped lectures) in which he was glorifying Kirtanananda.
When Kirtanananda was completely de-throned and sent to prison, then the GBC came up with a “plan” to get New Vrindaban back into the ISKCON fold and to minimize the fallout from Kirtanananda’s departure. They hand-picked Radhanath to become the person who re-initiated all Kirtanananda’s people in India and Bombay. Similarly, Bhakti Tirtha Swami got to re-initiate all the African disciples. Basically, Radhanatha was installed by the GBC and vaulted into notoriety, not because of his spiritual purity, but because he knew the inside story, and was in a position to help them with damage control. For those who knew the events of the day, all this history comes flooding back when you read stories like the one Radhanatha is telling here, the sanitized, spiritualized version of his devotional career in which he is clearly self-proclaimed as being a highly advanced Vaisnava.
Obeisances to Dandavats and to HH Radhanath Swami.
Thanks Rocan prabhu, Stay brave. ys Bhd
Nice portrail of a stool-worm in butterfly clothing…
Not really wanting to reply to you in particular Mahasana dasa, but more in general to the author of this article and to pretty much all those who commented.
I’m really sorry to read such words of hatred, superiority and lack of love from so many who proclaim themselves devotees…
I’ve been very close to Krishna Conscious movement for quiet some years and love the community and support I found visiting some temples and spending time with some families. What strikes me though, is seeing this kind of behaviour among devotees, that I didn’t think I could find outside the high-materialistic people we are surrounded by.
I can understand selfish talks, critics, offensive perspectives like these presented here from “less advanced people”, but these words of hate from persons that should have reached a certain higher level of awareness (and self-awareness) can’t be accepted.
I don’t want to spend further words and don’t mean to offend anyone, I just wanted to express my disappointment in reading words of this kind on a site called “prabhupadanugas”, and wish everyone reading love, respect and a higher level of awareness.
Hi Patrik, I hear that you are feeling upset by what you experience as harsh comments that you would rather not read. And yet you are reading an article from 2015? So I’m wondering if a part of you does want to hear these things, wants to know the truth?
Firstly I would say you can be a devotee and experience all the wonderful things in a temple, and speak strongly against things that are not right. Srila Prabhupada spoke up about his good brothers who were also devotees but we’re going off course.
And Bhima and Arjuna sorted their disagreements with club and arrows, (now there’s a way to end an argument). So in that context the writing here is pretty sedate.
I don’t see the harm in those who have perhaps already taken the journey if they warn others of the dangers ahead, like snakes and thieves along the road. Or to put it into modern context, you wouldn’t criticise someone who warned you, Patrik don’t fly into such and such city, the Covid pandemic is out of control there, you might get sick and die.
It is ignorance to ignore the mode of ignorance. And that’s not to say that I agree with everyone’s language or way in which they present the subject, but everyone has their right to speak just as you have your right to speak.
A good example of the dangers of ignoring a disease is how the GBC decided that it was better to hide the sexual abuse by prominent guru Lokanatha Swami, but now we are seeing all these years on its back on the web and seems even worse for the Swami. And as an example of how these things that we are not supposed to talk about so we don’t offend anyone affect others, I know several of this man‘s disciples and they are totally broken and confused about this whole issue. They excepted this man to be on the level of Srila Prabhupada as his replacement as the next line of guru’s. Instead they have been cheated out of so much time and money, and one prabhu was saying he doesn’t even know if he is a devotee or not or should even use his initiated name. He is getting older and has to start all over again. So if you are feeling upset about some words against these leaders then you must also feel very upset when you hear about this kind of story which has repeated itself thousands of times over. Innocent devotees being cheated. It might be painful to hear people speak up, but it is more painful if we all remain silent.
I wish you all the best in your ongoing spiritual journey.
Radhanath financed and encouraged the murder of Sulocana Prabhu. He also supports child molesters like Lokanatth. He also supported Kirtananda’s pedophile activity with young boys and the burial of this monster in the Holy Dham! Your view is that to point this out, and call ”a spade a spade” is “hate speech”
“Less advanced people” (as you put it) are people who support murder conspirators, pedophiles, liars, and crooks like Radhanatha thinking that they are saintly? In other words stupid people like you!
Patrik says ; “I don’t want to spend further words and don’t mean to offend anyone, I just wanted to express my disappointment in reading words of this kind on a site called “prabhupadanugas”, and wish everyone reading love, respect and a higher level of awareness.”
The disappointment comes from “iccha-dvesa-samutthena, B.G.7.27 ”
You found your like minded Krsna Consciousness in following the like minded Krsna Consciousness followers, you accepted it conveniently as it suits your senses of understanding the Krsna Consciousness.
However, when the hard reality of the truth hits your senses of knowing and understanding the Krsna Consciousness presented by the Founder Acharaya HDG. Srila Prabhupada’s VANI , you were disappointed to hear it. Is that NOT a FACT ?
If you are sincere, then, keep your mind open to read from Srila Prabhupada’s VANI in the association of Srila Prabhupada’s Followers/Devotees who practise His VANI and discuss topics such as this discussion under subject matter of your concern, you will be much better situated in the Krsna Consciousness to cultivate Love of Godhead in order to go back Home Back to Godhead.
The Krsna Consciousness Practitioners here follow only Srila Prabhupada’s VANI. Any unauthorized subject matters on the so called conveniently like minded Krsna Consciousness as you put it are exposed. Make no mistake about it. That is why people like you get disappointed and express their concerns the way you did. So, try to understand the Verse 7.27 from Srimad Bhagavata Gita As It Is 1972, if you are truly sincere and then ask questions.
Don’t read the revised or changed Bhagavata Gita because it is not Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavata Gita.
It belongs to the person who so ever changed it and that person dare to use Srila Prabhupada’s Name, Fame and Status on its revised Books. That’s CHEATING.
A Cheater goes to get Cheated and then gets disappointed when the TRUTH is SPOKEN.
The Speaker of the Bhagavata Gita, Blessed Lord Shri Krishna Himself tells to Arjuna in the 18 Chapter Verse 63 Bhagavata Gita As It Is which is the final conclusion for every ones’ life to make choices to follow or not to follow.
Hope it meets you in the mode of Goodness ( Satva Guna ).
OM TAT SAT.
Hare Krishna. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I have been watching him for last 25 years & at times very closely. One thing that amazes me is the 180 degree turn. During the time Bhaktipada was out of ISKCON, he was totally pro Bhaktipada and anti ISKCON. Suddenly he changed things when Bhaktipada was exposed. Then he started to say anti Bhaktipada. If that was the situation, he should have kept himself aloof from the whole thing right before. There was nothing forcing him. If it was Srila Prabhupada’s order to him then he could have taken guidance from other leaders in ISKCON with whom now he wants to appear as eternal friends. He uses emotions to the greatest to control his followers. We respect his dedication but at least he should be truthful NOW. Say he was not involved in the atrocities at NV, at least he was not that a fool as to not realise the wrong doings at NV. He projects himself as a innocent devotee but that is what the smartest do. If Bhakti Tirtha Maharaj ordered him to write this book – maybe he should have released it at a latter date. And why have so many Book Launches and heavy publicity?
Dear Writer
I am a convinced member of ISKCON and my initiating Guru has allready fall dawn. Still I will remain in ISKCON and I am praying to Srila Prabhupada to send me the association of a pure devotee, so that I can take shelter of him and in this way return back home back to Godhead.
Thank you for this honest article. I am doubting Radhanath Swami since the first time I heard a lecture of him and even more since I have seen him. I did not know anything about his past connected to Kirtanananda Swami. Now I can understand a little more about his artificial behaviour.
Do you have more informations about that period of his life?
Hare Krishna
why don’t you associate with Srila Prabhupada? he is a pure devotee.
So, this is the proof of Prabhupadas mercy, which we get either from Him directly, or through His devotees, the eyes to see, we can distinguish the fake guru from the real devotee, Vaishnava Guru.
This is parampara, and this is the way Prabhupada and Krishna, and Their true devotees will win the battle, one day all the fake gurus will go down, unless they do not surrender to the recent Acarya. Krishna wants them to glorify the Acarya, not to make a rascals show. Let us all chant Hare Krishna, there is no other way!
ps.How could I surrender for so many years to those rascals? There is only one answer, because I am a rascal too!
pamho agtacbsp i been thinking how powerful is the maha mantra hare krsna we got so many problems after the physical departure of our beloved acharya hdg acbsp but still iskcon is going very well in books distribution etc.. even if some leaders are unquilify yet because as you know everyone is progressing toward the goal of life so i don’t blame nobody because it is said that sometime is better to have a disable uncle that not uncle at all but i can image how more powerful can become the glories of the maha mantra hare krsna when we become conscious of him by realise that him is the greatest treasure never had before on this planet beyond the manifested and unmanifested creation of the lord agtys dandavats daso smi seva das haribol
PAMHO.pr your article is just a show of narrow understanding.the other comments have appreciated your article saying that you are bold,but the first offense says we should never blashpheme a dev who has dedicated his life for propagating the holyname what to speak of a advanced vaisnava.blashpheme means even if mistakes are not present still trying to find out some and proclaming it. this is called flie mentality.pr being a practioner of bhakti yoga stop blaspheming a vaisnava and keep your goal as seeeing good in other especially iskcon gurus.rest of the things are left to Krsna. in case they are wrong He will take care. forgive me for the strong opinion. please dont take it personally but this is what I have heard from my spiritual preceptors.humble obeisences
Dear Yogish, most of the devotees here have no slightest business to offend sadhus, rather the opposite. The reason you feel here unpleasant is the different perspective and attitude of the devotees here towards the wide topic of self realization itself. They are certainly very much concerne about not commiting any offences to the Holy Name of the Lord, but they more concentrate on the inner meaning and understanding of the particular orders and bans. The devotees here are mostly independently thoughtfull individuals who often since decades follow hard the path of buddhi-yoga, in order to distinguish reallity from ilusion by the means of the process given to us by the recent Acarya, A.C. BHaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. They use here their buddhi. In Isopanishad, it is recommened to study “vidya” and “avidya” side by side. It means, not to practice “avidya” but to identify “avidya” in all its manifestations.Maya always tries to trick people some way or other to get them away from Sri Krishna. So, then you and me, who obviously do aspire to becomeVaishnavas, we need to declare war against maya, and use our intelligence (buddhi) to identify ignorance and passion, so we can keep away from tamas and passion. This the process, and not mechanical ritualistic worship, rituals and blind obedience based on sentymentality, or fear. We have to study the facts, vidya and avidya, otherwise how do you expect Krishan may help us, if we do neglect such obvious sings He gives to us, where person dressed like Vaishnava breakes not only the codes of common law, but also displays such distastefull sahajiya, lowest rascal mentality like spoken above person? He may escape the punishment of the humans, but he will be severely punished after he quit present body, there is no doubt about it. You have dear Yogish to become responsible for yourself, use your buddhi by asking questions, studying things from different angles, don’t be blind, the world around us may be temporary, but it is real thing, it comes from highest reallity, isn’t it?
y.s. jd
We can cheat many people for a little while, or we can cheat few people for long time, but we cannot cheat many people for long time.
Radhanath only wants more slaves;
to worship him as the GREATEST VAISNAVA
in the WHOLE WORLD.
Prabhupad says such a cheater guru creates chaos,
and is destined for hell,
and his cheerleaders will follow him there;
for a short while,
and realize they will NEVER Encouter him again,
in all eternity.
another phony ‘eternal’ guru/slave rasa.
brace yourselves,
and keep away;
and get the ‘word’/truth out there
I don’t think it is appropriate to keep referring to Keith Ham as Bhaktipada. It is a great honor to be blessed with a spiritual name from Srila Prabhupada. Those who spun out of line as far as Kieth Ham did lost the privilage of being referred to as the one where Bhati itself takes shelter at his feet.
In a similar way it seems a bit of a stretch to refer to the book you reveal as questionably accurage and over self indulging as a “…spiritualized version of his devotional career.” This reduces the meaning of the word “spiritual,” and the new age movement has already fully bastardized that word without us contributing to that abuse of language.
In the end however I feel you got the main point correct. Nobody who truly feels the tug of humility would never conceive of writing their own biography. In fact advanced devotees find that when others glorify them, they become very uncomfortable. They know the very real danger is that they could become falsely proud. The truly fixed devotee only relishes the pastimes of Guru, Gauranga, The Supreme Personality of Godhead… AND OTHER exalted devotees.
Hari bolo!
md/wgr
Hare Krishna
PAMHO
AGTSP
AGTSGASG
I dont understand why at all there blasphemes are going on in ISKCON. In the name of Buddhi yoga it seems they are all deviating. One can philosophise any thing , even if it is ridiculous. Even quoting srila prabhupads books , one can cheat others. Dont you see how powerful Sri Sankaracarya’s philosophy is? Thogh he is Lord Shiva himself , coming to teach twisted philosophy; just see the power. Just see when Lord Buddha decries whole Vedic literatures.
We can thus understand how we can be so easily cheated by wrong philosophies if we are not sincere. The glories of a devotee can only be known if Krishna Himself reveals it to us. Other wise how is that a same person is viewed differently by differing devotees? I cant claim tht i am so advanced that i dont see any faults and understand devotees glories, but even a small sincerity and submissive hearing can change ones heart.
You are criticizing such a person who is so much appreciated by even other sampradayas sanyasis like the Madhva sampradaya ans sri sampradaya. And they have even approved his book which could guide a sincere soul to Bhakti.
Yo say of no philosophy in the book, and i too agree. But you lost the intent behind the book and target of that book. Blindly just telling something only to display ones insincerity and arrogance does not make one advanced that he can say Buddhi Yoga and tell all nonsense,
I have seen HHRNSM for so long ,6 years, and i see his realisations are so powerful that they nourish so many of us. The way he guides , sets an example, and powerfully reaches our heart cant be denied. Its not emotion that some one said, its his words coming from prolonged churning of heart and words of deep experience. He is not hypocritical. He is so trust worthy.
My heart pains when i see your mails. But i know Krishna will surely punish for any wrong doing. Fear of Krsna. Nobody criticizes in spiritual world. SP was an acarya , so he criticized for our benefit.
When u you are on the level never even near to SP or even HHRNSM, there is no point in your blasphemes. Only demons do this.
cheaters and cheated. my o my
I don’t agree with your sentimental approach Karan! I dont agree also that Srila Prabhupada criticized anyone. In fact He just mercifully spoke the truth for our benefit. Criticizing or offending are happened when done out of envy, not when spoken in defence of truth, out of love for Krishna. On the other side, this rascal you are defending does water down the whole Bhagavat philosophy since he is the lowest devotee killer, deviant, and lusty cheater, who allready suffers under the stings of remorse(he speaks constantly about love and forgiveness, the very things he needs so much himself!) however this is just merely the beginning of his punishment! I am sorry for him, but you don’t be silly and don’t follow him to the lowest regions of hell, open your eyes men, give a little fight to the maya you are under and don’t try to cheat others, please:(!
y.s. Jd
Jagaddartadasa,
I agree with almost ALL you wrote till now. I despise people like radhanath and some other posing gurus for many years.
But i have to disagree that SP never criticized .He did, and did he heavily !
I don’t say the motives are the same , not at all , but SP criticized practically the whole world.
Here are just few examples of it :
————————
PrabhupÄda: Still, if you say, “You are mÅ«á¸ha,†they become angry. Such mÅ«á¸has, rascals, they are in the government service. And if you say that “You are mÅ«á¸has,†he becomes angry.
————————
All rubbish. These modern girls, they are all rubbish. Therefore they are simply used for sex satisfaction. Topless, bottomless…
——————-
Prabhupada: I condemn everyone, that “You are all dogs and hogs.†And United Nations a pack of dogs barking. That’s a fact. And in Chicago I said, all women, “You cannot have freedom. You have got only thirty-four-ounce brain, and man has got sixty-four-ounce.†I told them. So I became a subject of very great criticism.
——————–
How they can have equal rights? Up to date in the history there is not a single woman who is a great scientist or great philosopher or great…
Dr. Patel: Madame Curie was a…
Prabhupada: All bogus. (laughter)
———————–
They should be stopped, this practice of prostitution. This is a very bad system in Europe and America. The boys and girls, they are educated-coeducation. From the very beginning of their life they become prostitutes. And they encourage.
———————–
He criticized pretty much all governments ,societies,religions,marriages,female children, all women in general who were not KC, all blacks,jews…etc. ALL science as well.
He even criticized ALL basic education for females ,saying that simply by being allowed to politely interact with males in society ,you are going to be prostitute ,and thus he said that females in ISKCON should stay uneducated. There is lot more writings like this,and we all know it ,but i have no time nor desire to put it here now.
I say we should give due respect to Prabhupada for all great thing he has done , but we shouldn’t negate all things he has said negatively which reflected bad on us and our society.
And as for radhanath , im sorry to know how many nice devotees ended up being his disciples and taking his word as absolute truth . Sad.
radhe radhe
dear helitra PAMHO! AGTSP!
The paramahamsa is in fact free from the tendency to criticize as we know from the Bhagavatam, we know also that Srila Prabhupada took the position of a madhyam devotee in order to preach, otherwise He, being a paramahamsa sees no reason whatsoever for criticizing anyone. So though You seem to be absolutely right, at the same point we may adopt the vision of the Acaryas status and role as the direct visible/outside representation (saktyavesa incarnation in fact!)of the eternal Guru, all merciful Lord Nityananda, who has the absolute right to do anything. My point was to stop karana from mixing Prabhupada into his warped logic and sentiments. Thank You for your purifying, and great comments and glorification of our all merciful Acarya!
It is a subtle point, in fact it is a transcendental point, whether His Divine Grace criticized anyone, or even everyone as You nicely pointed out:) I have to admit;yes You are right. Still, Prabhupada said more times, that it is not Him who criticize, but it is Krishna who says; mudhas, naradhamas, miscrients, etc.
y.f.s. jd
All i find in your story is envy.
When i asked maharaja for initiation he asked me to wait 5 years for that, and i did! So if you are saying that he is cheep and just wants as many desciples as he can get, you are wrong. i know others he has turned down. i have served him in depth for 15 years and have never seen a single flaw. He is by far the most humble man i have ever known. i don’t know why you spend sooooo much time find faults with others when you COULD be making spiritual advancement. Time is short and this kind of dis-service you do will keep you from gaining the Sweet love of Radha-Krishna. It is obvious that you lack taste for chanting without offense.
Hatred of other devotees will destroy your bhakti with out a doubt. Barking at the moon because it has some spots…………….
It is really quite simple, humble spiritual people do not run around self proclaiming their own divinity. Radhanath sets about connecting all the dots in his history to prove his divinity.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur wrote his own biography at the request of his son Lalita Prasad. In that book SBT revealed that he ate meat (fish and lamb) and gave it up prior to taking diksha. He could have chosen to exclude this but instead chose the path of extreme honesty.
Radhanatha has Kirtanananda buried in a “samadhi” in Vrndavana:
http://krishna1008.blogspot.com/2011/11/top-iskcon-leaders-attend-kirtanananda.html
Birds of a feather! ys pd
Because of bewilderement and confusion and fear after seeing so many falldowns, all these so called prabhupadanugas have lost all their faith. They cant even recognise and appreciate genuine spiritual masters of present Iskcon. They can only see faults, as faults lie in them selves.
This is a state when one is disconnected from Sampradaya. Though i have no compassion, i pray to Lord to protect them from committing Vaishnava aparadha. Time and Tide has shown and will show in future also as to who is really following our Dear Param Acaraya HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Fortnate are those Disciples of SP who despite so much chaos are continuining and flourishing ISKCON.
I know Bangalore Iskcon and their devotees. I really dont find genuiness in them. They are completely carried away by false notions. Only poisonous blashphemy emits in that Temple President. Not at all an ideal Vaishnavas behaviour. He has enthusiasm, but misdirected and bereft of all mercy.
Thats why he can only create temples made of stones and no quality and quantity of devotees. My these words are not blasphemy, as it is to protect my own faith and it is directed against those who are initiating blashphemy.
My own brother who joined full time that Bangalore ISKCON, has left it after seeing so much blasphemy and noncoperation among them only. What a shame !!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Vicky, since 10 years ISKCON Bangalore is daily feeding 1.5 mio school children. Why you call feeding 1.5 mio schoolchildren, “blasphemy and non-cooperation”??????
Next, ISKCON Bangalore is distributing almost the same amount of Prabhupada’s books than the rest of ISKCON. Why is this “completely carried away by false notions”???
Guess you never went there, never checked what ISKCON Bangalore is really doing. Please send the name of your brother so we can investigate the details what happened there for the information of our readers.
anyway it is only one
catering
to the atmosphere of false
ego
claiming there is
no
ego in it and so far as one’s
narrative
goes there is no way one can
honestly find nothing
like
philosophy to go
with
the
enchantment
Hare Krsna !
Very well written, objectively and sharp. I appreciate such professional writings which avoid impulsive accusations and insults but at the same time convey constructive critic which is hard to argue.
I agree to the point that in ISKCON “Story telling” is overly prominent and goes on the cost of speaking profound philosophy. It seems history repeats…people rather like to engage in personality cult and sentimentalism than in serious study of Srila Prabhupada’s books. In this regard I also appreciate the critic of Bhakti Vikash Swami on RS book “Journey home”.
Hare Krishna
Radhanath Maharaj ruined my married life. I now have no relationship with my wife Devika. When he is at Gopinath temple in Mumbai, Devika visits him every Wednesday and has a 2-hour private audience with him. Maharaj lectures to her on abstaining from sex. Every time she comes home, her persona changes. We are only married to save family pride!
Jaipal Das:Radhanath Maharaj ruined my married life. I now have no relationship with my wife Devika. When he is at Gopinath temple in Mumbai, Devika visits him every Wednesday and has a 2-hour private audience with him.
Mahesh: Radhanath is NOT following Srila Prabhupada. Sannyasa is FORBIDDEN to see woman in private:
Sannyasa Asrama 5 parts:
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/news/?p=42332
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/news/?p=42330
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/news/?p=42328
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/news/?p=42326
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/news/?p=42323
A man takes sannyas because he is supposed to be above the need for the company of a wife but he get’s the companionship of woman without the responsibility of maintenance, leaving that to the husband all the while accepting some of the husbands hard-earned money via his disciple-wife. We see many times these renunciates have all kinds of relationships with others wives as the swami guru becomes the main male in her life, (his pictures adorn the house) while the husband is relegated to a position of disdain and mediocrity. The swami comes to town and emasculates the other men in subtle and gross ways – remember that swami who used to kick all the men up the arse during kirtan to make all the women laugh? In their eyes he became the wonderful King among the luckless peasant menfolk,.. (a fact he was only too aware of I’m sure). The swami guru presents a very loving, polished version of himself to the flock and the husband becomes just another one of the fallen men the swami has a chuckle about in class. Familiarity and disrespect enter the marriage as her heart is given over to the swami who she shares secrets with and judges her husband from the artificial benchmark swami guru sets. The marriage eventually breaks down and then enter the swam preaching about how fallen and unstable the grhasta’s are! (There will of course be many factors that lead to a marriage break up, but the unhealthy male guru/wife disciple relationship is a strong contributing factor in my experience and observation).
Of course the ones that do actually run away with the swami gurus quickly discover they’re just as human as the husbands they left, (and probably far more demanding and a lot less giving to boot).
Sigh,… so many problems could be solved if we just put Swami Prabhupada in the center as everyone’s eternal Guru!
Yes! Prabhu, your observation (as you have so experienced) is right on the button! and If I am correct, I believe the “bogus swami” you are referring to here is Indradyumna. He is certainly a deluded, unfortunate and pathetic individual who fancies himself as some sort of “aging ladies man” who takes great pleasure in humiliating the “husbands” of his female followers in the most degrading manner in a typical ‘asuric’ fashion. He takes full advantage of women because they are themselves less intelligent, envious and vulnerable, especially when he plays ‘the crooner’, which of course has a ‘disarming’ effect upon women.
When women want to ‘disarm, manipulate and control’ men they play the ‘whore’ and likewise when men want to ‘disarm, manipulate and control women, they play ‘the crooner’. So it is not surprising that when he ‘breaks into “devotional” song’ that less intelligent women ‘melt like butter’, whereas anyone who has even the most miniscule quantity of spiritual sincerity would become nauseous and want to vomit!
This manipulative, pretender has no authority from Srila Prabhupada to behave in the manner most unbecoming of of a sannyasi and it is disgraceful the way he tries to fund his parasitic “lifestyle” at the expense of those he is cheating.
Daso Smi
Sudarsana
Indradyumna was personally trained up by the Godman, Sun King, Supeme Emperor himself, Bhagavan das (previously known as “His Divine Grace Srila Bhagavan Goswami Maharaj” or “Srila Gurudeva” for short).
For those who have not seen it, the following documentary will open your eyes about what you two Prabhus are describing here with regards to the “ladies’ man guru.” The film was produced back in the 80’s by the BBC and portrays the story of Riki Morrel Armstrong, a famous model living in London who appeared on the cover of many top fashion magazines such as Vogue, etc., back in the 60’s. She became interested in Krishna consciousness and received “special mercy” and attention from Bhagavan das, obviously because of her physical appearance and material status. She brought her son to Krishna consciousness as well. (This is another horror story to be continued at another time.) This poor lady was sickeningly manipulated by Bhagavan das and his henchman, so much so, that her story caught the attention of the BBC. (She even brought some top rock stars into the fold back then.)
If you’re unable or unwilling to watch the entire documentrary, please try to watch the first ten minutes, if you can, plus the last five minutes especially. It will provide you with a good overview of the story. In the last scenes, you’ll see a nauseating display of self-indulgence from Bhagavan, Indradyumna, Sivarama, Drstadyumna, Prithu, Akhandadhi and other English yatra leaders at the time while Bhagavan das feeds the chosen few with his own hand as the rank-and-file devotees chant and glorify their fallible gods. (Indradyumna was one of Bhagavan’s right-hand men for many years and he is still carrying on the “tradition” as he was personally trained to do by “Srila Gurudeva” himself.)
http://krishnatube.com/video/192/The-Persuaders-BBC-Channel-4-Documentary
This unfortunate lady was never given Srila Prabhupada, and so when she finally figured out that she had surrendered her life and soul to a big phoney, she left the movement forever, only to start her own movement called “The Religion of Love”:
http://www.thereligionoflove.net/?page=home
Indradyumna should feel ashamed and repentant for supporting the bogus rascal Bhagavan das, but instead he continues to this day “imitating the imitator.”
Thanks LW.
I would encourage everyone to watch this very instructive video ‘The Persuaders’. Documented footage of liars and bullies blowing out this wonderful Vaisnavi and filling her with self-doubt. Watch them systematically crush her faith in their bid for dominance. They misuse their position and distort the philosophy in futile attempts to exact control over someone who can clearly think for herself!
Read her bio and you’ll see she went on to give her life in selfless service, [how will Bhagavan and Dhrstradyumna be remembered I wonder?]
Mother Rytasha – Riki Morrel Armstrong – could have given that life to Srila Prabhupada’s Iskcon and done so much devotional service for Lord Caitanya’s movement. These men with their gigantic ego’s and insane need to be worshiped and obeyed has driven thousands of sincere souls, like this lady, far, far away from their rightful claim.
Sadly this tragic history just seems to keep repeating itself.
Thank you for your comments, just a husband Prabhu. Yes, this film accurately portrays the inexcusable bullying tactics (and nature) of many ISKCON leaders and bogus “gurus.” It’s despicable to see how Bhagavan and Dhrstadyumna ganged up together on this nice surrendered devotee. And what business do two “sannyasis” have associating with a woman like that behind closed doors? Just thinking about it makes the blood boil.
Almost just as bad is the case of Riki’s son. It’s a long story, but when he was a little boy, Srila Prabhupada personally gave him his spiritual name while handing him a sweet ball, saying “Your name is Animisha das.” Later, he was told that he needed to be “re-initiated” by a bogus guru instead – who, of course, eventually fell away from Krishna consciousness. Another sad story among thousands of others, as you say.
Srila Prabhupada’s temples in Europe were decimated by Jayatirtha, Harikesa and Bhagavan, what to speak of all those souls who had come looking for shelter at Prabhupada’s lotus feet after transmigrating in the cycle of birth and death for untold numbers of years. Where are they now and who cares about them? Fortunately, Krishna promises: “In this endeavor there is no loss or diminution, and a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.” (B.G. 2.40) But just imagine if only Prabhupada had been exclusively served and worshiped – not only in Europe but all over the world from day one. This movement would have been so strong and capable of pushing back Kali-yuga with Srila Prabhupada’s blessings. It’s a tragedy beyond belief and which staggers the imagination.
Surely Krishna will not forget all those sincere souls who came to ISKCON, who bowed before the Deities and Srila Prabhupada, who chanted Hare Krishna even once, and who rendered a little service no matter how small. But you’re right. So many qualified personalities have left Prabhupada’s movement who could have done wonders on behalf of Srila Prabhupada and his glorious mission. Now they’re all scattered here and there, so many of them suffering silently in isolation and despair. I humbly pray for Prabhupada’s mercy upon them all.
Meanwhile, the humongous and distorted false egos of some of these men never cease to amaze:
http://www.bhagavanacbsp.com/
Prabhus, we have witnessed the crime of the century. No, the crime of the millenium. Perhaps even the crime of all crimes – ever – in the history of the world.
This from Bhagavan’s Blog: Many friends, past and present have asked me to open communication and bring the past into present time. I am opening a channel via a Blog to discuss whatever may be helpful and healing to whomever wants to conclude old chapters and begin new ones.
No doubt there is lingering emotional charge for some surrounding guru issues and my sudden and radical departure from ISKCON. Some might find it helpful to resolve and release some calcified energy surrounding those issues. This forum will open space for that to happen. I want to say that although I have had many unusual and challenging lessons in my life, I don’t judge them but understand them to be the form of Kṛṣṇa I needed to learn from in that moment.
Thank you for coming.
Bhagavān Das”
Here’s an idea. Since he was a sannyasi and therefore had ‘no money of his own’ he must have left Iskcon penniless, yeah? Then why not make available all private financial bank records from that time and explain how on his facebook site he seems to be living very opulently. Where did his start up money come from post-Iskcon? That would be a good start in helping devotees “resolve and release”. It’s not their work alone in which he simply offers a pious ‘helping hand’. As long as the question of embezzlement of Prabhupada’s money remains, people have a right to be unresolved and unreleased and their blood to boil. This is actually correct! That kind of BS he blogs might have worked back when the above video footage was taken but that was another time and I suspect no one is buying his loving counselor presentation.
Indeed this is the sand in the sweet rice for many, if not most guru’s. They are posing as guru swamis and based on their presentation of ‘total renunciation’ they are given all facility and endless donations within Prabhupada’s movement. On the other hand they hold secret bank accounts, (Prahladananda Swami publicly declared that he had found a book in Devamrta Swamis room called “How to open a Swiss Bank Account”) own property, vehicles and assets outside Iskcon, and are ultimately accountable to no one. They know that others know this, and as such there appears to be no peace or spiritual bliss in their lives.
Well said, Prabhu.
Bhagavan das was one of ISKCON’s richest so-called “gurus.” He led the way in that regard and was practically unrivalled in his ostentatious display of personal wealth. In the old Paris temple on Rue le Sueur, he had his “vyasasana” installed next to Srila Prabhupada’s. There were two (docile) lions seated on Prabhupada’s vyasasana, whereas on Bhagavan das’s throne (which was just a tad shorter than Srila Prabhupada’s), his lions were standing on their hind legs growling aggressively – as if to say, Srila Prabhupada’s reign is now in the past and his reign is the current and active one. Or maybe he was saying that he is better than Prabhupada, more regal and more powerful. Whatever he had in mind, it was totally inappropriate for him to make his own seat appear more prominent than his spiritual master’s.
Every morning Bhagavan das held court along with his inner circle in a massive show of “invitation only” prasadam feasts surrounded by his elite guests. A seeming unlimited number of exotic and specially prepared items were served to him first on silver plates. He rode in top-of-the-line Mercedes cars, was always greeted with great fanfare wherever he went (almost militantly enforced), and even had young 12 and 13 year-old girls fanning him with peacock fans while he preened and posed on his mighty throne situated high above the masses. The list goes on and on with his megalomaniacal tyranny over the humble devotees in his zone who served him hand-and-foot and showered him with praise, money and gifts galore.
So, you’re right. To think that such a character would ever “rough it” and start over with nothing is inconceivable. He owes everything to Prabhupada, Prabhupada’s devotees and Prabhupada’s movement. When it was no longer convenient for him to stick around ISKCON, he took off like a thief in the night. There is no true remorse in his words. He’s making excuses for his rascaldom even to this day. It’s easy to read between the lines of his statements which you’ve posted. For example:
“I am opening a channel via a Blog to discuss whatever may be helpful and healing to whomever wants to conclude old chapters and begin new ones.”
In other words, let’s just forget about the past and move on so that I can again become lord of all I survey.
Or:
“No doubt there is lingering emotional charge for some surrounding guru issues and my sudden and radical departure from ISKCON. Some might find it helpful to resolve and release some calcified energy surrounding those issues.”
Those who hang on to any ill feelings towards Bhagavan das (William Ehrlichman) are being described here as “calcified,” ie. dried up, fossilized or locked in the past.
He goes on:
“I want to say that although I have had many unusual and challenging lessons in my life, I don’t judge them but understand them to be the form of Krsna I needed to learn from in that moment.”
Isn’t it nice that he doesn’t judge or blame himself at all? Where’s the remorse or repentance towards all those whom he hurt, betrayed and ripped off – including Srila Prabhupada? No, he’s obviously still blinded by his larger-than-life false ego: “I have had many unusual and challenging lessons in my life… I don’t judge them… I needed to learn…” You’d think that after all these years he’d have become a little more humble, introspective and honest with himself and others. He gloats while his victims still bleed.
And later on a subsequent page he offers this weak (I guess you could call it) apology:
“I am sorry for the confusion and disruption that came from the way I left but integrating form and essence is not always a smooth process. Everyday is another opportunity to regenerate. Death leads to new life and new life leads to new love.”
It seems like he offers the apology and forgiveness all at once by himself. But how can his victims forgive and move on when Bhagavan das continues to deny and hide from the truth? He’s rubbing salt in their wounds. Bhagavan das remains the center of attention, as always. Not Srila Prabhupada, not Lord Krsna, not ISKCON and not the devotees. It’s business as usual for “His Divine Grace Srila Bhagavan Goswami Maharaj” who is clearly eyeing and orchestrating some kind of comeback with his website and blog. Perhaps he needs more money or he’s not getting enough attention at home. Whatever the case, it’s hard to think about forgiving and forgetting when he still cops such a high and mighty attitude.
Did you ever read his response (or should I say diatribe) when the gurukulis wanted him to pay up for past transgressions? Boy, did he ever defend himself – and his money! In fact, he out-and-out attacked and slandered the gurukulis for daring to ask for some of his “hard-earned” cash. Rumors back then had it that he made off with an undisclosed amount of ISKCON money from a vault stashed away in a temple somewhere in his zone (probably France). Some kind of farm or horse ranch in the southern U.S. was said to be one of his first destinations post-ISKCON, but who knows and who cares? This man has worn out his welcome until at least he shows some genuine humility for a change. The entire sordid affair is nothing but a crying shame for everyone involved – except him, of course.
On another note, I did a quick search on Mother Rytasha and found the following statements online:
1) “In her autobiography, Rytasha describes her life, born into a wealthy family and haunted by a fear of death from the age of six onwards. Dissatisfaction with a materialistic way of life drove her to join a hippy movement, then to lead a bohemian lifestyle in New York, Paris, Rome and London. She had a number of affairs with different people who included film directors and movie stars. She then became a top model – appearing on the cover of ‘Harper’s and Queen’ – and a film starlet, appearing in the film ‘Klute.’ She later joined the Hari Krishna Movement but things began to go wrong when her guru began to prosecute her.”
2) “An earlier film by Raphael, The persuaders, charted the transformation of Ricki into Rytasha, which occurred at the Hare Krishna Temple in London, and her uneasy relationship with her guru there.”
3) “Mother Rytasha, a former Palm Beach socialite who set aside wealth and possessions 30 years ago to serve the poor of Bangladesh, India and Nepal, died Monday in Pompano Beach. She was 72. She grew a following of disciples as she dispensed proverbs and preached a message of love that extended beyond any one religion.” (Posted: 12/12/2014, The Sun-Sentinel, Florida)
After her traumatic experience with Bhagavan das and ISKCON, she could no longer find it in her heart to surrender to a “guru.” Therefore she became one herself. Of course, it’s not Prabhupada’s way, but then she never knew Srila Prabhupada – thanks to Mr. Bhagavan and Co. May Krsna bless her to meet Srila Prabhupada – the true and genuine guru – someday soon.
As for her son, Animisha das, he had a natural affection for Srila Prabhupada from childhood. But then he was pressured into a relationship with Jayatirtha, following him to India when “Srila Tirthapada” crossed the river to Sridhar Swami’s asrama in Navadvipa. Later the young boy was again pressured, but this time into accepting Bhagavan das as his guru. He was another sad victim of the “new guru” fiasco. I think he’d be around fifty years-old nowadays. He rendered some personal service to Prabhupada, so I’m confident that he’ll receive more mercy on his journey and hopefully he can forget all the craziness he and his mother had to endure and suffer after Srila Prabhupada’s physical departure.
Thanks for your comments once again. Hare Krsna.
The current Iskcon guru’s have outlawed the worship of Srila Prabhupada as guru, (everyone must go through them) and yet they do not behave like Srila Prabhupada did as guru. Their disciples ignore this fact and follow the guru almost blindly despite so many introduced behaviors contrary to Prabhupada’s clear instructions and personal example. In this way it is difficult to disagree with those who say Iskcon has now become a cult or rock-star worship group who are drifting away from the founders mission.
If you look at the hell these guru’s have created for ‘themselves’ you realize actually Srila Prabhupada was offering ‘everyone’ protection when he DIDN’T name successor Acarya’s or appoint replacement guru’s. I feel compassionate, as given the opportunity I would probably have fallen hook, line and sinker for Maya’s allurements for name and fame too. But ultimately they only have themselves to blame and the responsibility for leading others away from Srila Prabhupada lays squarely at their door.
Bhagavan (godas) should not apologize for ‘leaving ISKCON’ as leaving was the only good thing he did. Good riddance to bad rubbish! Anyone who has heard the “Ghost of Christmas Past” tape would know what a tyrannical, psychopath he is. He is NO Srila Prabhupada disciple but only a demonic servant of Maya.
In the film “The Persuaders” Drystadyumna is trying to justify his ‘bare-faced lying’, but these ladies are too smart to be taken in by his Machiavellian little power trip, he’s been caught out! and they are watching him squirm. To these guys their ‘word’ means nothing! A promise means absolutely ‘zero’ they can’t be trusted one inch. They are gutless cowards and parasitic reprobates. A true leader has to accept responsibility but for for these scum they simply cover-up all manner of child abuse, theft, and a multitude of offenses. They a not even men! just liars and thieves, always intimidating and trying to destroy and diminish others sincere spiritual progress and and at the same time ‘picking their pockets’ to lavish on themselves.
If Bhagavan godas really wanted to make up for past transgressions he should return all the money that he stole THATS ALL!. Scum like him have NO REALIZATION about spiritual life. ZERO! only about picking pockets like a leach! These pretenders should just be EXPOSED AND IGNORED! THAT’S ALL!!!!!!!!!
Daso Smi
Sudarsana
Thank you, Prabhus. Sorry if I’m belaboring the point and will finish up with my comments on this thread. Just a couple more points. Please bear with me.
The reason this is bothering me so much is because I see how much unnecessary pain and suffering these guys have caused. This is the exact opposite of what Srila Prabhupada came here for. They received so much mercy from His Divine Grace, and yet they leave behind them a hellish legacy of human misery and suffering.
This Bhagavan das character really takes the cake. Well no, I think Tamal gets first – I mean last – prize. But Bhagavan das comes in a close second, IMHO. You’ll notice on his website that he has a section entitled “Srila Prabhupada.” However, when we click on the link, this is what we get:
“Often people ask me what my relationship to Śrīla Prabhupāda is today. Although I am not 24/7 directing and managing the movement he began, his presence is intertwined with mine as the one who has effected the greatest changes in my life and who I speak to often. At times he has come to me to be active in helping him as in the BBT legal case some years ago and more recently in some severe misunderstandings within ISKCON that have been bringing out the harshest aspects of how ordinary people relate. It remains to be seen if those involved will be open (to) my participation.
“Like Krsna, Prabhupāda’s creative nature always expanded in ways that were meant to bring beauty and peace to a troubled world. I am ever grateful that he thought to engage me in his visions.”
It’s all about him! Prabhupada is a mere footnote. He starts off with, “Often people ask what my relationship to Srila Prabhupada is today.” Hell, I don’t want to hear about that. I clicked on the link to read about Prabhupada.
But then, under the heading of “Biography” (his biography, of course), he goes on and on about himself as if his life is far more important than Srila Prabhupada’s. He still thinks the same way as when he had those two roaring lions on his royal throne fashioned to look more prominent than Prabhupada’s. Once a cheater always a cheater!
And here’s the coup de grace (the “Gallery”):
http://www.bhagavanacbsp.com/gallery.php
Every single frame displays a snap of his material body. Have you ever seen such a crass exhibition of Narcissistic Personality Disorder? Have you ever seen anyone love himself more more than this self-obsessed character? I swear he must have invented “the selfie.” Click on “Present Time” and see how he has never escaped the desire for opulence and material perfection to this very day. Srila Prabhupada personally trained him up to help save the suffering conditioned souls of Kali-yuga, and this is what he got out of it? How sad and pathetic. I wonder if he ever thinks about all those boys and girls – Prabhupada’s children – who he sent out to collect for him seven days a week year after year in freezing cold temperatures so that he could enjoy his kingly opulence?
And then he has a section entitled, “My Friend Narayana Maharaj,” obviously using N. Swami to garnish even more praise and glory for himself. A friend is by definition an equal – so go figure. He transparently uses whoever he can to further his agenda and material desires for adoration, distinction and profit – even Srila Prabhupada himself!
Mother Rytasha poignantly summed it all up at the end of the film by saying, “Humility goes both ways.” These men don’t even know the meaning of the word humility. They think it means how everyone should approach THEM – with complete humility and surrender – and with no reciprocation on their part whatsoever. In other words, take, take, take. The more I think about it, the more I realize how incredibly kind Srila Prabhupada was – and how inconceivably humble – to tolerate such a ragtag collection of inflated egotists and actually engage and empower them to help him spread Krsna consciousness all over the world. Only Krsna really knows what Prabhupada endured for us all.
Yes, Sudarsana Prabhu, Drystadyumna comes across as a cheap, lying, two-bit punk – and nothing more. They both do. How dare those two thug-like personalities behave towards such sincere souls as if they were nothing but stool on the street?
Just a husband Prabhu, you ask: “how will Bhagavan and Dhrstradyumna be remembered I wonder?” How about “the men who turned nectar into poison,” or “the men who turned heaven into hell”?
Final thought: It’s true that Srila Prabhupada is infinitely merciful, so it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he pardons everyone who rendered him even a little service towards fulfilling the order of his beloved spiritual master. Krsna Himself awarded Putana liberation because He only sees the good in others. Putana offered Krsna her breast milk, and even though it was tinged with poison, the Lord kindly blessed her anyway. So it’s not for me to judge, as I’m certainly forever doomed to be full of faults and imperfections. Everyone in the material world has their weaknesses and frailties – that’s why we’re here. But those who are posing as perfect and who mislead and hurt others on the path are in an altogether different category than the rest of us conditioned souls – and especially the Prabhupada imitators who plunder his assets and fame for their own personal benefit and aggrandizement at the expense of everyone else in their wake. So we have to call a spade a spade. But still, there may be a chance for even them to reform themselves if they admit their folly and beg forgiveness from their victims and Srila Prabhupada. I think it’s possible. However, I don’t think there’s a chance in hell for them if they don’t feel genuine remorse and apologize most humbly and sincerely from the core of their hearts. As Srila Prabhupada has stated:
“To err is human. Anyone commits mistake. There is no doubt about it. But after committing mistake, if I stick to that mistake, that is foolishness. When it is detected that it is mistake, you must admit. That is greatness.”
(Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, 2/1/77)
Thank you for listening, and thank you for sharing your wisdom. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
“Not only the misguided descendants of Advaita Ācārya but anyone who is against the cult of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu should be considered an ATHEIST subject to be punished by Yamarāja.” (Adi 12.71.)
LW:If you’re unable or unwilling to watch the entire documentrary, please try to watch the first ten minutes, if you can, plus the last five minutes especially. It will provide you with a good overview of the story. In the last scenes, you’ll see a nauseating display of self-indulgence from Bhagavan, Indradyumna, Sivarama, Drstadyumna, Prithu, Akhandadhi and other English yatra leaders at the time while Bhagavan das feeds the chosen few with his own hand as the rank-and-file devotees chant and glorify their fallible gods. (Indradyumna was one of Bhagavan’s right-hand men for many years and he is still carrying on the “tradition” as he was personally trained to do by “Srila Gurudeva” himself.)
Mahesh: I heard from an Accountant that Bhagavan das had formed A LOT of Companies and he had to close them when Bhagavan das was gone. There were financial irregularities. Plus—- when he went he went LOADED. They say he had BIG farm in the USA.
Regards Akhandadhi I was told he had MANY properties in Ireland. Then— there is further:
“The money was raised with the understanding that the estate was to belong to ISKCON. Akhandadi das hijacked the estate for himself. It is today worth several million pounds.”
http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/editorials/01-08/editorials2459.htm
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Then there was Partnership: Kripamoya das and Amita das who turned Bhaktivedanta Vedanta Books TRUST in Watford into their OWN PRIVATE COMPANY Bhaktivedanta Books LTD (Watford). They say Kripaymoya later had dispute with Amita and he got Sivarama to stop him getting the books. So—- Kripamoya went to Bhaktivedanta Manor – MONEY MONEY MONEY SWEETER THEN HONEY:
Bhaktivedanta Manor Accounts SALARIES
http://www.prabhupadanugas.eu/news/?p=38907#comment-24810
http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Accounts/Ends49/0000259649_ac_20111231_e_c.pdf
These folks—– they are NOT for Srila Prabhupada. NO WAY! They came for MONEY. SUPERFICIAL dressed as devotees: Kali Chela:
760325mw.del Conversations
Prabhupada: Devotees…. To become devotee is not so cheap thing. You don’t think that because you have got a tilaka you have become devotee. Why do you think like that?
Pusta Krsna: Jaya Prabhupada.
Prabhupada: That Bhaktivinoda Thakura, eita eka kalira chela, nake tilaka, galaya mala:(?) “Here is another follower of Kali. He has got tilaka and mala.” Sahaja bhajana kacen mamu, sanga laiya parera wala (?): “He is worshiping, bhajana, taking another’s wife.” Sahaja bhajana kacen mamu, sanga laiya parera wala, ei ta eka kalira chela: “HERE IS A SERVANT OF KALI. SIMPLY HE HAS CHANGED HIS DRESS WITH TILAKA AND MALA.” Bhaktivinoda Thakura says. IF YOU TAKE TILAKA AND MALA AND DO ALL NONSENSE THINGS, THEN YOU ARE NOT A DEVOTEE. YOU ARE KALI-CHELA. TO BECOME A DEVOTEE IS NOT SO EASY THING.
I agree with Sudharsana that it’s difficult to give these guys any oxygen as they try to bloop their way back into devotees lives. And yet to study this history is to avoid mistakes in the future, and hopefully to all become a little wiser. Human nature is a variation of the same theme. What Bhagavan did back then is not dissimilar to what’s happening now, (old wine in new bottles) and so to educate ourselves from this sad history now laid bare is a healthy labor of love for Srila Prabhupada.
Bhagavan (William) says some may have feelings around his sudden departure, (perhaps believing everyone is missing him so much) but what I would like to see is an explanation for his ‘SUDDEN ARRIVAL’ as Zonal Acraya right after his Guru’s disappearance!!
It seems through incredible greed, personal desire, and strong narcissistic tenancies Bhagavan conspired and then set in motion a lie that became one of the greatest deceptions in Vaisnava history. The deceitful words he injected into ISKCON still resonate throughout the movement today, creating much confusion and conflict. And the like-minded opportunists he trained up or otherwise inspired are still around, blocking newcomers from their rightful claim at Prabhupada’s lotus feet.
The law of karma dictates that something put in motion will reap a result for as long as it continues to have an effect. Bhagavan (William) may not want to remember that part of the philosophy and simply move on with his ‘ghosts of hippie past’ take on the world, but Victor’s monster still haunts the halls of his Masters Movement. In my opinion it would do good for everyone were Bhagavan (William) to publicly apologize for trying to take over his spiritual masters position, admit he was never qualified tell the world the whole Acraya/replacement guru thing was a big LIE in direct violation of Srila Prabhupada’s wishes. I think as long as he does not let this open-secret out he will never find peace.
In conclusion; it is he who has the most to ‘resolve and release’, and it is he who has calcification of some very negative, (some may say evil) energy to deal with. What’s the point of his putting up a blog filled with pictures of his time with Srila Prabhupada when actually it was he and his co-conspirators who bought so much harm into his Guru’s Movement?
Yes,
Radhanath destroyed my marriage.
He gave initiation to my wife in November 2012, without my approval, and while I was out of India.
Our marriage has being going downhill ever since.
We are now in court trying to dissolve…a once happy marriage!
It is a well-known fact that an unmarried member of Radhanath’s Chowpatty congregation trafficks young girls from Mumbai to Kochi harbour for prostitution with sailors. On her return journey, she brings drugs to sell to call center employees in Mumbai. Part of the proceeds from these illicit trades is donated to Juhu, Gopinath and Giridhari temples. Radhanath and his henchman, Govind Prabhu have been informed about this…TO NO AVAIL!
Radhanath’s Wada project, outside Mumbai, is a hideout where his loyal followers can go and forget about the 4 regulative principles of ISKCON. Drugs is peddled and consumed freely. An investigative reporter needs to investigate this den of debauchery! When Radhanath visits, he is given the respect like the Maharishi was given.
The intrigue continues. One of Radhanath’s initiated disciples, a middle aged woman in her 50’s in Mumbai, took money from impoverished African students between 2005 and 2009 with the aim of bringing them to India to study. Often, entire villages in Africa pooled their resource to send their brightest abroad for education, hoping when he returns to Africa he can extricate them from poverty. Please examine this unmarried woman’s bank account, you will find regular deposits coming in from Africa between that stated period.
The Gopal Gardens school in Mumbai needs to be investigated. It is a well known fact that Bramhacharis from Gopinath Temple take students into the nearby Sanjay Gandhi national park for field trips and abuse them. The Kanheri Caves being the famous and secluded spot for such clandestine acts. This school is under Maharaj’s direct control.
It is surprising, this Swami has a loyal following of devotees in Mumbai who treat him like a demigod.
They live their lives for Radhanath.
They will not hear one say anything bad about him.
So did the Reverend Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple Sect.
With the level of investigative journalism today, the facts will sooner, or later, come to light!
Radhanath Swami and his cohorts of Bramhacharis are vile. My wife is a devotee of Radhanath Swami, having gotten initiation from him a few years back. I’ve been working abroad in some volatile countries for the past 5 years. My contract is up so I was coming home to Mumbai after being away for that long. I was excited to be reunited with my wife. On the evening of my arrival in Mumbai, my wife had to go and do Radhanath’s seva. She did not come to the airport to receive me. I had to make my way home alone. When my wife came home, I was in the shower. If that is what they teach their devotees about family life?…I have no respect for them. My marriage is on the verge of collapse now. His assistants Gaurang Prabhu, Govind Prabhu and Radhanath Gopinath Prabhu are all aware of this…To no avail. They are not intervening!
This is an ongoing situation where some voted in guru becomes exposed as storyteller or fallen or in Radhanatha’s case the degraded activities of New Vrndavana are left out.of his writings…Remember that many devotees left their bodies there and many marriages were destroyed..Radhanatha is like a politician that changes his story to make everything more rosy..Why not admit to crimes and devotee homicides and devotees may forgive him for the worst…And when these things are exposed devotees can take a whole lifetime to recover..or lose faith completely…The loss of faith is happening every day all around the world..Only Lord Caitanya knows when the false devotees will be exposed as traitors..
If one is sincere he can always receive the mercy of The Supreme Lord, but The Lord also makes the arrangement for the foolish to be punished by following demonic persons (in the guise of ”bogus guru”) who like ‘The Pied Piper’ leads them all straight to hell. This is of course all Sri Krishna’s arrangement as The Supreme Lord is only attainable through His bona-fide representatives such as our present Diksa Guru/Acharya His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja Prabhupada.
These Demonic persons such as Radhanatha rarely admit to anything and occasionally even when they do their dumb followers still want to “worship” them because they are just fools and rascals themselves. By proper utilization of faith in only Srila Prabhupada one is NEVER cheated because ONLY His Divine Grace (by his own order) is the pure representative of The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. False “devotees” have for decades been exposed but ”The Charade” still goes on like a ”circus parade of hypocrites” all just ”following the money”.
Most of us have ‘ingested’ some poison by beying fooled by these people but have been cured by taking shelter of Srila Prabhupada, but many more have unfortunately taken a fatal dose of poison (and continue to do so!) by worshiping fools and rascals because they are ‘birds of a feather”!
Our business is to cure those persons who have some hope of recovery and not to try and preach to demonic persons as it is best to avoid these reprobates. “You can give a fool good advise but they will only get angry”!
Daso Smi
Sudarsana
”The darkest regions of Hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis”
Dante Alighieri
Check this out, Prabhus:
http://www.radhanathswami.com/2017/09/radhanath-swami-speaks-at-climate-change-workshop-govardhan-eco-village/
Rottenath is an illuminati puppet. The recent “award” for his “eco-viliage” among many other of his engagements prove this inconclusively. This award by Americaid is the illuminati’s ‘rubber stamp’.
Americaid was founded by Robert Macauley, who was George H W Bush’s room-mate at Yale. Bush is a member of the “Skull and Bones Brotherhood of Death” and also a member of Hathor Pentalpha (who with Mossad and the CIA organized the 9/11 attack on The World Trade Centre). Macauley was a member of “The Knights of Malta”, and linked to Opus Dey. Americaid is a Fascist inspired supporter of Ultra Right Wing causes and has only supplied “aid” to those causes which reflect their Ultra Right Wing philosophy (such as the Contras and African Right Wing Dictatorships involved in the Diamond Trade).
The illuminati create these bogus “Foundations” to avoid paying Tax and use these bogus “welfare programs” to further the aims of The Deep State and The New World Order (something old Mr Bush often pontificated about! Macauley’s Americaid (also linked to Zbigniew Brezinski, co-founder of ”Three Eyes” UR Lodge with Jew Henry Kissinger!) is just a pusher of Big Pharma Corporations and promoter of Secret Societies and ‘The Deep State!’
The ”programs” that are arranged for Rottenath (posted on “Dandaheads”) are always linked to Jewish Banking Elites, Corporations, Bogus Illuminati “award” ceremonies, Political “Rothchild Puppet” cronies, and Zionist controlled places of “Higher Learning”. One such University recently posted on Danderheads is USC which Alumni and Board of Trustees reads like the ‘who’s who of the US Zionist Illuminati’.
Corporations such as UNOCAL (who “stage managed” the Afghan War), Merryl Lynch, Goldman Sachs and ”The Annenberg Foundation”. Annenberg is a big name within the Illuminati and has control over the School of ”Journalism” at USC, which is a ”Pro-Zionist brainwashing factory” to promote Zionist Dogma and a Satanic agenda. Devamrita (Dave’s not here!) also attends the USC “Meditation Club” to “preach” their message of “mindfullness”, eat ”vegan only” food and their Mayavadi “lets just love ourselves”, wishy-washy “message of peace!” Makes you just want to vomit, doesn’t it?
Devamrita would of course feel as though he is ”among friends”, as this USC campus has one of the worst records (in the top 5!) of coverups regarding rapes, sexual abuse and sexual assaults of female students in the whole USA (and is currently being investigated by The FBI). THIS IS WHY “ALL THE DOORS ARE OPEN” FOR SCUM LIKE THIS TO GIVE THEIR SPEECHES OF “MINDFULNESS” (whatever that is!) AT THE INVITATION OF THE ILLUMINATI! (They just love these NLP, Neuro Linguistic Programming, ”stand for nothing”, flowery words, love yourself, bogus charlatans who reinforce their demonic, brain-washing, slaughterhouse ”education”, indoctrination, Zionist, Satanic NWO program as shown by previous Alumni of ”Freemasons and members of Zionist Secret Societies!”
Daso Smi
Sudarsana