Apr 02, USA (SUN) — In his recent article, “Why Throw the Blame on ISKCON“, Basu Ghosh das attempts refute my recent article, “More on ISKCON Philadelphia“. I feel his arguments fall short of alleviating the burden of dysfunction that seems to plague ISKCON Philadelphia.
First, his minimization of ISKCON Food for Life, in its original intent and function, is extremely insulting. I am sure that the sincere devotees who have worked tirelessly to distribute almost a billion plates of prasadam to needy persons will not appreciate his comparing it to the Ramakrishna Mission and “mundane social work”. In actuality, according to the legitimate Food for Life Global website, ISKCON has been distributing sanctified vegetarian offerings as Food for Life since 1974. I think his tone and statements are highly offensive and a great insult to one of the most successful preaching programs in ISKCON to date. He should immediately apologize to ISKCON Food for Life and the sincere devotees who have tirelessly given the mercy of the Lord to so many millions of souls. It’s hard to imagine how a Srila Prabhupada disciple would say something so bad about this sacred program.
Instead, he chooses to defend Govinda’s Cafe, run by Haryasva dasa and Philadelphia Food for Life, run by Devideva dasa and ISKCON of Philadelphia. His arguments are that ISKCON of Philadelphia has no blame in the fact the Philadelphia Food for Life serves meat to people and Govinda’s Cafe has meat eating cooks. He compares Food for Life to other NGO, or non-government organizations in Philadelphia. The problem with his arguments is that Food for Life and Govinda’s are ABSOLUTELY associated with ISKCON, everywhere in the world. Actually, these names are almost synonymous with the ISKCON organization.
I feel that it is important that devotees know that when they go to Govinda’s Cafe in Philadelphia, a meat eating karmi may be cooking for them and this food is, therefore, not prasadam. I think they have this right. Also, I think the worldwide ISKCON community and ISKCON Food for Life need to know that Philadelphia Food for Life, run by a Srila Prabhupada disciple, serves needy people meat instead of prasadam. Basu Ghosh seems to think this is just “fault-finding” and I should just “see the good” in the situation. Unfortunately, these are major philosophical, ethical and scriptural deviations that need to be addressed.
And the fact still stands that these two organizations originally were started as ISKCON of Philadelphia projects. Of course ISKCON of Philadelphia is responsible for addressing these situations. Temple funds were used, at least at one time, to set-up these projects. The actions of these businesses caused those funds to be eventually used in a way that is against the order or Srila Prabhupada. It is the responsibility of the GBC, according to ISKCON Law, to make sure that temple funds or properties aren’t misappropriated. Actually, according to the latest GBC Report, this is cause for losing one’s hierarchical position.
Basu Ghosh’s next argument is that it is OK for ISKCON of Philadelphia to take money from Philadelphia Food For Life. It is a fact that ISKCON takes money from everyone. But if by taking those funds, ISKCON or an individual spiritual leader becomes unable or unwilling to preach the message of the Acarya, because of fear of losing those funds, than his preaching and brahminical standards have become severely compromised. This is a simple conflict of interest. The interest of our movement should be more about establishing devotional service and religious principles than accepting donations.
The point I made about ISKCON of Philadelphia accepting funds from this individual is that obviously this has created a conflict of interest. The fact is, they have failed to address major religious principles being violated: the killing of animals and misappropriation of ISKCON funds and trademarks. Also, it seems that Devideva is actively involved on various ISKCON Philadelphia boards and committees. This person is even being given the power to have a say in the decisions and future of the Temple! So how can you say that underlying Vaishnava religious principles haven’t been compromised by the taking of money from him, or that ISKCON of Philadelphia is failing to publicly rebuke him for fear of losing donations? The sad fact is, to this very day, neither Vishnugada dasa, ISKCON of Philadelphia, or Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu has publicly denounced Food for Life of Philadelphia’s horrible offenses. This proves that their power to address this terrible deviation within ISKCON has been severely compromised by their taking of donations from this individual.
I am have been waiting patiently for an official ISKCON or ISKCON of Philadelphia response about these allegations. They have an official obligation to address these issues, which are real and severe and are damaging to ISKCON’s integrity, reputation, and spiritual purity.
Getting a response like this from a Srila Prabhupada disciple is certainly disheartening. I would think there would be more sympathy for the poor animals being slaughtered and served for Philadelphia Food For Life, and more outrage in the deviations being perpetrated by ISKCON of Philadelphia. These are major philosophical deviations: Food for Life serving meat, Govinda’s serving bhoga, Ravindra Svarupa’s inappropriate association with a woman, religious visa violations, abuse and neglect of temple devotees, and misappropriation of ISKCON trademarks and assets.
It is important that devotees everywhere see that the situation at ISKCON Philadelphia is extremely bad and anyone from the outside would see it this way. I know that many devotees are plagued by apathy and feelings of dis-empowerment, and feel that there is nothing they can do about the problems in our movement. The last thing we want to do, however, is normalize our dysfunction. As soon as we think our dysfunction is normal, there is no way to ever rectify our situation. Most of the problems in this movement are caused by a simple lack of checks and balances. The leaders of ISKCON have had mostly absolute control over this movement for a very long time. Srila Prabhupada was very pragmatic and said that we can judge any process by its result. The result of this absolute power has been terrible on many levels, and I think most anyone in our movement can verify this. The first step in establishing checks and balances is speaking up about major deviations and transgressions of our beliefs by different ISKCON temples and leaders, which the Sampradaya Sun thankfully facilitates. Without the recognition of a disease or dysfunction, there is no hope for cure or treatment. Living in denial will only prolong and complicate any pathology. The spiritual and hierarchical pathologies that exist within our movement are no exception.
your servant,
Chaitanya Simha dasa

Very nicely put forward, your above article, Chaitanya Simha Dasa.
Looks like the caretaker gbc for U.S of A is still in his maya sleep.
More Iskcon devotees of good standing the world over should come forward and highlight any nonsence that is taking place in Iskcon
temples or preaching centres that is not inline with HDG ACBSP
instruction on spiritual practice.
Righteousness, sincerity and truthfulness are the foundation of a
vaisnava devotees character besides other virtues.
Hare Krsna.
Dear Chaitanya Simha Dasa, what is the latest on the Philadelphia
temple issue. Has the caretaker GBC chairman and the GBC rep. for
USA started to look into the Philly temple problems to arrest the
situation or is it still the same as you have reported last.
Would appreciate if you could do a follow up until the problem is
resolved. We would like to know what the caretaker GBC did to arrest the situation and what action they took on those responsible for
allowing this situation to occur.
As it is we know the caretaker GBC slacked in their duty otherwise
those problems at philly temple would not have arised.
Thank You/Hare Krsna.
Haribol Prabhus,
Since I put forth these unfortunate facts about ISKCON Philadelphia, there has been a obvious lack of defense, apologies or regrets from any of the mentioned persons. Silence is a type of admission and this should be seen as a complete verification of the statements that I made. It is very sad, however, that the leaders within our movement feel themselves above making apologies or feel themselves above making any type explanation for their actions.
I believe this is due to a sense of entitlement which prevades ISKCON leadership. Some devotees feel themseves better than others, which is demonstrated by their actions. Instead of being humble servants of the Lord, which is Srila Prabhupada’s example, they instead feel that they are above the normal social obligations of the vaishnava culture. Instead of showing the example of being a humble servant of God, which is the duty of all spiritual leaders, they have instead decided to show the example of being masters. Instead of developing a taste of service to the Lord and His devotees, they have gained a taste for being served and lording it over others. And when they are called out by the assembled devotees for their unscrupulous actions, which are detrimental not just themselves but to many others, they are usually unapologetic. This is surely paveing their road to hell.
Srila Prabhupada scraped all of us off the streets. He said that Krishna sent him fourth class men. That somehow by the Lords mercy we became devotees is a sure example of His unending grace. Now some of the people think they are better than others, forgetting the horrible condition they were delivered from. Now they want to rewrite their personal history and say they descended from the spiritual world. This is an absolute insult to the Lords mercy and grace and nullifies the exmaple they could have set: the Lord can save anyone, anywhere. One idea stops the flow of mercy the other idea shows the possiblity of anyone becoming a devotee of God. This example of mercy, I believe, is what Krishna wants, to show the possiblity of spiritual life to all people. Instead, some have shown the example of being an entitled master. There is only one Master in the spiritual world, all others, including Sri Radhika, are servants. Copying their example will surely doom all of us to repeated births and deaths and forever disqualify us from attaining the Lord’s eternal service.
I really hope and pray Hariasva dasa, Devideva dasa, and Ravindra Svarupa dasa humbly address these issues in an apologetic, thoughtful and expediant manner. I sincerely doubt they will, however, if the history of various ISKCON leaders and leaders from other religions are any example. But we can hope and pray that they will. In this way, be the well wishers of ISKCON Philadelphia.
your servant,
chaitanya simha dasa
I’ve been interested in Krishna Consciousness for years; studying the Gita, etc. So when I hear all these things happening within ISKCON I really am sceptical on whether or not I should even seek out temple help with learning more about Krishna. It’s very upsetting and I’m sure Srila Prabhupada would be upset by this as well.
I have known Ravindra Svarupa since 1973. He’s a qualified devotee, but his methods are sometimes impromptu and baffling. I feel he needs “help”. Perhaps professional counselling is the answer
Many devotees have erred in their service over the years, but Krsna takes only the bhakti. Please let us not throw the baby out with the bathwater. We owe it to Srila Prabhupada. Replies welcome.
I have known Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu since 1973. Although his methods are eccentric, he is a qualified devotee. I feel he needs some counselling to balance his views, thereby improving his communication skills. We have all erred in the course of service, so let us not now be harsh. Abraham Lincoln said, “He has the right to criticize who has the heart to help.”
To reply to Krsna dasa please email krsnadas@hotmail.co.uk
Yes Krsna das , he is very qualified Vaishnava who calls other people’s wives sluts and children bastards. He also rips Magazines with Srila Prabhuapda’s picture without remorse and in public because they expose him as rubber stamped cheater that he is.
What is his qualification? His PHD.He can stick it up his a*%#* if he can’t behave like a human being thoward those who he is supposed to protect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQBEsKWBKg0
Fast forward to 4:39 and you will hear ISKCON “pure devotee guru representative of Vaishnava sampradaya” calling children bastards and women a slut. Is that your qualified buddy that you are talking about Krsna das?.??
Krsna Dasa, you can inform your Phd idiot of a beastly devotee friend (Ravindra Suvarup), on how one should treat women as taught by his own guru Srila Prabhupada and commonly practiced by people of vedic culture, people of higher intelligence. The quotes are as below –
Mother/Mataji (Not Prabhu).
The First Training
A brahmacari is advised to go begging alms door to door, addressing all women as mother, and whatever he collects goes to the benefit of the guru. (SB 7.6.9)
They call all woman, “Mother.” “Mother, give me some alms.” (Bg 4.21/ Bombay/ April 10, 1974)
Formerly, brahmacaris would have to go from door to door to beg alms for the ashram, and they were trained from the very beginning to address every woman as mother. (TLK, V 20)
So therefore the first training is given, to become austere, tolerate, how to tolerate, how to call other women as “Mother.” He is learning from the beginning, a small child. He is trained up to call any woman, even of his own age, not “sister,”–“Mother.” This is the training. Matrvat para-daresu. This is education. Matrvat para-daresu. Canakya Pandita, the great politician, has given the definition of a learned scholar. Who is learned scholar? He has given the definition. What is this? Matrvat para-daresu. To see every woman except his wife as mother. This is education. This is education, perfection of education, when you can see all women except your wife as mother. (Bg 1.26-27/ London/ July 21, 1973)
The address should be “Mother.” Practice. This is practice, the brahmacari’s practice. He goes to every householder’s wife: “Mother, give me some…” Just like this child. If he is taught from the very beginning of his life that “Address all women as mother…” (SB 6.1.23/ Honolulu/ May 23, 1976)
And they used to call every woman from the beginning of life, “Mother.” This is training. Matrvat para-daresu. From the very beginning of life, all women they are treated as mother. That is the system, Vedic system. Everyone will call a woman as “Mother.” Never mind whether she is younger or older. It doesn’t matter. Woman has to be addressed as “Mother.” That is Canakya Pandita’s instruction. Who is learned scholar? Who has got three qualification, he is learned scholar. What is that? Matrvat para-daresu: “To treat all woman as mother”…The etiquette is to address every woman, never mind whether she is young or old, as “Mother.” (Bg 4.16/ Bombay/ April 5, 1974)
This brahmacari, he is taught. He is taught to address all women as “Mother.” The brahmacari goes to collect alms from door to door. Small boys. So how do they address? “Mother, kindly give us some alms.” (SB 1.3.13/ Los Angeles/ September 18, 1972)
Similarly, if a brahmacari is taught from childhood, from boyhood address all woman as “Mother,” he cannot see otherwise. “[S]he is my mother.” (SB 1.3.13/ Los Angeles/ September 18, 1972)
That brahmacari rules and regulation are there in the Srimad-Bhagavatam, that he would go door to door for collecting alms for his spiritual master, and address every woman as mother, from the very beginning. From five years old, if a child is trained to call all woman as “Mother,” naturally his culture is different. Because he has learned to call all woman as “Mother.” He has no other idea. A small child, any woman comes before him, he knows “[S]He is my mother.” So this was the practice. That is not only religiously, but morally, it is so good, to look upon all woman as mother. That is the system still in India, any unknown woman who has no introduction with you, [s]he is addressed Mataji. Address her. She may be just like daughter or granddaughter, but one would address, as a respect to the woman, as “Mother,” Mataji. This is Indian system….In the sastra, all the woman, except one’s wife, should be addressed as “Mother.” (SB 1.16.10/ Los Angeles/ January 7, 1974)
Brahmacari will go door to door, “Mother, give me alms,” and they’ll give. (SB 3.25.8/ Bombay/ November 8, 1974)
They would have to go beg door to door, brahmacari: “Mother, give us some alms for our asrama.” So they were trained from the very beginning to address any woman as “Mother.” (SB 3.25.20/ Bombay/ November 20, 1974)
Gurukula means every student should go to gurukula and learn to become very simple and obedient and self-controlled and learn how to address every woman as mother. This is guru…from the very beginning. They would go every home. Small children or big children, they will address, “Mother, give us some alms.” (SB 6.1.21/ Honolulu/ May 21, 1976)
A brahmacari is practiced. He goes to every householder’s wife, “Mother, give me some…” Just like this child, if he is taught from the very beginning of his life that “Address all woman as mother,” that training and intermingling with anyone, that is a different way. (SB 6.1.22/ Honolulu/ May 22, 1976)
The first educational symptom is that except one’s own wife, any woman is mother. (SB 6.1.22/ Chicago/ July 6, 1975)
So the system is any brahmacari or any sannyasi goes to a householder, “Mother, give me some alms. I am brahmacari,” [s]he will at once give. (SB 7.7.29-31/ San Francisco/ March 15, 1967)
No. That is also imperfect. Anyway, it is something. Amanitvam adambhitvam: they from the very beginning of their life, they address other’s wife as “Mother,” you see? Matrvat paridaresu. This is culture, to see every woman except his own wife as mother. (Morning walk/ Bombay/ December 17, 1975)
And they are taught that all women should be addressed as mother. (Room conversation/ New Mayapur/ July 31, 1976)
Address as “Mother/Mataji”
Prabhupada: These are all bogus things. One should train himself that matravat para-daresu, all women, “my mother.” Then it will be possible to live… Therefore the etiquette is to address every woman, “Ma, ma, mother.” That is the etiquette.
Brahmananda: You say like “Mother Rukmini”? There’s a devotee named Rukmini. You say, “Mother Rukmini”? How do you address a woman? Do you say, “Mother,” and then the name of the devotee?
Prabhupada: No. “Mother,” simply.
Brahmananda: Just “Mother.”
Prabhupada: Yes. They should be addressed, “Mother.” That will train.
Indian man (4): In our Indian culture they don’t call the name of the mother never, children don’t.
Prabhupada: No. “Mother,” simply “Mother,” that’s all. And if the woman treats man as son, then it is all right. It is safe. (Morning Walk/ Nairobi/ November 2, 1975)
Devotee: When you address a woman, do you…
Prabhupada: Hm?
Devotee: When you address a woman do you use the word Mataji? Is that the right, proper word for her?
Prabhupada: Mataji. Yes, very good. “Mother.” All right. Chant. (end) (Bg 4.14/ Vrndavana/ August 6, 1974)
Must address all woman as “Mother.” (SB 1.3.13/ Los Angeles/ September 18, 1972)
Any woman except his own wife is mother. Any woman. It doesn’t matter whether she is elderly or young. No. That is the way. Still in India, any woman by unknown person, he can address any woman “Mother.” The first relationship is mother….Mother. Everyone should be addressed. We should learn this. Except one’s one wife, all women should be addressed as “Mother.” (SB 1.16.23/ Los Angeles/ July 13, 1974)
In India still, women, especially in ashrams, any woman, visitor, she is addressed as “Mother” by all the… She may be young girl, but she is addressed as “Mother.” This is the etiquette. “Mother, what can I help you?” (SB 3.1.10/ Dallas/ May 21, 1973)
As soon as you see one woman except your married wife, you immediately address her “Mother.” (SB 5.5.3/ Vrndavana/ October 25, 1976)
Everyone’s wife should be considered, para-dara, para means other’s wife, matrvat, mother. Therefore the Vedic system is when we address another woman, “Mother.” No other address. “Mother, can I do this? Would you like this?” The address should be “Mother.” Practice, this is practice. (SB 6.1.22/ Honolulu/ May 22, 1976)
What is that? Matrvat para-daresu: “Everyone’s wife should be considered…” Para-dara. Para means others’ wife. Matrvat, mother. Therefore the Vedic system is, when we address another woman, “Mother,” no other address. “Mother, can I do this? Would you like this?” The address should be “Mother.” (SB 6.1.23/ Honolulu/ May 23, 1976)
Pandita means matrvat para-daresu: “to accept all women as mother,” para-daresu. Dara means wife, and para means others’. Except his own wife, he should treat all women outside, taking them as mother. Therefore, still in Hindu society, every woman is addressed by an unknown man, “Mother.” It doesn’t matter if a person is unknown. He can speak with another woman, addressing him first…addressing her first, “Mother,” Mataji. Then nobody will be offended. This is the etiquette. That is taught by Canakya Pandita. Matrvat para-daresu. Woman should be addressed as “Mother.” (SB 6.1.56-57/ Bombay/ August 14, 1975)
A brahmacari should always address every woman as mother. (Letter to: Sankarasana/ Los Angeles/September 30, 1972)
She is woman, so you call her “Mother.” As soon as you call her “Mother,” that I am so fallen “please save, you are so great,” then she will be very pleased. (Letter to: Cyavana/ Vrindaban/ September 4, 1975)
Treat as Mother
Therefore, the common moral teachings and the Vedic civilization is to accept any woman except his own wife as mother. Matrvat para-daresu. Para-daresu. Everyone is supposed to be married. Dara means wife. Para-daresu, other’s wife. It doesn’t matter if she is younger or older, but she should be treated as mother. Therefore it is the system in Vedic culture, as soon as one sees another woman, she[sic] addresses her, “Mother,” Mataji. Immediately, “Mother.” That makes the relationship. The woman treats the unknown man as son, and the unknown man treats the unknown woman as mother. This is Vedic civilization. (SB 1.3.13/ Los Angeles/ September 18, 1972)
Every woman–mother. Except his married wife, every woman is mother. (Morning walk/ Mayapura/ March 4, 1974)
In general the understanding is, except your wife all woman is your mother. That is the instruction of Canakya Pandita. Matrvat para-daresu: “All women should be treated as mother.” (Room conversation with Scientists/ Melbourne/ July 2, 1974)
Brahmananda: Actually you’re supposed to see other women as mother.
Prabhupada: Yes. (Morning walk/ Vrndavana/ September 6, 1975)
Devotee: Srila Prabhupada, should we call all the women “Mother”?
Prabhupada: Yes. And treat it like mother. Not only call, but treat it like mother. (Morning walk/ Mauritius/ October 25, 1975) ”
Krsna dasa, if he does not understand above and is unable to practice it, then tell the fake guru that he is nothing more than a low class chandala for kicking the behind of a woman, who is also a devotee of
Sri Sri Radha and Krsna.
Hare Krsna.
I was not at all implying that Ravindra Svarupa’s misbehavior is acceptable, nor was I implying that women should not be respected. My essential point was that Ravindra Svarupa needs immediate psychological analysis and some form of therapy. He is, in my humble opinon, very emotionally disturbed. Who will help? Jaya Srila Prabhupada!!!
Ravindra needs to be evaluated by a professional psychiatrist
To whom it may concern, The Philly temple Prabhupada murti sitting on the temple room vyasasana was paid for by one of the biggest cocaine dealers in the city of Philadelphia. Small wonder that the rest of the temple is, in many ways, falling apart. Blood money yields poisonous results.