Mahavidya dasa (ACBSP)/London: Protecting Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON

Mahavidya dasa (ACBSP)/United Kingdom, 2 February 2009: Where to begin? Whatever I say here will never be enough.
Firstly, my respectful obeisances to all those many sincere souls who are, despite all obstacles, still pushing on Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
My gripe is not with you.
My apologies if you feel “lumped in”.
Who is this Mahavidya das who dares to be critical?
Just who the hell does he think he is?
Yep… I agree with you, he has to constantly hide his horns and cloven hooves.
Now please, can we address the issues raised?
What sort of ISKCON will we pass on to future generations?
I dread to think.
I used to think protecting ISKCON meant simply making sure the temple cars didn’t get stolen by our neighbours.
Making sure the Deities’ doors were locked at night.
Or, that we all got back in one piece from Harinam.
But my immature perception was to change.
In recent years, I have come to the conclusion,
the real threat to ISKCON comes from within our society itself.
Taking, as an example, the Gauri das affair at Bhaktivedanta Manor, one is educated as to the attitudes of our leaders.
The dynamics of power and privilege.
The workings of the lower modes of material nature.
Although the Child Protection Office came about after tremendous heartache,
still…
it is there to be ignored or circumvented if you happen to be “an old boy”,
one of the pals.
One of our leaders.
The message sent by our management is very clear:
“(your choice of expletive) you and your kids.”
ISKCON law is to be broken or ignored on the same grounds.
We the management are above such trivialities.
ISKCON Resolve… forget it, what an absolute waste of time and money.
Better to just call in the police.
Such is the arrogance of our “leadership”.
Lying, deception, cheating, you name it, our “old boys” will look out for each other.
Even if you stand accused of being implicated in the murder of a Godbrother.
Factually, such people are worshiped.
Most importantly in this present ISKCON society,
one’s priority is to polish your head on a daily basis.
Make sure your dhoti (or sari) is immaculately pressed.
That tilak is perfectly straight.
But…
inside…
something else is going on.
I have a suggested solution.
(No, I will not be burying my head in the sand or shooting myself).
London is a big place.
If one wants to be a “Hindu” on an undisclosed salary, don’t let me stop you.
Go elsewhere and perform weddings to your heart’s content.
Get rich, become a “big man”, a “spiritual emissary”.
I will not complain.
Heck… let me know when you are leaving,
and,
I will volunteer to help you pack.
Please,
give Bhaktivedanta Manor and ISKCON a break.