httpv://youtu.be/2SlV7kgtf-E
video: Narsimha Dev Appearance Day – Mayapur | Published on Jul 16, 2013
BY: RAKSHANA DAS
Jul 16, 2013 — AUSTRALIA (ROCANA’S SUN) —
I recently presented a compilation of quotes by Srila Prabhupada representing some of the methods in which spiritual knowledge can be imparted. I preceded the quotes by assuring the reader that they are not a challenge to the eternal principle of accepting a bona fide spiritual master and surrendering to him, nor an alternative to association with saintly devotees.
In response, one devotee proceeded to argue against Srila Prabhupada’s own quotes by using more of Srila Prabhupada’s own quotes, and then claiming victory by establishing unchallenged siddhanta in a one man argument against himself.
Every one of Srila Prabhupada’s quotes are perfect. It is only the “hearer” who may be faulty. The vast majority of quotes the devotee presented can be understood through a much broader understanding of “hearing”. Unfortunately, he described anyone who realises the word “hearing” when used in the spiritual context, to mean something different to his single dimensional approach as:
“Disqualified… lacking in sincerity and seriousness… envious… thinking we are very advanced… proud… speculators ad infinitum… floundering around… uncontrolled mind and senses… cant see and appreciate… ignorant… without the necessary adhikara… do not really want a bona fide spiritual master… the height of arrogance… trying to limit God… insane… beyond ludicrous… cannot recognise a pure devotee… looking for maya… pretending to be a devotee… not hearing Krishna at all… speculator… twist Krishna’s words… under the modes of nature… not sincere and serious… creating havoc… duplicitous… deceitful… dishonest… mentally whimsical… ”
The type of devotee as exemplified above has some intelligence, a desire for recognition, and the nature of a sycophant…the perfect storm for the makings of an extremely damaging influence on the lives of many sincere devotees. He is a perfect text book case of the type known as the ranting fanatic, existing now for decades, and forever attempting to drive a hard stake into the heart of soft-hearted devotees.
A word of advice here when communicating via documents online or otherwise: It is bad form to underline every second sentence. It is the text equivalent of raising the voice in condescending haughtiness, while ordering the reader to accept your personal interpretation. This advice should be especially pertinent when discussing the concept of “hearing”.
Almost every devotee during the past 47 years, when first associating with ISKCON by sincerity, good fortune, a genuine desire, or adhikara, experiences the joy, relief, and divine grace of finding safe shelter at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada. I personally know of hundreds who feel this way in an increasing depth of realisation and reciprocation that Srila Prabhupada offers all His followers.
Even a fallen soul such as myself can experience ever increasing joy springing from within, and a deepening desire to love and serve, more and more, the genuine Vaishnavas, the spiritual master, and the Lord Himself, whose names, forms, qualities, and pastimes become ever increasingly manifest via the agency of Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental purports, either read alone, or especially in the company of humble and saintly Vaishnavas. Srila Prabhupada is that devotee who we prayed to meet and who Krishna led us to.
From that point, many take initiation from someone they consider an uttama adhikari spiritual master, or from someone less qualified, by accepting a different slant on scripture. Others take initiation from a person who is later revealed to be fallen. Some of these initiates may then take re-initiation. Others don’t feel they have found an uttama adhikari spiritual master and therefore hold off from taking initiation or re-initiation. Others consider the shelter of Srila Prabhupada sufficient and complete. In every case, devotees are never without the opportunity to take safe shelter, either by diksha or siksha, at the lotus feet of a pure devotee.
The basic premise of my original article was to provide a solution to ongoing division within Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON. By learning to appreciate the sincere service performed by all members as something to be inspired by, something to appreciate, and a reason to praise rather than blame, we can function in harmony. There may be some few persons who are unable to live peacefully within a society. However, in almost every case there is room for tolerance, acceptance, compassion, love, and a shared future beneficial for all well behaved Vaishnavas.
If you only see the world in black and white, you will not have access to the vast palette of colour represented by unlimited expressions of bona fide devotion and service exhibited in reciprocation with perfect spiritual masters in the variegated spiritual transmission of transcendental sound. This has been the last I shall write on the subject for now.
I hope this meets all devotees well in their attempt to cross the ocean of material suffering, and reunite with our beautiful, eternal Lord.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and His sincere followers.
Your servant,
Rakshana das
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