WHAT ABOUT THE GAUDIYA MATH?

BRIEF HISTORY OF EVENTS

In Mayapura India Madhava Maharaja came over and shouted at Srila Prabhupada, pointed in his face with his finger quite rudely -- to stop using the title "Prabhupada."  Devotees were very worried and alarmed at this sub-violent outburst. Then Prabhupada said (paraphrased), "Post a guard at my door, my God brothers might try to harm me."   

Having never read a quote from Prabhupada specifically against Narayana Maharaja, I often would not comment when hearing 'this-or-that' about him. Over time it seems the answer to this question has cleared up on its own. 

In a published flyer two years ago adverting a Narayan Maharaja Festival in southern California, in La Jolla, it read: "Founder of ISKCON: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami; Present Acarya of ISKCON: Narayana Maharaja." 

Srila Prabhupada clearly never, ever named Narayana Maharaja the present acarya of ISKCON. He would have if he wanted that to be so. It's not that he was unable to, it's that he did not want to.

As of this writing (Jan, 2004) during Kartika and after parikram, at one of Narayana Maharaja's temples (a big one), in front of a group of hundreds, possibly over a thousand devotees, Narayana Maharaja was awarded a the title of "yuga acharya". Last I looked, that was Srila Prabhupada's position. Now that he's disappeared from our vision, we've changed our minds? Our loyalty to Srila Prabhupada must run deeper than that. What to speak of -- who took the instructions of his spiritual master so seriously that he gave up many comforts and dredged over here to save us in the first place? Of course you know the answer - Srila Prabhupada. Since he did not name Narayana Maharaja as the next ISKCON acarya, neither should we. 

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UPDATE: As of my last writing I've discovered or uncovered more on the Narayana Maharaja issue. I do my best to present the facts. From my own temple even, I have seen how his disciples come here and try to steal away our devotees to move to N.M.'s or at least take initiation from him. Though more than that is going on. Vedic literatures reveals that anyone who is guru must perfectly repeat the previous acarya without changing his instructions. Yet its been showed that Narayana Maharaja has made contradictory comments to our beloved Prabhupada's. Let me clarify, in no way am I saying anything nasty or making mean comments. I will simply use their own words, showing the difference between Prabhuapada's teachings and those of Narayana Maharaja. From there, you decide for yourself. (You can look them up on your own if you want. They have been said - factually.)

Narayana M: "Prahlada Maharaja was a very bona fide bhakta, and he never wanted anything worldly, but he could not serve Krsna. His bhakti was mixed with jnana, knowledge of the Lord's opulence. If you have some worldly desire, or any desire, then your bhakti may be sanga-siddha bhakti or aropa sidha bhakti, but not pure transcendental bhakti." (Narayana M. Hawaii, Feb 17, 2001 

Prabhupada: "Consequently, instead of accepting the results of karma and jnana, Prabhlada Maharaja simply begged the Lord for engagement in the service of His servant." S.B. 5.24.25

Prabhupada: "Prahlada Maharaja is the topmost example of a Vaisnava." SP lecture, Mayapur, Feb 14, 76

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Narayana Maharaja: "Sri Advaita Acarya...He is a part of the part of the part of Krishna. Being so far away, He can preach with kirtana, but he cannot give Vraja-bhakti. Never. He is not qualified for this. Only Krishna can do this." N.M., Los Angeles, Ca May 31, 2000

Whereas Prabhupada teaches: (Speaking of Advaita Acarya) "He delivered all living beings by offering the gift of Krishna bhakti. He explained Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam in the light of devotional service." SP, CC, Adi lila 6.28

There is MUCH more, but for now this should suffice. Point made.

Sridhara Maharaja, Professor Sannyal, Madhava Maharaja and a few others decided to make Ananta Vasudeva the acharya, against the orders of Srila Sarasvati to make a GBC. Ananta Vasudeva did not even want to be the acharya but Prabhupada tells that "they insisted on it." 

A short while later he began to fail, so Bhakti Vilas Tirtha Maharaja decided he would make just as good of an acharya. Therefore he took control of some of the buildings and started a lawsuit to take the post of acharya away from Vasudeva and take the assets of the math. At the same time other Gaudiya Matha people suspected Tirtha of foul play.

This turned into a major 40 years court battle. And then a whole bunch of other people thought they too should be acharyas. Prabhupada informs us "another man comes, then another and another."  The sum and substance is that Prabhupada instructed, "amongst my God brothers *no one*is qualified to be acharya ... and it is thus better *not to mix* with them since they may disturb *our* natural progress." 

Many followers and initiates of Gaudiya Math gurus claim they are following the same teachings of Srila Prabhupada. It's time to admit they are not. 

From criticism of Prabhupada as if he did not present the highest, that he did not give enough information about "Rasa Lila," that he was a businessman, or that his teachings are in various ways, incomplete -- the differences in philosophy are significant. To continue, Prabhupada taught we were originally with Krishna but fell down whereas various Gaudiya Math guru's teach we were only part of the Brahmajyoti, a unit. Some GM guru's preach that the spiritual master does not take very much karma of the disciple on his head, whereas Prabhupada points out it is a grave responsibility to be guru and that he does indeed take on large amount of the disciples karma. As well as some GM guru's teach one to assume the rasa of a gopi whereas Prabhupada teaches us not to think about such things and just worship in awe and reverence, then any relationship we have with the Lord will be self manifest at the right time and after sufficient purification. And this is the short list. 

Srila Prabhupada instructed no sex without chanting 50 rounds and for the purpose of ‘trying’ to get pregnant. etc. yet I know many GM who preach to have sex with spouse anytime but don’t mention much about pregnancy. Prabhupada was VERY strict that initiated disciples follow all four of the regulative principles. Some GM guru's, though supportive of the idea, tend to preach you can follow them if you want to, but don't have to.  One may argue some ISKCON devotees fall down in such ways. The difference is, it's clearly viewed as a fall down - not something acceptable and Prabhupada was 'strictly' against it. Yoga means sense control, so how do we expect to achieve the highest yoga if we can't give up bodily attachments to the highest pleasure in the material world (sex life). If one can't do it that is a different topic, but lets not pretend we are all following the same process.

The differences are vast. Prabhupada's teachings are not, NOT, the same as those who are initiates or even followers of the various branches of the Gaudiya Math. They should stop claiming they are also followers of Prabhupada. How can that be when they believe contradictory to his teachings? This is not to suggest any anger need be involved. No. Simply truth.

It is up to each individual to study Prabhupada's books and decide for themselves. But without study how will anyone know? Then we will merely jump on the popularity train. Therefore we must become ambitious and make a serious study.

What comes to mind are things like: they laughed at us as hippies and now we accept them as guru, or that Prabhupada felt so very strongly about them yet we do not consider his feelings and again,  we take initiation from them. Or that Prabhupada was willing to come pick us up - even it cost him two heart attacks to travel and get us (and if you haven't experienced some type of severe pain you may not be able to relate to how painful that truly is), whereas his godbrothers had no interest in making such a trip in a mlecca country that Prabhupada had not  first 'broken in' like a pair of shoes, etc. What to speak of the many things they did to him -- some described here on this web page, some not (that would require a book). Or the mere fact that Prabhupada states more than once they are not following the instruction of their/his spiritual master. I humbly implore anyone who has been considering various Gaudiya Math gurus and their literature to any degree to please reconsider the only one who most deeply considered them, our beloved Srila Prabhupada. 

When I first became a devotee, this is one important point I would hear: That nondevotees were either cheaters or being cheated, with many actually desiring to be cheated! That concept stuck with me. 

What has surprised me over the years is when some would point out even devotees desire to be cheated. Ok, maybe on a small basis, since we are not perfect or pure yet. But they said no, this was not what they meant. So what did they mean? You guessed it, but be polite and let me say it anyway. :) Or maybe it's not "exactly" what you're thinking.

Soooooooooo.......... Being a true follower of Srila Prabhupada is actually very demanding and such a heavy responsibility these days, one that most of us shy away from it anymore. 

Some still take risks and sacrifice a lot, and often pay a high price for telling it as it is.

Some of us feel too absorbed in the struggles of material  maintenance, like myself. 

And some fall prey to the lure of an easy, less demanding, instantly gratifying, spiritual romp such as  those who go to Narayana Maharaja and Sridhara Maharaja, to name just a couple (Gaudiya Math).  Fact is, most of us have fallen from the high standards set by Srila Prabhupada, but at least let us be honest within. This too is part of the problem. 

Often we want to hold onto various forms of sense gratification which Srila Prabhupada would never allow, be it the more obvious form of sex within marriage (it's not illicit but won't free one from material bondage), to intoxication (some like to smoke "just a little" weed or drink just "one" beer, telling themselves its ok, or it's the "ashrama" they are in, etc). The list of things we tell ourselves are acceptable for the "initiate" is quite long. In that way we can hold onto our anarthas yet believe we simultaneously go back to Godhead. 

Inner honesty can be rough. It includes admitting we don't have a ticket back to Godhead in such ways, that we still have to do the work, have to give up these various material attachments to sense pleasures, follow all four of the regulative principles very strictly, and chant 16 rounds minimum each day. 

In addition, one is to follow the rule that sex life is only to bring Krishna conscious children into the word, and then 50 rounds coupled with prime time for conception - not to avoid conception. If one can't do it, that's another topic, one I don't have room for here. 

Or some artificially follow, therefore sexual frustrations arise which results in mistreatment of women and therefore children, though also another topic. Briefly: That is NOT following - that is CHEATING.

To continue, it is also important to rise early each morning and be part of the Morning Program either at the temple or at home (including reading). Then of course to share Krishna with others and to think of Him as often as possible, always. 

It's a lot to do and maintain! 

Many devotees aren't meeting up to this standard. Yet I would rather associate with the devotee who is not doing so but honestly admits their fallen condition coupled with acknowledgement they should indeed be following such things (not rationalizing it away via their guru), rather than those who present themselves as first class but can't make it to Mongala Aroti without their cup of coffee each morning. 

I also believe many devotees aren't meeting up to this standard for some of the very reasons mentioned here on this web site. That is, we have lost touch with Prabhupada's instructions. We've watered them down, we've changed them, we've tolerated for the sake of peace.  (Ever hear of selfish peace?). 

In the beginning of the movement we see the oldest of devotees, when young, had no problem renouncing even the highest material pleasure. How was it that such young folk at the prime time of life when everyone's senses are pushing the strongest, could give up sex desire? The fact is, when we are experiencing spiritual energy, it's simple to let go of material pleasures because they have been replaced with higher, spiritual pleasures. Whereas when there is a lack of spiritual energy to be found, we can't gain such an experience, what to speak of even begin to dream we could give up these things. Yet we see it was achieved by many devotees repeatedly when Prabhupada was on the planet. To clarify -- I am not speaking of false renunciation and pretenders here. When we are sincere, we get sincere results. 

Anyhow, a connection to an empowered guru coupled with a good support system (or those who don't block Prabhupada's instructions) is all that's needed to overcome material temptations. It's something anyone can achieve no matter how fallen they may view themselves. Matter of fact, "I'm too fallen" can be used an excuse to give up trying. Remember, Prabhupada rescued many from some of the most fallen conditions of life. All anyone needs to do is to genuinely desire a connection with him; then act on it of course. 

In the cases of some of the newer initiates who have turned to various branches of the Gaudiya Math for a guru, I feel for you. I realize it's hard to accept that the initiation was not authorized by Srila Prabhupada and therefore does not bring the same guarantee one gets via Prabhupada. However, the only way out, is through. When His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada clearly states that none of his godbrothers are qualified to be guru, it would only be fooling ourselves to think otherwise. So additionally, the only way forward is truth. 

Yet, some will still prefer to "believe" their Gaudiya Math guru will automatically bring them back Home, even though they (the disciple) may not follow all four of the regulative principles, may continue to engage in pleasures with their spouse, may believe it's ok to smoke once in a while, etc., etc. What can be done? One can lead a horse to water, but whether they drink or not is up to them.

There is also a common misunderstanding that by following the instructions of Prabhupada that we believe there is no one else on the planet who is a pure Vaisnava or can link one up to Krishna. Let's clear that up. I believe there can be groups other than Prabhupada's ISKCON consisting of pure devotees and pure devotion. I also believe there are other pure devotees in general, be it in India or other locations of various Vaisnava temples. However, with our material senses and limited understanding of shastra, we can easily be mislead. To think we can judge who is a pure devotee and who is not better than Prabhupada could, is a loss of humility and great illusion.  Or that we understand his books better then he did and can therefore use his own quote to override his DIRECT instruction to us, is again a loss of humility. Without him we would be lost! Therefore, try to understand -- this is not about any other group or individual, but the direct instruction of the founder acarya of our movement who cared enough to travel here and pick us up. Who knows what is best for 'us' better than him?! 

What to speak of the fact that most who are initiated by GM usually have never had had brahminical training, or training in Vaisnava etiquette either. Or never lived in an ashrama and don't know what it's like to live with a group of people and *have* to give up their false ego. 

Not that temple training is always required. I have seen some train themselves wonderfully on their own. Unfortunately I have seen far more do horribly without it, often due to not knowing the training process -- thus making offenses. Some behaving as know-it-all's, because in comparison to their previous lifestyle their knowledge has vastly increased, therefore they don't realize the older devotees know even more, thus becoming bossy or rude to these senior devotees. This disrespect is often the result of insufficient training. However, I certainly am not here to tell you what to do. Don't listen to me; listen to Prabhupada. Do the research, double check anything here on this site; discover for yourself. If you do honest research, my bet is you will understand what I am trying to convey here. If you disagree, at least you gave it some genuine consideration, to which I will respect. 

I have read many justifications, rationalizations, as well as received letters from GM disciples to try to counteract or play down Prabhupada’s words (from the folio) on this site. For example, stories of Srila Prabhupada’s friendship and lovely interactions with various godbrothers. They are sweet, I never doubted that. But they should not be confused as an instruction. His relationship with his godbrothers is none of our business. His affection for any of them should not be misunderstood as approval or qualification of their guruship. Friendship = friendship, it does not = guruship.

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Another misconception is that kind words spoken by Prabhupada about various godbrothers cancels out the negative comments (or what appears negative to our mundane interpretations) and the instructions he gave. His nice comments are indeed nice, and those which are true (validated) are not to be denied. However, kind words do not cancel instructions, and he clearly instructed to avoid ALL of his godbrothers. Nothing wishy-washy about that. He made it very clear.

It's time we stop thinking about the relationship Prabhupada had with this or that godbrothers: what it means, how to translate it, if they were friends then it must mean yada yada, if they shared an asana it must mean blah blah, if he said 'this' to one of them it must mean 'that.' --  Merely our speculations. Prabhupada said he did not want us thinking about this in the first place. We need to stop getting into his private affairs and instead start to pay attention to Prabhupada’s INSTRUCTIONS to US.

One rationalization that I find the most painful are devotees who try to minimize Prabhupada’s instructions as old fashioned, antiquish, even quaint, or no longer as important -- since they were given so long ago. The belief that an instruction is “too old,” or 'no longer' valid, is not only contradictory to our "ancient" tradition of parampara (unbroken pure lineage reaching back through all times), but it's also a way to water them down so we don't have to follow as strictly, thus can artificially elevate or justify ourselves.

So here we have some devotees who have taken to the philosophy that Prabhupada teachings applied only to those times, and not modern times of difficulties. Really? He arrived during the 60s, a time of immense drugs, illicit sex, and the corporate world was dog-eat-dog. He was not blind but fully realized, and fully aware what was going on around him. There is a misunderstanding that a transcendental personality knows much about Krishna but not about the world. On the contrary, that is not fact. Now, such a definition may apply to a spiritual 'person,' but not to a "pure" devotee. And we see Prabhupada dealt regularly with various real life problems of the devotees as well as gave factual answers. It was us, the regular devotee, who often responded to problems with a "Just be Krishna conscious prabhu," as an excuse to put our irresponsible heads in the sand and blame it on God. Prabhupada on the other hand, gave realistic and practical solutions. Let's be careful we don't project our weakness as his.

Even from the perspective that his instructions may not fit in with modern day society, how highly we must think of ourselves if we believe our problems and situations are so special that Prabhupada’s instructions are not good enough for us, that the times have changed and now we have to override some of them? Or that the great sages of the past who spoke the Bhagavatam for example, only believed their instructions (which Prabhupada repeated) were valid for a generation or so down the road, but would no longer apply to folks during various points of kali-yuga and would require updating and modification, as if ‘transcendental’ knowledge changes. On the contrary, that is a definition of material knowledge. Such transcendental instructions remain perfect just the way they are. We may not fully understand them (yet), but they themselves are perfect. As are Prabhupada’s instructions - transcendental and untouchable by time.  What worked then, works now. 

Prabhupada’s instructions never, ever will need modification; they are all ready open minded enough. Do not think they are limiting, oppressive, artificial, or close minded. In which case, you need to read more. :) If we feel we have the right to change them, then where is real religion? Where is the principle of Absolute Knowledge that a guru must have? We can change it as we go along? Bogus. In that case it becomes a man-made religion. If one has insufficient faith or insufficient understanding, that is another topic, but they should own it, study Prabhupada’s books more, and take it from there. Let us stop claiming the instructions Prabhupada gave about his godbrothers, or on any topic, no longer applies. Otherwise we are merely trying to mold his teachings to please ourselves. They should not be touched by human hands.

The point is, let us stop cheating ourselves; let us stop making false claims that the Gaudiya Math standards and teachings are the same as Prabhupada's original ISKCON's. Let us discontinue claims that we can avoid the strict, various prerequisites for spiritual life set down by Prabhupada yet are still following him and still be guaranteed we'll go back to Godhead. Let us stop pretending it's ok to accept initiation but not work hard to achieve the goal of returning to the Spiritual Sky. Let's not become the cheated -- at least let's own our differences. I have no problem with the Gaudiya Math starting their own groups or temples. Simply, they can't have Prabhupada's. 

Nor should those who attend his temples be taken aside by GM advocates to convert them. By all means, go out and preach as we have had to do, as Prabhupada did, and draw from the material world filled with suffering souls the GM converts from there. Save them, as Prabhupada has all ready saved us.  If GM must steal people from Prabhupada's temples, what does that say about the potency of Gaudiya Math? Instead, take those who know nothing of Krishna. Pick up a book bag and go out and preach to the nondevotee. Sankirtana ki jai! :-)

I'd like to clarify an important point. The quotes on this web page are not to be misused by us fallen souls to name-call, criticize, point fingers, etc., at Srila Prabhupada's godbrothers. Prabhupada can say whatever he wants about them - we may not! 

However, that too is not to be misused to open the door to go the other extreme, as if it's ok to join the Gaudiya Math, be back seat supporters, or minimize any problems they may still present to Srila Prabhupada (ISKCON) from time to time. In such cases we may have to quote Prabhupada, but we may not evaluate his godbrothers for ourselves. Prabhupada has told us we should respect them. His very next sentence was that we should never have any intimate connection with them, as well as other statements that makes it clear he wanted us to to stay away from 'all' his godbrothers. 

Which brings me to the next point. Some followers of Gaudiya Math have expressed Prabhupada differentiated between his godbrothers, thereby making some acceptable to him and by him. While certainly it's not "all one" and Prabhupada made such distinctions, it should not be taken to the extreme as an excuse to get initiated by them. He can't go through every name, nor should he have to explain himself or his reasons to us for each and every godbrother. We need to take note that Prabhupada very specifically instructed that we avoid "all" of his godbrothers.

I understand the frustration some experiencing when trying to get the point across that it is indeed going against Prabhupada's instructions by accepting a Gaudiya Math guru. Simultaneously we need to control our anger about such issues, learn to find a balance, and just follow what Prabhupada told us to follow on this matter. We don't have to insult in order to accomplish that. Our duty is simply to maintain Prabhupada's movement as "Prabhupada's." 

"VIRAHA-ASTAKA"

Eight Prayers in Separation From My Spiritual Master, 
composed in December 1958 by His Divine Grace Srila
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. 

(Printed in the Gaudiya Patrika magazine by his godbrother Kesava Maharaja in February 1959 for Srila Bhaktisidhanta Sarasvati Thakur's Disappearance Day.)

Prathama Astaka (First Octet)

1.1 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this anniversary of your separation I am utterly despondent.

1.2 "The ocean of mercy was previously held back by a dam, but Lord Nityananda personally cut a channel in it and thereby released the outpouring flood of pure ecstatic love of God." (from Locana Dasa's song "Nitai guna-mani")

1.3 Those devotees to whom the responsibility was given to continue spreading this flood of love somehow became overpowered by Maya and were thus reduced to simply performing ritualistic Hindu ceremonies for the benefit of materialists.

1.4 Lord Nityananda's inundation of prema was thus completely stopped by those known as "jati-gosai" (caste gosvamis). But then you personally came, O Master, to open wide the floodgates once again.

1.5 Again you engulfed everyone in the deluge of pure divine love – even such a low, wretched, fallen, and sinful soul as myself.

1.6 On the strength of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu's command, you sent out all of your servants as spiritual masters, going from door to door, just to deliver the fallen souls.

1.7 The devotees were enthusiastically preaching everywhere – from the oceans to the Himalaya mountains. But now that you have gone from our midst, everything today has become very dark.

1.8 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this day of your separation I am utterly despondent.

Dvitiya Astaka (Second Octet)

2.1 Just as Advaita Prabhu had prayed fervently and thus induced Sri Gauranga to descend, so did your father, Bhaktivinoda Thakura, pray for you to incarnate.

2.2 Due to Bhaktivinoda's eagerness, O Master, you came and proclaimed to everyone that India is the most holy land of the Lord's divine pastimes.

2.3 "One who has taken his birth in this land of Bharata-bhumi [India] should first make his own life successful and then work for the benefit of all other people." (Cc Adi 9.41)

2.4 This is the most significant message of Lord Caitanya that you boldly preached everywhere. But now in your absence, O Master, everything has fallen into darkness.

2.5 The overflowing ocean of your compassion has once again been dammed up. This makes me feel as if a spear of great misery has indeed pierced my heart.

2.6 Without Caitanya Mahaprabhu's message being spread, there is only confusion and upheaval in the movement. Seeing this situation, all the Vaisnavas are also feeling overwhelmed with the pangs of your separation.

2.7 The spirit souls have once again been captured by Maya and plunged into absolute darkness. Desperately searching for relief, they are simply perishing in a fathomless ocean of anxiety.

2.8 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this day of your separation I am utterly despondent.

Trtiya Astaka (Third Octet)

3.1 You instructed everyone you met to chant the holy name of Lord Krsna. You showed the example by continually reciting that maha-mantra into their ears.

3.2 You empowered everyone with the qualification to further distribute that holy name. But now, by the influence of Maya, there is only darkness on all sides.

3.3 The souls who are truly attached to worshiping the Lord always sing and dance in joyful sankirtana. Following in the footsteps of their spiritual master, they deliver the whole world.

3.4 But those who have no such qualification perform nirjana bhajana, or so-called confidential worship in a solitary place. Thus acting whimsically, all of them actually remain absorbed in personal sense gratification.

3.5 "An ordinary soul should never imitate the activities of the Supreme Lord, even in his mind." (SB 10.33.30) According to these instructions in devotional service, the unqualified imitators are all ruined.

3.6 You preached "utility is the principle" – that is, one should act without attachment and use anything that is deemed appropriate in the devotional service of the Lord.

3.7 In such detached devotional service to Lord Krsna, there would be a temple established in every house. But now just the opposite situation is apparent everywhere.

3.8 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this day of your separation I am utterly despondent.

Caturtha Astaka (Fourth Octet)

4.1 Everything regarding material prosperity as well as mystic perfection is fully present in your transcendental message: "Because the residents of Vraja have life, therefore they engage in preaching work." (Dusta Mana, verse 18)

4.2 The "resolute intelligence" (vyavasayatmika buddhi) explained by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti [in his commentary to Bhagavad-gita 2.41] is now spoiled since your disciples have become ensnared in the bewildering noose of Maya.

4.3 Those disciples who were irresolute in performing devotional service according to your instructions have divided your mission into many factions. It appears that the tigress of ambition for material name and fame has appeared and personally provoked this upheaval.

4.4 The essential purport of your message obviously did not enter their ears. O where will I get the strength to perform this hari-nama-sankirtana?

4.5 To chant the holy name of the Lord is the explicit command of my worshipful spiritual master. I could never honestly neglect that order.

4.6 Your greatest acclaim is that you propagated the topmost religious culture. Anyone who accepts the holy name from you becomes spiritually qualified.

4.7 If all those who have attained this qualification were to go out and make disciples, then the miserable conditioned souls would all be delivered from the world of birth and death.

4.8 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this day of your separation I am utterly despondent.

Pancama Astaka (Fifth Octet)

5.1 The greatest mantra of all, consisting of thirty-two letters, is: Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.
People who are possessed by gross foolishness refuse to chant it.

5.2 Your so-called disciple, the jackal named Ananta Vasudeva, disobeyed your final instructions to keep the mission united, and thereby created a scandalous fiasco. The result of this philosophical deviation is evident to this day as imitative sahajiyas are being worshiped as gurus in your temples.

5.3 Is there a single temple to be found where your instructions are still being followed? As it is said: "punar musiko bhava" – Everyone has "again become a mouse."

5.4 The lion's food has been stolen away by the deceptive tricks of the jackal. Now caught in Maya's mighty clutches, everyone is reduced to wailing and weeping.

5.5 O Master! If you are merciful to us once again, then even though we are trapped here on the shore of the ocean of death, we will finally behold a change for the better.

5.6 Then once again we can blissfully remember the holy name of Krsna, and once again we will have firm faith in your "Vaikuntha messages."

5.7 Once again you will make us dance in the pure holy name of Krsna. Thus you will personally dispel all this confusion caused by Maya.

5.8 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this day of your separation I am utterly despondent.

Sastha Astaka (Sixth Octet)

6.1 "Continue dancing, singing and performing sankirtana in the association of devotees." (Cc Adi 7.92) These words spoken by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are especially nectarine.

6.2 If we have complete faith in these instructions given by you, our spiritual master, then in the performance of sankirtana actual love for Krsna will be aroused in us.

6.3 Without love of God, our tiny individual intelligence only becomes entangled in the network of Maya's delusions. Because no one actually attained prema, now there has been great upheaval in your mission.

6.4 The whole world has become filled with impersonalists, and the Vaisnavas have given up the work of preaching that was entrusted to them and have simply gone off to perform solitary worship.

6.5 The Vaisnavas were famous as "patita pavana" (deliverers of the fallen), but now this title has fallen into disgrace. Countless numbers of your disciples have been forced to leave your movement.

6.6 At such an inauspicious time, O Master, what can be done to repair the damage that is done? The beautiful garden that you had so carefully planted is now parched and withered away. 

6.7 O Master, please awaken some good intelligence in this insignificant disciple of yours so that my firm faith in your transcendental message may increase more and more.

6.8 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this day of your separation I am utterly despondent.

Saptama Astaka (Seventh Octet)

7.1 The most magnanimous incarnation of the Lord was Sri Krsna Caitanya. Distributing the process of attaining love of God by chanting the holy name of Krsna, He thus blessed the entire universe.

7.2 O Master, you are the personification of the  transcendental message of Lord Caitanya. You are the distributor of the message to every town and village of the world.

7.3 You sent your devotees to preach in the faraway lands of the Western Countries, and you personally traveled all over India, even to the South.

7.4 You preached the pure philosophy of Lord Gauranga in such a way that intelligent persons could understand. And you showed such great concern, O Master, in convincing all your adversaries!
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7.5 Lord Gauranga used many tricks just to engage the conditioned souls in devotional service, and you have also understood how to use all those tricks perfectly well.

7.6 You understood time, place, and circumstance, and utilized everything as a strategy for preaching. Although observing your activities with their very eyes, those who are blind like owls and other creatures of the night could not see your true purpose.

7.7 What will the Auls and the Sahajiiyas and the other nonsense groups ever understand? And what will the sheep-like common people or the dry logicians ever understand?

7.8 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this day of your separation I am utterly despondent.

Astama Astaka (Eighth Octet)

8.1 Lord Caitanya's method of devotional service is not performed in solitude. You preached this again and again to your own devotees.

8.2 Just as the Lord delivered Jagai and Madhai out of His own causeless mercy, you explained to everyone that this same method of preaching work has to go on.

8.3 The world has now filled up with many Jagais and Madhais to deliver. Everyone is anxiously looking down the road waiting for Caitanya-Nitai to come to their rescue.

8.4 If, at such a time as this, you were to personally return to this world and once more preach about all these things the way you always used to--

8.5 If there were enthusiastic preaching activities again taking place in every direction, then all the people as before would be stirred up in blissful excitement.

8.6 Your profound shouting would cause the demons and atheists to flee, and your narrations of Lord Caitanya's message would fill the hearts of the innocent souls.

8.7 Again the whole world would be excitedly bustling with good tidings; but as it is, in your absence now there is nothing of value anywhere.

8.8 O Srila Prabhupada! You personally suffer to see the suffering of the fallen conditioned souls. On this day of your separation I am utterly despondent.

8.9 O Master! My heart is broken in your absence. This disciple named Abhay has hereby revealed only a small token of his wretched agony of separation.

~~**~~**~~**~~**~~**~~

VAISISTYA-ASTAKA

(A Vyasa-Puja offering of prayers glorifying special
characteristics of Srila 108 Bhaktisiddanta Saraswati Goswami Thakura.
Presented on the commemoration of his Appearance, by His Divine Grace A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, at the Radha-Damodara temple,
Vrindavana, India, in 1961.)

Prathama Vaisistya (First Distinction)

1.1 On this day of your separation, O Master, I bitterly lament the absence of my beloved sri-guru, which has become utterly intolerable.

1.2 To worship you on this auspicious anniversary day, I have brought this humble offering of poetry in remembrance of your lotus feet.

1.3 Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's verdict is that renunciation is the most important thing. Not only that, but knowledge of such renunciation must be delivered to every living being.

1.4 We are neophytes in devotional service and have no qualification to do this properly; but since you are an empowered devotee of the highest order, you have shown us how to perform such service.

1.5 If one is bewildered by ignorance, then what kind of renunciant can he be? He will only be an imitation renunciant, externally giving up things while internally remaining attached.

1.6 True renunciation is actually the result of transcendental realization. Without such realization, a display of renunciation is simply known as "show-bottle."

1.7 But there is another type of "show-bottle" display, used solely for the purpose of preaching. That is Lord Caitanya's acceptance of the sannyasa asrama, by which the Mayavadis are defeated.

1.8 Lord Caitanya's philosophy is far beyond the social concept of varnasrama-dharma. It is called bhagavata-dharma, and it is meant for putting an end to all cheating processes of religion.

1.9 The performance of dry renunciation accomplishes no real preaching. Therefore, yukta-vairagya (appropriate renunciation) is the highest essential understanding.

1.10 The sannyasa initiation which you have given us is only for preaching in devotion to the Lord. The throngs of atheistic sense enjoyers are unable to comprehend this.

Dvitiya Vaisistya (Second Vasistya)

2.1 A sannyasi traditionally renounces everything of the world and goes to stay in mountain caves; but you, O Master, keep your sannyasis in luxurious palaces of marble.

2.2 A renunciant is traditionally forbidden to look upon a sense enjoyer, for that would be just like drinking poison; but you, O Master, deliberately go to visit big aristocratic persons just to give them your darsana.

2.3 The mlecchas (meat-eaters) and yavanas (Muslims) are traditionally forbidden from entering Hindu temples; but you honor them as members of the board and seat them prominently in the assembly.

2.4 Hindus are traditionally forbidden to travel across the ocean; but you boldly send your devotees overseas to preach there on your behalf.

2.5 In the horrible cities contaminated by Kali-yuga the instructions of bonafide spiritual preceptors are considered by the populace to be "taboo," but you choose to spend all of your time there.

2.6 Some devotes want to hide in a secluded place to quietly perform confidential bhajana, but in your view, such selfish behavior is totally unacceptable.

2.7 Wherever there is the most heavily crowded population, in that place your preaching work is to be found.

2.8 In London you want to make a youth hostel for travelers. You explain that it must be organized in a first-class manner.

2.9 In the land of meat-eating barbarians, a student hostel for preaching hari-katha! Who can possibly understand the significance of these things?

2.10 The reconciliation of all these apparently contradictory policies is not some trifling child's play for a pretentious and small-minded observer.

Trtiya Vaisistya (Third Distinction)

3.1 O Master! If all of your disciples would sit down and carefully consider these things, then what nice preaching everyone could do together!

3.2 That was your explicit order given to us – that everyone should work together to propagate the preaching mission while remaining immersed in your instructions.

3.3 But if everyone simply imitates your exalted position, then there will only be a contrary result. As long as this pretense continues, there will only be utter failure.

3.4 Even now, O Godbrothers, you have returned here on the order of our spiritual master as together we are immersed in worshiping His Divine Grace.

3.5 But merely having a festival of flowers and fruits does not constitute worship; those who serve the instructions of the spiritual master actually worship him.

3.6 By serving the spiritual master's instructions the disciples are empowered with the transcendental sound vibration. O Godbrothers, please return to this standard and give up your false pride.

3.7 Once the greatly learned man known as Kalidasa Naga had openly challenged our master in the public assembly by saying:

3.8 "Kali's mission is keeping the entire world falsely contented with material pleasures– why then are your disciples keeping the essential message of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu locked up in a cage?"

3.9 Oh, shame! shame! my dear Godbrothers – aren't we embarrassed by what we're doing? In the manner of mundane businessmen we deceptively increase the numbers of our own disciples.

3.10 Our spiritual master had told us to go out and preach! Let the neophytes remain inside the temples and simply ring the bells.

Caturtha Vaisistya (Fourth Distinction)

4.1 All these things that we have fabricated are not our spiritual master's preaching methods. All these deviations are the business of the caste gosvamis who are fond of posing as gurus.

4.2 Just open your eyes and see the tragedy that has arisen.
Everyone has become a sense enjoyer and has given up preaching.

4.3 In your temples you have even begun to lock the doors tight. Oh, just preach this bhagavata-dharma – don't procrastinate any longer!

4.4 Within the surface of this planet there is another layer of the earth's crust. But the power of sound is a matchless force that can penetrate right through the earth.

4.5 As it is said: "The malla [Muslim priest] only ventures out as far as the mosque extends" – all preaching that is limited by concepts such as this should be put to an end this very day!

4.6 From sea to sea, crossing the earth, penetrating the universal shell, all of us should unite in purpose and flood the lands with the inundation of Krsna conscious preaching!

4.7 Doing so, then this annual ceremony of coming together to worship our spiritual master will be honored quite appropriately. Please make your promise on this very day to give up all your political wrangling.

4.8 Everyone, please come together on this very day and contribute your valued opinion. All of us can assemble to discuss the situation and decide what should be done.

4.9 You have become renunciants, O Godbrothers, and so you indeed renounce everything. But if you also give up the order of your spiritual master, then what kind of renunciation is that?

4.10 One who tries to enjoy the assets of his spiritual master (guru-bhogi) and one who renounces his guru's order (guru-tyagi) are two kinds of useless persons. But one who actually serves his spiritual master (guru-sevi) will clearly understand all these things.

Pancama Vaisistya (Fifth Distinction)

5.1 There is only one all-opulent Supreme Lord; therefore, if one's personal opulence increases, a truly saintly person rejects it, knowing it to be the cause of a dangerous position in the material world.

5.2 Your hoarding of money, O Godbrothers, is the cause of material sense gratification. This meaningful statement was spoken by Prabhupada himself.

5.3 Give up your personal wealth for the cause of preaching. Sit down together and make a special effort to plan for its practical use.

5.4 The Supreme Lord Himself says, "Everything is Mine alone." Don't say anything in protest – just joint together and preach.

5.5 Srila Prabhupada personally gave that command as his final instruction to us. Please take great care to carry out his wish by adopting various preaching tactics.

5.6 Otherwise your efforts are in vain and all your results will be spoiled. Be very careful in this regard, or later you will regret everything.

5.7 So what is the difficulty if all of us would come together in this way? And why do these things even have to be said to you?

5.8 Please give up your stubbornness – there is no better time than this! Oh come, all my Godbrothers, this is the auspicious occasion to unite as one!

Sasta Vaisistya (Sixth Distinction)

6.1 When will that day come when there will be a temple established in each and every home in all corners of the world?

6.2 When the high court judges sitting on the bench will be devout Gaudiya Vaisnavas with radiant tilaka marks beautifully decorating their foreheads?

6.3 When a Vaisnava winning votes from the people will be elected President of the country, and pure preaching, O Godbrothers, will be spreading out everywhere?

6.4 But now all the demons are simply plundering and enjoying the Lord's resources as the helpless populace cries out in distress, "Alas! Alas!"

6.5 The demons want to concoct so many "plans" just to cheat the people. They outlandishly sell wheat flour at thirty-two rupees a mound.

6.6 Will opening an iron factory fill a hungry man's belly? Being afflicted with starvation, the people will eat grass and mango pits.

6.7 By simply wearing a string coasting two paisa, a man is called a brahmana. By simply wearing a cloth dyed saffron, another has become a sannyasi.

6.8 The householders now beg alms from the sannyasis, and why not? The sannyasis have tends of millions of rupees in the bank.

6.9 The pernicious influence of Kali-yuga increases day by day as the poor souls tortured by Kali are all crying out in distress, "Alas! Alas!"

6.10 Ten thousand cows are killed every day in the slaughterhouses, and the nation's so-called leaders are eating untouchable foodstuffs.

6.11 People of dull intelligence keep having babies and thus increase their numbers day by day. A husband and his wife separate forever merely because of the first unpleasant word.

6.12 All the people have become demons under the influence of the age of Kali. Everyone is miserable due to the absence of the mercy of the Vaisnavas.

Saptama Vaisistya (Seventh Distinction)

7.1 The Vaisnavas are famous as para-duhkha-duhkhi, for they are saddened to see others suffering. This fame will simply increase as they continue their preaching.

7.2 When devotional service to Krsna, which is eternally perfect, is awakened in everyone, then the personality of Kali will flee for his life, loudly wailing, "Alas! Alas!"

7.3 "One must work for the benefit of all living beings." That is Mahaprabhu's teaching. (Cc Adi 9.43) This activity is the storehouse of happiness in the present life as well as the next.

7.4 According to this command, much work has fallen into your hands, O Godbrothers, so please gather together in a unified effort and see that it is done.

7.5 Vasudeva Datta said to Lord Caitanya, after first paying obeisance: "Please deliver all the living beings from the material world."

7.6 "Give all their sins and sufferings to me, who am the lowest of all. In this way, all the distress of the miserable conditioned souls will be relieved."

7.7 Vasudeva Datta was the best of Vaisnavas, becoming sad to see others suffering. He knew that there was no real happiness to be found in gratifying his own senses.

7.8 And what kind of mercy can be demonstrated by those who are not Vaisnavas? Those who show compassion to others under the banner of "poor-Narayana" philosophy are simply offenders to the Lord.

7.9 The mercy that is displayed by the Vaisnavas is scientific and authorized. Without the Vaisnavas' mercy, this world remains as an insurmountable illusion.

7.10 If there is a kingdom of Lord Visnu and the Vaisnavas
established here on earth, only then will the people be happy. This is confirmed by all the great saints and sages.

Astama Vaisistya (Eighth Distinction)

8.1 Why are all the people crying for Rama-rajya, the kingdom governed by the Lord? The only way it can be achieved is by establishing a Visnu-centered nation.

8.2 Lord Krsna personally installed King Yudhisthira to rule upon the royal lion-throne. At that time, the whole world was opulent with riches and grains due to the auspiciousness of having a Vaisnava leader.

8.3 The rivers, streams, trees, fields, and mountains were all full of fruits and flowers. The milk-cows were indeed overflowing with an abundance of milk.

8.4 Even the animals, birds, and lower creatures did not kill each other as they do now. The quality of life in that Vaisnava kingdom was glorified throughout the universe.

8.5 Immersed in transcendental bliss, everyone was singing the glories of Lord Hari. Seeing this, the hearts of the Vaisnavas were leaping in ecstasy.

8.6 But today the entire world is filled with mundane people who are devoid of even a trace of devotion to Lord Krsna; instead they are completely enamored with material sense objects.

8.7 Still, these people are searching for peace of mind. By preaching Krsna consciousness, please fulfill their desire.

8.8 On this very day, O Godbrothers, reconcile your separate factions and unite. Come to the rescue of all these fallen souls by preaching Krsna consciousness to them.

8.9 O Srila Prabhupada! Please be merciful upon us today. Have compassion now and let us feel your affection for us.

8.10 Whatever independence we may have, let it be cast now into the waters. The lowly Abhay offers this presentation today.

Vrndavana, Radha Damodara.