Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

i dont understand a thing. can someone translate it to plain english?
:)

The word Ritvik was used by Srila Prabhupada to describe the "reality" that was the natural relationship between men authorized by him to complete the formal aspect of the initiation process and the new disciples: ie the chanting of one round on the beads of the initiate and the giving of the new spiritual name - upon recieving confirmation of the new devotees strictly adhering to what is termed the "puruscharya activities" - outlined in the CC Madhya Lila 15:108 purport. These activities are described by SP as the "life force" of the devotees advancement in the chanting of the Mahamantra. Without these activities -one could chant for many lifetimes yet make little to not progress in ones going back to Godhead. They are officiating gurus. This is THE ORDER. They are ORDERED to function in this way. That is their authority. It is a most important task - but - it is subordinate to Srila Prabhupada as the source of this "process". Being the source of the "process" of knowldege by which all sinful reactions are destroyed - makes Srila Prabhupada - the Diksa guru - for his mission - for all those who voluntarily accept him as such.

I agree with the analogy of "ritvik" and other derogatory epithets, although my choice of epithet to compare it with is "commie".

The other stuff... well anything that I dont have personal experience of in Janmastamis writings I tend to ignore, because the things that I do know about (like his idea about what the Loft is all about and the article on my site that he quoted as "ISKCON policy") dont match up with his presentation.

He writes a mean gangsta rap though, and hes definitely got the whole feud thing going. Respect. :-)

[quote]by neophytes and other less than significant individuals[/quote]
[p]i didnt read that article yet, and its not something im looking forward to, particularly, but the quote above makes the authors value-system pretty obvious. its one i dont agree with.[/p]
[p]whys this thread listed under philosophy, by the way?[/p]

To Pragosh21:

Are you the Pragosh of Dandavats.com of official Iskcon??

As Dandavats.com Pragosh is not preaching the same:the voted in gurus are all regular diksa gurus,and Srila Prabhupada,the siksa guru.Such different opinions are the cause of intense conflicts/wars ,just like the Catholic/Protestant and thousands of other ones in history.

I dont agree with ritviks-hindu family priest system originated by a non-initiated hindu,Krsna Kant Desai,the IRM,and editor of BTP magazine,as he has not gone through any training in a temple like most Srila Prabhupadas disciples and grand disciples,and so does not know of any austerities and surrendering to a pure devotees instructions,or any authority at all,is not dressed as a devotee,and doesnt attend any temple programs,working as a banker in London.

The guru,according to tradition,must have a personal relationship with his disciples,instruct him,according to his intellectual abilities.
Why many gurus failed in the past is that they didnt follow 100% the instructions of the Founder Acarya,or got tempted by sex and money,but this doesnt mean there are not who are following strictly at present and in future.Thats why the disciple shouldnt rush in getting initiated as with time only,study of the Acaryas books,coupled with chanting the Holy Names,rendering service to vaisnavas,can enlighten us about spiritual life.Initiation,having understood who is guru,[someone who can control his senses completely and is completely absorbed in service of Krsna-1st verse-Nectar of instruction]
Such souls are very rare,but present gurus and disciples can and will also attain such state in future,and is not restricted to the founder Acarya.

Disciples,whose gurus have fallen,shouldnt get "re-initiated"if they are following Srila Prabhupadas instructions sincerely,as they are progressing surely.Brahman initiation,mainly for Deity worship and preaching activities is necessary,but is not for everyone,due to the austerities/purity required.There are many fakes around...but whats the use of pretending?