Was SP told of the abuse in the gurukuls in 1972?
Social · asked by user [] · 2008-05-21 · 4 answers
I was just reading an article on a court case and they claim that SP was TOLD about the rampant abuse in the gurukul system and chose to cover it up. I am aware that guru knows everything, but I always believed that he was never directly told. If he was told when did this happen, and who was he told by, and what was he told? Was he told of the offenses taking place in the Holy Dham? How do other Vaisnavas feel about visting places where this abuse took place like certian ISKON temples and farms?
user [19] · 2008-05-22
can you tell us which article you are referring to?user [265] · 2008-05-22
More on it here: http://www.vnn.org/world/WD9811/WD04-2455.html1972 - According to Prabhupadas letters, by this time he was aware of temple presidents beating their wives and child abuse in gurukula (Rochford, 1998, p. 49 )
I do not believe for a moment that Prabhupada would cover up the abuse of children, given his forceful condemnations of such activitias. But he decided not go to the police with this problem, dealing with it internally instead.
user [290] · 2008-05-22
http://iskcon.krishna.org/Articles/2001/02/00256.htmlThis claims SP was told in 1972. I understand SP did not want to go to police but I think a intensive investigation by people other than the abusers would have been warranted. How was it possible for these "gurus to get away with these crimes without anything happening? One Kirtananada served time but he is now in the loving embrace of his flock in India.
user [265] · 2008-05-23
[quote][cite] Syam:[/cite]... I think a intensive investigation by people other than the abusers would have been warranted. How was it possible for these "gurus to get away with these crimes without anything happening? One Kirtananada served time but he is now in the loving embrace of his flock in India.[/quote]I agree that such an investigation should have been done, complete with severe punishments for all those involved. Why it has not been done? I do not know. Perhaps Prabhupada trusted his disciples too much? He kept in power even repeat offenders like Kirtanananda, Bhavananda, Hamsadutta, Guru-kripa and others, hoping that they will reform through the process he gave them. Unfortunately this has not happened, and these people are still cheating others.