Non-ISKCON devotees in ISKCON?
Social · asked by user [] · 2009-11-11 · 12 answers
Greetings.
I know of two devotees who take siksa from a non-ISKCON guru. Those two devotees still function as ISKCON devotees (one is even a pujari) and have their articles published in BTG (without there being any mention of their actual status) and function as teachers for devotees, within ISKCON.
One of them published the information about taking siksa from a non-ISKCON guru on his public, open-access webpage, so it is not a secret.
As far as I know, there is a GBC decision that anyone seeking siksa outside ISKCON must leave ISKCON, and that upon initiation, new devotees must vow not to associate with anyone who takes siksa outside of ISKCON.
My question is:
Is there a GBC decision or guideline or something similar dealing with this issue of devotees who take siksa outside of ISKCON but who still remain within ISKCON?
Thank you.
I know of two devotees who take siksa from a non-ISKCON guru. Those two devotees still function as ISKCON devotees (one is even a pujari) and have their articles published in BTG (without there being any mention of their actual status) and function as teachers for devotees, within ISKCON.
One of them published the information about taking siksa from a non-ISKCON guru on his public, open-access webpage, so it is not a secret.
As far as I know, there is a GBC decision that anyone seeking siksa outside ISKCON must leave ISKCON, and that upon initiation, new devotees must vow not to associate with anyone who takes siksa outside of ISKCON.
My question is:
Is there a GBC decision or guideline or something similar dealing with this issue of devotees who take siksa outside of ISKCON but who still remain within ISKCON?
Thank you.
user [451] · 2009-11-11
"One of them published the information about taking siksa from a non-ISKCON guru on his public, open-access webpage, so it is not a secret."can u forward me the link for the website prabhu,thanks.
Ysvt.
HK!
user [198] · 2009-11-12
Is there a GBC decision or guideline or something similar dealing with this issue of devotees who take siksa outside of ISKCON but who still remain within ISKCON?Dont know if there is any such guideline but even if there is some guideline how will they implement it. If someone is really interested in taking siksa outside ISKCON, he can read the books, listen to lectures of devotees who are from outside ISKCON. How GBC will find out? They can not put cameras in devotees houses. Imho, it is not even practical, unless GBC turns into some kind of moral police and makes a strong spy network which will constantly spy on devotees.
user [38] · 2009-11-12
See section 8.2.1. of ISKCON Laws. http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/editorials/10-07/lawbook.docuser [447] · 2009-11-13
I used to read BTG in good faith that it is from ISKCON. Then I found out that some of the authors of those articles are suspicious.One such devotee even made a suggestion to me personally to the effect of "You could try checking out this teacher [name of non-ISKCON guru], perhaps that would be a better fit for you than ISKCON".
I was very disturbed by that, didnt know what to make of it, hence my question.
user [154] · 2009-11-13
Prabhupada was not objecting to non ISKCON devotees publishing in his BTG.user [459] · 2009-11-13
Actually baker you should develop a certain faith as a result of reading on this site.CCD AND VEDA are genuine sources of competent siksa...in my humble opinion.They follow and are competent as a result should be given a sincere appreciation.Otherwise you will just float around unable to progress.However this depends on youre particular mood and sukriti built up over many life times.hare krishna.user [459] · 2009-11-13
Actually there comes a time when as a older devotee we need to study and appreciate other rooms of the same vaisnava line.Our spiritual uncles and grand farthers....out of necessity and actual appreciation of their unique spiritual legacy.Such is the nature of my own situation.But one requires generally many years of training and srimad bhagavatam classes ...then it is time.You should be very careful whose opinion you accept on the net! Hence since i also am a little furthe on...than you i made this genuine suggestion.hare krishna. baker ...user [471] · 2009-11-14
I dont see the reason for concern about this, since there are so many bonafide nonISKCON Vaishnavas out there that are ready to help the fallen souls. What *does* make my blood boil are how many ISKCON temples are hosting seminars for mayavadi-hindu groups on ISKCON property. I can name many instances of being invited to mayavadi get togethers at the Los Angeles Hare Krishna temple. Yet, these are the same temple "leaders" that insult/shut out Vaishnavas from other camps.user [38] · 2009-11-14
Can you specify which mayavadis?user [471] · 2009-11-15
I know one of them is a lady guru, Mirabai. They used the prasadam hall across the street complete with the blessings of temple management. In another instance, I saw a flyer in the restaurant for a mayavadi lecturer, but I cant remember his name, but I know he wasnt in ISKCON. When I ask anyone in temple management, all they can say is, "Im not in charge of that department, prabhu". Yet, when important Vaishnavas, who ARE chanting Hare Krishna and ready and willing to help, they are treated like garbage because they are not in the ISKCON club. Whats next, well rent out the temple to Buddhists? Sorry for ranting, but this has bugged me for about a year and this post really hit a raw nerve.user [38] · 2009-11-15
I havent found anything about this current guru Mirabai. If theres anything its buried in the tons of info on the famous Mirabai. > a mayavadi lecturer, but I cant remember his name, but I know he wasnt in ISKCON.
Not everyone who is not from ISKCON is automatically mayavadi. I know that some devotees think like that but its unfounded.
My advice: collect facts and report to the local GBC.
user [459] · 2009-11-22
Silverspoons moment ccd ....Sraddha...initial faith in devotional service is described as the Halo of Radharani....Since she is the one you must approach ,quote from Srila Sridhara swami.......before our srila Prabhupada left he instructed iskcon to go to Srila Sridhara swami for any philosophical questions....