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EDITORIAL March 15, 2000 VNN5687 Comment on this story GBC Reform - The Deeper Diagnosis BY NISCALA DD EDITORIAL, Mar 15 (VNN) — Brahma Prabhu had me convinced for a luxurious moment of wishful thinking, that his positive changes were really a-happening in Iskcon....In this moment of indulgence, I was hopeful enough to write the following, that even such wishful reform barely scratches the surface... It is encouraging to hear that our GBC is making steps toward reform, "In a moving tear filled seen of great humility the GBC unanimously apologized and stated that they personally bared the main burden of responsibility for the many aparads that have caused the crumbling of "Srila Prabhupada's house that the whole world could live in peacefully" In a sincere tone of redemption..."
If the GBC really have had a change of heart, and are now possessed of "great humility", will they now consider the opinions and advice of the non-GBC members as non-threatening? Will they be able to take advice from those that they previously slandered and made resolutions against to protect their image? "...for offenses that occurred in regards to the widespread abuse of power, abuse of women and children, as well as the hypocrisy that has alienated and shattered the faith and trust of thousands of Srila Prabhupada's disciples for the last couple of decadesî What is most shattering to my faith and trust is that when books are written that deeply probe the fundamental causes of such dysfunctional behaviour and offer well-researched, far-sighted solutions which are in the reach of us all-, then they are treated with disdain and rejection by our leaders, due only to the "delivery". For example the Our Mission series by Kundali. The GBC rejected these books, many without even reading them, and yet devotees the world over have appreciated them as most effective, valuable and timely contributions. The GBC did not stop with the books, they also gave the author punishment-without -trial by bullying him with character assassination, threats and removal of service. What a vaisnava way to treat the loyal opposition! We are reminded me of how Ravana reacted to the advice of his well-wishing brother Vibisena. Lord Rama the ideal ruler, in contrast, went in disguise to hear criticism of his rulership, so He could get clues as to how to improve His leadership. He took the advice of even a washerman because it furthered the principles of religion. Our leaders rejected the advice that was given in these books on the basis it did not have sufficiently sweet delivery. Do vaisnavas need to use sweet tone as an only means of communication? Is the simple truth not enough?. If so it does not speak well for our integrity and sincerity. Srila Prabhupada: "Satyam, truth means that facts should be presented as they are, for the benefit of others. Facts should not be misrepresented. According to social conventions, it is said that one can speak the truth only when it is palatable to others. But that is not truthfulness. The truth should be spoken in a straightforward way, so that others will understand actually what the facts are. If a man is a thief and if people are warned he is a thief, that is truth. Although sometimes the truth is unpalatable, one should not refrain from speaking it. Truthfulness demands that the facts be presented as they are for the benefit of others. That is the definition of truth." (Bhagavad-gita) Obviously Prabhupada would never ban a book on the basis of lack of sweet tone; truth is the criteria, facts presented as they are. When the book "In Vaikuntha Not Even the Leaves Fall" was published, the GBC again reacted by condemning the authors and the book as "against Prabhupada" even though the authors quoted Srila Prabhupada faithfully throughout, defending Prabhupada's position as upholding the parampara conclusions. The conclusion was fully supported by sastra, and by the words of Srila Prabhupada, but at odds with the GBC's conclusion, so they banned the book and wrote another "authorized" version on the issue, misquoting this book in the process, labelling it as "deviant", and again condemning the authors. And yet Srila Prabhupada said".. our Krsna consciousness movement is for training men to be independently thoughtful.." Where is such a possibility when opinions other than the GBC's are not even allowed to exist? Krsna das Kaviraja advised us not to avoid controversy for it: "strengthens the mind and thus one's mind becomes attached to Krsna" Srila Prabhupada told us to examine the philosophy "from all angles of vision"- not just from the angle of the GBC. Chanakya Pandita advised: "No one should be disrespected Everyone's opinion should be heard. The wise should heed even a child's sensible words" Will the GBC please heed these sensible words of Chanakya, Krsna das and Prabhupada and stop banning these books and doing nasty things to the authors- especially the afore-mentioned ones which are so much appreciated by many rank-and-file members as great milestones in reform ? "Tears are not enough. More frugal eating habits and the wearing of shoes is beside the point. Show us your sincerity by having a thorough look at books which thoroughly diagnose our problems, and offer far-sighted solutions. Let us see some discussion of them so that in the future, reform of the crisis-management type will not be necessary. Do more than treat the external symptoms- abuse of people, power and wealth, but go to the heart of the matter. Treat the sickness before it reaches crisis point. Start with not condemning those who diagnose your illness, and apologize for doing it in the past ". If this appears that I am against the GBC, or cynical about their efforts I am not. I think the recent events look the most hopeful yet. But just like the reforms in '85, external change cannot help. It can be just for show, with the mentality remaining the same. Proof will be there when they start the implementation of varnasrama, by taking (or at least considering) the advice of independent brahmanas- those whose only business is to use their intelligence for Krsna. Kundali suggested a team of such advisors, a loyal opposition, a "conscience for Iskcon" in his book, Our Mission. I have already discussed what happened to that effort. I hope our GBC has also regretted the loss of faith and trust that has resulted from these actions as well. Not just their misuse of funds- that is just the beginning though it is encouraging. If they go no further than that, though, and continue to condemn and ostracize the "independently thoughtful" advisors, ignoring all their research, then what can we conclude, other than it may be all for saving face. Comment on this story  Contact VNN about this storySend this story to a friend
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