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EDITORIAL February 1, 1999 VNN2944 Srila B.V. Narayan Maharaja's Service To Srila Prabhupada BY JNANADAS ADHIKARY EDITORIAL, Feb 1 (VNN) — Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayan Maharaja's Service to Srila Prabhupada and all the Acaryas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava Bhagavata-guru Parampara His True Brilliance (A paper written in glorification of Srila Prabhupada) by Jnanadas Adhikary (A very senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada) Introduction Truthfulness is the last remaining leg of religion in Kali Yuga. Srila Prabhupada taught us to seek the truth behind the material facade. So naturally we want to be truthful, in order to find the Ultimate Truth, which is Krishna. Many devotees are concerned, and perhaps confused, about Srila Narayana Maharajas relationship and interactions with ISKCON. It is important to understand the situation in perspective. Maharaja is pointing out a deep misunderstanding of Srila Prabhupadas mission in Krishna consciousness. Srila Prabhupada wants to engage us in Mahaprabhus mission of spreading pure, spontaneous love for Krishna. Srila Prabhupada said many times that he wants us to become pure lovers of Krishna in this lifetime, and that the whole purpose of regulated devotional service (vaidhi- bhakti) is to bring us to this point. But the movement as a whole has become stuck at an intermediate level. We mistrust change, and we want to think that we are right. So it is not easy to hear someone who claims to know Srila Prabhupadas intention better than we do. At first we will tend to misunderstand and oppose such a person. But we should continue to seek the truth. Recent rumours and papers have obscured the truth. Certainly there are issues to discuss regarding Srila Narayana Maharaja. But this should be done openly and truthfully. We cannot approach the truth by accepting or spreading misleading and untruthful allegations. The more we appreciate Srila Prabhupada's true brilliance, the more we will understand the goal of our life in Krsna consciousness. Srila Narayana Maharaja is pointing out Srila Prabhupada's true brilliance to us. In so doing, he is fulfilling his promise to his siksa-guru and dear friend, despite so many difficulties and obstacles. Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja gives extended discourses about the very confidential pastimes of Radha and Krsna and the gopis". Fact: Srila Narayana Maharaja never discusses intimate pastimes in public. His talks have no erotic content. He doesnt talk about touching or kissing or anything else which might remind us of mundane love affairs. In the past, Maharaja held private darsans, in which he answered the questions of senior devotees regarding raganuga-bhakti and pastimes in Vraja. He does not give such talks in public, although he educates all grades of devotees about the relationship between vaidhi-bhakti and raganuga-bhakti. It is true that Maharaja has related the pastime in which Krishna dresses as a young girl and uses flowers to simulate breasts. Kripamoya Prabhu also related it in his Radhastami lecture at Bhaktivedanta Manor in 1996. Parasurama Prabhu and the GBC have complained in their papers about Maharaja relating this pastime. In specifying the pastime, they were also relating it themselves. No one has protested, presumably because it is not actually disturbing to hear this pastime. Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja said in a talk that, as a preacher, Srila Prabhupada is a servant of Mahavisnu and not of Lord Caitanya". Fact: This is untrue. In the talk quoted, Srila Narayana Maharaja glorified Srila Prabhupada, and said that he has come from Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and is "the part and parcel of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Rasaraja mahabhava". Some devotees have misunderstood Maharaja to mean the exact opposite of what he was actually saying. Maharaja wants us to understand that Srila Prabhupada came from Mahaprabhu to give pure love for Krsna. Everything else that he gave -- the holy name; Bhagavad- gita; varnashrama-dharma; book distribution; establishing temples, and so on -- was to help fulfill Mahaprabhu's mission of spreading pure love for Krsna. Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja gives a false emphasis on raganuga-bhakti. Srila Prabhupada did not teach us about raganuga-bhakti, nor did he make it part of our practice. We should avoid getting involved in this whole area altogether, or we will make offences and fall down". Fact: This is perhaps the biggest misunderstanding in the movement. Many devotees assume, "We will probably stay in vaidhi-bhakti all our lives, and then go back to Godhead. Raganuga-bhakti is only for the very rare paramahamsas". This flatly contradicts Srila Prabhupadas clear instructions. For instance, The Nectar of Instruction clearly and repeatedly states (in Texts Eight to Eleven) that spontaneous devotional service (raganuga-bhakti) is the very essence of devotional service. Srila Prabhupada said that this book "constitutes the first instructions for neophyte devotees". He said, not once but many times, that the whole purpose of regulated devotional service (vaidhi-bhakti) is to bring us to the point of spontaneous devotional service (raganuga-bhakti). The regulative principles are designed to take us gradually to the platform of spontaneous love of Krsna, which is the perfection of human life. [SPL, 29th April 1974][see also, for example, Bhagavad-gita 12.8-9; SP letter 22nd Dec 1972; Lecture 12.11.1972; Caitanya-caritamrta Adi-lila 3.14-28, 4.15-53, 7.18-30 and Madhya-lila 8.205-230, 22.109, purport]. Srila Prabhupada explained that pure devotional service is identical with spontaneous devotional service. The regulative principles help ordinary devotees rise to the platform of perfect love of Godhead. Pure love for Krishna is the perfection of pure devotion, and pure devotional service is identical with spontaneous devotional service. [C.C. A.l. 4.22, purport] We have not actually reached the platform of actual Krishna consciousness (krsna-bhakti-rasa) until we are performing spontaneous devotional service in one of the four active rasas. [C.C. M.l. 8.70, 71, 139, purports] As regards falling down, Srila Prabhupada said that we are most likely to fall down if we do not come to the platform of spontaneous devotional service. Vaidhi-bhakti, that is apprenticeship. Real bhakti, para-bhakti is raganuga-bhakti. ... The sastric process [regulated devotional service, or vaidhi-bhakti] is kanistha-adhikara, lowest stage of devotional service. Such a devotee can fall down at any moment. [Lecture, Vrndavana, 12/11/1972] One who has not been atrracted by the transcendental beauty of rasa will certainly be dragged down into material attraction. [C.C. Al. 4.35, purport] Allegation: "Srila Prabhupada said we shouldnt aspire for raganuga-bhakti before we are liberated". Fact: Srila Narayana Maharaja points to Srila Prabhupada's purport to Text Eight of The Nectar of Instruction, where he says that the cultivation of raganuga-bhakti, or spontaneous devotional service is applicable "both in the stage of sadhana [spiritual practices executed while in the stage of bondage] and in the stage of sadhya [God realization], when one is a siddha-purusa, or a spiritually perfect soul. [NOI, Text Eight, purport] Allegation: "Srila Prabhupada said that we should not hear about Radha and Krsnas loving affairs until we are on the liberated platform, and free from material contamination". Fact: Srila Prabhupada did say this, but we should understand precisely what means when he uses these terms. In Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, he explains elaborately that hearing about the pastimes of Krsna and the gopis is part of the process of purification. Sukadeva Goswami concludes the episode of rasa-lila by pointing out that if a person hears from the right source about the pastimes of Krsna, who is Visnu Himself, and the gopis, who are expansions of His energy, then he will be relieved from the most dangerous type of disease, namely lust. If one actually hears rasa-lila, he will become completely freed from the lusty desire of sex life and elevated to the highest level of spiritual understanding. [Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Chapter 33, Description of the Rasa Dance] Srila Narayana Maharaja analyzes this point from the scriptural viewpoint in the Introduction to his Venu-gita. He quotes commentaries by Srila Sridhara Svami, Srila Jiva Gosvami and Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. All these acaryas say that it is very beneficial, indeed essential, for all grades of devotees to hear rasa-lila from a bona-fide spiritual master. It is true that Srila Prabhupada says in a purport in Caitanya-caritamrta that conditioned souls should not try to hear about Radha-Krsna lila. In the same purport, he also explains the criterion: "When one is liberated and hears of Lord Krsnas and Radhas loving affairs, he is not inclined to have lusty desires" [C.C. M.l. 8.255] If we are liberated enough to hear about these affairs without having lusty desires, there is no harm in hearing them. We should understand what Srila Prabhupada meant by "liberated". Srila Prabhupada explained that even third-class devotees are actually liberated. Even the third class devotees are liberated souls. .... Simply by fixing oneself in Krishna consciousness, engaging the senses in the service of the Lord, one is imperceptibly liberated. In other words, it is confirmed herewith that even a third-class devotee is in the transcendental position. .... That third-class devotees can also imperceptibly achieve liberation is accepted in all Vedic literatures. [S.B. 3.25.36, purport] Srila Prabhupada also says in The Nectar of Devotion we cannot desire to follow the inhabitants of Vraja until we "freed from material contamination". he explains that this means coming to the point of anartha-nivrtti. He defines this as being free from gross sinful activities. Nistha comes after anartha-nivrtti, and Srila Prabhupada says that even here sinful activities have not completely gone. If all the unwanted things are vanquished, then you'll have firm faith. Bhaktir bhavati naisthiki. Not that I am completely free from sinful activities, but prayesu, say, fifty percent, sixty percent is gone. [SP lecture] Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja engages inexperienced and unqualified devotees in raganuga- bhakti". Fact: This is untrue. Like Srila Prabhupada, Srila Narayana Maharaja says that those who have not yet developed eagerness for hearing and chanting should practise vaidhi-bhakti. He also describes the whole range of devotional service. This includes an understanding of the importance of spontaneous devotional service, and the steps towards attaining it. Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja is fostering sentimental sahajiya-ism with his teachings". Fact: Srila Prabhupada defined sahajiyas as pseudo-devotees who have no regard for scripture; who do not follow any authorised process; who imitate the emotions of advanced devotees before they themselves are free of gross anarthas; and who often use their religion as an excuse to commit sinful activities. None of this applies to Srila Narayana Maharaja, who bases his teachings completely on the teachings of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura, and the previous Vaishnava acaryas. He constantly refers to and explains their writings. He gives strong instructions on how to avoid jumping ahead in spiritual practice. Allegation: "It is quite wrong for Srila Narayana Maharaja to stress the cultivation of raganuga- bhakti. It will develop by itself as we become purified by our sadhana and by preaching the mission of Lord Caitanya". Fact: It is true that we can only develop spontaneous devotional service by serving the mission of Mahaprabhu, and preaching His message, as Srila Prabhupada did. But we need to know what that mission is before we can preach it. Caitanya-caritamrta tells us that Mahaprabhus mission was to spread spontaneous love of Krsna [see for example C.C. A.l. 3.4-33; 4.5-53; and 7.18-28]. Sri-Sri Panca-tattva distributed spontaneous love of Godhead by tasting it themselves. And Srila Prabhupada says that ISKCON follows this principle. "We strictly follow the principles set down by the Panca- tattva". [C.C. A.l. 7.23, purport] It is not true that spontaneous devotional service will develop automatically, without further endeavour on our part. It depends on our desire. "In this way, develop a desire to attain Me". [B.G. 12.9] Srila Rupa Gosvami emphasized the importance of our eagerness. "Pure devotional service in Krsna consciousness ... can be attained only by paying one price -- that is intense greed to obtain it". [Padyavali 14, quoted in C.C., M.l. 8.70] Srila Prabhupada discussed this verse in a class. It is such a nice thing. You have to pay the price. Yes. There is price. What is that? Srila Prabhupada suddenly shouted, "tatra-laulyam eka mulam!!! Simply your eagerness. That is the price. This price you have to pay. ... So this eagerness is very important. But it can be obtained, by the association of devotees. [Lecture, 5/8/72] Allegation: "We should not contemplate raganuga-bhakti at this stage, because Srila Prabhupada warned us strongly against worrying about our svarupa before we are ready: First deserve and then desire". Fact: Srila Narayana Maharaja repeatedly gives the same warning. Many devotees think that raganuga-sadhana involves jumping to the conception that we are gopis. This is a complete misunderstanding. In fact, the student first of all cultivates eagerness by good association, and by hearing from the proper sources. This is exactly in accordance with Srila Prabhupadas instructions in The Nectar of Instruction. One who has not yet developed interest in Krishna consciousness should give up all material motives and train his mind by following the progressive regulative principles, namely chanting and remembering Krishna and His name, form, quality, pastimes and so forth. In this way, after developing a taste for such things, one should try to live in Vrindavana and pass his time constantly remembering Krishnas name, fame, pastimes and qualities under the direction and protection of an expert devotee. This is the sum and substance of all instruction regarding the cultivation of devotional service. [NOI, Text Eight, purport] (emphasis added) Allegation: "Srila Prabhupada told us to avoid his Godbrothers, so we should not associate with Srila Narayana Maharaja". Fact: Srila Narayana Maharaja is not a Godbrother. To say that we should have nothing to do with the Gaudiya Matha is to deny Srila Prabhupadas final instructions and intention: "The war is over". He formed the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust, which was specifically "to bring unity amongst the Gaudiya Vaisnavas, especially the followers of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura". "We want cooperation". Srila Prabhupada did warn his disciples against some of his Godbrothers, but he was very favourable to others. For example, he greatly appreciated Srila Bhaktiprajnana Kesava Maharaja, who was his Srila Prabhupadas sannyasa-guru, and also the spiritual master of Srila Narayana Maharaja. Srila Prabhupada specifically requested Srila Narayana Maharaja to look after his disciples after his departure. We cannot whimsically deny this instruction. Sometimes devotees say that we should not associate with Srila Prabhupadas Godbrothers, and then quote them when this gives an apparent opportunity to criticise Srila Narayana Maharaja. Statement in ISKCON papers: "Srila Prabhupada criticised sahajiyas who are attached to women; who engage in sinful activities in Vrindavana; who smoke bidis; and dress like Rupa Gosvami". Fact: So does Srila Narayana Maharaja, who, like Srila Prabhupada has never done any of these things. In fact, he has a reputation for openly challenging and chastising the sahajiyas in Vrindavana. We may question the motive for broadcasting these derogatory statements, which clearly have nothing at all to do with reality. Is this truthful communication, or malicious rumour-mongering? Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja dresses the murti of his spiritual master in a sari". Fact: This is offensive fiction. Where are the names of people who claim to have seen such a grotesque pantomime? Srila Narayana Maharaja writes as follows about sahajiyas who dress up as females: Although males, they adopt a female dress and perform bhajan making themselves out to be sakhis. By such practices, they destroy themselves and others. .... Such persons become offenders at the feet of Lalita and Visakha and fall down to a most dreadful hell. [Sri Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu-bindhu, p. 126] Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja has no interest in Bhagavad-gita". Fact: The first half of Srila Narayana Maharaja's The Nectar of Govinda-lila is an elaborate commentary on Bhagavad-gita 18.65. Maharaja has written his own commentary on Bhagavad-gita, which includes the commentary of Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. It is intended that this will be published shortly. Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja does not preach himself or appreciate preaching". Fact: Srila Narayana Maharaja has preached extensively both in Vrindavana and in Navadvipa, where he has for many years led parikramas attended by up to 10,000 devotees. Members of his matha preach to their local congregation and throughout India. Srila Narayana Maharaja is also encouraging Western devotees to preach. But he says that they should preach in a way which is favourable for their sadhana and bhajana, rather than distracting them from it. Allegation: "Srila Bhaktipramode Puri Maharaja has criticised Srila Narayana Maharaja for his teachings". Fact: A disciple of Srila Puri Maharaja asked his spiritual master about this. Srila Puri Maharaja said "The ISKCON devotees came to me and asked several questions. And based on their questions, I answered in a particular way. And now they are using it against me by using my words against Srila Narayana Maharaja. Why are they doing that? Srila Narayana Maharaja is a bona fide preacher in our line. We are very happy that he is going to the West, and devotees should follow him. He is a rasika Vaisnava". Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja has expressed concern about Deities having names such as Radha-Parthasarathi, Rukmini-Dvarakadisa and Radha-Londonisvara". Fact: When Srila Prabhupada installed the Deities in Los Angeles, he called them Radha-Krsna. A particular devotee gave the names Rukmini-Dvarakadisa later on, and kept it even after Srila Prabhupada objected. It seems that the other two names were also given by Srila Prabhupada's disciples, and not by Srila Prabhupada himself. Srila Prabhupada himself spoke about the importance of using names which were not contradictory in rasa. Radha and Yasodananda-Krsna only live in Vrindavana, where Krsna does not have an isvara mood. Allegation: "Various members of the Gaudiya Matha do not agree with Srila Narayana Maharajas presentation of Krishna consciousness". Fact: Various members of the Gaudiya Matha also disagreed with Srila Prabhupada when he preached in the West, and gave harinam, gayatri and sannyasa to Westerners. An inspired, visionary acarya is not understood immediately, so disgreement does not necessarily mean that he is wrong. Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharajas guru maharaja, Srila Kesava Maharaja, told Maharaja that he was not qualified to initiate". Fact: What is the source of this story? None of Srila Prabhupadas disciples knew Srila Kesava Maharaja, who passed away nearly 30 years ago, in 1968. Allegation: "Srila Narayana Maharaja is taking devotees away from ISKCON". Fact: Maharaja does not want to disturb the structure of ISKCON at all, or build his own movement. He just wants ISKCON devotees to have good association and instruction. We cannot possibly make proper spiritual advancement association with advanced devotees, and good instruction. This is the very basis of Gaudiya Vaisnava teaching and practice. Any spiritual authority or bona fide guru is happy for devotees to get association and siksa from a more advanced devotee. No bona fide guru will prevent his disciples from getting the advanced association which is essential for their spiritual progress. Maharaja promised Srila Prabhupada to help look after his disciples. No one has the authority to prevent this, because Maharaja is not deviating us from Srila Prabhupadas mission, but bringing us back to it. For years, Maharaja repeatedly inspired ISKCON devotees to have faith in their gurus. He also gave the ISKCON leaders association and instruction, so that they could pass it on to the rest of the movement. Some supposed authorities have tried to prevent ISKCON devotees from associating with Maharaja. But he is still obliged to give shelter to devotees who understand the situation and want his association. Appendix: Some background Srila Narayana Maharaja, was a close friend of Srila Prabhupada both before and after Srila Prabhupada founded ISKCON. He helped to convince Srila Prabhupada to take sannyasa; he made Srila Prabhupadas danda; and he officiated at the sannyasa ceremony. He sent karatalas and mrdangas to Srila Prabhupada in America; and was the only person to meet Srila Prabhupada when he came back to India with his disciples. At that time Maharaja was the only devotee in Vrindavan who would respect prasadam cooked by Srila Prabhupadas disciples. Srila Prabhupada wrote more than 200 letters to Maharaja. Maharaja entrusted them to the BBT Archives, but they were unfortunately destroyed in a fire at Gita-Nagari. Not one of them appears in the records of Srila Prabhupadas letters. This gives the false impression that there was no connection between Srila Prabhupada and Srila Narayana Maharaja during the development of ISKCON. Just before Srila Prabhupada passed away, he had Maharaja instruct the GBC and sannyasis in his presence, and requested Maharaja to look after his disciples after his departure. Srila Narayana Maharaja accepted this as the final instruction of his siksa guru. Over the years, Maharaja, like other senior Gaudiya Vaisnavas, became concerned about an imbalance which he saw within ISKCON. Srila Prabhupada engaged us in vaidhi-bhakti (bhakti according to regulative principles) to elevate us to the platform of spontaneous devotional service, or raganuga-bhakti. However, the whole issue of advancing to the platform of spontaneous devotional service appeared to have been shelved, or dismissed altogether. In about 1990, some senior members began to consult with Srila Narayana Maharaja, who explained to them at great length the Gaudiya Vaisnava teachings on spontaneous devotional service. Maharaja hoped that these senior devotees would give the rest of the movement the benefit of these instructions. For one reason or another, this did not happen. In 1993, the GBC became concerned and decided that no ISKCON devotees should have association with Srila Narayana Maharaja, personally or through his books and tapes. However, they could not give a substantial reason for the ban. In 1996, one of Maharajas disciples offered to pay for him to visit the West. Maharaja decided to come and enliven and encourage Srila Prabhupadas disciples, as Srila Prabhupada had requested, and to make a pilgrimage to places where Srila Prabhupada had established temples and installed Deities. In 1996, Maharaja visited Holland, UK and USA; and in early 1997, he also visited Australia and Malaysia. Many devotees old and young, new and mature, were inspired by his personal presence, and found his instructions to be like a breath of transcendental fresh air. This is not an "official statement", but the personal convictions and understanding of a few devotees. For more details and information, or to give suggestions and feedback, please contact: Madan Mohan dasa at: 106650.1421@compuserve.com Comment on this Story This story URL: http://www.vnn.org/editorials/ET9902/ET01-2944.html
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