Following in the IRM’s Footsteps
Back To Prabhupada, Issue 58, Vol 2, 2018
I
n a feature article we ran in BTP 30 titled "ISKCON's New Mission", we summarised the various deviations within ISKCON which we had been pointing out for years. We thus showed how ISKCON was engaging in wholesale deviation – and therefore had become a completely different and new entity compared to the ISKCON founded by Srila Prabhupada.
Now, many years later, GBC member Malati Dasi ("MD") has accepted the points we made, in a presentation to the ISKCON Leadership Sanga – ISKCON's entire leadership body. The presentation by MD was entitled "Weakened Standards Weaken ISKCON". Her statements from this presentation are enclosed in the shaded boxes below – and given under the same headings used, and follow a summary of what was stated, in our original BTP 30 article. All emphases added.
We pointed out that ISKCON temples are no longer the preserve for the exclusive worship of Lord Krishna, but instead the worship of demigods, such as Shiva, has been introduced.
MD states:
MD agrees with the IRM that ISKCON temples, instead of only worshipping Krishna, have also introduced demigod worship. MD also accepts that what is happening in ISKCON is not a minor issue, but rather a fundamental shift, since it is a "moving away from the core", which is a deviation from Srila Prabhupada's orders.
We reported on non-authorised deity worship standards in ISKCON.
MD states:
MD confirms the IRM's point that ISKCON no longer adheres to the standards of deity worship given by Srila Prabhupada. And that this deviation is a "big one", for which she can give "many examples", even including it happening at one of ISKCON's "sacred institutions".
We reported on the increasing push within ISKCON of books that are written by people other than Srila Prabhupada, and which compete with his books.
MD states:
Hence, we can see that MD confirms the IRM's point that Srila Prabhupada's books are no longer given prominence, and that actually they are often absent, whereas effort is made to ensure that other people's books are present.
We stated that the Hare Krsna maha-mantra is meant exclusively as a means of spiritual purification to connect us to Krishna. It is never considered a mantra meant for acquiring material benefits.
MD states:
Hence, we can see that MD confirms the IRM's point that ISKCON today violates the purpose of chanting Hare Krishna by engaging in it for material ends.
We reported on the watered-down preaching that goes on in ISKCON, where even leaders refuse to mention the Holy Name, Krishna, or Srila Prabhupada.
MD states:
Hence, we can see MD confirms the IRM's point that there is a reluctance to even mention the maha-mantra, Srila Prabhupada, or Krishna. This deviation is widespread enough that even ISKCON sannyasis are doing it, resulting in watered-down preaching.
The presentation gives many more examples that confirm the IRM's points about ISKCON's wholesale deviation:
• Indifference to Srila Prabhupada's guru-puja by devotees, including leaders.
• Using ISKCON devotees and assets without acknowledging Srila Prabhupada.
• Relationship building with Srila Prabhupada minimised.
• Lowering the bar on Srila Prabhupada's standards.
• More elaborate guru-pujas for other "gurus" than for Srila Prabhupada.
• The "not my guru" syndrome. For example, devotees not fasting on Srila Prabhupada's disappearance day because Srila Prabhupada is "not their guru".
• Lumping Srila Prabhupada in with other "gurus".
• Devotees picking and choosing instructions.
• Weak sadhana standards.
• Weak prasadam standards (use of onion/garlic, coffee/tea).
• Relaxed sexual behaviour.
1. When we have stated these deviations we have been criticised by ISKCON's leadership as being "offensive", "fault-finding", etc. But they are now stating the same!
2. Hence, this presentation could easily have been someone reading out a BTP issue! But it was actually a GBC member finally confirming what the IRM has been saying since the last century!
Please chant: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare. And be Happy!