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It’s most important that the framework  Prabhupada said he gave remains recorded and is set in stone ,in the form of a constitution  . If this is not in place , there is a free reign , by any future leader, to morph ISKCON into what Prabhupada did not want , some will argue,  its already happening  .

This should be completed by the remaining disciples as a matter of urgency . a simple straightforward document , not an overly complex document of 60 or so pages ,  that allows for  myriads of interpretations ,  that nobody bothers to read or understand . The constitution should be an elaboration of the seven directives ,given by Prabhupada,  but kept to a reasonable length and with the essentials of his mission  highlighted and set in stone , that all temples and centres must comply by .

It was his management idea to do so , so things can not go adrift . There is a difference between a constitution and ISKCON laws,  which should further elaborate on how the constitution should be followed ,  the current , and must be authentic and follow Guru Sadhu and historical sastra .

Prabhupada. Had this conversation.

GBC does not mean to control a centre. GBC means to see that the activities of a centre go on nicely. I do not know why Tamala is exercising his absolute authority. That is not the business of GBC. The president, treasurer, and secretary are responsible for managing the centre. GBC is to see that things are going nicely but not to exert absolute authority. That is not in the power of GBC. Tamala should not do like that. The GBC men can not impose anything on the men of a centre without consulting all of the GBC members first. A GBC member can not go beyond the jurisdiction of his power. We are in the experimental stage, but in the next meeting of the GBC members, they should form a constitution and see how the GBC members manage the whole affair .

The mission of  AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ~ …..Our mission  and goal is to fulfill the vision of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada , founder Acarya of ISKCON in establishing consciousness of Krishna in the hearts of all , using the process and application of  the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu . The systematic path to enlightenment that  He  taught to The Gosvamis of Vrndavana headed by Rupa Goswami and Ragganathha das Goswami  , its purposes are  to  introduce the methods of the Sankirtana movement, that irresistibly in time , and if one follows strictly and seeks Sri Gurus guidance,  in his many forms , ie Diksa and Siksa gurus , will bring the sincere followers inevitably to  the trancendental esoteric realms of Vraja ,  under the care of the Supreme Goddess of Fortune Srimati Radharani and Her  family and  friends ,along with the friends and family of Krishna. 

Included within  these all important aspects of the mission on AC BhaktivedantaSwami, are  the peripheral  and systematic guidance aspects of the Vedas , for the wider benefits of societies , this is  also clearly spoken about by the Goswamis . Lost aspects of Vedic culture  with all its social,  economic and political systems that are said to have originally permeated  societies world wide ,and there are clear parallels in world wide societies , so they can   be pointed out , highlighting the  similar traits , the language and cultural connections  that are  still within many existing in  cultures and religions . ISKCON , like  other branches of Gaudia Vaisnavism has   a nonsecterian outlook  and brings to the forefront  essentially the equality of all  living beings, a self evident truth that was somewhat touched upon   by Thomas Jefferson one of the founding fathers of the USA , where AC Bhaktivedanta Swami began his mission in 1967 .

Absolute truth , according to the Vedas , is  unlimited , as we all know the limited can  only know something of the unlimited , its  undeniable, and a  self-evident truth we as humans are limited .  Limited minds , limited senses , limited intellectual capacities . Yet an  atheistic scientific materialism follower , with their obvious limited capacities convince themselves  in a very unscientific way , that our experiences are the sum total of life , although at least some add the phrase ” as we know it ” . But as who knows it ? Why assume everyone knows in the same way ?

There are numerous ways to talk about and to research  topics . The Vedas indicates someone who doesn’t accept an absolute truth has at their disposal an unlimited array of discussions having objectively veiwed a particular topic and then applied subjective speculations that can continue ruminating on and on within a seemingly endless process . IF someone comes up with a truely original idea , they are considered scientific geniuses. Such is  the power of the  illusory energies that  cover an  absolute truth , the Vedas say . So  either way , whether a theological of an atheistic discussion, plenty can be said and thought of .  The greatest of all trancendental intellectualism, which  brings one to the point of discarding all  mundane intellectualism , and  replaces it for something far greater is what the Vedas call  Rasa . An artistry of ever new exchanges of pure love with  unlimited ranges of emotions that  pure consciousness  beyond the limits of matter are able to experience in connection with God , Divinity, or Krishna  the Vedas say . The unlimited speculations of  the material energies can be experienced within cyclic movement of the fourteen planetary systems of our material universe. ,  seven higher , seven lower , and the earthly plane situated mid way .

Bertrand Russell and others are quite wrong when they say  someone who accepts absolute truth  limits themselves , the  truth  of the matter is quite different . Unlimited discussions can be had based on the unlimited nature of the unlimited . Atheists  can have unlimited discussions within the relatively unlimited but limited material energies that cause perceptions of the unlimited to become limited , covering  the potential of  a pure  consciousness and  causing even  more extreme forms of  limitedness .

In Vedic culture, social and economic systems are set in such a way that society is treated like a body , every part of the body is important,  but the head is essential.

In recent times, in Western cultures, beginning with the industrial Revolution in England  , and developing later and spreading throughout the world with more technologically based   economic growth , its goal was lifting citizens out of extreme poverty . It’s a laudable goal, but……

Unfortunately,  in the past, the aristocracy had become currupt and uncaring and neglected the people , they had neglected to listen to saintly persons . Such is the events of world history and times gone by  , thus, aristocracy failed  due to pride. and somehow, society had to have its needs met . Eventually, the politicians alone took control and, inevitably, due to lack of intelligence,  the politicians became overly influenced ,  and as in current times, are  led by businessmen . Business enterprise is impossible,  but those who lead it have no intelligence as to how society is best served , in terms of well-being , philosophical outlooks and mental wellbeing.

Obviously, the proper way to conduct and manage society is to always have a good head in charge , as in our own life , our intellectualism keeps as in healthy condition. 

Thus, pride of place in Vedic culture is always given to the real intelligentsia who understand the sciences of mind , body, and consciousness .

Currently, worldwide,  we have our democracies failing ,  large global businesses have infiltrated the  democratic systems with their money and lobbying groups , and big businesses have been given pride of place , but they do not have  sufficient intelligence of how to properly direct society,  their goals are economic growth at any cost . The people in all  countries , are being misled and exploited and poorly educated in the things that really matter . The well-being of all living being, can’t cross their minds , buisness men , they don’t have consciousness or awareness to understand or consider higher philosophical thinking . The Vedic culture always  made sure the intelligentsia always led the way,  intelligentsia that understood mind body and consciousness, they were aware and  understood clearly the real needs of the  different parts of  society,  and set progressive and beneficial paths for everyone.

Academics who  hear and accept Darwinian speculations as fact based science , who do not even understand dualism or who do not understand the different psychologies of persons , due to previous karmic synchronicity or  why someone might have a particular psychology,  due to the circumstances of the  journey of consciousness within matter , and all that entails,  cannot properly conduct academics or set education agendas .

People are just now waking up , realising social and economics matters are headed in the wrong direction,  they are looking for alternatives,  the Vedas are full of  valuable information , including social and economic matters and the science of consciousness . The time has come to  research deeply this Vedic wisdom and present the findings to the world . Groups of think tanks should be set up, and recommendations can be offered,  along with time , place, and circumstances adjustments for  current times .

The founder of the International Society for Krishna consciousness , once spent some time gazing at ants , he used to say that if you  try to kill an ant, it will protest .

For someone in elevated God consciousness , he or she will feel  deeply for every living being in profound ways and relate with every life as being an individual living , feeling being . Thus, Brahman and Paramatma consciousness is exhibited , and the vision of seeing every being as part and parcel of God is within the hearts and minds of the pure and in his or her expressions.

These truths and the scientific reformation of consciousness is contained with the Vedas ,although it sadly lacking in today’s societies which are predominantly driven by the scientific materialism world veiws , the origins of all societies ills . Such science of self realisation and the true relevance of every living being is  spoken of in  detail in Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on a battlefield of all places , where, for one reason or another, killing took place .

We should never think in arrogance or  in proud  ways someone because of their social stsnding ,or even the tiniest creatures  are  relative nobodies . That insensitivity,  arrogance,  and ignorance show complete misunderstanding of real science or real religion . Spiritual consciousness , and the beginning of understanding  Divinity,  who is Rasaraja , the Supreme enjoyer who delights in reciprocating with all beings , begins in earnest when we see the equality of all beings and treat them as such .Within everyone’s heart , beyond material conditioning lies  dormant love , deep attraction and appreciation for Divinity and all  His associates , but when one possesses  a material body and mind, this knowledge is forgotten. Establishing purity of consciousness means the ability to feel and understand the world around us properly and then  enter and  experience  an increasing relationship with appreciation  based on knowledge. Varieties of personalities   naturally exist in a spiritual realm , and the great secret of life is to explore their consciousness and qualities and share in their blissful attraction to each other that is centered around each of their particular attractions  to Krishna .

We can not stand before Krishna alone , AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada explained that  we would burn up ,  we must stand behind His main  associates,  they are always kind and have room for everyone in their hearts .

http://www.thevedicspectator.com

Is the USA having to wake up to its foreign policy disasters,  after allowing over 40000 Palestinian citizens to be killed many women and children, that ” Blinkin idiot ” , nothing personal , is desperately scambling for a long forgotten peace deal , not particularly for the Palestinians , it might be argued , but to save face before USA elections , and in Ukraine the USA  have trumped up a PR stunt and invaded Russia, to boost election hopes in USA ,whilst in Ukraine they loose ground  , in a war that didn’t have to be , in the very beginning peace was on the  table , till Biden and Johnson ordered Ukraine not to sign,  neutrality is all Russia wanted of Ukraine , Russia are not fooling for the stunt of USA ,of a small token invasion , and continues to establish ground in Ukraine,without moving any troops , and are forever ready for a cease fire which includes, no Nato expansion.

Geopolitical matters are complex , but experts and scholars , who are learned and fair, were always against Nato expansion, and the slaughter of 40000 Palestinians is  appalling to them ,

The Vedas give its directions on both matters , and the Vipras are trusted not politicians.

When Divinity comes to this plane of existence,  the earthly plane , bearing in mind the Harvard Prof Lisa Randall accepts and the Vedas confirm   multidimensional universes within space time are in existence.

God, or  Krishna or Visnu,  has  unlimited names that’s  because of  the unlimited activities and unlimited cultures throughout universal existence where  He appears .  But He is never alone , He is always accompanied by His associates and devotees who assist Him to reestablish principles of religion as well as exhibiting activities of His personal abode , inconceivably a spiritual realm decends within a material realm .

Sri Balarama is the first manifested  expansion of Krishna , He is considered His older  brother , in trancendental terms , and  is always in a  service mood towards Krishna , which is enriched with an unlimited love and appreciation .

He serves Krishna in all five relationships , as friend and servant  ,as a fatherly protector , and He even serves as   Radharani’s younger sister, Ananga Manjari . He also serves in  the abodes of Vaikuntha in neutrality , manifesting all kinds of trancendental paraphernalia.

These multiple truths regarding  Balarama, who is also  the originator Guru , and as such  manifests  and inspires  as the  unlimited Siksa and Diksa Gurus, so He directly or indirectly   guides the lost souls , who  wonder  in unlimited universes  .

Universes that are  actually manifested by Himself  , Why ?  to facilitate the independent spirit of the Jivas . When  Balarama detects in the individuals , having expanded Himself  into many , an independent spirit , they come under His Visnu forms and are injected into the material energies,  thus He grants independence and free will and He is unlimitedly facilitating it .

He  originally expands to bring further pleasure to  Krishna , Krishna is unlimited and He can unlimitedly reciprocate and share His love and existence.  That  is clearly explained in the Srimad Bhagavatam.

Balarama also comes in current times as Nityananda prabhu and takes up the service to  rescue and  perform relief work and in doing so , exhibits the highest meaning of magnanimity by distribution of the highest of spiritual truths ,  that of the secrets of the trysting ground of Vraj. to the most fallen of people ,  so the highest of love  to the lowest and degraded souls .

When Nityananda prabhu saw Mahaprabhu dancing and exhibiting full love of Srimati Radharani at the  Rathayatra, He fell flat on the floor, offering obeisances , realising the presence of Srimati Radharani within Mahaprabhu .  Thus, Nityananda or Balarama has also distributed Parakiya rasa and understands its purposes.  As Ananga Manjari, she assists Her  older Sister Srimati Radharani in multiple services to please Krishna.

A great and important philosophical question posed by Vrajanatha in Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur’s Jiva Dharma, the occupation of the soul .

We are manifest from Lord  Balarama, the first expansion of Krishna,  and because the soul is part of Him , and Krishna always been, so have we , within Krishna are the unlimited expansions,  thus the simultaneous one and difference can be looked at in this way , or as Jiva Goswami says , Krishna makes the impossible possible , by manifesting totally separate entities with free will .

We also have to understand the expression ,  “time immemorial ,”   we can not fathom its beginnings.

When Balarama brings forth the  ” dormant ”  Jivas , it is because He wants to increase Krishna’s pleasure. We are not dead stones or downloads of Balarama , but have free will . The more we use our free will for its intended purpose , the more freedom we can experience  . On our being “manifest ” , just as a good father tells us all about  a proper way to conduct life for our greatest benefits , similarly Balarama , our original father ,  shows and brings  freedom of expression,  love and attraction , spontaneously the living beings reveal their consciousness by their attractions , love is always voluntary and can never be forced . The complete and full  existence of Divinity is only ever understood by love.  

In revealing their state of consciousness , the Jiva is connected automatically either to Maha maya or Yoga maya ,ie the spiritual or material energies , according to their  free spirit , it appears our consciousness , having this  free spirit,  connected itself to Maha maya .   Balarama , could detect such independence of  desires and arrangements were made , automatically through ethereal planes in the multidimensional unlimited space time  , initially with relatively exalted consciousness,  but  Mahamaya has the function of providing an  illusion of artificial lordship and thus temps one to enjoy and further entanglements begin , such is Her nature .

Some people say God knows everything,  but does He know when you will turn in Love towards Him , and how you will love Him and the intensity ?

In conditioned consciousness, one is firmly in His energy,  as the high court judge knows the destination of the criminal, so a harmful soul is under grips , with predicable consequences,  but not a pure soul , he has his full freedom and is  unpredictable and every increasing in loving exchanges with the master of love Divinity or Krishna

Ultimately it was the founder of ISKCON AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada desired that his Godbrothers assist him in his mission of establishing the International Society of Krishna consciousness worldwide , and sometimes persons have the understanding no one stepped forward , but that is certainly not the case as we trace the history and development of ISKCON , and particularly its  stability   , even during the fledgling years ,and its setting for itself firm authentic roots based on Bhaki traditions and the  rich resources of the the previous acaryas much assistance was rendered , but unless one delves deeply , he may be misled by  ” officials ” , who linger in the past misunderstandings

Having just returned from a reunion with early 80s devotees,  who went through difficulties due to the initial zonal acarya system and the limitations it wrongly imposed on the traditional methods of Guru Tattva , it was evident  that devotees sought different ways to come through their difficulties. Each of which were  authentic and are part of our Bhaki tradition.

Every one ultimately took initial shelter of Srila Prabhupada who , through his literature has brought the whole world to Krishna consciousness , Thus Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja said to him , if you ever get money print books , and He  told his disciples whatever he writes print it.

Thus, Prabhupada was always key to everyone and remains so with everyone.

Our tradition of Siksa Diksa is Tattva,  so some specifically took exclusive Siksa from Prabhupada and his disciples,  and others became inspired by some of Prabhupada’s Godbrothers , who when approached by troubled devotees stepped forward to assist in helping further encouraging and guidance in persons spiritual lives , that was Prabhupada’s desire , that they might  step forward

So, over the years, it can not be denied that Srila Sridhar Swami and Srila Narayana Maharaja and other Godbrothers of Prabhupada have not helped Prabhupada’s movement in many ways , perhaps unseen by many, I would say they were crucial to ISKCON at times of difficulties  for it’s continuing stability.

I know personally that both Srila Sridhar Swami and Srila Narayana Maharaja were friends and well wishers of Prabhupada and ISKCON , although many of the early leaders misunderstood their motives , and even today astoundingly still devotees are suspicious of the motives of Prabhupada’s great friends .

We should understand  Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja and Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami the founder of ISKCON ,  and contemplate the task they had , namely,  to establish Vedic culture and Vaisnavism in the Western world, as taught by Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Lord Nityananda and their direct followers ,  Srila Rupa Goswami and Ragganathha Goswami , who gave   practitioners instructions  for  Sadhana and Ragganuga Bhakti.  To that end , we have to  try to understand the epistemological systems, the  etymology, and unique particular practices that are adopted according to time place and circumstances they established , its not necessarily easy for the Bhajananandi to understand the extensive preacher , especially Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada , he had the unique task of bringing Gaudia Vaisnavism all over the world, completely inconceivable.

For instance,  although Harinama is pure and does not require initiation to chant it , and although in traditional Goswami lines initiation meant Brahminical initiation to worship the Dieties , and to  study sastra . But the  first initiation into the chanting of the Holy name was given and introduced by Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati and Srila Prabhupada,  enabling  all classes of men , otherwise considered , untouchable , into Vaisnavism,  a highly spiritually elevated position,   beyond being a  family brahman.  Generally,  through Siksa and association, one would begin to chant the Holy names , why did  Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, Srila Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati and AC Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada propagate  this First initiation system,  a different practice .

The western audiences are generally very degraded with no knowledge of pure practices of following spiritual principles,  so to assist the psychology of the western practitioner,  promises to follow strict disciplined  lives to a Diksa Guru  at  first initiation is useful , making vows , gives stronger commitments . Promises to vow to chant the Name a set number of times  are helpful  to a Western audience , inflicting  strict discipline,  actually  practically the world  , is  engulfed in western liberal culture, even  India.

So, practical adjustments for preaching and practical applications  of Sadhana Bhakti are introduced , under the direction of these three prominent acaryas of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda prabhu , thus these preachers , made adjustments,  for preaching.