valaya

Do you think maybe Krsna wants to experience for Himself what Radhika finds most attractive in Him just so that He can reciprocate Her love more effectively? In other words, although He is the Supreme Enjoyer, isn't His greatest pleasure found in pleasing His devotees, of which She is the foremost? valaya RR

Krsna readily admits His failure to reciprocate the gopis' love and devotion for Him. Thus he always feels obliged to His unalloyed devotees. That is the potency behind Bhakti and She is none other than Srimati Radharani Herself. JAI RADHE! valaya RR

Thanks to Premanada das for providing this! JAI RADHE! Brahma Gayatri Bhasya by Srila Bhaktiraksaka Sridara Deva Goswami Maharaja "The gayatri mantra will excite us to be mindful about Srimati Radharani's lotus feet, to obey her orders." "Radha-dasyam, the service of Srimati Radharani, is the ultimate meaning to be extracted from the gayatri mantra." The Mantra: om bhur bhuva sva tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo na pracodayat om om - the seed mantra which contains everything within it; bhur - the physical world; bhuva - the mental world; sva - the intellectual world; tat - that, the three planes of experience; savituh - the soul; varenyam - worshipable, venerable; bhargo - the supersubjective area, the svarupa-sakti; devasya - who is beautiful and playful, Krsna, Reality the Beautiful; dhimahi - come meditate; dhiyah - of meditation, of service; yo - who; na - us; pracodayat - enthuses our capacity; Translation: "Above the three planes of mundane experience, bhu, bhuvah, svah is the soul, savitur, who shows us everything just like the sun. Above the soul is the supersubjective plane which is varenyam, most venerated and worshipable. That worshipable plane of existence is called bhargo, brilliant and illuminating. The supersubjective area, bhargo, is the plane known as the svarupa-sakti which is the internal pleasure potency of deva, Krishna, Reality the Beautiful. That bhargo is His own divine potency Srimati Radharani. Let us meditate upon the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, whose extended self and essential nature (mahabhava) is the svarupa-sakti, and WHO ENTHUSES OUR CAPACITY OF DEVOTIONAL SERVICE. Let us surrender unto Her divine service." Introduction: The meaning of the brahma gayatri must bring us to the conclusion of Srimad-Bhagavatam. The gayatri mantra and the Srimad-Bhagavatam are one and the same. It is the very gist of the Vedanta-sutra. Srimad-Bhagavatam is the elaborate commentary of gayatri: artho 'yam brahma-sutranam bharatartha-vinirnay gayatri-bhasya-rupo 'sau vedartha-parivrmhita "The meaning of the Vedanta-sutra is present in Srimad-Bhagavatam. The full purport of the Mahabharata is also there. The commentary of the brahma-gayatri is also there and fully expanded with all Vedic knowledge." (Garuda Purana ) The meaning of the gayatri mantra must be in the line of Srimad-Bhagavatam. If we analyze how this is possible, we shall uncover the steps leading the gayatri mantra, to the Srimad-Bhagavatam. What is the meaning of gayatri ? The word gayatri is a combination of two Sanskrit words: ganat (what is sung) and trayate (gives deliverance). This means, "A kind of song by which we can get our salvation, relief, emancipation. Gayatri is known as veda-mata, the mother of the Veda. If we examine the Vedic conclusion from it's most condensed aphorism to its most extensive expression, we shall find that it begins with omkara : the Vedic symbol OM. That truth is expressed as the gayatri mantra, then it appears in the form of the Vedas, and then as the Vedanta-sutra. Finally, the Vedic conclusion is given its fullest expression in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Since the meaning, the purpose of Vedic knowledge progresses in this line, the gayatri mantra must contain within it the meaning of Srimad-Bhagavatam ---that is, that the Krsna conception of Godhead is the highest. This must be the meaning of the gayatri mantra, but the problem is how to extract Srimad-Bhagavatam-----the Krsna conception------ from within the womb of gayatri. I heard that Jiva Goswami has given such an interpretation, but I could not find where it is written. I heard that he has given the meaning of gayatri leading to Krsna consciousness. Anyhow, the tendency awakened in me to draw the meaning to the Krsna conception. The general meaning of gayatri is "that song which grants liberation." Liberation must have some positive meaning. Liberation means not freedom from the negative side, but positive attainment. This is the definition given in Srimad-Bhagavatam : muktir hitvanyatha rupam svarupena--- unless and until we attain the highest possible positive position, real mukti, real salvation, has not been effected. Mere withdrawal from the negative plane cannot be called liberation. Hegal has said that the object of our life is self-determination. We must determine our normal function in the organic whole---not mere emancipation in a positive function in the domain of service. This is considered to be the highest attainment of life. This is the real meaning of gayatri. The word gayatri comes from two Sanskrit roots: ganat and trayate. Trayate means positive attainment to the final stage (sva-rupena vyavashitih ). And ganat means not mere sound, but musical sound. That musical sound which grants us the highest positive deliverance indicates the sankirtana of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the flute song of Sri Krsna. Brahma-Gayatri-Bhasya bhvades-tat savitur-vavarenya-vihitam ksetrajna-sevaya-arthakam bhargo vai vrsabhanuja-atma-vibhava-eka-aradhana sri-puram bhargo jyotir-acintya-lilana-sudha-eka-aradhana-sri-puram bhargo dhama-taraga-khelana-sudha-eka-aradhana-sri-puram bhargo dhama-sada nirasta kuhakam prajnana lila-puram devasya-amrta-rupa-lila-rasa-dheraradha-dhi-prerina devasya-amrta-rupa-lila-purusasyaradha-dhi-preyasina devasya dyutisundara-eka-purusasyaradhaya-dhi-preyasina gayatri-muralisÝa-kirtana-dhanam radhapadam dhimahi gayatri-gaditam mahaprabhu-matam radhapadam dhimahi dhir-aradhanam eva nanyad-iti-tad-radhapadam dhimahi srila sri-bhaktiraksaka sridhara deva-gosvami maharaja Purport: The purport of the brahma-gayatri is as follows: The first word is OM. Om is the seed mantra which contains everything within it. The next word is bhur. Bhur is where we are--Bhu-loka-- the world of our experience. The next word is buvah. Buvarloka is the world of mental acquisition. It is the support, the background of our experience. Our present position of experience is the effect of our mental acquisition. That we are here in the world of experience is not an accident; we have acquired this position by our previous karma. The physical sphere, this present world of experience, is only the product, the outcome of our previous mental impulses. And the subtle world of previous karma, the mental sphere, is known as Bhuvarloka. The next word in the mantra is svah. Above Bhuvaloka is Sva-loka. The mental world (Bhuvarloka) means acceptance and rejection: what to do and what not to do--"I like this, I don't like that." Sva-loka, however, is the plane of decision, the world of intelligence (Buddiloka). Our intelligence tells us, "You may like this, but you don't do that, for then you will be the loser." That plane, the plane of reason, is known as Sva-loka. In this way, this material world is composed of three general layers, bhur, the physical world, bhuvah, the mental world, and svah, the intellectual world. Of course, a more detailed analysis will reveal seven layers: Bhur, Bhuvah Svah, Maha, Jana, Tapa, and Satyaloka. This has been dealt with in detail by Sanatana Goswami in his "Brhad-Bhagavatamrtam". Here, these seven strata have been summarized in three planes of existence: physical, mental, and intellectual. And these three planes of experience have been summarized in a word, tat. The next word in the brahma-gayatri is savitur. Savitur generally means surya, the sun. And the sun means, figuratively, that which shows or illuminates; that by which we can see. The three gross and subtle strata within this world are shown to us by a particular thing, savitur. What it that? The soul. Actually, the world is not shown to us by the sun, but by the soul. What really gives us perception and allows us to see gross things? It is not actually the sun that helps us to see; we see with the help of the soul. This is found in Bhagavad-gita (yatha prakasayaty ekah krtsnam lokam imam ravih). The soul reveals this world to us just as the sun does. The sun can show color to our eyes, the ear can reveal the sound world, and the hand can reveal the touch world. But really in the center is the soul. It is the soul who gives light to this world, who gives us an understanding of the environment, the world of perception. All perception is possible only because of the soul. Here, the word savitur, which generally means sun, can only mean soul, like the sun, shows us everything. All seven strata of our existence-represented by bhur, the physical plane, bhuvah, the mental plane, and svah, the intellectual plane-have here been reduced to one entity: tat-"that.That" is shown by the sun which in this context indicates the soul. Here soul means individual soul. The individual soul is the cause of his world. Not that the mind is in the world, but the world is in the mind. Berkeley has said that the world is in the mind. Here it is being expressed that everything is seen with the help of the sun. If there is no sun, everything is dark- nothing can be seen. So without light, nothing can be seen. And in a higher sense, light means the soul. The soul is the subject and the soul's object is the seven planes of experience within this world. The next word in the gayatri mantra is varenyam. Varenyam means puja: worshipable, venerable. This indicates that although within this plane--the objective world--the is the subject, there is another domain which is to be venerated and worshipped by the soul. That is the Supersoul area. That worshipable plane of existence is known as bhargo. Bhargo means the super subjective area, the area of the Supersoul. This is mentioned in the first verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam: dhamna svena sada nirasta-kuhakam satyam param dhimahi. Srila Vysadeva says that here he is going to deal with another world whose pristine glory is so great that by its own ray, all misconceptions are brushed aside. The subject is the soul, and its object is all these worlds of experience. And the super subject, is the venerable area which is superior to the subject, the soul-- that is the super subjective area. The word bhargo means"more subtle than the soul," and "holding a more important position than the soul." So this means the Supersoul, the Paramatma. In general, of course, the word bhargo ordinarily means light. Just as an X-ray can show us what the ordinary eye cannot see, bhargo is svarupa-sakti: higher, more powerful light that can reveal the soul. And that energy--bhargo--belongs to whom? It belongs to deva. What is the meaning of the word deva? Deva means "who is beautiful an playful," that is, Sri Krsna: Reality the beautiful. He is not a nondifferentiated substance, but is full of lila, pastimes. Deva means pastimes and beauty combined and this is Krsna. His domain is bhargo, brilliant, and it is varenyam, to venerated by the jiva soul. What is the nature of the svarupa-sakti? It is the vaibava, the extend body of Srimati Radharani. She holds the full service responsibility and the energy to serve Krsna. bhargo is no less than the vaibava, the extended body of Srimati Radharani, which contains everything for the service of Krsna. Bhargo represents Mahabava, the predominated moiety, and deva, Krsna, is Rasaraja, the predominating moiety. In the gayatri mantra, we are requested, bhargo devasya dhimahi: "come meditate". What sort of meditation is possible in that plane of dedication? Not abstract meditation, but service cultivation, krsnanusilanam. Dhimahi means " to participate in the spontaneous flow, the current of devotion in Vrndavana." And what will be the result (dhiyo yo nah pracodayat)? The capacity of our cultivation will be increased. As we serve, a greater capacity and willingness to serve will be given to us in remuneration-- just as interest is added to capital in the bank(dasa kari' vetana more deha prema-dhana). In this way, our dedicating principle will be increased again and again. Dhimahi means aradhana, worship. It cannot but be explained in terms of aradhana, puja, seva-- worship, adoration, loving service. The word buddhi means that which we cultivate with the help of our intelligence. But here, dhi is a reference to that venerable intelligence which descends into this plane to help us cultivate service. So dhimahi does not mean abstract meditation, but devotional service. This is the underlying meaning of the gayatri mantra. Gayatri, the song of deliverance, also means sankirtana. Kirtana is also sung, and it also improves us towards the highest goal. The sankirtana of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu also reinstates us in out highest serving position. So brahma-gayatri in connection with Mahaprabhu comes to mean Krsna-kirtana. Then it reaches Vrndavana and the flute-kirtana. And when we enter Vrndavana, we shall find that the sweet sound of Krsna's flute helps to engage all the Lords servants in their respective duties. When the flute is sounded, the gopis and others are adjusted in their respective duties. At night, the gopis, hearing the sound of the flute will run to the Yamuna, thinking, "Oh, Krsna is there." And when Yasoda hears the song of Krsna's flute, she thinks, "My son is there. He is coming home soon." In this way, the sound of the flute engages all the servants of the Lord in their respective positions and inspires them to be mindful of their service. In my Sanskrit commentary on the gayatri mantra, I have written dhiraradhanam eva nanyaditi tad radha-padam dhimahi : All other services are represented fully in Radhika. Like branches they are all part of her. Madhura rasa is the chief or mukhya-rasa, the combination of all rasas. Srimati Radharani is Mahabhava--she represents the entire serving attitude. The flute-song of Sri Krsna, expressed as the gayatri mantra, is reminding us and engaging us in our service. And what is our service? Our service must be to surrender ourselves in the service of Srimati Radharani-to accept the suggestion of Radharani. The gayatri mantra will excite us to be mindful about Srimati Radharani's lotus feet, to obey her orders. She is mainly representing the whole service area. So to try to engage ourselves in her service, under her order- to accept her direction and to obey her- that is the service of Sri Radha. In this way, the meaning of the gayatri mantra has been drawn to Radha-dasyam, self-determination (svarupena vyavasthitih ). In the meantime, the partial representations in vatsalya and sakhya rasa are also part and parcel of the original mellow of conjugal love, madhura rasa. The vatsalya rasa devotees will serve Nanda and Yasoda, the sakhya rasa devotee will serve Sridama and Sudama, but ultimately, the whole system in one conception is included in Radharani. Radha-dasyam, the service of Srimati Radharani, is the ultimate meaning to be extracted from the gayatri mantra. That is the supreme end of our life. It cannot but be so. Srimad-Bhagavatam is the ultimate or full-fledged theism to be extracted from the Vedas, Upanisads, and so many scriptures. All the revealed truth rises to its acme, to its highest position, in the conception given by Srimad-Bhagavatam. And Srimad-Bhagavatam teaches us that the highest realization, self-determination, is the service of Srimati Radharani-that under her guidance we may serve Sri Krsna. We aspire for a direct connection with her service. What, then, is the inner meaning or purport of the word bhargo? Bhargo means the sum, or "who shows us by light." Radharani is the daughter of Vrsabhanu. I have selected the word bhanu. To represent her personal extended self, I have given the word vaibhava. Vaibhava means, "what comes out," or "extended self." Prabhava is the central representation and vaibhava is the outer extension. The very gist of svarupa-sakti is Srimati Radharani, and the whole svarupa-sakti is her extended self. The town of her beautiful service is the whole svarupa-sakti. Just as rays of light extend from the sun, the whole internal potency is an extension of Mahabhava, Sri Radhika. She has developed herself into such a beautiful area of brilliance, of internal energy, and thereby she serves her Lord. All these necessary things have sprung from her. To help her in serving her Lord, they all come out. When the entire internal energy is condensed in a concise form, it is Mahabhava, Radharani. And when Radharani wants to serve, she extends herself in limitless different ways. And with some contribution from Baladeva and Yogamaya, the whole spiritual world, including Vrndavana, Mathura, and Vaikuntha, evolves to assist Srimati Radharani in the service of Sri Krsna. In this way, I have drawn out Radha-dasyam, the service of Srimati Radharani as the meaning of the gayatri mantra and have tried to represent it in the above Sanskrit verse. {Please note that italics and bold emphasis are mine. valaya RR} [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-31-2001).]

Srila Prabhupada's passing and subsequent extremely distasteful revelations involving ISKCON were/are highly traumatic occurrences for many who had given their hearts and souls, indeed their entire lives to this movement. The effects will remain perhaps for a long time yet, particularly because they are exacerbated by political and other evasive maneuverings still going on. Those of us who were involved from the early days have all been affected to some degree, in so many different ways. Each of us must learn to cope somehow and continue on with our spiritual/material lives. It behooves us to try and be sympathetic with one another even if we don't understand why someone else reacts the way they do. Now is the time for healing, individually and collectively. Certainly we have to rise above demonizing anyone! This will require a deeper, all-inclusive spiritual vision which is obtainable only through extreme tolerance and absolute humility. Yes it hurts, prabhus, but we cannot inflict pain on others in our often frantic attempts at relieving it within ourselves. Pain, too, can be properly utilized in Krsna-consciousness, as a valuable tool for self-realization... valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-31-2001).]

Too bad this most important and highly significant topic got side-tracked. Stange how easily we can be distracted from what we can't bear to face, because it hits much too close to home... Nazis were also concerned about `purification` of the race. The desire for `spiritual` cleansing can easily become fascism when viewed through material consciousness. True spiritual purity involves a change of heart, which means essentially a change in motivation. The symptoms of this change having actually occurred are many, but in relation to others there is the desire to serve them as more than oneself. In Krsna-consciousness, this means feeling that they are greater devotees than oneself. Unfortunately, many have been forced into a preaching mentality without having attained this higher vision. That can be a very dangerous position for themselves and others, as we have seen. valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-31-2001).]

Certain Sikhs that are fighting for an independent state in northern India wear blue turbans. A couple of them are on on trial here in Canada for blowing up an Air India plane, killing all of the hundreds on board, many who were associated with ISKCON Toronto.

You know, prabhu, the ole kill the messenger ploy. Did you see the thread I started on `Spiritual Discussions` with this report wherein it's credibility is questioned by jndas, thereby confusing moi? [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-31-2001).]

Thank you, Jagat prabhu. What to believe? I know many write you off as simply anti-Prabhupada/ISKCON and even a `demon`, but my own past experiences with ISKCON and more recent ones on this very forum, lead me to believe that a certain fanatical mindset is quite capable of anything when it comes to `defending the faith`, or their own misconceptions... valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-31-2001).]

Wow! Thanks so much, prabhu! JAI SRI RADHE!

...and it wasn't just smoking, sorry to say! Fortunately that's all in the past for me, thanks to Srimati Radharani and His Divine Grace. Haribol! valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-31-2001).]

This seems to me the ultimate negative example of religion which is usually based on `awe and reverence` of God's greatness (vaidhi) as opposed to true spiritual pursuit of God's love (raganuga). Forced respect and submission may be seen by many as proof of the power of God and therefore worthy of worship. On the other hand, those who realize His greatest power is Divine Love, and worship accordingly, may be slaughtered like lambs. The apparent victor in this world might very well be the loser in the next, and vice versa. It seems to me a question of higher and lower faith. Any comments, prabhus? valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-30-2001).]

I hear you, jijaji prabhu, but I had hoped to discuss the relevance of fundamentalist hypocrisy, especially within our own tradition, to real spiritual vision which recognizes the true unity in all. You mentioned `raganuga` on another thread...I see that as the only solution to religious strife and attempts to establish oneness through any paticular church. Followers of Srila Rupa goswami (Rupanugas) need not be Gaudiya vaisnavas as apparently defined by many followers of Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Prabhupadnugas). The essence is one. JAI NITAI-GAURANGA! JAI RADHE!!! valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-30-2001).]

MOAN... [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-30-2001).]

Would that be `we` in the royal sense...? `Some` continue to criticize what they don't understand `all over these forums`. One's self-worth cannot be established by demeaning another's! Demonizing someone does not define one as a devotee, in fact quite the opposite. Thus the so-called `respect` they attempt to exhibit in glorification of their guru actually becomes more of a dis-service. Such is the nature of faultfinding, which is why it remains so dangerous for all aspiring devotees. valaya RR

Thank you for clarifying this, jndas. Politics is not my forte and distasteful at best. I find it all most frustrating. Sorry if I jumped the gun here. Please feel free to erase such posts if you know them to be untrue.

My fumbling attempts are aimed at emphasizing the need for conciousness of relationship based on Divine Grace, over reliance on often conflicting religious rules from various scriptures. The path of devotion cannot be defined by technical details. I do not use the pure devotee, he/she hopefully uses me as Srimati Radharani uses everyone and everything to satisfy Sri Krsna. The question as I see it is more one of recognition and thus appreciation for who is doing what with whom... valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-30-2001).]

It was the newspaper reports quoted that got me, otherwise I would not have passed this on. So what is the truth of this, jndas prabhu? While there are certainly many sincere devotees using ISKCON and it's facilities to render their humble service, can we really continue to absolve the higher authorities, including the GBC, from any responsibility for so many negative activities?

groan...

Good one, gHari prabhu! Course I like to play hard to get myself... valaya RR

The pure devote considers himself the most fallen and a worm in stool because he is fully aware of his constant offensive state while in possession of a physical body in the material world. Anyone who considers themselves a vaisnava devotee due to offenceless following of some sadhana is actually neither. We were, are and always will be absolutely dependent on God's Loving Grace in every aspect of our lives, spiritual and material. Our path is not action, but consciousness! Realizing this is the beginning of devotion. Discussing scriptural injunctions and arguing over what should or should not be done by ourselves or others takes us ever further from real bhakti. In my humble opinion, the only things truly worthy of `Spiritual Discussion`, as opposed to `Religious Discussion`, are Divine Grace and our personal surrender to Her. valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-29-2001).]

From Adridharana dasa: 1. Mayapur Bomb Blast Reveals GBC Terrorist Campaign: The world has been in a great state of shock, confusion and grieving since the horrific events that took place in New York on 11th September. Many devotees see these events and the war which has followed as a sign that the only hope for humanity really is Krishna Consciousness, as we approach the precipice of a 3rd world war. However just when you thought things could not get any worse, they do. The headquarters of the movement that is supposed to be providing this spiritual alternative has been caught red-handed engaging in a terrorist bomb-making plot. One could be forgiven for thinking that extremist violence and murders are currently the monopoly of terrorist outlaws like Osama Bin Laden. But now both the Indian media and police have confirmed that ISKCON Mayapur have themselves been making bombs in the holy dhama! (an activity not recommended in "The Nectar of Devotion", as far as we are aware). All of the major newspapers in India (Asian Age, Hindustan Times, Times of India and Calcutta Statesman), as well as the Indian police, exposed this illegal activity as having taken place within the ISKCON Mayapur temple complex itself by disciples of Jayapataka Swami and the head of Mayapur's security force (see full newspaper reports below). Unfortunately for these would-be terrorists, this act of "devotional service" back-fired on them - literally. One bomb-maker died, and his two accomplices were injured when the bomb accidentally went off - a clear case of instant karma if ever there was one: "On Saturday afternoon just at the back of Mayapur temple one person died due to a sudden explosion of bombs which they were making in one of the buildings under construction. The deceased was identified as Babu Ghosh, aged 30. One of his associates named Amit Das, was seriously injured. The officer-in-charge Mr Sukumar Dutt of Navadeep Police Station stated that the two said persons were security staff of ISKCON. Both were making bombs in a building behind Chandraya Mandir when one of the bombs exploded injuring the said two persons who were immediately admitted to the Sadar Hospital, Krishnanagar, near ISKCON. Babu Ghosh died in the hospital. Nitai Prasad prabhu, the ISKCON spokesman, is not prepared to accept the said persons as being ISKCON staff. He said the incident took place on ISKCON property, but stated that the said persons had nothing to do with ISKCON." (Ananda Patrika Bazzar, 14/10/01) "A man died and another was injured while making bombs inside a house on the ISKCON compound on Saturday afternoon. The Navadweep Police said, Babu Bose, 30, Amit Das, 28 and their asssociates were making bombs inside a secluded house on the complex when some of the bombs burst. Police sources also said the two had a past criminal record.The two were admitted to Shaktinagar Hospital. Babu died later in the evening. Nadia Superintendent of Police, Ramphal Power, said he had received several complaints of criminal activities having increased in the area. 'We have identified some trouble-makers. Such incidents will not be allowed to recur,' he said. ISKCON sources said the two were not connected to their organisation. "The incident took place outside the complex." an ISKCON spokesman said. But the Police maintained that the blast took place inside the complex. (Asian Age, 14/10/01) "Bomb Makers Hurt - Babu Ghosh,30, and Amit Das,28, were injuered on Saturday while making bombs inside a partially constructed house neare Iskcon Mandir here. They were injuered when a bomb exploded, sources said, Police arrested the two." (The Hindustan Time, 14/10/01) "One Babu Ghose & his two associates were arrested on Sunday on the charge of a bomb blast near the Iskcon Temple at Mayapur on Saturday afternoon. Police said, Babu was a group D employeee of the Iskcon temple." (The Statesman, 15/10/01) "Police arrested three persons from Iskcon temple in Mayapur and seized the attendence ragister, in relation to a blast near the Temple on Saturday which killed a man & injured two brothers. according to Police, Babu Ghose was making crude bombs near the temple compound when one of them went off accidentaly killing him on the spot & injuring two others. Initially, the temple authorities had denied any connection with the de-ceased or the injured but on Sunday admitted that Ghose was a group D staff." (The Times of India, 15/10/01) "Nadia distict police have interrogated the wounded person who was making bombs at an under construction building under construction at ISKCON Mayapur, in the hospital on Sunday. According to police sources, wounded Amit Das (28) had recovered physically. Higher-ranking distict police officials have interrogated him on this day. It is learned that while bombs were being made, one exploded killing one other person. His name is Babu Ghose (30). Babu Ghosh was working as a guard in ISKCON main office, Mayapur. The wounded Amit Das is also a devotee of ISKCON. Police sources revealed that Babu Ghosh was a known terror in that area. The distict police officials not only questioned Amit Das but Iskcon authorities also. Even though the ISKCON authorities are refusing to accept the responsibility for the incident, the identities of the dead and 2 wounded persons are not unknown to the local people. In the mean time the police have noticed some irregularities in the official papers of the ISKCON main office." (Ganshakti, 15/10/01) "One person died in the ISKCON compound due to a bomb explosion in a building under construction at Mayapur. It created panic as the police have captured 4 fresh bombs and other materials from the place. The police are inquiring why they were making bombs in temple compound. The additional superintendent of police said on Sunday morning that one of those making bombs has died and the other is in serious condition and so at this stage we can’t say more. Police have started investigation. [...] Dead Babu Ghose was the security guard in ISKCON, his father said. But the ISKCON authorities said, ‘Babu left security job before two and half years ago." (Sangabad Pratidin, 16/10/2001) You will notice from the reports how the Mayapur authorities have been trying to squirm out of admitting the obvious, and as usual tried to engage in their usual lies and begin a cover-up. It did not last long since the evidence was so damning that even they had to admit the truth. This comedy of errors was also played out under the full gaze of TV cameras as well as all the main news stations there - E-TV, Akash Bangla and Khas Khabor - reported the news. Intially the Mayapur spokesman Nitai Prasad Das stated on TV that it was a *gas explosion*! Then by the next news report it was admitted that it was bomb explosion, but not on ISKCON property. Then they next admitted on TV that it was on ISKCON property, but those involved were nothing to do with ISKCON. By the final report they had also conceded that those involved were active members of ISKCON Mayapur. Though it will be noted that the Police version of events was accurate from the start. Having been caught red-handed the latest lie they have started circulating was that they were making the bombs for 'self-defence'! Naturally this yarn has had the local police doubling-up with laughter. We wonder what tale they will spin next. Naturally with the current tense world situation in regards to bombs and terrorism, the authorities have taken this matter very seriously, and in addition to the local police, both the state C.I.D., and the Intelligence Bureau are at the scene. Following the incident the Police have reported that many of the leaders and managers at Mayapur have fled, while some western 'devotees' have fled the country, and there is hardly anyone in a position of authority that can be questioned. This is understandable considering the fact that the Police are treating this matter with the utmost importance. While the investigations and interrogations are going on, we have learned both from our sources in Mayapur and the Police, that the bombs were being made to be used in a terrorist attack to take over the 22, Gurusadaya Road, property in Calcutta, which is the property developed by the temple for the use of the Calcutta Life members. It is also the property where a marriage hall was mysteriously burned down 2 years ago, as reported by us in Newsletter no. 16 (ISKCON Calcutta Triumphs Following Arson Attack). Though the thugs from Mayapur have made many attempts to try and seize this property by force, they have failed each time due to huge gates and a high perimiter wall with intense security. Unlike the Temple building, it is not open to the public, and thus is virtually impossible to storm. We have been forced to turn it into a fortress. Frustrated at their many previous failures to obtain entry, the plan was to use the bombs to blow the gates and scare all the security guards and devotees inside to flee in panic, thus allowing the Mayapur mob to finally storm the place and claim possession. This account is backed up by the fact that one week before the bomb blast, Babu Ghosh, the chief bomb maker who died in the explosion, came to visit the property with Dayarama Das, the head of Mayapur. They were seen 'casing the place', making a survey, and also made threats that they would be soon taking the place over. That this is not simply a story which we are giving after the fact to fit the circumstances is proven by the fact that on the 7th of October, straight after this took place, all the above was registered by us with the local Ballygunj Police Station in an official report, which stated that Dayarama had come here with his guards, and that they had threatened to take possession soon. Of course we had no idea at the time, that they were actually making bombs to assist in their terrible deeds. The fact remains that the head of Mayapur's security and an initiated disicple of Jayapataka could not have been building a bomb factory on the temple property without the blessings and active planning of the Mayapur authorities. These authorities being Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Caru Swami and Dayarama Das. Many people have commented on how they have been blown away by the bold preaching of the ISKCON Revival Movement (IRM) to restore Srila Prabhupada in his rightful position as the Diksa Guru of ISKCON. Obviously threatened by our strong preaching activities and worldwide media coverage, the authorities in ISKCON Mayapur (headed by Bhakti Caru Swami and Jayapataka Swami) have decided in turn to try to blow away the IRM - literally. In Newsletter 46, we detailed the storming of the Calcutta temple in April of this year by Mayapur thugs led by Dayaram das, co-ordinated by the illegal gurus Bhakti Caru Swami, Jayapataka Swami and Gopal Krishna Swami, and we reproduced the various newspaper reports of this ISKCON-instigated violence. Then in the following Newsletter (no. 47), we reproduced parts of Bhakti Caru Swami's leaked memo where he pledged material support for another violent assault on the IRM: " let us find out what Dayaram Prabhu actually needs, man and money wise, and then try to provide that to him." (Bhakti Caru Swami, May 14th 2001) Each time we provide more evidence on how the GBC/Guru faction has turned into a crazy violent cult, we always feel that surely they cannot get any worse. Unfortunately they never cease to amaze us. Yet so many motivated persons still continue to support this morally bankrupt leadership as they lead ISKCON into the abyss. How much more death and destruction do they need to see before they wake up to the fact that the current GBC/Guru faction-led part of ISKCON bears absolutely no resemblance to a spiritual movement, and is nothing but an attempt at trying to enjoy the assets and disciples of Srila Prabhupada, whom they have unceremoniously replaced. We only shudder to think what new horrors will continue to unfold. The GBC-Guru cult is determined to turn ISKCON into a war zone in their mad pursuit for power, property and disciples. In this we have to agree with President George W. Bush, that terror has no place in a civilised world, and that it must be and will be defeated. Like the islamic extremists who use the name of religion to justify their violence and terror, the GBC Gurus and their fanatical disicples also invoke the cause of defeating those who are 'offenders and blasphemers' to their Guru to justify their violent and illegal antics. To paraphrase Abraham lincoln, Might is NOT right. Rather RIGHT is might. And bombs and terror notwithstanding, truth and righteousness WILL prevail, since the IRM will continue to remain unbowed and undettered in our mission to restore Srila Prabhupada to his rightful position as the spiritual master of ISKCON. [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-29-2001).] [This message has been edited by jndas (edited 10-30-2001).]

Prabhus, I've placed this under `Spiritual Discussions` because I believe it speaks to the reality of fundamentalist hypocrisy which is not exclusive to any one religion. ******************************************************** One of the members of the Reluctant Messenger e-mail newsletter forwarded this to me. I feel it is very appropriate food for thought for Muslims and an excellent positive viewpoint in this time of trial. It is a reminder of the Master's message, it isn't what one believes that is so important. What is important is what one does! A memo to American Muslims By M. A. Muqtedar Khan It's time for us to search our souls. How can the message of Muhammad become a source of horror and fear? How can Islam inspire thousands of youth to dedicate their lives to killing others? Oct. 18, 2001 In the name of Allah, the most Benevolent and the Most Merciful. May this memo find you in the shade of Islam enjoying the mercy, the protection and the grace of Allah. I am writing this memo to you all with the explicit purpose of inviting you to lead the American Muslim community in soul searching, reflection and reassessment. What happened on Sept. 11 in New York and Washington will forever remain a horrible scar on the history of Islam and humanity. No matter how much we condemn it, and point to the Quran and the Sunnah to argue that Islam forbids the killing of innocent people, the fact remains that the perpetrators of this crime against humanity have indicated that their actions are sanctioned by Islamic values. The fact that even now several Muslim scholars and thousands of Muslims defend the accused is indicative that not all Muslims believe that the attacks are un-Islamic. This is truly sad. Even if it were true that Israel and the U.S. are enemies of the Muslim world, a response that mercilessly murders thousandsof innocent people, including hundreds of Muslims, is absolutely indefensible. If anywhere in your hearts there is any sympathy or understanding with those who committed this act, I invite you to ask yourself this question: Would Muhammad sanction such an act? While encouraging Muslims to struggle against injustice (Al Quran 4:135), Allah also imposes strict rules of engagement. He says in unequivocal terms that to kill an innocent being is like killing entire humanity (Al Quran 5:32). He also encourages Muslims to forgive Jews and Christians if they have committed injustices against us (Al Quran 2:109, 3:159, 5:85). Muslims, including American Muslims, have been practicing hypocrisy on a grand scale. They protest against the discriminatory practices of Israel but are silent against the discriminatory practices in Muslim states. In the Persian Gulf one can see how laws and even salaries are based on ethnic origin. This is racism, but we never hear of Muslims protesting against them at international forums. The Israeli occupation of Palestine is perhaps central to Muslim grievance against the West. While acknowledging that, I must remind you that Israel treats its 1 million Arab citizens with greater respect and dignity than most Arab nations treat their citizens. Today Palestinian refugees can settle in the U.S. and become American citizens, but in spite of all the tall rhetoric of the Arab world and Quranic injunctions (24:22), no Muslim country except Jordan extends this support to them. While we loudly and consistently condemn Israel for its ill treatment of Palestinians, we are silent when Muslim regimes abuse the rights of Muslims and slaughter thousands of them. Remember Saddam Hussein and his use of chemical weapons against Muslims(Kurds)? Remember the Pakistani army's excesses against Muslims (Bengalis)? Remember the mujahideen of Afghanistan and their mutual slaughter? Have we ever condemned them for their excesses? Have we demanded international intervention or retribution against them? Do you know how the Saudis treat their minority Shiis? Have we protested the violation of their rights? But we all are eager to condemn Israel; not because we care for the rights and lives of the Palestinians; we don't. We condemn Israel because we hate "them." Muslims love to live in the U.S. but also love to hate it. Many openly claim that the U.S. is a terrorist state but they continue to live in it. Their decision to live here is testimony that they would rather live here than anywhere else. As an Indian Muslim, I know for sure that nowhere on earth,including India, will I get the same sense of dignity and respect that I have received in the U.S. No Muslim country will treat me as well as the U.S. has. If what happened on Sept. 11 had happened in India, the world's biggest democracy, thousands of Muslims would have been slaughtered in riots on mere suspicion and there would be another slaughter after the culprits' identity was confirmed. But in the U.S., bigotry and xenophobia have been kept in check by the media and political leaders. In many places hundreds of Americans have gathered aroundIslamic centers in symbolic gestures of protection and embrace of American Muslims. In many cities Christian congregations have started wearing hijab to identify with fellow Muslim women. In patience and in tolerance ordinary Americans have demonstrated their extraordinary virtues. It is time that we acknowledge that the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S. are more desirable to us than superficial solidarity with the Muslim world. If you disagree, then prove it by packing your bags and going to which ever Muslim country you identify with. If you do not leave and do not acknowledge that you would rather live here than anywhere else, know that you are being hypocritical. It is time that we faced these hypocritical practices and struggled to transcend them. It is time that American Muslim leaders fought to purify their own lot. For over a decade we have watched as Muslims in the name of Islam have committed violence against other Muslims and other peoples. We have always found a way to reconcile the vast distance between Islamic values and Muslim practices by pointing to the injustices committed upon Muslims by others. The point however is this -- our belief in Islam and commitment to Islamic values is not contingent on the moral conduct of the U.S. or Israel. And as Muslims can we condone such inhuman and senseless waste of life in the name of Islam? The biggest victims of hate-filled politics as embodied in the actions of several Muslim militia all over the world are Muslims themselves. Hate is the extreme form of intolerance and when individuals and groups succumb to it they can do nothing constructive. Militia like the Taliban have allowed their hate for the West to override their obligation to pursue the welfare of their people and as a result of their actions not only have thousands of innocent people died in America, but thousands of people will die in the Muslim world. Already, half a million Afghans have had to leave their homes and their country. It will only get worse as the war escalates. Hamas and Islamic Jihad may kill a few Jews, women and children included, with their suicide bombs and temporarily satisfy their lust for Jewish blood, but thousands of Palestinians then pay the price for their actions. The culture of hate and killing is tearing away at the moral fabric of the Muslim society. We are more focused on "the other" and have completely forgotten our duty to Allah. In pursuit of the inferior jihad we have sacrificed the superior jihad. Islamic resurgence, the cherished ideals of which pursued the ultimate goal of a universally just and moral society, has been hijacked by hate and calls for murder and mayhem. If Osama bin Laden were an individual, then we would have no problem. But unfortunately bin Laden has become a phenomenon -- a cancer eating away at the morality of our youth, and undermining the spiritual health of our future. Today the century-old Islamic revival is in jeopardy because we have allowed insanity to prevail over our better judgment. Yes, the U.S. has played a hand in the creation of bin Laden and the Taliban, but it is we who have allowed them to grow and gain such a foothold. It is our duty to police our world. It is our responsibility to prevent people from abusing Islam. It is our job to ensure that Islam is not misrepresented. We should have made sure that what happened on Sept. 11 should never have happened. It is time the leaders of the American Muslim community woke up and realized that there is more to life than competing with the American Jewish lobby for power over U.S. foreign policy. Islam is not about defeating Jews or conquering Jerusalem. It is about mercy, about virtue, about sacrifice and about duty. Above all it is the pursuit of moral perfection. Nothing can be further away from moral perfection than the wanton slaughter of thousands of unsuspecting innocent people. I hope that we will now rededicate our lives and our institutions to the search for harmony, peace and tolerance. Let us be prepared to suffer injustice rather than commit injustices. After all, it is we who carry the divine burden of Islam and not others. We have to be morally better, more forgiving, more sacrificing than others, if we wish to convince the world about the truth of our message. We cannot simply be equal to others in virtue, we must excel. It is time for soul searching. How can the message of Muhammad, who was sent as mercy to mankind, become a source of horror and fear? How can Islam inspire thousands of youth to dedicate their lives to killing others? We are supposed to invite people to Islam, not murder them. The worst exhibition of Islam happened on our turf. We must take first responsibility to undo the evil it has manifest. This is our mandate, our burden and also our opportunity. About the writer: Muqtedar Khan is a political science professor at Adrian College in Michigan. He is on the board of the Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy. Forwarded as a service of the Reluctant Messenger Newsletter. The Reluctant Messenger ------- The world's religions and science are pieces to a puzzle that need one another to achieve a complete picture. http://www.reluctant-messenger.com/main.htm Feel free to share this with others. [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-29-2001).]

Well, ISKCON marched in the Hindu Divali parade today here in Toronto, Canada. Does that make them Hindu? The temple certainly is not what is was when Srila Prabhupada was personally present. It is financed and mainly run by East-Indians, but of course they're devotees. Still, their background is Hinduism... Do I think Prabhupada would approve of much that is going on in his name by ISKCON today, including the `Hindufication`? No! Then again, the chanting of the Holy Names goes on, though usually within the temple by regular `congregation` members. So easy to criticize, but could we do any better? Not me, anyway... valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-28-2001).]

Dear Shvu and Jijaji prabhus, When Srila Prabhupada used the words `so-called` and `posing`, I doubt that he was referring to genuine adherents/seekers such as your humble selves... Although he gave us more than enough to entangle ourselves in endless arguments over, the essence is there for anyone with a sincere desire to know the Absolute Truth in a personal way. I believe it was religious people he was criticizing, especially those who came here from India for materialistic reasons while imagining themselves `holier than thou` solely due to their `Hinduism`. When he first arrived in America the Hindu community offered little support for his mission and he most likely took that as a rejection of the teachings he had brought, as well. The topic presented here by Satyaraja das demands much more than simply dumping once again on Srila Prabhupada, the Gaudiya Math, etc. Can we not try to resolve something without intentionally provoking one another? valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-28-2001).]

I, too, share JRdd's misgivings. The neem plant, on the other hand, has wide-ranging medicinal benefits and it is spiritual, too, due to Lord Caitanya's having taken birth under a neem tree. To keep Srimati Tulasi devi for anything other than worship and offering to Krsna seems rather calculating to me. Although I know that many Hindus have her in their homes solely for the blessing she provides through her association, I'm not comfortable with using a living pure devotee of the Lord in that way. Guess my japa beads will have to do for me... HARIBOL! valaya RR [This message has been edited by valaya (edited 10-28-2001).]