Maharaja

[Guest guest]

Dear Jahnava Nitai Prabhu,

 

Thank you for your comments.

 

> In some traditions one does use honorific titles while addressing oneself.

 

But, as far as I know, Srila Prabhupada didn't, and it is he whom we follow.

 

> Having said that, I havent heard in the past of any previous devotee using

> the title maharaja while addressing himself. In the Gaudiya line we

> generally find the opposite. Saints like Bhaktivinoda, Narottama Dasa, and

> Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji have usually referred to themselves in derogatory

> manners.

 

Yes.

 

> In regards to the present case, one reason the title "Maharaja" may have

> been used is that a disciple or secretary may have typed the sannyasi's

> letter, and he would have been used to addressing his guru as "maharaja"

> and subsequently signed the letters with that title.

 

In this case, I think it unlikely.

 

> As far as devotees being initiated into the title "Maharaja" in ISKCON,

> that does sound odd.

 

It's going on.

 

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

Yours in his service,

Mahadyuti dasa