Back To Prabhupada, Issue 58, Vol 2, 2018
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:
"[...] I call the mission drift, you know, a moving away from the core. You know, introduction of demigod worship. I have been in ISKCON temples where there is Shiva on the altar. I mean, I'm telling you Prabhupada did not introduce that at all, you know. So just, you know, as a graphic example–there's others."
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:
"Another big one that I find just coming up is changing the appearance of deities. [...] in one of our sacred institutions, and you know, painted blue with some all kinds of glitter stuff [...] Where have you ever been, you know, shown that example by Srila Prabhupada? You haven't. [...] I'm not speaking theoretically, I can give many examples on this one [...] So, devotees aren't even aware of how strict Srila Prabhupada was when it came to maintaining the appearance of installed deities."
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:
"Further evidence of the minimisation of Srila Prabhupada [...] not displaying Srila Prabhupada's books, not even displaying Bhagavad-gita As It Is during programs held outside the temple, although the books by an ISKCON member may be displayed and may be prominent but Prabhupada's are not there."
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:
"so one would hope that chanting Hare Krishna would change lives, but actually they want to build a home for orphans in Rishikesh. [...] we should try to keep in mind the considerations of our Vaisnava principles. [...] ‘it is not harinam-sankirtan when it is conducted for the prevention of epidemics, or cholera, or pox, or for prosperity and trade, for grain, or for gain, or respect and fame.'"
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:
"actually I'm talking about devotees [...] they don't want to mention ‘Hare Krishna' because they don't want to offend anybody who might not believe in Krishna. [...] I got an invitation a couple of weeks ago from an ISKCON sannyasi who is going to be doing a program in America [...] Prabhupada wasn't named, ISKCON wasn't named, and neither was Krishna's name mentioned on the whole thing."
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!
Malati Dasi
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