Join us for an in-depth discussion from our June 12, 2025, meeting exploring the controversial Ritvik system within the ISKCON tradition. This session delves into Srila Prabhupada’s teachings on guru succession, the validity of the Ritvik initiation system, and its alignment with Vedic principles, including pramanas (shabda, pratyaksha, anumana) and the concepts of Guru, Sadhu, and Shastra. Participants debate the reasons behind guru fall-downs, the role of Varnashrama Dharma, and the disciplic succession, concluding that the Ritvik system lacks shastric support and does not address the root causes of guru falls. Featuring insights from Basu Ghosh Das, Sridhar Srinivas Das, Krishna Kirti Das, Rama Aprameya Das, this discussion offers a balanced perspective on spiritual authority and Vedic tradition.
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Hare Krishna.
All the Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dear Basu Ghosh Prabhu please accept my humble obeisance. My humble opinion----
Why do many of Srila Prabhupada’s direct disciples reject His common-sense order for ritvik initiations? Some devotees suggest it is because–due to familiarity–they had come to see Him as an ordinary man. Others suggest it is because their realizations are not yet mature. Others say it is due to ignorance only. Others say it is due to jealousy or envy. Any or all these things may be true, but I feel the primary reason is given by Srila Prabhupada Himself in the following quotes:
“I have got this personal experience in my Guru Maharaj’s institution. Different Godbrothers took the words of Guru Maharaj in different interpretations for sense gratification and the whole mission [was] disrupted. This is still going on for the last 40 years without any proper settlement. I am always afraid of this crack, but I am sure if our aim is to serve Krishna sincerely and the Spiritual Master simultaneously, that will be our success. That means serve Krishna and the Spiritual Master simultaneously with equal faith and serious vow, and then success is sure. ” (Letter, Oct.18, 1969)
" Dandavats Pranam "
Your's servant,
Kaunteya Putra Das