On Geographical considerations dictating theological conclusions
This short essay is in response to a recent decision by the ISKCON International Governing Body (GBC) in the matter of supporting, allowing, instituting, establishing, and blessing female diksha gurus in the ISKCON Hare Krishna Movement. In the GBC resolution authorizing female diksha gurus, it is written: “The GBC BodyContinue Reading
Why we should question the wisdom of ISKCON instituting Female Diksa Gurus
I have always been a faithful ISKCON follower. Over the years I have waited patiently, observing occasional mistakes made by ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC). Discovering that after many years of holding the line against introducing leftist feminist ideology into ISKCON, that the GBC finally caved-in to pressure to authorizeContinue Reading
Discussion On The Female Diksha Guru Issue: Amongst Godbrothers-6
Godbrother: Today, armchair observers may agree or disagree. But we who preach to Westerners every day know that what Srila Prabhupada did in America still works, and imposing Vedic social constructs does not. Outside studies affirm that today’s Western youth largely judge religious organizations by how they treat women. BasuContinue Reading
Mystery of initiation
The following is a thread of quotes and ideas which ties together several aspects of approaching a guru and taking initiation. It’s by no means complete, but if one insists on a different understanding it should be kept in mind that quotes given here should also be accommodated and notContinue Reading
Discussion On The Female Diksha Guru Issue: Amongst Godbrothers-5
Dear Godbrother Prabhu, Namonamaha. Jaya Srila Prabhupada! Received your message. Godbrother: Now, India is flourishing and America is struggling. When we in America who are still managing to reach Americans ask our Indian brothers to allow us to do what works (both for Srila Prabhupada and us) in America, we are told we areContinue Reading
Discussion On The Female Diksha Guru Issue: Amongst Godbrothers-4
Dear Godbrother Prabhu, Namonamaha. Jaya Srila Prabhupada! Received your message: Godbrother: These days it is rare that young people in North America join ISKCON.The first Navadwip Parikrama that I attended in 1975 was nearly all Americans, with a smattering of Europeans and Australians. A couple of years ago, out of 9000 participants, onlyContinue Reading
Questions Answered on the Vaisnava diksa according to Narada Pancaratra
7. But there are so many Vaiṣṇavī gurus in the Gauḍīya sampradāya. What about that? In an interview, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s godbrother B.R. Śrīdhara Mahārāja said that female ācāryas, dīkṣā-gurus, are “very rare.” Mahārāja further added, “The number can be counted on fingers, lady ācāryas.” 8. Indeed, the few examples of lady ācāryas in Gauḍīya VaiṣṇavismContinue Reading
Discussion On The Female Diksha Guru Issue: Amongst Godbrothers-3
Dear Godbrother Prabhu, Namonamaha. Jaya Srila Prabhupada! Received your message: You said Engaged Female disciples in going out and preaching> Wanted that his female disciples follow traditional women roles of not going out I have never heard or read that Prabhupada specifically said he didn’t want his women going out. Do you have anyContinue Reading
Discussion On The Female Diksha Guru Issue: Amongst Godbrothers-2
Dear Godbrother (2) Prabhu, Namonamaha. Jaya Srila Prabhupada! Received your message: I am writing to you only with this question, which unfortunately was not addressed in your reply. What is the problem if ISKCON India does not allow ISKCON devotees in female bodies to initiate in India and ISKCON North America allowsContinue Reading