The Two Paths


IRM

Back To Prabhupada, Issue 59, Vol 3, 2018, Editorial

Welcome to Issue 59 of Back To Prabhupada (BTP).

1) From time to time, the GBC has written and distributed publications that attempt to refute the IRM's position that Srila Prabhupada remains as ISKCON's diksa guru. It does not happen very often because it is usually not possible for them to write on this subject without either contradicting themselves or Srila Prabhupada, as we have documented. But whenever they do write about this subject, here is what does not happen. We, the IRM, make no attempt to block, ban or suppress the dissemination of their viewpoint, using violence if necessary. Nor do we "warn" devotees to watch out for such publications, so they can be avoided. Not only do we not do anything like this, we actually do the exact opposite. Whenever an opposing publication by the GBC or an ISKCON leader is released, we tell our supporters to please receive it. To actively search it out and collect it. And then we devour it. We not only read it, we read it multiple times. I doubt that there are many, if any, persons on the GBC who are as familiar with the content of their own position papers as we are.

2) Now please contrast our approach with the approach taken by ISKCON's leadership to the dissemination of our viewpoint. They will first and foremost warn persons to "beware" of us and not accept our literature. If that does not work, they will attempt in some cases to physically stop us, using violence if necessary – please see the videos on our website. And if that does not work, they will even attempt to go around and collect back our literature from those who have taken it!

3) Any person who is unbiased will immediately note the radically different responses, and ask why? Why does one party welcome debate, discussion, philosophical discourse, research and a serious attempt to understand all viewpoints, while the other shuts such things down? After all, if the IRM was as wrong as ISKCON's leadership has claimed, it would be quick and simple for them to show this. Why is the IRM so enthusiastic to receive and read arguments opposing its position? Why do we have no fear of being proven wrong?

4) There are two reasons for this. On the one hand, there is a confidence that any position papers and arguments offered by ISKCON's leadership will very easily be dismantled by us, and shown to be false and contradictory. This confidence is based on the experience of hundreds of unrefuted IRM papers and articles on our website which have successfully dismantled all opposing challenges previously. And thus, our position has been unchanged since the beginning. Whereas, the GBC has had to constantly change the arguments it offers in "support" of the Great Guru Hoax.

5) But the second reason, which is more important, is that we would be happy to be proven wrong, since then we could correct ourselves rather than continue to deviate. Thus, we see any challenge not as something to be feared, but merely an opportunity to "churn the ocean of nectar" that is Srila Prabhupada's instructions. An opportunity to go deeper in regards to the subject. For if we truly believe in the teachings of Krishna consciousness, we would not be fearful of losing our "positions", or having our "power" challenged. Rather, we would genuinely be interested in what the truth is so we can adhere to it and thus please Krishna. And therefore, rather than fear being corrected, we actually welcome such correction. ISKCON's leadership, meanwhile, has simply attempted to resist rather than philosophically meet the challenge from the IRM, and thus they are not on the same path as the IRM.

Hence, the IRM is actively seeking to confront and follow the evidence, wherever it may lead. Whereas ISKCON's leadership is also seeking–but seeking to hold on to their positions and power. The two different responses of the IRM and ISKCON's leadership to challenges, as described in paragraphs 1 and 2, demonstrate these two different paths.

Thank you and Hare Krishna.
In Srila Prabhupada's service,

Krishnakant

 

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