A Response to Aniruddha Das

Regarding the recent letter from Aniruddha Das posted on CHAKRA.ORG, I must express my deepest regrets that I was represented as being somehow 'offended' by Sripad Narayan Maharaj. Quite the contrary, I have always been the fortunate recipient of Maharaj's kind friendship, welcoming hospitality, and thoughtfully considered devotional advice from the very first day we met, many long years ago.

Regarding perceived differences in the preaching manner of Vaisnava sadhus: the general rule given in Srimad-Bhagavatam is not to criticize (or praise) others. But a Vaisnava in a teaching function must use criticism as a means of correcting his students. As expressed often by Srila Prabhupada, "the spiritual master's job is to find out the fault of his disciples" and sometimes referred to his own method as 'preaching with a pick-axe.' In fact, the negative comments of Vaisnava sadhus are really the most helpful to their listeners. Our various forms of identification or upadhi are so subtle, so capable of co-opting for themselves every impression we accumulate in life---that Srimad Bhagavatam states that only the potent vibrations of a genuine sadhu's speech can cut through the confused psychological maze (santa evasya chindanti mano-vyasangam uktibhih) and wake the soul lost in the sleep of forgetfulness. Therefore a sadhu's every word of criticism is to be welcomed.

I also humbly pray that the disciples of Sripad Narayan Maharaj do not take offence at the statements referred to. Why do I ask patience from the disciples of Maharaj, but not of Maharaj himself? Because I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that Sripad Maharaj has such deep Vaisnava affection and compassion for the younger generations (including myself) that he can easily dismiss with a laugh such utterances as those of youngsters and continue to wish for their advancement and better understanding of Vaisnava principles. Disciples, however, will be rightfully upset at seeing criticism of their spiritual master. I beg with a straw in my mouth for their patient forbearance.

Uttarapaksa (Refutations) Archive