“If Krishna can choose to do nothing about the ongoing abuse in the gurukula, why can’t His pure devotee - at least theoretically - do the same?”

Thoughts on Omniscience
By Jagannidhi das

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

In Hari Sauri Prabhu's article it says: "Aranya Swami has used this statement to argue that Srila Prabhupada was omniscient and claimed that he therefore knew of the abuse going on in the gurukulas but chose to do nothing about it (apparently for some ‘higher purpose’).”

In general I agree completely with Hari Sauri, especially on the jiva issue. But I wish to make a point concerning the "higher purpose."

If Krishna can choose to do nothing about the ongoing abuse in the gurukula, why can’t His pure devotee - at least theoretically - do the same?

Or in other words: We cannot blame Srila Prabhupada, because he did not know. Should we now blame Krishna, who is omniscient in every respect, because He did not interfere?

I personally feel, that there is a hidden problem in all of these arguments. I do not know the (spiritual) motives behind the different statements. They may be appropriate according to time, place and circumstances. But personally I feel, that it is very difficult to understand these things by reasoning in a way that seems - at least to me - somewhat afflicted by material logic and conclusion.

In this content I consider the two articles of Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu (On conceiving the inconceivable, and the other one) published in BTG the greatest pieces of literature concerning the jiva issue. Their pure and transcendental logic – not inflicted by material considerations and sentiments - was smoothing solace for the heart.

Thank you for giving the possibility to write to you.

Your servant

Jagannidhi das

© CHAKRA 19-August-2000

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