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Apology to Ravinder Shira
by Parama Seva dasa

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

On Sunday evening I read Ravinder Shira's article regarding HG Locanananda Prabhu's thoughts on giving in charity. I had just left from the Atlanta temple love-feast where I had become somewhat disturbed by hearing some criticism of Locanananda Prabhu by persons incorrectly labeling him a "ritvik."

While visiting a relative's house I read Ravinder Shira's letter and became even more inflamed, so I took the opportunity of using the PC at hand to respond. If my tone seemed abusive even slightly, I apologize. If I'd had Ravinder's e-mail address I would have responded privately, but I did not.

I just received a letter from Locanananda Prabhu rebuking me for responding as such. Of course, we must ask ourselves this: How would we would feel if someone so dear to us is publicly criticized? I am Locanananda Prabhu's slave, and I naturally I do not like to see my master defamed as such. No one has ever bestowed such love and affection on this humble soul as he, so he has my everlasting devotion. He is my siksha guru, well-wisher, best friend, and spiritual father (he even has the same birthday as my biological father, which to me is an amazing coincidence). My feelings notwithstanding, I also do not have the right to criticize anyone else.

Although I wrote exactly what I was feeling, the point I should have taken the time to make is simply this: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhu has made the most significant contribution to mankind by taking every effort to preach Krishna consciousness all over the world just so that we may have an opportunity to engage in Lord Caitanya's sankirtana movement and perfect our lives. When we see the disciples of Srila Prabhupada spreading this glorious movement which has descended directly from the spiritual sky [Golokera prema dhana, harinama sankirtana], we should try and serve them humbly and receive instruction from them as they received from Srila Prabhupada. You can read the Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, chapter 4: verse 34 to get a clearer understanding of this most important point.

If you would like to respond to me directly, you can do so at paramaseva@hotmail.com

Your servant,

Parama Seva dasa

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