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Vaisnava Etiquette
by Vaisnava dasanudas

In following the discussion between His Grace Umapati Swami and Mother Niscala, I have noticed what seems to me to be a very serious breach of Vaisnava etiquette.

Umapati Swami is truly one of the most senior devotees in all of ISKCON. He was there in the beginning days of 26 Second Ave. Besides being one of the first devotees to join Srila Prabhupada, he is also a sannyasi. Sannyasis are to be given respect by all the other classes of men and women.

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has explained to us that Vaisnava etiquette is the ornament that makes a devotee beautiful in the eyes of Krsna. There seems to be a lot of blatant disregard for any semblance of proper etiquette. To offend a Vaisnava is considered to be the mad elephant offense, which uproots and destroys the bhakti lata bija. In the Caitanya Bhagavat, Lord Gauranga explains that if someone is chanting and offending Vaisnavas, He personally destroys that person through the holy name.

In her article Niscala Mataji writes, "I think a more accurate description would be that you are a person who has, quite simply, not grasped guru-tattva. You have instead grasped something quite imaginary. I think, in conclusion you should take up writing fiction, rather than philosophy. You should use your colourful imagery in a positive way."

To speak to any devotee in such a way is highly offensive, what to speak of such a senior and dedicated devotee as His Grace Umapati Swami.

Sincerely,
Vaisnava dasanudas

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