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Srila Prabhupada on a lotus

from Locanananda Das

Dear Godbrothers at Chakra,

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

I am currently preparing an article entitled "Officiating Acharyas - The Subtleties of Siksa and Diksa", but I could not postpone writing to you to comment on the picture of Srila Prabhupada featured on your Home page. Your artist has imagined Srila Prabhupada standing on a lotus flower which is where we are accustomed to seeing Paramatma, the four-armed form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. True, the spiritual master is the external manifestation of the Supersoul, but this concocted presentation smacks of impersonalism in that it appears to equate the transcendental position of Srila Prabhupada with that of the Lord in the heart. Even Lord Brahma, who was born on the lotus which sprang from the Lord's abdomen, is always depicted atop the lotus in a seated position, avoiding this apparent discrepancy.

I am sure the improper portrayal of our spiritual master was meant as an act of glorification, but we should be careful to not allow our art to contradict our philosophy.

Hoping this finds you all well.

Your servant,

Locanananda Das

© CHAKRA 13-Nov-98

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