Equal Application
of
ISKCON Law
from Dhira Govinda dasa
In the ISKCON Law Book, 6.4.8.2 (page 67), there are strictures regarding honorific titles
applied to ISKCON gurus. It seems that, in my experience, this law is routinely defied.
In the ISKCON Law Book, 6.4.8.3 (page 67), there are strictures regarding the photos of
gurus on the altars of ISKCON temples. The law states "...After the arati, the
picture should be removed from the altar." It may be only my experience, which
certainly is not representative of anything other than my experience, but in my visits to
various temples (not New Raman-reti), I regularly see the pictures of ISKCON gurus
displayed on temple altars, when no arati is being performed, or has been performed for at
least an hour, and won’t be performed for at least an hour. Often the photos are
there during public programs, when no arati is being performed. Again, such transgressions
may happen only a small fraction of a percent of the time, and it may be that by a quirk
of chance I just always visit temples when the pujari forgets to remove the picture. If
this is the case, then to point out such infringements of the rule would certainly be
nitpicky.
However, it may be that the two policies mentioned above are regularly violated.
Personally, I have no objection to photos of these great personalities appearing on ISKCON
altars, or titles of reverence being applied to these great souls. The problem has to do
with integrity. If our society has laws that are casually disobeyed by its leaders, then
it is unlikely that we will be able to create a society where the members respect and
follow the laws. Basically, the integrity of the institution is compromised by such acts.
Leaders might respond "Naturally I don’t want to be addressed with these titles,
and of course I’ve instructed my disciples about removing the photo. So there’s
nothing I can do."
Law 6.4.7.2 of the ISKCON Law Book prohibits ritvik philosophy in ISKCON. When this rule
is broken, I notice that leaders, generally speaking, find a way to intervene and ensure
that ISKCON members follow the law. I believe that all three laws mentioned thus far are
good ones. My concern is why some laws, apparently, are rigidly enforced, while others are
openly flouted. This gives the appearance of hypocrisy, especially when disregarding the
particular rules that are neglected might be perceived as an attempt at
self-aggrandizement on the part of the guru. Whether this perception of attempted
self-aggrandizement is valid or not, it tends to incite polarization in our communities,
particularly because many devotees experience that there is no rational means of discourse
on such issues. For instance, a devotee might be hesitant to point out an infraction as
described above, due to apprehension at being labeled an envious blasphemer.
This short presentation touches on only a very few points. I believe that many if not most
loyal ISKCON members regularly perceive rampant hypocrisy and violations of integrity
amongst many persons in positions of leadership in ISKCON. As devotees mature and grow
older, they may be less inclined to always have to walk on egg shells when trying to
address issues in a common sense way. If our spiritual society can address the core issues
of hypocrisy and integrity, which, based on my experience and analysis, are draining the
movement of credibility, then ISKCON will become a very attractive movement, and most of
our problems, including those involving sincere devotees being attracted to other
movements, will naturally dissipate. Otherwise, I fear that we will continue to lose
intelligent, advanced and capable devotees.
I think those in the position of guru should be responsible that their disciples follow
ISKCON laws, including those related to photos on altars and honorific titles. If a guru
is not willing and able to do this, then perhaps this is an indication that the individual
is not qualified to be a guru in the institution of ISKCON. Of course, some who take
initiation will naturally fall away from the principles of devotional service. Still, I
think that gurus should be held accountable for training their disciples, and to the
extent that they do a good job, they should be encouraged to accept more disciples. If
disciples regularly violate rules such as 6.4.8.2 and 6.4.8.3, it may be regarded as a
sign of whimsical neglect of the laws of the society, and such violations may damage the
unity of ISKCON. If a disciple is not trained to follow such rules, the society, with due
regard to etiquette and civility, should require the guru to provide an accountable
explanation for the improper training of the disciple.
Your servant,
Dhira Govinda dasa
CHAKRA 11-Sep-98 |