Note: Republished from SUN I have written a personal letter to all GBC members, letting them know of the article “New Vrindaban History, for the Record“, and asking for them to express their opinion. I have sent my letter for GBC also to Sun Editorial for publishing.
Later on during the day, I received a reply from Malati Mataji, and I feel I need to share this reply with others, for the benefit of all. I’m trying to keep my head cool, and not to take any sides, but I guess that will be impossible. Eventually I will have to form my opinion, and it will surely be a partial one. I wonder where it will lead me to. I can feel that all different parties have a point, and they are all right in some way. Also, where there is smoke, there must be fire. So, it is quite possible in my view, that Radhanatha Swami was involved in murders in NV.
It would surely explain many things. Lets say, that he was involved. Then he is not really a proper representative of Srila Prabhupada and Parampara, and he is sure to develop a philosophy of his own, and with his followers form his own branch, which will eventually dry up.
Now, RNS is aggressively preaching compassion and love. I always wonder why is he so much into that, especially since it is in my understanding quite a step away from Srila Prabhupada.
But if he was even remotely involved with murder, then it becomes clearer, and his unique preaching can be seen as his response to balance his unique situation. If he caused great harm to someone, then he is carrying a burden of that, and in attempt to balance his burden, he will try to preach in a way to over-emphasize compassion and forgiveness.
And if he is not properly linked to Parampara, then his disciples have serious problem, and will not be able to approach and value Srila Prabhupada properly. Now, this is again my limited personal observation, but I had unfortunate experience with some RNS disciples trying to adjust/modify Srila Prabhupada’s books, and although they are so “compassionate and forgiving”, they were extremely aggressive when their positions were threatened.
I don’t say that any of above is absolutely true, it is just my observation and rationalization, so please take it with caution. It is how I see it, and I know others may see it differently. I have no
intention to criticize or point fingers, I just want to say, that in my head it makes sense that something could be deeply wrong in this direction, based on my personal experience with both RNS and some of his disciple who are leaders in ISKCON. Anyway, it is too wild to be true, possibly. But until I have some solid statement from GBC, I’m left with my own speculations and reasoning. I hope GBC will soon form their official statement, and at least tell us how they expect us to think about this case.
So, here is reply from GBC member Malati Mataji, in reply to my questions, as quoted by her below, and also published on SUN in my other post. Probably it can not be considered as official GBC view, but rather as her personal view on situation.
Of course, I cannot comment on the letter of Malati Mataji, but maybe somebody else with more insight or more personal involvement may decide to comment. your servant Giri-nayaka das Letter from Giri-nayaka das to the GBC: New Text 2484 (251 lines) [W2]From: Giri-nayaka (das) BVS (SLO)Date: 23-Dec-06 11:22 (12:22 +0100)To: AC Bhaktivaibhava SwamiTo: Anuttama (das) ACBSP (IC N.America)To: Badrinarayan (das) ACBSP (San Diego – USA)To: (Bhakti Bhrnga) Govinda SwamiTo: Bhakti
Caitanya SwamiTo: Bhakti Charu SwamiTo: Bhakti-bhusana SwamiTo: Bhaktimarga Swami (Canada)To: Bir Krishna das GoswamiTo: Devamrita SwamiTo: Gopal Krsna GoswamiTo: Hrdaya Caitanya (das) SDG (TP Radhadesh – B)To: IC InternationalTo: Jayapataka Swami (GBC)To: Kavicandra Swami (GBC Japan)To: Madhu Sevita (das) ACBSP (GBC) (I)To: Malati (dd) ACBSP (GBC) (New Vrindavan/Columbus – USA)To: Param Gati Swami (France)To:
Prabhavisnu SwamiTo: Praghosa (das) SDG (IRL)To: Prithu (das) ACBSPTo: Radha Krishna (das) RNS (Chowpatty – IN)To: Ratnavali (dd) JPS (JPS Office Mayapur – IN)To: Ravindra Svarupa (das) ACBSP (Philad. – USA)To: Romapada SwamiTo: Sesa (das) (GBC)To:
Sivarama SwamiTo: Virabahu (das) ACBSP (GBC)Subject: New Vrindaban History, for the Record In a message dated 12/23/2006 6:40:51 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Giri-nayaka.das writes: Dear GBC Members.Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Below is a bit of information, that was published today and yesterday on several Hare Krsna web pages. This information includes some most serious statements, which I believe can be properly addressed only by GBC. Since we, small followers, are all exposed to this, I would like to ask you the following: 1. Is this true? To what degree is it true or untrue?2. What is GBC planning to do, in order to relief ISKCON members from the burden of this information?
Thank youyour servant Giri-nayaka das Reply from HG Malati devi dasi:
With all due respects: The author is a well known detractor who has written threatening letters against New Vrindaban and its residents for almost two decades. Some threats have been so direct that the FBI was notified and keep a file on this person. His former wife and children live in fear of this person with restraining orders against him. To describe him in one word would be to say that he is deranged. He is like a mad dog. Can you have a reasonable conversation with a mad dog? It is impossible. Any intelligent persons walks away.
This man has spent practically the past seventeen attempting to rewrite history. When one story
escapes notice or attention, he rewrites it, again and again, with a different twist. This is the latest edition. If anyone is truly interested, they can read the manuscripts from the trial, in particular testimony from individuals involved. For that matter, there is a strong contingent of persons who insist that “Janmastami” was directly involved in the murder of Steve Bryant, although never charged.
The person who was charged with and admitted to the murders of Steve Bryant and St. Denis is Thomas Drescher, aka Tirtha das, who is in prison for life. Therein lies an interesting story, should anyone care to know. But, to make a long story short, this person has undergone a deeply profound recitification and transformation. So much so that the chief prosecutor against him, Michael Stein from the District Attorney’s office, feels that he is worthy of a pardon. He contacted me recently and in that conversation stated that he has rarely, almost never, witnessed a change in the character of a convicted felon, but he has seen this in the case of Thomas Drescher, who he refers to by his initiated name, Tirtha das. On his end, Mr. Drescher has become a sober humble person, accepting the results of his awful deeds (double life sentence w/o possible parole) as a befitting indication of Krishna’s mercy on him.
Malati devi dasi