The ‘Good Old Days’ (05/15/19)
Daṇḍavats ________ Prabhu,
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
What to say? The world has changed and the Hare Kṛṣṇa Movement with it. Maybe not for the best, but what can be done?? The institution has gone wonky/yampy/bonkers!!! The chances of reverting back to what devotees called the “good old days” is nil. In small groups or individually, YES, but the greater institution has gone off the edge and to the point of no return. Here is a nice quote from Śrīla Prabhupāda that a godbrother sent me today:
“My opinion is that it is not necessary for us to utilize these different musical talents for spreading Krsna Consciousness. I would rather see people follow strictly the path of Lord Caitanya and His saṅkīrtana devotees. We are using mṛdaṅga, karatāla, that is enough. We are not musicians. We are kṛṣṇa-bhaktas. Therefore we do not stress so much importance on these different musical talents. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu is God Himself. Had He thought it would have been better to spread Kṛṣṇa Consciousness by another way He would have done so. But no, simply with mṛdaṅga and karatāla, traveling and chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, asking everyone to chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, preaching simply Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam philosophy, this is the process. There is no need for us to try and add anything to this simple method. It will only be a distraction. Therefore I request you to follow the simple path of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu and help me spread this wonderful mission all over the world. Keep yourself pure and fixed up in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness by following the basic principles that I have given; chanting 16 rounds daily, following the four regulative principles, rising early, attending maṅgala ārati and classes etc. This is of the utmost importance.” [Srila Prabhupāda, Letter Bombay 28 December, 1974]
I have always been willing to help ISKCON, but to little or no avail. Usually looked at as envious or a fault finder. However, if you have any ideas on what can be done I would like to hear. Otherwise, our small community of devotees will continue as we are doing; cultivating proper conception and preaching thru multimedia.
Hoping this meets you well.
Vaiṣṇava-sevaite,
Swami Narasiṅgha
