Tattva-viveka
Nonsectarian
Vrindaranya Dasi - May 13, 2005 2:05 am
Here is an excerpt from a letter that Srila Prabhupada dictated during the month in which he left this world. It clearly shows his nonsectarian nature:
"With reference to the boys holding kirtanas independently, our propaganda should be like that. That people may open different centers of their own, or each and every householder may have his own class at home. Not that everyone is required to join the society; they may take the idea from the society and introduce in their private life. And if possible, let us sell to them the paraphernalia of Kirtana, karatalas, mrdanga, Deities, etc."
Gauravani Dasa - May 13, 2005 12:25 pm
"With reference to the boys holding kirtanas independently, our propaganda should be like that. That people may open different centers of their own, or each and every householder may have his own class at home. Not that everyone is required to join the society; they may take the idea from the society and introduce in their private life. And if possible, let us sell to them the paraphernalia of Kirtana, karatalas, mrdanga, Deities, etc."
Wow, what a great quote! Sometimes there is pressure for me to attend the morning program here, but honestly, I really need the alone time in the morning, otheriwse I stay energetically drained. At the same time I am very regulated on my own program--beginning with following along with the Audarya Seva CD! 
Mathura-natha Das - May 13, 2005 1:58 pm
Where is this quote from?
Bhrigu - May 13, 2005 3:58 pm
Where is this quote from?
It's from a letter to Rayarama. You can find it in the Vedabase. It has no date nor place, but it is listed at the end of Prabhupada's letters. That is probably why Vrindaranya thought it was a late letter; the (other) contents do, however, speak against that. Still, this is a good find since Prabhupada's words are so clear. We need to hear more things like this to balance the "ISKCON is my body" - quotes one will encounter so often.
Mathura-natha Das - May 14, 2005 2:26 pm
Kiitos Bhrigu!
Karnamrita Das - May 15, 2005 2:24 am
Not to be a party pooper with that quote, but that was in 1969ish, and there are plenty of letters to the contrary. Everyone has there favorite letters or quotes which they use for their purpose.
That centers should be independent is so important. The more centralized the institution, the more impersonal and out of touch with the members. I can relate to your position though Fred, I would usually rather stay home and read. If I don't read for at least a few hours I don't feel it was a good day.
Swami - May 15, 2005 2:51 am
The value of this quote in the very least, regardless of when it was written and what came after it, is that it shows a side of Srila Prabhupada that others would like people to believe did not exist. If anyone wants to explain it away as something relative to time and circumstance, then they have opened the door for us to do the same with their quotes. Once this door is opened, truth will prevail.
Gauravani Dasa - May 15, 2005 11:31 am
Does this mean that after discovering that some of what Srila Prabhupada said was relative, although we may have considered it absolute, then we are forced to consider what is really the essence of the absolute? In other words, when this door is opened, that gives rise to the need to figure out what was behind the relative statements of Srila Prabhupada.
I'm trying to paraphrase my understanding--is this what you mean, though?
Swami - May 15, 2005 12:00 pm
Does this mean that after discovering that some of what Srila Prabhupada said was relative, although we may have considered it absolute, then we are forced to consider what is really the essence of the absolute? In other words, when this door is opened, that gives rise to the need to figure out what was behind the relative statements of Srila Prabhupada.
I'm trying to paraphrase my understanding--is this what you mean, though?
Yes. Once everyone agrees to look at Srila Prabhupada's statements in terms of time and circumstances, etc., we will be for the most part able to do away with the present fanaticism that is largely based on taking his statements out of context and applying them universally.