Female Diksa-Gurus, Politics, and Reconciliation 

Strong dose of realism! Love it! Its like let's have a deep reality check as it is.

“A sincere student should not neglect the discussion of such conclusions, considering them controversial, for such discussions strengthen the mind. Thus one’s mind becomes attached to Śrī Kṛṣṇa.” [Ādi 2.117]

I am a little demon.. This is a very perfect lecture/ speech by Sri Bhakti Vikasa Swami. Even a demon can understand that this is a very good speech.

Amazing !! Maharaj is being bold and bold everyday in speaking the truth, which is very much needed and desired quality of a true Sannyasi.

Thank you very much Maharaja, I appreciate a lot the fact that you are nor afraid to speak the true, Thank you!

So much gratitude for these videos and teachings my humble obeisance to you 🙏 Hare Krishna

Whatever His Holiness Bhakti Vikasa Swami is speaking is completely based on the books by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the Guru disciples succession. I am an insignificant person but even I can understand this fact as I have been studying Prabhupada books, then why can the GBC members who are so experienced in devotional service in ISKCON fail to understand this fact. Even if we go by traditional vaishnavism the FDG is never recommended. Three can be a major drift within our Vaishnavas traditions by bringing this NEW concept of FDG. This approach is surely motivated by so called speculative or empirical minded devotees. Think of HIS DIVINE GRACE BHAKTI SIDDHANTA SARASWATI THAKUR, would he be happy with this decision of FDG. There seems madness in the whole approach of FDG. I suggest all members of ISKCON carefully and very sincerely study books written by founder Ācharya Shrila Prabhupada again and re-think then about FDG. Whole ISKCON will have to face serious repercussions for this drift. Is seems clearly that members of ISKCON are not taking the instruction of Shrila Prabhupada. Please follow the instructions of Shrila Prabhupada. H. H. Bhakti Vikasa Swami is speaking perfectly in line with the teachings given by Shrila Prabhupada. This is really bold and clear as a Sannysi should speak as per scripture , Sadhu and previous Ācharya. All ISKCON followers should carefully listen to Maharaj on this very sensitive issue without any bias. REAL DUTY OF A REAL SANNYASI. Perfect speaking by Maharaj

All glorys to Srila Prabhupada and the assembled devotees Haribooool, thank you so much Maharaj. This is kali Yuga as well.

Such a sound advice. We can only hope that the GBC will somehow take this into careful consideration.

Prabhu I bow at your feet for being truthful in your message. The scriptures say to be bold and truthful thank you for doing just that. Hari Krishna

Hare Krishna Maharaj I applaud u for speaking the truth !U stand up for our dear Srila Prabhupada unlike Soo many others who r promoting themselves n not The Guru 🙏 who was nooo ordinary man but extraordinary man who walked this earth ! A true Parmahamsa🙏🙏💐💕

Dear Maharaj, Please accept my humble obeisances. 🙏🏼 I fully accept and agree with what you are presenting in your talk here. You are a true Srila Prabhupada disciple. All glories,to your service. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼Your godsister and servant, Lelihana devi dasi

Hare Krsna. I hope to translate this lecture into spanish. Almost all devotes from south america doesn't know what Maharaja have said here. This is very important. Thanks Maharaja for presenting what is the line of Srila Prabhupada .

Hare Krsna, Pamho agtSP, thank you for the clear explanations on this topic... I am taking notes 🙏 I pray Krsna we can take auras knowledge and learn from Srila Prabhupada's teachings through parampara system and go back to Godhead! Hare Krsna

Jaya Guru Maharaj, I'm so so lucky to accept you as my Guru Maharaj, by Krsna's mercy, you are a true warrior of Srila Prabhupada!

Yes, yes, yes!!! 44 minutes - 45 minutes. "What is really required..."

Thank you so much guru maharaj,

Hare krsna maharaj... jai jai guru maharaj... whatever you say is right because your are the pure disciple of srila prabhupada...

Maharaja mention that female gurus are ok but only on the level of Jahnava Mata Is it not the same when it comes to male gurus? Where is consistency about the level of advancement of individual soul?

What is the silly autobiography he refers to at 30.28?

1st Womens Rights,,Then Black Body devotee RIGHTS, ,,Then Gay devotee RIGHTS,,,There is NO END TO THIS,, ,Mission Drifts -Compromise of K C.....NO END TO MAYA....

wow! I must listen to Maharaja much more.

I love the courage and discrimination of Maharaja’s realism

From an old ex devotee. (but still a devotee in her heart) Just. . . . Wow! I mean I read 'Monkey on a Stick in the early 80.s. (knew some of the people in it) I also knew that the Sanyasis split, I thought , into two factions. Also saw a photo of one man on a viasasan with a mid evil crown and 'septer. Looking at it and thinking that was wrong. While I was in several temples I found one of them then abolished Mongal artika is when I knw something was wrong going on. Left shortly after that. For that and other reasons. Tell you later. if your want. Many stories are with me. Learning something here. Pronaums. To Srila Prabupada with what I can to my ability. Miss Loka Lila dasi. Power mad trips and how can the western Mind really understand eastern philosophy. Also too young to go to Sanyasa perhaps. With no householder experience etc. Just absolute power corrupts absolutely . I guess. Just too much. I just saw too much that I didn't want to see. Had to re-conoiter. (cant spell) Other things later. If you wish. I left in about 1975 or so.

As usual Maharaja is trying to achieve the unity in diversity that Srila Prabhupada so earnestly desired for his ISKCON. The Amish take a similar approach; they don't try to rush through any kind of change that will impact the unity of their members. They will spend months discussing. This is the safe sattvik approach to try to ensure that everyone has a chance to consider the full ramifications of any changes in the hopes that their community remains together and strong. How can one realise stable, far reaching conclusions when a decision has to be reached within the span of an afternoon, or at most a day or two with many other pressing agenda items.

I remember one of your teachings when you gently speak obout if kali Yuga is in ISCKON?

Hare Krishna Maharaj! 🙏🏼 Dandavat pranam 🙇🏻‍♀️ Your words are potent indeed. Seeds of dissent planted today, WILL grow into big trees that cannot be uprooted easily. Dialogue is surely the key. 🙏🏼

Swamiji pranam hare krishna. Hari om

I am an outsider... but can i ask: can women pray Brahma Gayatri in ISKCON?

Dissent and difference should be respected. Des kal patra should also be remembered while taking decision.

Hare Krishna..... Jai gurudeb

PURITY IS THE FORCE - BOOKS ARE THE BASIS & PURITY IN UTILITY OF INSTRUCTIONS IN THOSE BOOKS IS THE PRINCIPLE

If there should have been Female gurus then there would have been during the time of Prabhupada ,the founder of Iskcon

My understanding was that Krsna Consciousness was the ultimate form of non discrimination because we're not this body, we're the soul. Am I wrong? What's going on?

Hare Krishna, did Srila Prabhupad ever give permission to his successors to be Diksha gurus or just Shiksha guru?

My humble pranams Maharaj. It is impossible to object to your clear adherence to clear and simple principle of giving evidence from shastra for supporting a position. I am interested in your comment or reference to "yes, in very rare cases if the are on"such and such "level of spiritual realization. I cannot help feeling that if the same standard is upheld for ANY initiating guru... then we would as a body be giving ourselves so intently to spiritual sadhana that the nature of our positions in varnashram dharma would spontaneously harmonize. I would think that the material society at large would be far more naturally moved to "join" by witnessing the all-attractive manifestation of jaiva-dharma among Lord Caitanya's loving devotees. Obviously women have an extremely important role to play as preachers. Any truly Krsna conscious living entity will disseminate His grace. From within whatever appropriate position. All of us, men and woman, should aspire to attain that Bhakti to which there is "no impediment". THAT is the real "opportunity", the matchless gift, that our Srila Prabhupada is desiring we should all accept, in our utterly bereft conditions as materially conditioned women AND men.

What about trans and non-binary diksa-gurus??

Hare Krishna. Even though I am very much inspired by your words and agree to this video, I feel at some situations, your stand could be very hard against your god brothers which may make things difficult for others to accept including myself. Moreover, your main area of preaching is not western world which may make things difficult for you to convince those who are preaching in the west (doesn’t mean they are right). Also, it seems like because of slow progress of preaching in west, GBC is quite uneasy and is trying to take these steps... My question to you maharaj is that even though what steps you are taking in this regard is very much acceptable to me and you may continue but another approach which could be added is to educate the people nicely to learn the books of Srila Prabhupada and make them understand that what is right and what is wrong and then even if we have some provision by GBC for possible FDG but if the standards of the community increases and they know scriptures more, they will themselves avoid this provision (and this provision can stay available for emergencies like what traditionally happened in our Parampara.) Thank you for the amazing service.

Is this the original upload or has this been released around time of recording?

No doubt Revered Maharaj has deep love and concern for Srila Prabhupad and hence ISKCON . I'm not for or against FDG. But Why this forum to discuss such 'internal' issues regarding ISKCON? Even if I agree with all you say Revered Maharaj, I still am perplexed using this platform.

👏👏

many leaders are into their own wellbeing and stability within this mortal world... they don't know the purpose of sanyas

Om namo bhagwato vasudevai

Ty Gurudeva

I really wana know. Cause I left in about 1974ish.

I remember him....

What are the genuinely good reasons for preventing women from being diksha gurus? Where in Sruti, the unchanging Vedas does it say women can't be priests? Hare Krishna's always talk of the Vedas, but they never quote the Vedas, they quote the Srimad Bhagvatam or the Bhagavad Gita.

TRANSLATION un Spanish please

Jai maharaj

Hare Krishna maharaj dandvat pranam Many people says that such differences are like the differences of Radha and Chandravali in serving Krishna. So as disciples and junior devotees we should just respect each opinion and need not worry much. But I feel it to be a more serious issue as something taking away the absolute stand stand of Srila Prabhupad. I would request the devotee taking charge of this page to ask maharaj this question. I would be very grateful.

Not all Men can become Masters and Not all Women can become Mothers.

UPDATE-----They didn't LIsten,,,,,,,Now they will Pay the Price,,,,,,,,,,,A BIG ONE.

Very grave and important topic. May your wise suggestions to the GBC based on guru, sastras and saddhus been heard, in order to rejuvenate properly the goal of our ISKCON society. I hope that a lot of devotees will listen carefully to this video. Equality-gender agenda is of the same kind as the so-called contribution of veganisme, coaching, yoga course, new-age philosophy, feminism, etc. Actully, It's a big nuisance and is desstroying the purety of our message... The comparaison you made in the beginning with the rapid growth of islam, although women in islam are in general not well treated is very appropriate Dandavat pranams.

Both of GBC and BBT are using the power vested with them in an ILL MANNER! Trying to deviate the ISKCON movement fom the intended objectives. Kindly consider this prabhu ji and raise your voice against them.

If a female is an uttama Bhakta they can be a diksha Guru. There is shastric support for this. Please refer to Sri Jahnavi in the Bhakti ratnakar. She initiated some very famous Vaisnavas.

Didn't Srila Prabhupada refer to a female devotee as not a woman, but a Vaishnava.

Hare Krsna 🙏🏻 Maharaj, I'm afraid, GBC would do something to you

21 Feminists didn't like this video.

Its ALL ONE--EQALITY - -Mayavadi.-Marxism=Communism-Mundane Liberalism =..Impersonal---even Atheist.

What point of this explanation people don't like? Maharaja speak against sastras and acaryas? So people are against sastras and acaryas? Maharaja don't wanna to talk about this, but about Krishna kata...but our falid societ are completely lost in that kinds of unnecessarie topics...this is realy bad...untilll our very valiable human form of life was been loose because we still don't undesrtand the Absolut True...please excuse this wrong english...I am from Brasil..HARE KRISHNA is universal linguage...👍

@4:00 @13:33 @14:38 @15:54 @39:55 Feminism comes from Marxism {@40:50 Guru Maharaj mispronounced Rajiv in stead of Raajiv, I am pointing out for those who propagate to imitate Guru Maharaj's pronunciation. In fact Guru Maharaj has given lecture about this issue about Srila Prabhupad ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-34d-EWijmIo.html}

I think the reason this is going on is..the abuse of children and women in the past by men in the movement..out of false ego and superiority complexes🙏🙏🙏🙏

If a fallen soul like me can firmly understand this.. I wonder how come GBC is giving a second thought?

remember what happened in new vrndavan when kirtananda and others started adjusting the rules??

MAHARAJ,,,Thousands of Devotees...outside the Institutions MISTAKES-...Agree with you,, -,The GBC IS NOT IN LINE with HDG Srila Prabhupada--MY Saying this IS NOT OUT OF Envy - FAULT Finding or Back Stabbing POLITICS..--------.ITS FACT.

30:28 Like for example "The Journey Home, Autobiography of an American Swami" by Radhanath Swami. This Mayavadi/neo-Mayavadi Radhanath Swami aka Richard Slavin committed a grave offence against our Founder-Acharya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada by placing in the mentioned book the picture of Śrila Prabhupada along with the pictures of some Himalayan yogis smoking ganja. 😖😖😖

In the eyes of Lord, both men and women are equal......... In the eyes of Lord, only knowledge is the qualifying factor to be a guru. And hence, there should not be any bias based on gender......... All souls are equal - hence the physical coat of men or women are just a maya. Lord Almighty is the ONLY Male and all other living beings are Women that seek to attain or reach the Only Man the Lord....... There are several souls in women form that are equally qualified to lead and preach Krishna Consciousness and uplifted to become Gurus...... The essence of Vaishnavism is its all inclusiveness and equality, or even the superiority of Women to Men...... See the Vaishnava Names, for example, RADHA Krishna, LAKSHMI Narayanan, LAKSHMI Narasimhan, SEETHA Raman, JANAKI Raman, SHREE Nivas, SHREE Vatsan (Shree = Lakshmi). etc., it is first the Woman and then follows the man, even in names..... If any have visited Srirangam Temple (The first of the 108 Vaishnava Kshetrams (sacred places), it is always the preferred sampradaya (practice) that anyone should visit the Lordess Sriranga Nachiyar first before visiting The Lord Ranganatha. This practice emphasises the priority to The Mother ahead to The Father. Even ancient scriptures prioritise the respect sequence as Martha (mother), Pitha (father), Guru (teacher), Brahman (Supreme God) - such is the priority given to Mother (or Women). Realising that Vaishnavism exposes the fact that The Soul never dies, but only the body does, and The Soul is gender-neutral, there is no need to distinguish lives based purely on the external cover (the body). It is simply unacceptable in Vaishnavism to distinguish any Soul simply based on external (body) prejudices. Effectively, the eligibility to become a Guru is purely "knowledge " and NEVER the gender. Shri Andal ( the incarnation of Lakshmi) is one of the 12 Alwars of Vaishnavism, and is the only women, but is fully equal in all respect to the remaining other male Alwars. (The Azhwaars, also spelt as alwaars or Alvar, were Tamil poet-saints of South India who espoused bhakti to the Hindu god Vishnu or his avatar Krishna in their songs of longing, ecstasy and service. They are venerated especially in Vaishnavism, which regards Vishnu or Krishna as the Supreme Being). Having said the above, the non-availability of Women gurus in practice is either the result of (or practice of) a very male dominated society, or the reluctance of women to become a Guru. However it is to be realised that the qualification to be a Guru should purely be -knowledge-based and never gender based. And quite bluntly put, to attain the status of Guru - being a man is not an added qualification (advantage), or conversely put - being a women is not a disqualification (disadvantage). Effectively, the status of Guru is purely based on Knowledge along with other positive tenets. So, there need be no hesitation to realise the fact that the status of Guru is a only a function of Knowledge. To discriminate any soul based purely on gender bias is not per Vaishnavism and to do so is a sin against a Soul. It must also be realised that ISKCON has many women devotees doing direct service to Deities including performing poojas and other rituals in Temples. It must also to be noted that where there are men-only Poojaaris (Archakas) in other Vaishnava temples, it is only a traditional heriditorial rights that are followed - no other (men) outside the heriditory are eligible to perform Deity Pooja, implying that being just men is not an automatic qualification. Above all, It must be also recorded that ISKCON does approve and recognise pujaris purely based on merit and not any other rights....... Hope I have expressed my own understanding of Vaishnavism. I never intent to hurt anyone who may have understanding different to mine. And my sincere apologies to all those who may have different opinion to mine........ Pranams to all Vaishnavas......... Hare Krishna......Hari Bol...... 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

I wonder how all the GBC members could be biased. I shiver at the thought that ISKCON is in hands of those who downplay Srila Prabhupad. How could this be ? How can so many advanced devotees have their conscience sleeping ? Burke Ruchford or such individuals could have vested interests or skewed observation. I really don't come to a conclusion after listening to only 'one-side'. May Revered Maharaj pose these question to GBC and let GBC release an official reply for better clarification. I want to know the purpose of posting this video here. It creates suspicion in neophytes like me and alienates others from GBC. Could Revered Maharaj reply why he's talking what he's talking( regardless if it has 100% authenticity) here. Is this the forum to raise such issues ?

Twenty two feminists didn't like this.

Maharaj favourate topic

Women are takers, men are givers by natures law. Givers can give to a giver, but a taker can only take.

first perspective if srila prabhu pad wanted fdg he woud hv arranged this at that time only, now in hindu sanatan parampara its not allowed and not approved in any single scriputres, but it does not mean women cant discuss and give lectures and inspire others, example is Madalsa, mirabai ,and they were very great devotees and very much revered Mirabai even met srila sanatan goswami as well.but women should not be on vyasana or as guru, and it was well respected by six goswamis, and even chaitanya mahaprabhu. women are godess as they give birth to great saints and devotees and give bhakti sanskaras to their children ,women are the maker of society, but women are not allowed in between sanyasis, and become diksha guru in gaudiya or any samparadaya, yes but if any wants to create their own religion or sect then krishna save them. hari bol ,no offence to even one, i am just dasanudas,i know from gita that Only praman(proof) of what to do or not do is not even what krishna or god says its scriptures, shashtra is the praman only as said by shri krishna in bhagwat gita.

Islam grows rapidly through birth rate, not some inspiration of spirituality. It is kind of irrelevant whether they are male or female preachers.

18:16 That GBC was Ravindra Swarupa, the main architect for introducing Cultural Marxism into ISKCON

Buddha is the incarnation of lord vishnu then why did he accept female disciples along with men now men and women are living separately. Women are giving deeksha only for women and men are giving deeksha only for men. Even swami vivekananda accepted female disciple she is sister nivedita and later he made separate facilities for men and women as we know rama Krishna mission is for men and sarada mission is for women the women diksha gurus give deeksha for only women.

Women´s liberation! We are not the body. And btw for a woman it is much easier to love Krishna ... while men are guided by their lower body

A suggested solution. ... In India under no circumstances lady Diksa Gurus . PRABHUPADA did not allow ladies to do some aspects of Deity service, being sensitive to local traditions. In the west try a pilot scheme, for 5 years in USA. Only limited lady Diksa Gurus ,and only on the grounds they already have a Siksa following, But to serve only actively in USA. And only with citizens of the USA. with Limits of 2 only . After a period of 5 years make an assessment of the services carried out and reflect on the outcomes for the society, for the Gurus and their prospective disciples. In terms of spiritual advancement and dedication to Srila Prabhupada and his direction for his society. Y.s Sukadeva das Revisit the matter after 5 years .

heheheh devine GBC...

Why you have to say demons or crazy, why are you putting those words in Kalakantha prabhu's mouth ? You are making the accusation worse by using those extreme words. Please reply!!!

Iskcon failed a long time ago