Post by Uttamasloka on Aug 24, 2014 16:29:45 GMT -5
This is an excerpt from the Introduction of my book, page 10:
Śrīla Prabhupāda said: “Everything you need is in my books.”
This is a sensitive subject to broach, but because it will most certainly become an aspect of the discussions provoked by this book, I have chosen to deal with this topic in the Introduction to resolve it conclusively, so that readers who are disciples or followers of Śrīla Prabhupāda can move forward without any doubts or concerns in this matter.
The phrase, “Śrīla Prabhupāda said…” is used so frequently that it has become somewhat of a verbal device meant to convey final and absolute authority. But much more important than what “Śrīla Prabhupāda said” is, “what did Śrīla Prabhupāda really mean, or intend to convey?” That also includes, who was the intended recipient of the statement, and what were the circumstances? All such factors are equally relevant and must be considered collectively to establish the correct understanding.
Everyone understands that disciples cannot always know the mind of their guru with precise certainty. Nonetheless, each disciple’s personal connection and relationship with his or her guru provides a unique and direct channel for understanding all matters more deeply. No other intermediaries are required and there is no hierarchy in-between that relationship – it is direct, eternal and exclusive of all other disciples of that guru. With that in mind, let’s continue the current discussion.
What did Śrīla Prabhupāda mean when he said, “Everything you need is in my books”? Did he mean there was absolutely no additional knowledge available or necessary for the processes of bhakti? Did he mean or imply that because his books had “everything,” therefore, no one should study any other books of the Vaiṣṇava ācāryas, and only read his books exclusively – forever – no exceptions? Is it guru-aparādha to read the books of the other Gauḍīya ācāryas? If disciples read the books of the previous ācāryas will they be condemned by their guru?
Of course not. None of these notions are valid. These ideas are patently absurd and without any precedent in Vaiṣṇava tradition. Yet, many devotees are still afflicted by these ridiculous misconceptions and believe them to be true.
Śrīla Prabhupāda discusses studying the books of the previous ācāryas in Caitanya-caritāmṛta:
A sincere student should not neglect the discussion of such conclusions [about Kṛṣṇa], considering them to be controversial, for such discussion strengthens the mind. Thus, one’s mind becomes attached to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. CC, 1.2.117
From Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Purport:
False devotees, lacking the conclusion of transcendental knowledge, think that artificially shedding tears will deliver them. Similarly, other false devotees think that studying books of the previous ācāryas is unadvisable, like studying dry empiric philosophies. But Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, following the previous ācāryas, has inculcated the conclusions of the scriptures in the six treatises called the Ṣat-sandarbhas. False devotees who have very little knowledge of such conclusions fail to achieve pure devotion for want of zeal in accepting the favorable directions for devotional service given by self-realized devotees.
Clear, concise and unambiguous words directly from Śrīla Prabhupāda. Consider this: If Śrīla Prabhupāda had stayed with us for another ten years, does anyone think he would have stopped translating books after finishing the Śrīmad-bhāgavatam? Absolutely not. He said as much numerous times, and even stated that he wanted his disciples to translate the books of the previous ācāryas. And his disciples have been doing that translation work, much of it authorized and published by Śrīla Prabhupāda’s own BBT.
In London, in 1969, on the appearance day of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, Śrīla Prabhupāda spoke on his life and teachings:
“So Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura happens to be an ācārya, one of the ācāryas. And he left behind him many books – Caitanya-śikṣāmrta, Jaiva-dharma. These are very important books. They’re in Bengali and Sanskrit… So we are trying to present Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s books also in an English translation. Gradually you will get them.”
Also, does anyone believe that the details in the books of the Six Gosvāmīs and other ācāryas are extraneous or superfluous, containing nothing new or more detailed than what is in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books, and therefore, not worth studying? Hopefully not.
All that being said, it is true that Śrīla Prabhupāda stated in various letters, lectures and conversations – “don’t read other books” – just his books. However, in light of the above clarifications directly from Śrīla Prabhupāda, if we examine each of those statements about not reading other books, it becomes very obvious that they were all instructions according to those specific times and circumstances (involving foolish, young, neophyte disciples), and not meant to be established as eternal Vedic edicts or irreversible mandates.
The proof of that is found again in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s own words. After saying several times throughout the previous years, not to read any other books but his, here’s what he then said on a morning walk, May 13, 1975, Perth, Australia:
Paramahaṁsa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, I remember once I heard a tape where you told us that we should not try to read the books of previous ācāryas.
Prabhupāda: Hmm?
Amogha: That we should not try to read Bhaktivinoda’s books or earlier books of other, all ācāryas. So I was just wondering…
Prabhupāda: I never said that.
Amogha: You didn’t say that? Oh.
Prabhupāda: How is that?
Amogha: I thought you said that we should not read the previous ācāryas’ books.
Prabhupāda: No, you should read.
Amogha: We should.
Prabhupāda: It is misunderstanding.
Paramahaṁsa: I think maybe he was thinking that there was some things about some of the Gauḍīya Matha books.
Prabhupāda: Maybe.
Paramahaṁsa: And sometimes you said that better not to, better to read your books.
Amogha: When the devotees went to India this year, they said that Acyutananda Svāmi very, chastised them that “You should never… If I catch any of you buying Bhaktisiddhanta’s books from Gauḍīya Matha then I will take them away.” Something like this.
Paramahaṁsa: Yeah, that was, the reason was because of, he didn’t want the devotees going to Gauḍīya Matha. But there’s nothing wrong with the idea of studying the previous ācāryas’ books.
Prabhupāda: No. Who said? That is wrong. We are following previous ācāryas. I never said that.
Paramahaṁsa: All of your commentaries are coming from the previous ācāryas.
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Jayadharma: But that wouldn’t mean that we should keep all the previous ācāryas’ books and only read them.
Prabhupāda: That is already there. You first of all assimilate what you have got. You simply pile up books and do not read – what is the use?
Jayadharma: First of all we must read all your books.
Prabhupāda: Yes .
Paramahaṁsa: Practically speaking, Śrīla Prabhupāda, you are giving us the essence of all the previous ācāryas’ books in your books.
Prabhupāda: Yes. Yes.
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s statements in the above conversation effectively neutralize any other contrary quotes that may be found in the Vedabase. This represents his final conclusion on the matter. There is no way to spin this otherwise.
Anyone who has watched Siddhānta dāsa’s numerous Prabhupāda Memories videos, has seen over and over again how Śrīla Prabhupāda appeared to contradict himself when giving instructions to his disciples. Of course, the truth is that he wasn’t really contradicting himself, he was simply giving appropriate instructions according to time and circumstance and the specific individual he was dealing with.
The above morning walk conversation perfectly exemplifies this. Even though he is on record numerous times saying not to read other books, he bluntly and firmly says, “I never said that.” and, “It is misunderstanding.” and, “No, you should read.”
There is no example whatsoever in Vaiṣṇava history of ācāryas forbidding their disciples from reading the previous ācāryas’ books. That would be against all Vaiṣṇava principles regarding honoring and studying the teachings of the previous Gauḍīya ācāryas. It is the entire foundational basis of the idea of disciplic succession – paramparā.
So which instructions of Śrīla Prabhupāda are to be followed? To read or not to read? Because he said he was planning to translate many of those books, it is obvious that he wanted us to read them, after reading and understanding his books of course. Simple common sense, devoid of fundamentalism and fanaticism.
Śrīla Prabhupāda said: “Everything you need is in my books.”
This is a sensitive subject to broach, but because it will most certainly become an aspect of the discussions provoked by this book, I have chosen to deal with this topic in the Introduction to resolve it conclusively, so that readers who are disciples or followers of Śrīla Prabhupāda can move forward without any doubts or concerns in this matter.
The phrase, “Śrīla Prabhupāda said…” is used so frequently that it has become somewhat of a verbal device meant to convey final and absolute authority. But much more important than what “Śrīla Prabhupāda said” is, “what did Śrīla Prabhupāda really mean, or intend to convey?” That also includes, who was the intended recipient of the statement, and what were the circumstances? All such factors are equally relevant and must be considered collectively to establish the correct understanding.
Everyone understands that disciples cannot always know the mind of their guru with precise certainty. Nonetheless, each disciple’s personal connection and relationship with his or her guru provides a unique and direct channel for understanding all matters more deeply. No other intermediaries are required and there is no hierarchy in-between that relationship – it is direct, eternal and exclusive of all other disciples of that guru. With that in mind, let’s continue the current discussion.
What did Śrīla Prabhupāda mean when he said, “Everything you need is in my books”? Did he mean there was absolutely no additional knowledge available or necessary for the processes of bhakti? Did he mean or imply that because his books had “everything,” therefore, no one should study any other books of the Vaiṣṇava ācāryas, and only read his books exclusively – forever – no exceptions? Is it guru-aparādha to read the books of the other Gauḍīya ācāryas? If disciples read the books of the previous ācāryas will they be condemned by their guru?
Of course not. None of these notions are valid. These ideas are patently absurd and without any precedent in Vaiṣṇava tradition. Yet, many devotees are still afflicted by these ridiculous misconceptions and believe them to be true.
Śrīla Prabhupāda discusses studying the books of the previous ācāryas in Caitanya-caritāmṛta:
A sincere student should not neglect the discussion of such conclusions [about Kṛṣṇa], considering them to be controversial, for such discussion strengthens the mind. Thus, one’s mind becomes attached to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. CC, 1.2.117
From Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Purport:
False devotees, lacking the conclusion of transcendental knowledge, think that artificially shedding tears will deliver them. Similarly, other false devotees think that studying books of the previous ācāryas is unadvisable, like studying dry empiric philosophies. But Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, following the previous ācāryas, has inculcated the conclusions of the scriptures in the six treatises called the Ṣat-sandarbhas. False devotees who have very little knowledge of such conclusions fail to achieve pure devotion for want of zeal in accepting the favorable directions for devotional service given by self-realized devotees.
Clear, concise and unambiguous words directly from Śrīla Prabhupāda. Consider this: If Śrīla Prabhupāda had stayed with us for another ten years, does anyone think he would have stopped translating books after finishing the Śrīmad-bhāgavatam? Absolutely not. He said as much numerous times, and even stated that he wanted his disciples to translate the books of the previous ācāryas. And his disciples have been doing that translation work, much of it authorized and published by Śrīla Prabhupāda’s own BBT.
In London, in 1969, on the appearance day of Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, Śrīla Prabhupāda spoke on his life and teachings:
“So Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura happens to be an ācārya, one of the ācāryas. And he left behind him many books – Caitanya-śikṣāmrta, Jaiva-dharma. These are very important books. They’re in Bengali and Sanskrit… So we are trying to present Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s books also in an English translation. Gradually you will get them.”
Also, does anyone believe that the details in the books of the Six Gosvāmīs and other ācāryas are extraneous or superfluous, containing nothing new or more detailed than what is in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books, and therefore, not worth studying? Hopefully not.
All that being said, it is true that Śrīla Prabhupāda stated in various letters, lectures and conversations – “don’t read other books” – just his books. However, in light of the above clarifications directly from Śrīla Prabhupāda, if we examine each of those statements about not reading other books, it becomes very obvious that they were all instructions according to those specific times and circumstances (involving foolish, young, neophyte disciples), and not meant to be established as eternal Vedic edicts or irreversible mandates.
The proof of that is found again in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s own words. After saying several times throughout the previous years, not to read any other books but his, here’s what he then said on a morning walk, May 13, 1975, Perth, Australia:
Paramahaṁsa: Śrīla Prabhupāda, I remember once I heard a tape where you told us that we should not try to read the books of previous ācāryas.
Prabhupāda: Hmm?
Amogha: That we should not try to read Bhaktivinoda’s books or earlier books of other, all ācāryas. So I was just wondering…
Prabhupāda: I never said that.
Amogha: You didn’t say that? Oh.
Prabhupāda: How is that?
Amogha: I thought you said that we should not read the previous ācāryas’ books.
Prabhupāda: No, you should read.
Amogha: We should.
Prabhupāda: It is misunderstanding.
Paramahaṁsa: I think maybe he was thinking that there was some things about some of the Gauḍīya Matha books.
Prabhupāda: Maybe.
Paramahaṁsa: And sometimes you said that better not to, better to read your books.
Amogha: When the devotees went to India this year, they said that Acyutananda Svāmi very, chastised them that “You should never… If I catch any of you buying Bhaktisiddhanta’s books from Gauḍīya Matha then I will take them away.” Something like this.
Paramahaṁsa: Yeah, that was, the reason was because of, he didn’t want the devotees going to Gauḍīya Matha. But there’s nothing wrong with the idea of studying the previous ācāryas’ books.
Prabhupāda: No. Who said? That is wrong. We are following previous ācāryas. I never said that.
Paramahaṁsa: All of your commentaries are coming from the previous ācāryas.
Prabhupāda: Yes.
Jayadharma: But that wouldn’t mean that we should keep all the previous ācāryas’ books and only read them.
Prabhupāda: That is already there. You first of all assimilate what you have got. You simply pile up books and do not read – what is the use?
Jayadharma: First of all we must read all your books.
Prabhupāda: Yes .
Paramahaṁsa: Practically speaking, Śrīla Prabhupāda, you are giving us the essence of all the previous ācāryas’ books in your books.
Prabhupāda: Yes. Yes.
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s statements in the above conversation effectively neutralize any other contrary quotes that may be found in the Vedabase. This represents his final conclusion on the matter. There is no way to spin this otherwise.
Anyone who has watched Siddhānta dāsa’s numerous Prabhupāda Memories videos, has seen over and over again how Śrīla Prabhupāda appeared to contradict himself when giving instructions to his disciples. Of course, the truth is that he wasn’t really contradicting himself, he was simply giving appropriate instructions according to time and circumstance and the specific individual he was dealing with.
The above morning walk conversation perfectly exemplifies this. Even though he is on record numerous times saying not to read other books, he bluntly and firmly says, “I never said that.” and, “It is misunderstanding.” and, “No, you should read.”
There is no example whatsoever in Vaiṣṇava history of ācāryas forbidding their disciples from reading the previous ācāryas’ books. That would be against all Vaiṣṇava principles regarding honoring and studying the teachings of the previous Gauḍīya ācāryas. It is the entire foundational basis of the idea of disciplic succession – paramparā.
So which instructions of Śrīla Prabhupāda are to be followed? To read or not to read? Because he said he was planning to translate many of those books, it is obvious that he wanted us to read them, after reading and understanding his books of course. Simple common sense, devoid of fundamentalism and fanaticism.