Page 36 - SBV (English)

xxxiv Apologia

impractical, even when directed toward otherwise worshipable superiors. Thus
I decided to summarily and guardedly mention a few seemingly less-becoming
aspects of the pre-1937 Gauòéya Maöha. Yet I thank Çrémad Çänta Mahäräja for
his observations and devotional insights, which prompted me to review and revise
this manuscript to maintain a reserved tenor in deference to my spiritual uncles,
and in hope of avoiding endless muckraking, to withhold names in descriptions
of several less-toward incidents, especially those concerning devotees who
later accepted disciples, since their discipular descendants would undoubtedly
be sorrowed by such narratives. Let us survey with prudence, not prudishness,
sensitive or paradoxical topics concerning Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté
and his associates, bearing in mind that a guru’s censure, or even ostracism, of
certain disciples does not necessarily mean they are no longer recipients of his
mercy. Even if some of Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté’s disciples are perceived
as deviated, their having been once favored by him was surely not in vain, nor
are their subordinates justified to harp on such criticism.
Çré Bhaktisiddhänta Vaibhava also touches on several embroilments
stemming from Çréla Sarasvaté Öhäkura’s disdain of other Vaiñëavas, albeit
some contemporary devotees similarly opine that such details should not be
publicized. But withal, I chose to discuss these controversial issues because they
are valuable for understanding the ethos surrounding Çréla Sarasvaté Öhäkura
and are instructive signposts in tackling contentious ecclesiastical matters
even of today. Nevertheless, disagreements between genuine devotees are of no
permanent relevance, and while the Gauòéya Maöha may appear to have been
merely another religious movement that first dazzled and then fizzled, the really
important history of Çréla Sarasvaté Öhäkura and the Gauòéya Maöha is the
undying spiritual contribution they gave to the world. Hence, although compiling
of history, especially recent events, is typically fraught with political slant, I have
essayed to do so with solely devotional considerations.
Not every reader will like everything written herein. Indeed to compose a
factual biography of Çréla Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvaté that all would fully approve
is probably not possible. I have tried to present his pastimes in a manner both
devotional and congruent with history, and have provided extensive quotations
with references to enable crosschecking against original sources. Still, this book
may be considered hagiography rather than impartial study, for its principal
purpose is not scholastic exactitude, but to convey the instructions and mood
of an äcärya for the benefit of devotees aspiring to follow in his footsteps. I
do not pretend to be neutral (who can be, especially in matters sacred?), and