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Four virtues and four methods
28th of January, 2008 - 18:58
The Buddha had some wise insights into the means for getting to know another thoroughly. While the text that inspired this blog entry is more of a chapter in general wisdom of life, the principles certainly apply in examining a prospective guru --- which has been the subject of many a discussion.
As for the misleading note
27th of January, 2008 - 9:34
My earlier note on misleading in the "Knocking on the Cocoon" entry led some to wonder what exactly I meant with that. Let's let that be clarified.
On the Siksa-guru Principle
26th of January, 2008 - 17:22
Some readers have wondered as to why one might accept a siksa-guru while the diksa-guru is still present. There are also a number of other considerations that are in place on the under-explored theme of the siksa-guru.
The Aparadha Issue
24th of January, 2008 - 15:37
With themes such as have been brought up in the last two blogs, the age-old issue of aparadha again raises its hoods. Let me clarify my position on this. First, I would like to acknowledge that I have read all the scriptural references on Vaisnava-aparadha as well as most, and have given due thought to them. When I write as I write, I write with knowledge of the said principles, making the choices that I believe are proper, truthful and righteous. I realize that not everyone may agree with my judgment calls.
TBI - Part 2 - Looking at the foundations
24th of January, 2008 - 11:40
I had initially thought of being much more reserved in over the depth in which I'd be writing of all this. However, as I realize there is nothing for me to lose in being more open, let's hear the full story. It'll certainly help people get an idea of where I'm at, and also learn of the route I've had to take. Writing is also a good form of processing the experience to ensure the removal of repressions from the subconscious. These entries seem to be becoming a bit elongated; I write as it comes. Read if you will, don't if you won't. Let's travel back in time to last spring...
The Babaji Incident - Part 1 - What blew it all
21st of January, 2008 - 14:42
Some were wondering about the details of my abruptly concluded stay with the babaji during Niyama-seva and a bit beyond. I was more than brief in my note after moving back to my own precious peace, after all. As I noted, the experience left me with many lessons in life. I have edited the earlier blog entry to remove references that would identify him by name to give me space to write more freely of the experiences, of which many may find something to learn. This is the first write-up in what I surmise will be an interesting series.
Application for 180 days of jail
18th of January, 2008 - 16:56
This is a translation of my letter of refusal from military and civil service sent to the Finnish civil service authority, should it be of interest.
Knocking on the Cocoon
17th of January, 2008 - 5:56
"Little late. You already misled many..." --- said the anonymous commentator on an earlier blog entry.
Asperin Philosophies
17th of January, 2008 - 5:31
Some of you have been missing philosophical writings. Here goes: Unity and difference of Atman and Brahman, doctrinal trouble with different strata of philosophy fused into a single doctrine, and God's creation of the chicken and the egg.
The Bodhisattva's Cocoon
16th of January, 2008 - 5:16
Some may have wanted to take a peek into my psyche for insight into the fundamental reasons of my present direction into solitude, the underlying impetus of my turn from the dim limelights of outreach. What has made the once almost all-permeating wish to help others subside? Is the bodhisattva now staring at the navel of his own fat belly?
About Sahajiyas, Ogres and Other Ominousities
2nd of January, 2008 - 15:46
This blog is here to clarify my views on sahajiyas, orthodoxies, ogres, blue flamingos and any number of other such subjects and entities people might be wondering about.
Difference between ISKCON and Gaudiya
2nd of January, 2008 - 11:03
Excerpt from correspondence.
Websites future - Input sought
1st of January, 2008 - 5:33
As a careful reader will have noticed, by sometime in the summer I will be dropping out of the GV internet scene altogether (occasional e-mails aside.) It is unlikely that I am to return, this transition off the world of internet has been a long time coming and is now nearing its definite final phase. Your input is sought.


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The Aparadha Issue
Posted: 24th of January, 2008 - 15:37
With themes such as have been brought up in the last two blogs, the age-old issue of aparadha again raises its hoods. Let me clarify my position on this. First, I would like to acknowledge that I have read all the scriptural references on Vaisnava-aparadha as well as most, and have given due thought to them. When I write as I write, I write with knowledge of the said principles, making the choices that I believe are proper, truthful and righteous. I realize that not everyone may agree with my judgment calls.

You'll note that I have refrained from naming people. The one person I have named, a former teacher of mine, Sanatana Das Babaji, has nothing to do with the gross misdeeds mentioned in the previous blog. He is as dismayed and disillusioned as anyone, and therefore also generally avoids associating with the broader samaja. And should it not be clear from the earlier blog, even if I did try to indicate it, there is a class of good, law-abiding renunciates who are engaged in their bhajana. But alas, a minority they are.

There are times where none of the available options are particularly good. The knowledge I have gained over my time here is a cause for one such dilemma. If I am to present the unvarnished truth, as I have now been doing, I inevitably incur the displeasure of some sections of the society — evidently the section where the shoe fits — and there may be some aparadha there. On the other hand, if I remain silent, how many are the seekers who will have to be dismayed and disillusioned, and what will their destinies be? With my silence, I would incur the fault of being a co-effector of their grief, and I would consider that much graver an aparadha. Whether taking place now or in the future, a wrong is a wrong and will bear its results. Refraining from a small wrong (if that is indeed what it is) now while being instrumental in a greater future wrong betrays no sense of discrimination at all.

Weighing the two evils, the negative and positive effects of both courses of action and the potentials they have for causing grief for one or the other party, I cannot but deem that those guilty of the misdeeds are the more deserving recipients of possible repercussions. I cannot fathom the workings of the cosmic machinery of retributive justice since time beginningless, and to that I am certain many would refer in proposing that all is just in the end, no matter how bad it may seem. I do however have an ability to observe right and wrong, guilt and innocence, in the boundaries of this lifetime. On what other a standard could I base my ethics? Let those who demonstrate sincerity with their acts be the ones with the advantage.

There is yet one premise I wish to make clear. I do not believe in the law of the jungle, in a law where power and position define rights and justice, making for a world where the victors are right. Much like in the famous Indian traffic law where the bigger vehicle has the right of way, and the smaller becomes an offender for not moving out of the way. Might makes right. If there is a universal system of justice where people are not equal before the law, but where the "big" can revel as they please and where the "small" are convicted for objecting to the the same, then that system is fundamentally flawed.

In the context given, if the big Vaisnava of many years or of social power can be guilty of abuses of many degrees and enjoy near-perfect diplomatic immunity in the eyes of God, and if the small and insignificant Vaisnava is at fault and shall fall into his peril for daring to propose the presence of abuse, that system I consider fundamentally flawed. Come God, come two Gods, come a legion of Gods and endorse the same, in the world where I live the concept is fundamentally flawed. If by breaking against such a farce of a justice system I am to become an offender and to fall away from this God and his system, then I shall only consider it a fortunate happening.

On this basis, I have chosen to write as I am writing, and I sincerely believe it to be in the best interest of people seeking to perfect their lives via a spiritual quest. I believe in every man's right for a possibility of making well-informed choices. It should not be denied from anyone, and if one man is to become a casualty in the cause of truth, that price I consider small. Who sees my heart will know how to judge me for my acts and words, and no further solace do I need.
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