View source for Disciples Rectifying their Discrepancies in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

Śrīla Prabhupāda provides clear guidance on how his disciples should handle mistakes and imperfections within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. He emphasizes that while discrepancies may arise from neophyte conditioning, they must be addressed through established authority, strict personal sadhana, and a cooperative spirit. By maintaining purity and following the proper administrative channels, the society remains a potent shelter for spiritual advancement.

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=== Administrative Protocol and Leadership ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes a formal structure for resolving issues, insisting that administrative discrepancies be handled through the Governing Body Commission rather than independent action. He instructs that conscientious officers must be vigilant in identifying and correcting errors to ensure the society functions according to his standard.

* [[Vaniquotes:Any new programs or proposals or discrepancies should be submitted before the Governing Board Commission and then their conclusion should be submitted to me for the final approval|Any new programs or proposals or discrepancies should be submitted before the Governing Board Commission and then their conclusion should be submitted to me for the final approval.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If there are any discrepancies as you say in the temples of ISKCON, they should be immediately rectified by conscientious officers|If there are any discrepancies as you say in the temples of ISKCON, they should be immediately rectified by conscientious officers.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:I am glad that you have admitted about the GBC members not very appropriately discharging their duty. I do not mind this discrepancy but you should be alert; you and all GBC members|I am glad that you have admitted about the GBC members not very appropriately discharging their duty. I do not mind this discrepancy but you should be alert; you and all GBC members.]]

=== Standards of Personal Conduct ===

The spiritual strength of the movement relies heavily on the strict behavior of its leaders and members, particularly regarding personal appearance and daily spiritual practices. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that slackness in these areas, such as failing to rise early, chant sixteen rounds, or maintain proper dress, indicates a lack of attachment to Kṛṣṇa and leads to unnecessary fighting.

* [[Vaniquotes:Sannyasis are topmost leaders they should see that they are chanting 16 rounds, rising early in the morning and they should also rise early, behave like that and if there is any discrepancy it should not be ended by fighting|Sannyasis are topmost leaders they should see that they are chanting 16 rounds, rising early in the morning and they should also rise early, behave like that and if there is any discrepancy it should not be ended by fighting.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We should be known as shaven-headed, not long-hair-headed. This is discrepancy. At least once in a month you must be clearly shaven-headed|We should be known as shaven-headed, not long-hair-headed. This is discrepancy. At least once in a month you must be clearly shaven-headed.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If there is some discrepancy anywhere, some non-cooperation, fighting, or if the work is slow or not to the standard, it is to be supposed that the person or persons in charge are not very much attached to Krishna|If there is some discrepancy anywhere, some non-cooperation, fighting, or if the work is slow or not to the standard, it is to be supposed that the person or persons in charge are not very much attached to Krishna.]]

=== Deity Worship and Spiritual Perception ===

In the worship of the Deities, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that the visible mood of the Lord is a direct reflection of the disciples' service and sincerity. He cautions that while the worship of Gaura-Nitāi is merciful and allows for some leniency, neglect in the worship of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa constitutes a serious offense that must be scrupulously avoided.

* [[Vaniquotes:For serving Gaura-Nitai there is no offense, but if Radha-Krsna is there and there is some discrepancy, then there is great offense and this should be avoided|For serving Gaura-Nitai there is no offense, but if Radha-Krsna is there and there is some discrepancy, then there is great offense and this should be avoided.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If we see the Deities in very pleasing mood, that will certify our service unto the Lord. So everywhere we shall see the Deities in such pleasing mood. As soon as we see the Deities in a different mood we must immediately understand our discrepancies|If we see the Deities in very pleasing mood, that will certify our service unto the Lord. So everywhere we shall see the Deities in such pleasing mood. As soon as we see the Deities in a different mood we must immediately understand our discrepancies.]]

=== Cooperation and Preservation of Association ===

Emphasizing the importance of the society of devotees, Śrīla Prabhupāda urges disciples never to leave the association despite inevitable imperfections or conflicts. He teaches that the most effective way to rectify others is to first maintain one's own purity and be above suspicion, which naturally commands respect and inspires a cooperative atmosphere.

* [[Vaniquotes:Our Krsna consciousness society is a bhakta-sanga, is a society of devotees. Never try to go away. Never try to go away. Discrepancies there may be. You should adjust|Our Krsna consciousness society is a bhakta-sanga, is a society of devotees. Never try to go away. Never try to go away. Discrepancies there may be. You should adjust.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Best thing is to be above suspicion ourselves, then if we see discrepancies and make suggestion the others will automatically respect and take action to rectify the matters. That is cooperation|Best thing is to be above suspicion ourselves, then if we see discrepancies and make suggestion the others will automatically respect and take action to rectify the matters. That is cooperation.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Whatever imperfections and discrepancies may exist, if you all agree to my directions and cooperate in the right spirit then everything will turn out|Whatever imperfections and discrepancies may exist, if you all agree to my directions and cooperate in the right spirit then everything will turn out, but it will require everyone involved to be responsible and cooperate in executing and following the instructions of the Spiritual Master.]]

=== The Purpose of Spiritual Correction ===

When Śrīla Prabhupāda points out faults, he explains that it is an act of affection intended to help the disciple become a better servant of Kṛṣṇa. He further clarifies that doubts or perceived discrepancies in the philosophy often stem from the disciple's own agitated mind rather than any actual flaw in the teachings.

* [[Vaniquotes:When I point out some discrepancy of my disciples, it is always with good will so you can become the best servant of Krishna|When I point out some discrepancy of my disciples, it is always with good will so you can become the best servant of Krishna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:You have described how you once fell down because you saw discrepancies in our philosophy. Actually, our philosophy is perfect, but because there were discrepancies in your mind at that time you may have thought something wrongly about our philosophy|You have described how you once fell down because you saw discrepancies in our philosophy. Actually, our philosophy is perfect, but because there were discrepancies in your mind at that time you may have thought something wrongly about our philosophy.]]

=== Conclusion ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes that acknowledging and correcting discrepancies is vital to his disciples' spiritual progress and the institution's health. By adhering to his instructions with a cooperative spirit, maintaining personal standards of ''sādhana'', and accepting correction with humility, disciples can overcome all imperfections and serve Kṛṣṇa effectively.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Our Discrepancies (Disciples of SP)|Our Discrepancies (Disciples of SP)]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])

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