Text 1613099 (60 lines)
From: Bhagavat Dharma (das) MG (Mayapur Project, Comm.)
Date: 20-Aug-98 10:56 +0100
Cc: X (All COM users) [67]
(sender: Raktambara (das) HKS (SysOp) (NE-BBT))
Subject: Apology from the EC. (For 'X' )
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To all members of ISKCON

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

We have been carefully listening to the feedback following our letter to the Society on 12th August 1998 regarding the situation of Harikesa Prabhu. Many of the respondents were grateful for the information that was presented, but many devotees felt that the Executive Committee made some inappropriate statements. We wish to acknowledge those concerns and clarify our perspective.

We deeply apologise to any member of the Society who has been upset by our words. It was not our intention to cause grief, particularly, to the disciples of Harikesa prabhu who are deeply affected by his situation. Neither would we wish to speak ill of Harikesa prabhu himself, nor, in any way, to create obstacles in the process of his recovery back to full service. We accept that, in the wording of our letter and in the methodology of releasing so much information at one time, we over-stepped the etiquette of presenting the circumstances of such a senior devotee.

We were aware that many of the details that we included in the letter were being widely circulated on the Internet and were being sent around on COM. We considered that it was important to make an open and definitive statement to counter much worse accusations and rumours. We were also concerned that a few disciples were explaining some of Harikesa prabhu's uncharacteristic behaviour as transcendental activity. Even so, we are very sorry that we breached proper etiquette in revealing too many details related to his condition.

We also apologise if our previous statements implied that we believed he should be held accountable for his actions and therefore liable for some form of sanction. That was not our conviction. Rather, we have always felt it best to allow him the time and space to make a full recovery without passing judgement.

Our difficulty arose when Harikesa Prabhu himself refused to take a leave of absence or vacation, even though he had previously asked for it. Presently, he wishes to act in various official capacities, which are clearly inappropriate for him. Therefore, unfortunately, there is really no alternative for the EC other than to suspend him from his responsibilities for the time being. Please understand this step to be a compassionate gesture to assist Harikesa Prabhu and not a punishment.

To sum up, we offer our sincere apologies for any mistakes and inadequacies in our efforts to handle this situation. If our message appeared contradictory, it is because the situation is complex and we are struggling to understand it as things unfold. We will do our best to be mindful of the sensibilities of all the devotees.

As god-brothers and friends we are continually looking for ways to offer Harikesa Prabhu our support and care. He certainly does need the care, the love and well-wishes of the whole Society. We are thoroughly appreciative of his wonderful achievements and daily we are praying for his speedy return to active service for Srila Prabhupada.

Your servants

The GBC Executive Commitee

Akhandadhi das, Badrinarayan das, Ravindra Svarupa das, Sesa das
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