ENRICHED EXTRACT from a LETTER to an ISKCON LEADER.

“As far as the articles are concerned, here is the bottom line:

Regardless of what’s happening on the altar, a true and knowledgable gentleman or gentle lady will not fail to acknowledge Srila Prabhupada’s presence in the temple room, precisely on the Vyasasana, amidst the assembled devotees, and offer Him the articles first or cause it to happen. It is not a matter of dry rituals. It is a matter of realising Srila Prabhupada very personal presence on the temple Vyasasana. Guru is not different from His picture or His murti. Srila Prabhupada is not different from His murti. Besides that anyone who accepts the articles first in His Divine Presence on the Vyasasana really slaps Srila Prabhupada in the face. What an ignorant imposture!

You cannot neglect Him in this way day after day, after day, after day. It just cannot be done! Such repetitive behavior represents a significant offence and will hold you back on the progressive and golden path of devotional service. It will also hold back all those others who depend on your leadership.”

Addendum: It has been rightly pointed out that our respected readers may not remember the background of the BOTTOM LINE posting.  Please see “ARTICLES” posting of April 7th 2016 for relevant information. Thank you very much!