Dear Editor,
Consequent upon the unexpected passing of our dear and beloved Swami Vidyananadaji earlier this year, the Bharat Sevashram Sangha proceeded to fill the void created by his death and I am confident that this was done in accordance with the Articles of Association and the succession plan of this great seva organization.
As followers of Shrimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj we can vividly recall the numerous occasions on which Swami Vidyanandaji, and even just prior to him going to the hospital for his final medical procedure told us that in his absence Swami Shiveshwaranandaji would carry out the duties of Spiritual Head of the Ashram and exhorted us to give him fullest cooperation as we had done for him. That apart, we are aware that Swami Shivesh has been the understudy to Swami Vidyananda, and has played leading roles in numerous activities of the America SevashramSangha.
Any succession plan will spell out how positions becoming vacant should be addressed and here I want to emphasize that Swami Shivesh has over the years been an exemplary student of the Sangha and in particular of the late Swami Vidyanand. I can attest to this as I, along with my family, have been associated with the Guyana SevashramSangha since 1991, having taken our ‘GuriDixia’ in that year from Swami Vidyananda. We still recall with pride joining the young ‘BramhachariBaskhar’ and a group of committed and excited young followers on numerous trips to and around Berbiceat Yagnas officiated by this brilliant mind. I make these remarks with the greatest respect and love, and without prejudice to our other current Swamijis who are all equally committed, competent and worthy of elevation.
Swami Shivesh is well respected, skilful, competent and eminently qualified to succeed our late Master. I am certain that the sentiments expressed here are shared by all our followers at the Ashram.
Sadly, however, a few amongst us have been expressing misguided negative opinions of Swami Shivesh with a view to discrediting him. My attempt here is merely to set the record right and to maintain and consolidate that strong bond and unity that existed prior to Swami Vidyananda’s exit and still continues today.
On the issue of former Swami Shivshankarananda being expelled by the Bharat SevashramSangha (Guyana branch at Cove & John) I wish to touch a bit on the doctrine of collective responsibility and universal code of conduct. It is an accepted principle that every member of an organization be committed to the objectives and prescriptions of that organization and adhere to authority, in this case the America SevashramSangha with responsibility for the Cove & John Ashram and more importantly, the Bharat SevashramSangha which is our parent body. Placements, secondments and temporary postings to various locations under the Sangha are but attempts to reorganize, build competence and strengthen the Sangha and must be seen and accepted as such.
Until now I cannot fathom how and why prescriptive rights to the Cove & John Ashram were granted to former Swami Shivshankaranand by the competent authority, that is the Land Court, without a copy of such an application being served on the principal(s) of that body, namely Swami Vidyananda. Nevertheless, the fact that no less a person than the President of the Bharat SevashramSangha from Kolkata himself had to travel to the USA then Guyana to intervene and was forced to take the ultimate action to sever the relationship with the former Swami was most unfortunate. The posting of Swami Shiv to the Los Angeles Ashram would have allowed for much exposure and growth to his stature in the organization. I sincerely would like to see him back with the Sangha. This sad issue has no doubt led to a few very supportive and formerly ardent followers of this organization seeing it differently, and aspersions being cast on Swami Shivesh no doubt to malign and tarnish his name. This is a terrible sin on the part of those misguided persons and should cease immediately.
I want to make an appeal to them and others not to let this matter cause conflict and the parting of ways, as we are all children of this great Sangha and it is imperative that we stand united even in times when we may view issues differently. Collective responsibility requires us to stand together even as our opinions differ. I contend very strongly that the sharing of different opinions is perfectly healthy and normal, but we must abide by the decisions of our learned leader who is none other than the current Head of the Bharat SevashramSangha. Decisions must stand the test of time and be respected and complied with, though some may think they appear sometimes to be stern. I hope too that good sense will prevail and exhort fellow members and devotees of this wonderful organization to let healing take place. Let us with sincerity recommit ourselves amidst whatever adversities come to stand strong and rally behind the banner of the Sanghaalways. There must be no place for division whatsoever as we are all children of Guru Maharaj and must steadfastly remain so. The washing of dirty linen in newspapers must cease. This matter is finished and must be so regarded. It is time to move on and heal.
I pray that commonsense and good judgment will dawn on the few misguided souls and in the not too distant future they will re-unite and be with us at the America Sevashram Sangha. In the same vein I pray that former Swami Shivshankarananda would resume his monastic life within the organization.
Yours faithfully,
Jugul Roopnarine
