The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) said on Tuesday that it had “banned” monk Amogh Lila Das after a video of him criticizing Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna went viral.
According to rumors, the monk has made a vow to withdraw and seek atonement in the hills.
What spoke the monk?
Amogh Lila Das, a monk, was shown in a social media video criticizing Swami Vivekananda for eating fish, saying that a good person may eat fish.
In addition, he made scathing comments on Ramakrishna’s teaching of “Jato Mat Tato Path” (as many opinions, as many pathways), claiming that not all roads go to the same place.
We admire ISKCON,” TMC State General Secretary Kunal Ghosh tweeted after posting the video. However, they must now stop him. Vivekananda and Ramakrishna would not accept insults. This so-called monk should be dealt with right now.
ISKCON’s assertion
ISKCON said in an official statement that Das’ opinions did not reflect the organization’s principles and teachings.
It said, “We denounce any contempt and intolerance for other religious practices and beliefs.
Furthermore, it said that Das’ “derogatory remarks” demonstrate his ignorance of the variety of spiritual traditions and personal preferences.
“ISKCON has decided to ban him for one month in light of this major error he made. He has been informed of our choice. According to the statement, Amogh Lila Das has asked for forgiveness for his remarks and is now aware of the enormous harm he caused.
“He has taken a vow to go on ‘prayaschit’ (atonement) for 1 month in the hills of Govardhan and will completely seclude himself from the public life with immediate effect,” the statement said.