Days after the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) banned him, monk Amogh Lila Das on Saturday for his controversial statements about Swami Vivekananda and his mocking of Ramakrishna Paramhansa's teachings.
"I am making this video to apologies to all the people and saints who have been hurt because of my recent comments on Vivekanand ji and Ramakrishna Paramahans ji," he's heard saying in a video.
He made it clear that his intention was not to cause offense to anyone. Instead, he explained that he was merely responding to a specific question asked during the interview.
Watch the video here:
Talking to Free Press Journal, ISKCON Kolkata vice president Radharaman Das said, "Bharat, a country with immense diversity, boasts of various cultures and traditions. Each tradition has its unique outlook on the absolute truth, Bhagavan, with distinctive mantras, rituals, offerings, and Ishta Devtas. However, what unites us all is Sanatan Dharm, and we are all Sanatanis. Instead of fighting with each other, we should engage in healthy philosophical debates and have a constructive vaad-samvaad rather than unhelpful Vivad."
Das was banned by ISKCON for his controversial comments
Amogh Lila Das had been affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for 12 years. Nevertheless, following his contentious remarks about Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramahansa, the organization took a firm stance and issued a one-month ban on his participation in public gatherings.
Comments that caused controversy
The monk's remarks that sparked the controversy revolved around two main points: Swami Vivekananda's dietary preferences and Ramakrishna's teaching of "Jato Mat Tato Path" (meaning "As many opinions, as many paths"). He criticised Swami Vivekananda for consuming fish, arguing that a virtuous individual should refrain from harming any living being. Additionally, he sarcastically commented on the teaching of "Jato Mat Tato Path," implying that not all spiritual paths lead to the same destination.
In a swift response, ISKCON addressed the situation and released a statement disassociating itself from the views expressed by Amogh Lila Das. The organization made it clear that his opinions do not reflect ISKCON's values and teachings.
"We condemn any form of disrespect and intolerance towards other religious beliefs and practices," the ISKCON had said.
