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Kailasa Candra Dasa

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Kailasa Candra Dasa
Personal
Born (1951-01-09) 9 January 1951 (age 73)
United States
ReligionGaudiya Vaishnavism
Other namesJerould Kiel Goodwin, Mark Goodwin, Jacob Joseph Jay
Senior posting
PredecessorA. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
InitiationHarinama diksha, 1972
Brahmana diksha, 1974
Websitewww.therealexplanation.org

Kailasa Candra Dasa (IAST: Kailāsa Candra dāsa; born 9 January 1951), also known as J. K. Goodwin, is an American Gaudiya Vaishnava teacher, sidereal astrologer and author with a small number of students.[1][2] In 1972, he joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Madison, Wisconsin. After the passing of ISKCON founder A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, he opposed ISKCON's "zonal acharyas", beginning in 1978 and 1979.[3][4][5] He is co-founder of the Vaishnava Foundation, a nonprofit organization incorporated under the name Metamorphosis League for Monastic Studies.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] He works out of the United States. He continues to oppose what he sees as the deviations that emerged within ISKCON after the demise of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.[15][4][16][17][18]

Biography

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Born in early 1951, he was immediately put up for adoption and raised in Glenview, Illinois, as well as Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. His conservative, middle-class foster parents, Robert and Gladys Barber, named him Kevin R. Barber. As a child, he suffered from health problems (i.e. severe asthma and undiagnosed autism) and bullying from classmates. Raised Catholic, he embraced Darwinism and atheism in high school. He became sports editor of The Daily Cardinal, while majoring in journalism at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, in the early 1970s.[2][19] Experiencing an increase in psycho-physical distress, a waning interest in materialism, and a deepening commitment to “Truth or Bust”, he dropped out of college in November 1971. At that time, he became a vegetarian and began studying occult science. In late 1971, he distanced himself from his family. This was after experiencing domestic violence from his angered step-father. The welder, employed in Defense Department shipbuilding, disapproved of his step-son's opposition to the Vietnam War.[20]

Reading Be Here Now (book) and encountering Rudra dās in Madison, Wisconsin led Kevin to the Hare Krishna movement, which he joined in February, 1972. In September 1972, he received Harer Nama diksha initiation from his guru, A. C. Bhaktivedānta Swāmi Prabhupāda at the rural ISKCON compound just outside Moundsville, West Virginia. The spiritual name bestowed on him, Kailāsa Candra dāsa (hereinafter, Kailāsa), identified him as a dāsa/servant of Lord Shiva, The Eminence of Kailāsa, the greatest Vaishnava.[21] In the 1970s, Kailāsa ran Midwest college preaching programs throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.[22] In 1973, Kailāsa's skill and dedication were formally recognized: His guru sent a congratulatory letter to the Evanston, Illinois temple president for the success of its college preaching campaign. It was also in 1973 that Kailāsa became one of the first devotees to distribute Krishna Consciousness publications at O’Hare Airport. Kailāsa secured Brahminical initiation from, and private darshan with, his spiritual master in July, 1974; this was while serving at the Evanston temple. Kailāsa relocated to the Honolulu temple in the spring of 1975. Here he was able to accompany his spiritual master on morning walks and perform percussion accompaniment at guru-pūjas. He helped organize a dialogue between Srila Prabhupāda and Yogi Bhajan. Later, he was appointed temple president of the movement's rural ashram near Mauna Kea.[23][24][25]

Kailasa Candra Dasa in 1980's
Kailāsa Candra Dāsa in the 1980s

He traveled throughout Europe propagating Krishna Consciousness in mid-1976. During 1977, he made his first of three pilgrimages to India. After the disappearance of the founder of the Hare Krishna movement, A. C. Bhaktivedānta Swāmi Prabhupāda, in November 1977, through controversial circumstances, Kailāsa became alarmed by the movement's trajectory. He was ordered by the Southern U.S. zone governing commissioner of ISKCON to sell drug paraphernalia in 1978 as a fund-raising initiative. This, along with other deviations from his spiritual master's guiding principles, led him to sever connections with the “ISKCON” establishment in the summer of 1978. He was one of the early reformers entering the battle against the "ISKCON" zonal acharyas in Vrindaban, India, in 1978 and 1979.[26][27] Asked by a leader of that reform group, Kailāsa was the devotee who compiled a lengthy position paper against the zonal acharya system.[28] He was one of the first members to be ostracized from the now changed "ISKCON" movement.[29] A 1979 resolution statement issued by the new “ISKCON” Governing Body Commission warned all "ISKCON" centers about Kailasa's activities.[30]

In the late spring of 1985, Kailāsa was contacted by Sulocana Dāsa,[31] who was in need of an editor for his tracts that were meant to be combined into an eventual book. Kailasa traveled with him throughout America, in his godbrother's converted van, during the summer and early autumn of that year, finalizing the edited work.[3] At the behest of one of the “ISKCON” zonals, Kailāsa's friend, Sulochan Dāsa, was assassinated in Los Angeles in May 1986, while in his van.[32][33]

In January, 1988, Kailāsa co-founded The Vaishnava Foundation. The foundation was first formed as an unincorporated association in Lake County, CA, in December 1986. It was later incorporated, in Sacramento, California on Jan. 20, 1988.[8][9] Due to its established history, The Vaishnava Foundation has been listed in academic encyclopedias of world religions and American religions.[34][35] Kailāsa is the author of over one hundred articles, published on the Vaishnava Foundation's websites, along with more than thirty video presentations.[36] In July 2023, Kailasa appeared in an interview by Nathan Hartley from The Hare Krishna Project.[37]

Philosophy / Thought

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In Western Vaishnava circles, Kailāsa is known as a staunch critic of the corruption that emerged after his spiritual master's departure.[4][3] In the following quote, he depicts the importance of exposing such deviations:

Based in no small measure upon deductions rooted in Srila Prabhupāda’s teachings, this document will work to concentrate the mind. The big lies will be broken down. Once you are awakened from their intoxicating influence, the dismantling of the bogus philosophies underpinning them will inexorably proceed via the domino effect. The psychic shackles will fall off, and you will experience a natural freedom of mind and intelligence conducive to the development of genuine Krishna consciousness.[38]

Kailāsa's ministry emphasizes the threats of congregationalism, institutionalism, party-spirit factionalism and truth-diluting “unity” collaborations to the Krishna consciousness movement and the need to discriminate between bhakti-driven by sentimentality and authentic sadhana founded upon the shastra of previous spiritual masters.[39][40] His critiques have led to harsh criticisms from some Gaudiya circles, including “ISKCON Truth”, ISKCON Revival Movement, et al.[41][42] The Vaishnava Foundation aims to promote Krishna consciousness in the pristine form presented by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedānta Swāmi Prabhupāda and to prophetically expose and oppose deviations in the Krishna consciousness movement which have arisen since his disappearance. The motto displayed on the homepage of The Vaishnava Foundation declares: "The highest truth is reality distinguished from illusion for the welfare of all." Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.2[43]

Bibliography

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Publications

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Books

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  • Goodwin, J. K. (29 October 2009). Reclaiming the Lost Tarot: Knowledge of Its Hidden Sequence in Human Life. Author. ISBN 978-1449564087.
  • Goodwin, J. K. (19 June 2009). Advanced Primer of Sidereal Astrology. Author. ISBN 978-1448608690.
  • Goodwin, J. K. (12 July 2009). Messages From Nostradamus Revealed. Author. ISBN 978-1448617920.
  • Goodwin, J. K. (12 July 2009). Buddhi-yoga and System Ouspensky: A Commentary on His Essential Teachings. Author. ISBN 978-1448608874.
  • Bhaktivinoda Thakur (14 July 2011). The awakening of truth: Awakened intelligence in absolute truth. Translated by Kailasa Candra dasa. Kailasa Candra dasa. ISBN 978-1463733513.. Translation of Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Tattva-viveka (in Sanskrit). Translated by Kailasa Candra dasa.
  • Kailasa Candra dasa (2019). Beyond Institutional Gurus, Initiations, And Party Men. Vaishnava Foundation / Kala Parusha Publications. ISBN 978-1696849661.
  • Kailasa Candra dasa (2024). On Consciousness & The Perfection of Man. Vaishnava Foundation / Kala Parusha Publications. ISBN 979-8339251873.

Editing work

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References/Notes

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  1. ^ Doktorski, Henry (January 8, 2018). Killing for Krishna: The Danger of Deranged Devotion. USA. p. 320. ISBN 978-1544607276.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. ^ a b "BIOGRAPHY". The VAISHNAVA FOUNDATION. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  3. ^ a b c Doktorski, Henry (January 8, 2018). Killing for Krishna: The Danger of Deranged Devotion. USA. p. 34. ISBN 978-1544607276.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ^ a b c Sampradaya Sun (Oct 13, 2017). "Because I Never Factually Heard". Sampradaya Sun. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  5. ^ Bhumi, Vraja. "MONSTER HOTEL- KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS or how I learned to stop worrying and love the new world order". Academia.edu: 129. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  6. ^ Cumulative list of organizations described in section 170 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Revised to October 31, 1988) Publisher/Author: United States
  7. ^ Worldmark Encyclopedia of Religious Practices, “Hinduism”, encyclopedia.com https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/eastern-religions/hinduism/hinduism#BY [retrieved September 17, 2022]
  8. ^ a b "METEMORPHOSIS LEAGUE FOR MONASTIC STUDIES: THE VAISHNAVA FOUNDATION, INC". Ca-registry. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  9. ^ a b "Corporate ISKCON - Part 39". Sampradaya Sun. Archived from the original on September 7, 2010. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  10. ^ "Who We Are". Bhaktivedanta Climate Change Collaboration Group. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
  11. ^ Johanson, Eric. "About Us". The Krishnaites.
  12. ^ Constance Jones, James D. Ryan (2006). Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Google Books: Facts on File. pp. 287–288. ISBN 0-8160-5458-4.
  13. ^ "Metamorphosis League for Monastic Studies". Encyclopedia of Hinduism (Encyclopedia of World Religions) by Constance A. Jones (Author), James D. Ryan (Author); FACTS ON FILE (November 1, 2007)
  14. ^ J. Gordon Melton (editor-in-chief), Melton's Encyclopedia of American Religions; Gale: 8th edition (February 13, 2009)
  15. ^ Doktorski, Henry (January 8, 2018). Killing for Krishna: The Danger of Deranged Devotion. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. p. 65. ISBN 978-1544607276.
  16. ^ "Who's on the Menu at the Hodge Podge Buffet?". Sampradaya Sun. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  17. ^ Krishnakant (March 4, 2008). "Kailasa Candra's Ritvik Concoction". Iskcon Revival Movement.
  18. ^ Kailasa Chandra dasa. "The Book Bhagavat: A Competent Remedy". VAISHNAVA NEWS. Retrieved 2022-03-11.
  19. ^ "Student publication of the university of wisconsin-milwaukee". THE UWM POST. September 27, 1974.
  20. ^ "Kailasa Candra dasa". Amazon.com Author Biography.
  21. ^ "Srila Prabhupada Disciple Database". Krishna. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  22. ^ B. BARR, PATRICK (October 11, 1974). "Noise Prompts Soglin to Close Mall Festival". Wisconsin State Journal.
  23. ^ Kailāsa Candra dāsa, “Beyond Institutional Gurus, Initiations, And Party Men”, Appendix 1, 2019: Vaishnava Foundation
  24. ^ Sheppard, Robert (November 9, 1973). "Eastern sects offer alternative to Christianity". THE DAILY ILLINI. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  25. ^ "Love Feast: Feeding the corporeal body". THE DAILY ILLINI. May 10, 1974. Retrieved June 27, 2019.
  26. ^ Cumulative list of organizations described in section 170 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Revised to October 31, 1988) Publisher/Author: United States
  27. ^ Sampradaya Sun. "Challenging the Zonal Acarya System". Sampradaya Sun. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  28. ^ Doktorski, Henry (January 8, 2018). Killing for Krishna: The Danger of Deranged Devotion. USA. p. 320. ISBN 978-1544607276.
  29. ^ "History of Diksa Guru in ISKCON 1978-2014". The Hare Krishna Movement. 14 April 2016.
  30. ^ "GBC resolution 1979". Official website of the Governing Body Commission of ISKCON. Retrieved July 13, 2019.
  31. ^ "The Saga of Sulochan". by Hrishikesh dasa (Henry Doktorski) [retrieved September 17, 2022]
  32. ^ Doktorski, Henry (January 8, 2018). Killing for Krishna: The Danger of Deranged Devotion. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. pp. 318, 319. ISBN 978-1544607276.
  33. ^ Nori J. Muster, Betrayal of the Spirit, Univ. of Illonois Press, 1997
  34. ^ Constance A. Jones & James D. Ryan, Encyclopedia of Hinduism (Encyclopedia of World Religion series); Facts on File: 2007, pp. 287-288
  35. ^ J. Gordon Melton (editor-in-chief), Melton's Encyclopedia of American Religions; Gale: 8th edition (February 13, 2009)
  36. ^ "The VAISHNAVA FOUNDATION". Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  37. ^ The Hare Krishna Project, Nathan Hartley (July 5, 2023). "The Hare Krishnas In Britain - E65 – "Its time to return to square one"". YouTube. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  38. ^ "Everywhere the Followers Make the Whole Thing Bungled". The Vaishnava Foundation. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  39. ^ http://biodynamictheology.com/review_of_gold_guns_and_god--volume_2 | Chand Prasad, Ph.D. “Review of Gold, Guns and God: Volume 2--A Pioneer Community by Henry Doktorski”; ISKCON History Series
  40. ^ "Iskcon GBC Gaudiya Math".harekrsna.org PADA NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE - 2007 [retrieved September 17, 2022]
  41. ^ "Kailasa Candra's Ritvik Concoction". ISKCONirm.com [retrieved September 17, 2022]
  42. ^ "ISKCON GBC – Blacklist Index". ISKCONtruth.com [retrieved September 17, 2022
  43. ^ “The Vaishnava Foundation” website https://www.therealexplanation.org/ [retrievied Oct. 1, 2022]
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