Minutes to read.
ISKCON vs Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj: A Comparison of Spiritual Knowledge
In the quest for spiritual truth, millions turn to spiritual organizations and saints for guidance. Two prominent paths in India and worldwide are:
- ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), inspired by Srila Prabhupada
- Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, a scripture-based spiritual leader and Tatvadarshi Saint
While both aim to connect the soul to God, their understanding of scriptures, concept of God, and path to salvation differ significantly. Let’s explore these differences based on Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, and other scriptures.
1. Concept of the Supreme God
ISKCON:
- ISKCON believes Lord Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- They base this belief mainly on verses like Bhagavad Gita 10:20 and Bhagavad Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam).
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj:
- Teaches that Lord Krishna (possessed by Kaal or Brahm) is not the Supreme God, but a powerful being under whom the material universe functions.
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Cites Bhagavad Gita 15:17 — which distinguishes between three entities:
- Perishable (kshar – all living beings)
- Imperishable (akshar – Kaal/Brahm)
- Supreme God (Param Akshar Brahm) – who is above both, the actual Supreme Being.
- Reveals from Vedas (Rigveda 9.96.17–20) and Gita 8:9 that Kavir Dev (Kabir Saheb) is the Param Akshar Brahm.
Key Difference: ISKCON considers Krishna as Supreme; Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj shows Krishna/Kaal is not Supreme, but Kabir Saheb is, based on Gita and Vedas.
2. Identity of the Speaker in Bhagavad Gita
ISKCON:
- Believes Krishna is the speaker of the Gita and the Supreme God Himself.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj:
- Explains that the speaker of the Gita is Kaal (Jyoti Niranjan), not the Supreme God.
- Supports this with Gita 11:32, where the speaker says, “I am Kaal, the destroyer of the worlds.”
- Points to Gita 18:62, where the speaker advises Arjuna to go to the Supreme God—clearly implying he himself is not that Supreme God.
Key Difference: ISKCON equates the Gita speaker with Supreme God; Sant Rampal Ji separates the speaker (Kaal) from Supreme God (Kabir).
3. Nature of Devotion and Salvation
ISKCON:
- Promotes chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra (Hare Krishna Hare Rama...) as the primary path of devotion.
- Emphasizes Bhakti Yoga, temple worship, singing, and dancing in praise of Krishna.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj:
- States that chanting random mantras or names without correct initiation has no scriptural support for salvation.
- Gives Naam Diksha (initiation) including Satnam and Saarnaam, as described in Gita 17:23 – “Om Tat Sat” are the three names of Supreme God.
- Teaches devotion through scripture-backed mantra chanting, not rituals or idol worship.
Key Difference: ISKCON teaches general devotion and chanting; Sant Rampal Ji insists on correct mantras given by Tatvadarshi Saint, as per Gita and Vedas.
4. Authority of Scriptures
ISKCON:
- Heavily depends on Srimad Bhagavatam, Gita (commentary by Srila Prabhupada), and related Vaishnavite texts.
- Emphasis is on stories and pastimes of Krishna as God.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj:
- Gives equal weight to Vedas, Gita, Quran, Bible, Guru Granth Sahib, etc.
- Advocates for proof-based spiritual knowledge, not mythology or hearsay.
- Encourages seekers to verify everything in scripture before believing.
Key Difference: ISKCON gives preference to Puranas (like Bhagavatam); Sant Rampal Ji relies on Vedas, Gita, and universally accepted scriptures.
5. Role of a True Saint
ISKCON:
- Reveres Srila Prabhupada and the Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage.
- Does not explicitly claim that he is the Tatvadarshi Saint mentioned in Gita 4:34.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj:
- Claims to be the Tatvadarshi Sant foretold in Gita 4:34, who gives complete knowledge of the Supreme God and the path to salvation.
- Says that only by taking initiation from such a Saint can one attain complete salvation (poorna moksha) and reach Satlok (eternal abode).
Key Difference: ISKCON promotes its guru lineage; Sant Rampal Ji claims to fulfill the Gita’s prophecy of a true Saint who reveals the Supreme God.
Conclusion
| Topic | ISKCON | Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme God | Krishna | Kabir Saheb (Kavir Dev) |
| Speaker of Gita | Krishna (Supreme) | Kaal (not Supreme) |
| Path to Salvation | Hare Krishna chanting | Satnam/Saarnaam via true Saint |
| Main Scriptures | Gita & Bhagavatam | Gita, Vedas, Bible, Quran, SGGS |
| True Saint | Srila Prabhupada (guru) | Sant Rampal Ji as Tatvadarshi |
Final Thought:
While ISKCON spreads devotion and love toward Krishna, Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj presents a deeper, scripture-rooted interpretation, revealing the true Supreme God as Kabir Saheb, the process of salvation through Naam initiation, and the necessity of approaching a Tatvadarshi Saint.
Those seeking complete salvation are encouraged to compare scriptures directly and take initiation from a Saint who aligns with all holy texts, as Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj does.
