Swami Amogh Leela Das, associated with ISKCON Temple Society, has apologized for the objectionable statement made on Swami Vivekananda and Guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Releasing a statement on Saturday, Amogh Leela Das said, ‘This video is to apologize to the people and saints who have been hurt by the recent statement made on Vivekananda regarding non-vegetarianism. Whoever was hurt by my speech, I apologize to him.

He further said, ‘My intention was not at all such that I should say something that would hurt someone’s heart. Someone asked about this in a question-and-answer session. I said something that hurt the listeners. I sincerely apologize for my speech. In future, I will keep in mind that nothing should come out of my mouth, which would hurt anyone.

A video of Swami Amogh Leela Das, associated with ISKCON, went viral, in which he was seen raising questions about Swami Vivekananda’s eating fish. In the video, Swami Amogh Leela Das had said that a Siddhapurush never harms any animal. After the controversy escalated, the ISKCON temple issued a statement saying that Amogh Leela Das was being banned for one month for his comments on Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Paramhans.

What did Amogh Leela Das say?

During the discourse, it was said that would a divine man kill an animal and eat it? Will you ever eat fish? Fish feel pain too, don’t they? And if Vivekananda eats fish, can a Siddhapurush eat fish? Will not eat There is compassion in the heart of a Siddhapurush. ‘Apart from Swami Vivekananda, he also commented on his Guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa’s thought ‘Jato Mat, Tato Path’ (As many thoughts, so many paths) and said that not every path leads to the same destination.’

What was Swami Vivekananda’s view on non-vegetarian food?

Swami Vivekananda had expressed views on non-vegetarian many times. The disciples had also questioned their Guru i.e. Swami Vivekananda on non-vegetarianism, on which he had expressed his opinion. Once the disciple had asked Swami whether it is necessary to eat fish and meat. On this Swami Vivekananda advised the disciple to eat meat and fish. Swami Vivekananda had said that if doing this causes any kind of harm, then I will take care of it. Swami Vivekananda had further told the disciple that look at the crowd of our country, there is sadness on everyone’s face and lack of courage and enthusiasm in the heart. These people have big stomachs and there is no life in their hands and feet. This is a group of cowards who get scared on small things.