Istaghostis.
Philosophy · asked by user [] · 2007-12-30 · 5 answers
Should local [and international] istaghostis or general meeting of all devotees re-introduced in Iskcon?
The current mood is to manage the yatras from a selected few,and so,many important issues are not discussed in order to please Srila Prabhupada.
The current mood is to manage the yatras from a selected few,and so,many important issues are not discussed in order to please Srila Prabhupada.
user [149] · 2007-12-31
A few 1999 GBC Resolutions on this topic:503. [VISION AND GOAL] TRAINING LEADERS TO CARE FOR DEVOTEES
Whereas there is a great concern within ISKCONs community of devotees that those acting in leadership positions do not always demonstrate the proper mood of humility or care of others in their dealings.
It is resolved THAT all ISKCON leaders are encouraged to undergo systematic training to foster within them continuing improvement in humility and the skills, attitudes and vision necessary to make the care of Vaisnavas within their charge their topmost priority.
505. [ACTION ORDER] COMMUNITY COUNCILS FOR DEVOTEE CARE
Whereas the GBC Body recognises that communication with and caring for devotees is fundamental to the success of ISKCON,
It is resolved THAT:
By August, 1999 each ISKCON center will establish a "community care" council. The council will assist the local temple management to serve their community by developing strategies and programs in the following areas (but not restricted to):
Family counseling
Health care
Youth Vocational assistance
Child protection
Womens care
Economics
It is to be understood that each ISKCON community is unique and that each will develop and adapt its community care programs to suit local needs.
GBC zonal secretaries or their appointed representative will take responsibility for the compliance of the temples in their zones and send a simple compliance report to the Social Development Co-ordination Ministry by November 1999.
The Social Development Co-ordination ministry will make a report to the GBC Body at the year 2000 Mayapur meeting.
The Grihasta & Community Development ministry will supply information and general guidelines to the local community care councils on suggested care & protection programmes.
506. [ACTION ORDER] ISTAGOSTHIS IN COMMUNITIES THAT
ISKCON community leaders regularly hold istagosthis in the temples to discuss management decision and concerns of the devotees.
(end)
user [229] · 2008-01-01
Thanks,Prabhu,I wonder how many devotees are aware of this important resolution.However,are such istaghostis being held in all temples.Personally,I have not witnessed any lately....while most prefer to tolerate many scandals happenning now and then..
user [1] · 2008-01-02
Problem is we seem to be waiting for the work to be done from above and that is not likely. A good start could be asking in writing your local temple board to implement that action order.
user [2] · 2008-01-02
Problem is we seem to be waiting for the work to be done from above and that is not likely.A good start could be asking in writing your local temple board to implement that action order.
user [149] · 2008-01-02
Ive brough it up with my regional GBC, who is also a TP elsewhere. His reply was that he stopped having istaghostis because the meetings turned into shouting matches, nothing was accomplished and it did more harm than good. I could sympathise with him, but the problem could be easily solved by becoming competent in managing istaghostis and the participants. Temple leaders could take a Facilitation skills course or something similar.