Pariprashnena — Q&A Archive

The only way is to be nice, purified and sincere devotees... every single one of us. Be the change you want to see ;-)

any non-general down to earth, practical advice, anyone?
cause it is a specific PROBLEM preachers face.

To be nice, purified and sincere devotees each and everyone - this doesnt seem to be down to earth advice? Is the situation really so bad that these basic qualities are considered as something inconcrete and even unearthly? I mean its not general at all, rather it is the only solution for mentioned problems. Everyone must start at himself. Theres no other solution than individually changing our minds. We have exactly such leaders we deserve. Everybody gets leadership according to his honesty, dedication and devotion to Krishna. The more honest and sincere devotees we are the more honest and sincere leaders we get. Then also the "politics" can improve and trust in ISKCON can grow. We all are those the success of this movement stands on. Instead of poiting the same PROBLEMS again and again we should do constructive service the best way we can. If the preachers face this mentioned problem, they have to deal with it individually. We hardly can force anyone to change his mind about ISKCON. We cant erase from history mistakes some devotess did and which went public. But we can give positive example by our own service and sincere attitude.

Those who look for a way to help succeed ISKCON and gain further trust from the public and also those who are searching for ways to cure ISKCONS internal political disease, they are already sincere and striving for purity, therefore your comment as mishra prabhu pointed out was a bit too general, and also the answers and responses that is expected is:

1. How to convince others of ISKCON (to outsiders - to gain trust)
2. Better Preaching techniques as in point 1
3. How do we cure ISKCONs internal Political disease [yes it is possible, and no i do not expect answers like, "be the change you want to see" that is obvious, what i want is solid help, we all need it.

PLEASE HELP

- first problem A preacher has to direct people to a temple, and if the local temple is not a vibrant preaching place, with capable friendly non- fanatical devotees and real engaging spirit, it seems to me counterproductive and self-defeating. We all remember why we became devotees many years ago, and was exactly that attracted us in one variation or other.
- second problem is how to explain the different flavors and vaishnava institutions now present, without falling in the criticism.
- third problem, the guru centered paradigm, that is, you HAVE to take intiation asap and MY guru is the best, Newcomers should be having a more open space and choice and avoid these pitfalls.
- fourth problem is example: our goals of purity, self sufficient farms and god-like gurus and sannyasis is breaking down rapidly, maybe because it is not real in the first place and our approach has been unrealistic all the way.

I do not have the answers, just some thoughts like...

- if you do not have a suitable temple, make it yourself, like inviting people to your home, etc, but that might be unrealistic, too.
- consider other vaishnava institutions not as competitors but as brothers, with different ways of doing things.
- center our preaching in explaining to people what are the qualifications of guru and let them move along
- be more down to earth and acknowledge the mistakes and faults, not try to sweep them under the carpet, as people will loose faith very rapidly, not because of the understandable problems but due to them seeing the cheating propensity on hiding our shortcomings.

It might be worth to dedicate a full thread to every question here... what do you think, Prabhus?

Brilliant Idea, i shall open the threads to the questions i asked, if you dont mind...

Misra prabhu,

heres my take.

- the temple: if the local temple is dysfunctional you need to create your own scene based around your house and a center that you can open. Check out my article in the coming issue of Congregational Development Journal, if you can get a copy.
- explaining the differences: not necessary in the beginning, and not so important later on, if the dynamic is healthy. People come and stay because they are loved. If you have a functional family you dont mind if other people have their own families.
- initiation: why do you have to take initiation in a rush? The most important thing is to work up to and chant 16 rounds steadily for a year, and finish Srila Prabhupadas Bhagavatam.
- other people falling down: you just be honest and real and encourage your people to be honest and real, and get on with life. :-)

Gopal Guru, as far as dimissing "be the change you wish to see" there is no other answer. If not you, then who?

From 1969 to 1979 I was the corresponding secretary for ISKCON and answered letters from people throughout the world. Many came to live in temples and eventually became initiated disciples of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. After Prabhupada left in 77 the society spiraled downhill and given the situation I could no longer in good conscience advise people to join one of our centers. I was convinced that a great deviation had taken place at the topmost levels of management and authority and until those deviations were corrected I could only advise others to take shelter of Prabhupada through his vani presence on Earth (i.e. his books, classes, letters, etc.) In my opinion those same deviations continue to this day and is the cause of such widespread distrust and disillusionment.

...if the local temple is dysfunctional you need get rid of the dysfunctional temple managers and the dysfunctional GBC that allows the dysfunctional situation to continue,usually this is very difficult to do since the GBC and all their freinds resist change because it may mean that several devotees who very much enjoy " milking the Iskcon Cow " are not capable of supporting themselves on their own,or dont have the humility to admit that they are failures,or both.

This is exactly what is happening in my part of the world.

I remember in 1974 getting several encouraging letters offering practical guidance from Swarup Das and I began the practice of Bhakti Yoga and became a Life Member as a result. I am endebted to you for that encouragement. Dandavats to your Swarupji.

As far as improving the atmosphere in ISKCON, I say we each make a commitment to follow only those people who demonstrate Vaisnava integrity especially straightforwardness and honesty; those oriented toward giving, rather than taking.

Leaders are in position only because we agree to follow them. If we make a committment to only follow those with integrity, leaders who lack it will either become powerless or will have to improve.