Caring For Devotees: The Spiritual Counselor System
December 12, 2005 - 4:44am — kaunteya
From a series of lectures by HH Radhanath Maharaja, introducing the Spiritual Counselor System that has been successfully deployed at Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath Temple in Mumbai, Chowpatti.
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Srila Prabhupada:
"Our whole program is to train the untrained. This boy is a new boy, and he might have so many ideas within his brain. If you can train him for our purpose he may be also good assistant."
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Caring for devotees
Haribol: I have just finished HH Radhanatha's series of lectures regarding the spiritual counselor system which has been successfully deployed at the Chowpatty-Mumbai ISKCON temple and I must say, it all sounds very promising. This of course takes into consideration the fact that the model has already been implemented and is working at one center making it all the more encouraging.
I do not believe any sincere Vaisnava would disagree with Radhanath Swami's papers and I think this is something that has been a long time coming in ISKCON. One wishes that this mood of caring for the Vaisnavas in the way HH Radhanatha Swami expressed it and put into practice was implemented after Srila Prabhupada's disapperance in 1977. I have no doubt that the movement would not have had as many problems and in fact, would have had renewed energy to spread, especially in light of all the garhasta problems that manisfested after one's leavinbg the brahmacari ashram.
However, it is not too late and I think that this is a positive step to reviving those ashrams and ISKCON centers that could avail themselves of this new transfusion of spiritual, Krishna conscious counseling. I thank HH Radhanatha Swami for providing us with a well thought-out and practical scheme and would very much like to participate in this as well in the very near future. Hare Krsna.
the counselor system at chowpatti, mumbai
hare krsna,
the introduction of the counselor system in chowpatti happened some years ago, and since then it has been introduced in sri mayapur, too. devotees from mayapur went to chowpatti to see how it works, and disciples of hh radhanath maharaja have explained it here, in mayapur.
is there any way to find out how things have been developing in the meantime, in chowpatti as well as mayapur? preferably real reports, not just statements how wonderful everything is. (no doubt it is wonderful, but, like everything in the material world, there must be problems, too. and often one can learn more from understanding the problems than from reports that highlight the good parts only.)
ys phani.
Counselor system
I do not know 'in person' anything form the implementation of such programs in either of those places. What I can suggest is info from Malaysia, wherefrom I can obtain first hand reports, even from some Radhanatha Maharaja's disciples.
Good initiative to pursue this sort of practical programs and its discussion.
Counselor system
It would actually good to invite someone from Chowpatty to use this site as a tool to propagate their ideas and values. Actually they represent an important "shcool" of cong. development and they are very influential (as a concept and approach) in various places in the world.
I would like to see their direct submission on the site. This will also contribute to make the site (and the Ministry) more truly representative of all the congregational development efforts in the world.
But I don't have a reliable e-contact. Of course they have their site. Could you, Phanisvara Prabhu, contact them and see if they want to link, contribute articles or whatever?
www.radhagopinath.com
www.iskconchowpatty.com
www.iskconchowpatty.org
FOLLOW - UP
Just for your knowledge... I'll be sending the 'Counselling' series translated in spanish from now on. I was able to obtain some of the translations from M' Prasada mataji.
I also requested a devotee from Malaysia to interview a counsellor (disciple of HH Radhanatha Maharaja) reg' the system. Hopefully soon we will be able to obtain more material on this essential topic.
counselor system follow-up
very good. i'm writing to sri mayapur authorities, and to the chowpatti-temple. let's see what information we can gather ...
ys phani.
Counselor System
Dear Prabhus
PAMHO
Can you please send me a spanish copy of this Counselor system manual? I would like to send it to some of my friends.
Ys
Adiguru dasa
Sorry, no Spanish version ...
Dear Adiguru prabhu,
unfortunately we don't have a Spanish version of this document, or the similar "Simple Steps for a Simple Temple". If any of our readers is able to translate it I would be happy to post it here, or at mundonamahatta.org, our Spanish web site.
ys phani
Good for all Temples
Dear Devotees
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Guru Maharaja
This is the best system for congregations where there is a Temple and Installed deities. Since I have been part of our Chowpatty congregation, I can assure you that you will definitely create a very loving and caring atmosphere.
Please try it. If you have any questions you canwrite to the Temple Presidents in Chowpatty temple.
With gratitude,
Your servant,
Adiguru dasa