namahatta.org - Congregational Development Ministry

by Kaunteya Das

We just met with Suvasa Prabhu from St. Lucia, a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea. Looking youthful for his 59 years, Suvasa is attending the MIHET Bhakti-sastri Course. His wife, Mother Mandakini Devi Dasi, was in Mayapur some ten years ago; I remember her sharing on the challenges they face in their preaching - mainly overzealous, feisty Protestant Christians, allergic to Deity Worship and, consequently, to prasadam.

Suvasa Prabhu got his master degree in Agricultural Engineering in McGill University, Montreal, Canada (whose library contains, from 1896, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's book Lord Chaitanya, His Life and Precepts). Suvasa became an influential figure in this small country of 150,000 people; he served as the Chief Engineer in the Ministry of Agriculture and even got into politics. Now he is managing the temple together with his good wife. Both are disciples of HH Guru Prasada Maharaja. St. Lucia, including them, has only four initiated devotees.

by Kaunteya Das

Yesterday I was reading in Sri Caitanya-caritamrita the episode of Haridas Thakura turning a prostitute into a devotee. The envious rascal Ramacandra Khan had hired her to make the Thakura fall down and then arrest him, but after a few days of association, her mind changed and she surrendered to Haridas Thakura as a disciple.

Before leaving, Haridas Thakura told her, "Chant the Hare Krishna mantra continuously and render service to the tulasi plant by watering her and offering prayers to her. In this way you will very soon get the opportunity to be sheltered at the lotus feet of Krishna." (Cc Antya-lila 3.137).

by Kaunteya Das

I am reading The Rise of Christianity, by Rodney Stark; "How the Obscure, Marginal Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force in the Western World in a Few Centuries" and I am planning to jot down considerations and reflections as they come along. In fact I only just finished the first chapter, but I already found considerable stimuli for further exploration, especially regarding the dynamics of expansion of Lord Caitanya's movement in general and of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in particular.

In his career Rodney Stark, professor of sociology and comparative religion, seems to have always focused on studying religious groups. I wouldn't be surprised if the faithful of any tradition (including Vaisnavism) would raise their eyebrows in suspicion and alarm at hearing that a social scientist (especially a non-practitioner) might attempt to gain insights on the processes of conversion, which they, in unshakable, implicit conviction, might consider as pure and exclusive manifestations of the Divine interlinking on the human plane, processes thus beyond the reach of rational sociological analysis, quantification or intellectual explanation. A more accurate research, though, reveals that great spiritual teachers (and in this writing I will focus on Srila Prabhupada, the Fouder-Acarya of ISKCON), may have closely observed sociological trends in chalking out their strategies for diffusion and in instructing their followers on how to effectively proselytize.

by Srila Prabhupada

Introduction by Kaunteya Das

I just discovered and read "Contribution of Lord Chaitanya to the People of the World" from the section "Books, Essays and Articles (pre-1967)" of the Bhaktivedanta Vedabase (FOLIO). I am not sure how Srila Prabhupada planned to use it, but it appears as having been an article, or an outline for an article or a speech, specifically designed to encourage the people of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, to "take shelter under the lotus feet of Sree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu" to "awake the dormant sleeping lion," the embodied soul, afflicted by the maladies of nescience. He cajoles them, simultaneously truthfully and tactfully, reminding them of the true glory of their city, "the birthplace of the seeds of transcendental Love of Godhead as they were implemented here first in the heart of Srila Rupa Goswami." 

It's interesting how Srila Prabhupada refers to words by Jawaharlal Nehru, a previous resident of Allahabad (he once visited Srila Prabhupada's pharmacy and asked for a donation for his political activities, which Srila Prabhupada granted) who at that time was Prime Minister of the Republic of India (post that he held from 1947 to 1964). Srila Prabhupada links Nehru's analysis of the ills of humanity to Lord Caitanya's previous (and of course more complete and farseeing) appraisal of the same situation. Srila Prabhupada seems to attempt to appeal to people's natural allegiances and somehow connect that to Lord Caitanya's remedy, the chanting of the holy name.

by Kaunteya Das

Yesterday I met Mataji Abhyarci Devi Dasi, who is a staff member of the Congregational Development Ministry, in charge of communication with Russia (and other Russian-speaking areas and devotees) for the first time. She lives in Sri Mayapur with her husband and son. I was impressed by her seriousness and her efforts in contacting the local leaders of Russia and establishing a working relationship with them.

With her and Seva Swarupa Prabhu, the Ministry's General Manager, we discussed different plans, including having special sessions with the leaders of the Russian congregations during the upcoming Gaura Purnima Festival in Mayapur.

This is the work of Mahadyuti and Akrura Prabhus (edited by Brahmatirtha Prabhu). It is a well written introduction to mediation; it can be given to the disputants, so they know what to expect.This is the work of Mahadyuti and Akrura Prabhus (edited by Brahmatirtha Prabhu). It is a well written introduction to mediation. It can be given to disputants so they know what to expect.

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process facilitated by a neutral mediator that helps two or more people in conflict clarify their issues and goals, communicate about the situation, and try to reach a constructive resolution satisfactory to both. Mediation is also:

• A good way for people to be empowered to compromise and work out differences
• A good way to heal damaged relationships
• A good way for people to make their own decisions
• Mediation is not a trial or judgement.

by Kaunteya Das

A devotee sent to our Mayapur office a number of questions apparently revealing some attrition between a particular temple and a Nama-hatta group. Here are my answers.

Since I don't know all the details, I make general points that could have general application. I invite others to also comment and advise. I believe in communication and in mature dialogue. Either you face some conflict or you don't (yet), you might want to visit www.iskconresolve.com and, if needed, you can contact the mediator closest to you or ask for more information.

by Kaunteya das.

Let's face it, until there will be human beings in kali-yuga, there shall be misunderstanding, differences of opinion, latent or open disagreements and conflict.

That there will be differences is not surprising and we shouldn't loose faith or become confused. Among many other statements on the subject, Srila Prabhupada wrote: "One thing, we can never expect to find any kind of utopia, even in the spiritual world. Where ever there are persons there are bound to be differences, so we should not expect any kind of perfect arrangement, especially here in the material world" (letter to Jayarge, Lindon Lomese, 25 May, 1972).

by Kaunteya Das

It is with great pleasure that I again meet my friend Jambavan, at his first visit to Mayapur. I was with him in Spain a month ago, when he invited me and my wife to give a communication and relation-building seminar in Nueva Vrajamandala, the farm—a couple of hours from Madrid—that is home to Sri Sri Radha Govinda Candra, Gaura Nitai and Laksmi Nrisimhadeva.

Jambavan, a disciple of HH Hanumat Presaka Maharaja, is serving as the Temple Manager there. With remarkable courage and effort he and his family (including three children: one nine-year old, one three, and one only four months of age) embarked on their first trip to India. I take the opportunity to ask a few questions. Sitting in an office of the Long Building he exudes an air of serenity, tolerance and unshakable patience.

by Bhakta Bruce

As is often said in regard to alcoholics and drug abusers, a person is hardly ready to give up his addiction until he has hit rock bottom. It is when Maya kicks so hard that he is ready to give up his sense gratification.

When is the best time to preach to a person? Is it when he is enjoying like a king, or when he has nothing or next to nothing? And in what circumstances does the living entity become favorable to hear that what he has considered pleasure is nothing but really pain?

Perhaps the best time to preach the miseries of birth, death, old age and disease is when the living entity finds himself behind bars, in a prison house within the prison house of this material world.

by Kaunteya das.

Temples can benefit from updating their constituencies and inviting their feedback.

Villa Vrindavana, Florence, Italy, offers an example to emulate in the field of communication with the congregation. Today I focus on two tools they use: the weekly e-newsletter and the feedback questionnaire. The weekly e-newsletterw, sent to about two thousand contacts, keeps devotees and friends abreast of the temple's initiatives. Let's take a look at their latest mailout, dated 16 November 2006.

After some cordial greetings (in this case “Dear devotees, dear friends, Hare Krishna”) it invites to participate, on the morning of Sunday, 19 November, to a meeting discussing the objectives of Villa Vrindavana for the coming year, 2007. It specifies that there will be “ample space for your ideas and proposals.” This in itself is a noteworthy announcement, showing the temple leaders' desire to involve the congregation to participate in shaping the future. More involvement—especially in decision-making—increases the sense of belonging and the feeling of ownership of the project; as a result people feel more inclined to participate and contribute in different ways.

by Kaunteya Das

After one and half year's absence I came back to the Congregational Development Ministry's Headquarters. I arrived at night, on Monday the 12th of November; next morning, coming out of the temple room after mangala arati, I met my old friend Navina Nirada Prabhu, who served as Book Distribution Minister and has often cooperated with the Congregational Development Ministry. With pleasant, total disregard for my japa needs (I love his directness!), he updated me on a number of topics, his views of the Mayapur situation, and his personal projects. I willingly let him kidnap me with his vivacious devotional energy.

This story was sent to us by Amita Krishna das from ISKCON Tirupati. He describes one of their Krishna Conscious Rich Village Culture congregational programs, in a village named Konnura Raju Kandrika, 50 km from Tirupati - a village not (yet?) touched by so-called "western culture", McDonalds, and Bollywood-mania.

Amrita Krishna's English may not be up to the highest standards, but he beautifully exposes the influence of "western culture" and education on the original vedic culture of India - sanatana dharma, supported by fitting quotes from Srila Prabhupada:

"... But when traders become too greedy and materialistic they take to large-scale commerce and industry and allure the poor agriculturist to unsanitary industrial towns with a false hope of earning more money. The industrialist and the capitalist do not want the farmer to remain at home, satisfied with his agricultureal produce. When the farmers are satisfied by a luxuriant growth of food grains, the capitalist becomes gloomy at heart. ..."

(Light of the Bhagavata, Purport)

Published on Vaisnava BLog Feeds

HG Vaisesika Prabhu:

Regarding free books. You may give free books to people who do not have money but who show a healthy interest in having the book.

While distributing books devotees must use their own good intelligence to decide to whom they should give a free book and to whom they shouldn’t. The devotee should decide — based on his or her own best judgment — whether giving a free book to someone will be favorable or not. If someone is envious, we will not give him a book because he may misuse or abuse it and go to hell. Other people, who are not envious, but who cannot pay at the time you are showing the book, may benefit greatly if we let them have it for free. Look for their qualification based on their interest or sincerity. Also, if giving a free book to a certain person will create good will or a favorable impression, don’t hesitate. Presenting a free book to a head of state or to a famous or influential person might also be very favorable.

(This article appeared on dandavats.com and seems to be part of a book, written by Radha Mohan das. Unfortunately i wasn't able to figure out the title and other details of it. If you happen to know more, please let me know).

From the article:

Today there is a wide range of devotees who have an interesting variety of relationships and perspectives on the movement. Among the first British and American devotees some are still very much involved today.

Other devotees, on the other hand, may only have been involved for a few years or even less.

I therefore wanted to explore similarities and differences of perception, as well devotees’ general understandings about ISKCON. I found the interviews I conducted personally rewarding and hope the reader will find them useful in terms of understanding current perceptions held by devotees within the movement.

Bhakti-vriksha Manual, Chapter 15:

ISKCON temples should not feel intimidated by the Bhakti-vriksha Program. Some temples feel apprehensive about Nama-hatta centers if such centers start in neighboring cities and begin to collect separately. The Nama-hatta center might then want to get resident devotees and upgrade to become a full-fledged temple.

Temples should understand the difference between Nama-hatta centers and Bhakti-vriksha groups. They should be able to see that having Bhakti-vriksha groups actually prevents people from forming Nama-hatta centers—which are sometimes a pain in the neck for the temples, economically speaking.

We want to see that every congregational member is taken care of and is engaged to his or her maximum ability. This is the basic idea. At the same time we want to see that the temples grow. Where there is an established temple it is easy to organize Bhakti-vriksha groups that are working around it. In areas far from temples there can be Nama-hatta centers—which can also have Bhakti-vriksha groups working around them. In some places this is the normal scenario.

Posted On: Sat, 2006-10-14 21:11 by josh sitapati at www.atmayogi.com

"How to stimulate valid innovation while preserving our core values? A look at one way that ISKCON members have been using "novel ways and means" to introduce people to Krishna Consciousness."

A Preacher's Dilemma

There is a growing sense of unease about the effectiveness of our current preaching paradigms in Western cities. The rising number of ads calling for pujaris, cooks, and preachers to reinforce existing ISKCON temples is a visible indicator that recruitment from the general public has slowed down drastically.

Some say that the slowdown is due to mechanically doing "more of the same" when times have moved on; we no longer live in the world of the 60s and 70s, in which Srila Prabhupada weaved his way expertly through the cultural environment. "Srila Prabhupada's own example is one of sensitive and intelligent adaptation. We need to find the appropriate ways and means to stay relevant to a changing culture!"

Others counter that it is exactly this push to "change things" that is sapping the life out of the movement; that it represents a loss of faith in the process that Srila Prabhupada gave us. "There is no need for something new. What we need is a return to purity and the basics - the Prabhupada program. This talk of doing something "different" is a symptom of the very problem!"

HH Niranjana Maharaja writes about the implementation of the Counselor System as introduced by HH Radhanath Maharaja at Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir in Chowpatti, Mumbai. Using quotes from Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura, Srila Prabhupada, and parts of his own lectures and presentations, including letters and istha-gosthis with devotees in and around Russia, Maharaja shows the importance of the Counselor System. If properly implemented, it provides counseling, care, and shelter for all members of a Krishna conscious community—necessary for spiritual growth and mental well-being, but often not available.

HH Devamrita Maharaja about this book :

"This concise book is a wonderfully brilliant mix of bhakti ethos and praxis - a milestone in ISKCON transcendental sociology. I am happy to say that nectar lovers will indeed splash and swim, in the ocean of astute compassion and selflessness that is your heart. For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and the Vaishnavas, you have given us fascinating insight into how a mature ISKCON leader can superbly balance sensitivity to the personal feelings of the individual with attentiveness to the necessary structures of the organization.

"By the way, I did relish your special spiritual knack for an accomplishment that eludes many who have tried: drawing upon the treasured wisdom of Srila haktivinode Thakura for appropriate application in the contemporary twenty-first century context."

Devamrita Swami

You can read this book online, download the pdf-version, or purchase hardcopies in our online bookshop.

By Jana Janmadi dasa

On July 11, 2006, I participated in oral arguments in the Texas First Court of Appeals (Houston), Case 01-04- 00820-CV. This was an appeal proceeding the lawsuit I filed based on the relatively new Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act (TRFRA), V.T.C.A. Civil Practice & Remedies Code @110.001 et sequentes.

The TRFRA prohibits the government from making any law or rule that substantially burdens a person's free exercise of religion unless the law or rule is made to further a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive means to further that interest. Generalized security fears are not a compelling interest.

Anne Graham Lotz

Billy Graham’s daughter was being interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her, "How could God have allowed such a horrible thing to happen on September 11th?"

Anne Graham replied deep and wisely:

"I believe God must have gotten very sad with what happened, just as much as any of us did. For so many years we have told God not to poke His nose into our choices, get out of our government and out of our lives. Being a gentleman as God is, I believe He calmly left us. How can we expect God to give us blessings and protection when we ask him to leave us alone?

The Essential Evidence: Quotes culled from Srila Prabhupada's books, letters and conversations establishing that congregational development plays a significant role in expanding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

"Let one remain what he is."

Srila Prabhupada built a house the whole world can live in - Krishna's house. He knew that not everyone interested in spiritual life would live in the temple. Does this mean that such people are less pure or less surrendered to Krishna? Of course not, and the following quotes from Srila Prabhupada support the truth that one can practice Krishna consciousness from any position.

In the Bhagavad-gita, we learn that it is not necessary to give up our occupation to have a devotional life:

tasmat sarvesu kalesu mam anusmara yudhya ca
mayy arpita-mano-buddhir mam evaisyasy asamsayah

"Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krsna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt."

-Bhagavad-gita, 8.7 translation and purport

Marriage - considered as a legally sanctioned union of one man and one woman - plays a vital role in preserving the common good and promoting the welfare of children. In virtually every known human society, the institution of marriage provides order and meaning to adult sexual relationships and, more fundamentally, furnishes the ideal context for the bearing and rearing of the young. The health of marriage is particularly important in a free society such as our own, which depends upon citizens to govern their private lives and rear their children responsibly, so as to limit the scope, size, and power of the state. Marriage is also an important source of social, human, and financial capital for children, especially for children growing up in poor, disadvantaged communities who do not have ready access to other sources of such capital. Thus, from the point of view of spouses, children, society, and the polity, marriage advances the public interest.

But in the last forty years, marriage and family have come under increasing pressure from the modern state, the modern economy, and modern culture. Family law in all fifty states and most countries in the Western world has facilitated unilateral divorce, so that marriages can be easily and effectively terminated at the will of either party. Changing sexual mores have made illegitimacy and cohabitation a central feature of our social landscape. The products of Madison Avenue and Hollywood often appear indifferent to, if not hostile towards, the norms that sustain decent family life. New medical technology has made it easier for single mothers and same-sex couples to have children not only outside of marriage, but even without sexual intercourse. Taken together, marriage is losing its preeminent status as the social institution that directs and organizes reproduction, childrearing, and adult life.

This essay from HH Satsvarupa das Goswami was written in 2002 and recently published on Vaishnava Blog Feeds. It's about Srila Prabhupada's exalted position as founder-acarya of ISKCON, the responsibility of ISKCON's present gurus to connect their disciples to Srila Prabhupada, and how those of us who joined after 1977 can develop a personal relationship with him through his vani, or instructions.

Arizona finds religions make good path to rehabilitation

Judi Villa, The Arizona Republic
Feb. 15, 2006 12:00 AM

Inmate Richard Webb talks to other prisoners last month during a meeting of Wiccan believers at the Meadows prison complex in Florence.

FLORENCE - Geoffrey Burbank knelt in the corner of a prison chow hall, a small silver hammer medallion on his right shoulder.

Burbank, 32, has been in and out of prison in three states, but this time, he says he has found something that just may change the course of his life: faith. More specifically, Asatrú, an ancient Norse religion that espouses family and nine "noble virtues" such as courage, honor, trust and discipline.

"Every other time I got out, it was always get back involved with drugs. Guns and drugs," said Burbank, who studied Asatrú for about a year before he knelt to take his oath of allegiance at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Eyman. The hammer on his shoulder represents the legendary magical weapon of the god Thor.

"This changed my outlook on life," Burbank said. "I got something else to look forward to when I get out. Maybe I can stay away from guns and drugs this time."

By Jaya Sila das.

This document, located here, was brought to my attention via email. Apparently it was used to accompany a VIHE- or MIHE-course about the grihastha asram, but will be useful in itself, containing hundreds of quotes from Srila Prabhupada's lectures, letters, and talks.

Posted July 13, 2006 on chakra by Vasu Murti
(Life Patron Member since 1988)

When Srila Prabhupada established the ISKCON Life Membership program, he made it clear that there is a place within ISKCON for devotees unprepared to lead a life of full-time religious service. Srila Prabhupada was very loving and kind. He wanted everyone--saints and sinners alike--to receive the Lord's mercy in the form of books, prasadam, the holy name and devotional service:

"...if you want to be a family man--if you cannot dedicate twenty-four hours daily--then earn money and use it to spread Krishna consciousness... if you cannot earn money, then use your intelligence. There is so much intellectual work to do--publication, research, and so on. If you cannot do that, then utilize your words to tell people about Krishna...So where is the scarcity of opportunities? You can serve Krishna in any capacity, provided you want to serve."

by Anuttama das
(ACBSP 1972, not on the GBC)

Posted August 5, 2006 on chakra

I joined the Krishna consciousness movement in 1971 and was married in 1980. I have been living outside of a temple since 1985. For the last 21 years I have been doing business and taking care of my family along with my Krishna consciousness. Back in those days moving out of the Temple to live an independent family life was not encouraged, it was even concedered Maya. I have always maintained my vows to my Guru, Srila Prabhupada, but some times there were adjustments. So for all of you who face the challenges of living in the world and still wanting to maintain your transcendence, Srila Prabhupada gives some good advice:

Forty Today!

(Get Your Act Together!)

By Kaunteya das.

[This article was sent in time for ISKCON's 40th birthday, but due to not working internet connection & sickness I wasn't able to post it before now -- phani.]

Life starts at forty, or so they say. does this apply to our beloved International Society for Krishna Consciousness? And if it does, in what way the immediate next years will be different from the previous forty?

I wish that ISKCON, spurred by this epochal turning 40, will promptly become more professional, efficient and effective in offering its precious gifts to the world and to those who already identify with it. Of course this will be possible when (soon, I pray) there will be established standards of serious education and training for all levels of leadership in the Society. This includes temple presidents, congregational directors, regional secretaries, sannyasis, initiating spiritual masters, GBCs, and many other services. Look at any “normal” organization, secular or religious: they all have, firmly in place, specific formation programs for those who will fill their ranks of responsibility (and, yes, every rank carries some essential responsibility!). We might despise such mundane societies as being shackled by tamas and rajas, but they invest years in the forming of their officers (and the best companies invest a lot in the training of the totality of their personnel). So, although rajas should manifest in impatience and tamas as lack of vision, they put the time and the money in creating a better future, while we still don’t have mandatory standard training even for the highest posts.