ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 4/19/2015

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes Simple Living, Cow Protection, Engaging Oxen, Local Agriculture, and above all, Loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

Participating Directors: Anuttama, Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Kripamaya, and Ranaka.

Participating Advisors: Sri Tulasi Manjari

Participating Managers: Mukunda

Recording secretary: Jordanna

1. Ox Program Manager and Garden Manager Search

The Garden Manager search announcement went out last week and the Ox Program Manager listing will be posted this week. Madhava Smullen will write an article about the positions, as well. There has already been some interest in the Garden Manager position and the Board Members look forward reviewing potential candidates for both roles.

2. Managers’ Housing

Vyasasan reports that the Prabhupada House (formerly known as the Green House) renovations are slated to be completed in about two weeks, in time for Mukunda’s relocation.

3. ECO-V Forest Preservation Policy

There is concern that trees have been cut down without permission on ECO-V managed land. Kripamaya and Mukunda will look into the issue and make recommendations to the Board.

4. Addition of a Timekeeper to ECO-V Meetings

The ECO-V Board will be adding a Timekeeper to their meetings as a way to make them more concise and efficient. Mukunda prabhu has volunteered to take on this role. He will work with the Board Chair and Secretary to allot a specific amount of time for each agenda item.

5. Village Council

A “Steering Committee” has been organized in order to form the Village Council, consisting of Ananga Manjari, Advaita, Devala, Jaya Krsna (Gopisa as proxy), Mukunda (Ranaka as proxy), Nityodita and Vyasasan. They will be meeting this Tuesday. Mukunda will begin attending meetings once he is living in New Vrindaban.

6. Update about Flower Garden Crew

Currently Vidya is working in the flower gardens, along with the help of a few volunteers. Jaya Krsna requested additional assistance for this volunteer crew. Mukunda will help with this once he is settled in New Vrindaban.

CC daily Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"

Gita Verse-by-verse study Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"

Lecture Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"

The recent travel posts of Kadamba Kanana Swami have not been published according to the sequence in which they happened. It is mostly because our team has not been able to keep up with all the media that needed to be processed and some events, like Kingsday, were prioritized. So to recap, after the Kirtan Mela in Mauritius, Maharaj returned to South Africa on 14 April. The very same day, a disciple program took place in Johannesburg and thereafter, Maharaj spent a week in Cape Town before heading off to Europe. After the Vyasa Puja, Kingsday Harinama and Nrshima Caturdasi Festival, Maharaj travelled to Australia where he is currently. Recordings and photos from all these engagements will follow. We kindly request your patience…

Kadamba Kanana Swami arrived in Cape Town on Wednesday, 15 April, and he stayed until the 21st. For the first few days, Maharaj gave morning and evening classes at the temple. However, the highlight of his visit happened on Friday as it was his appearance day according to the lunar calendar and the “higher powers” of the Cape Town yatra persuaded him to celebrate the significant day!

This year, I was fortunate enough to have attended three of the four birthday celebrations held in honour of Maharaj and somehow, I felt that the Cape Town program was extra special! It could be because I lived in Cape Town for twelve years and it is where my spiritual life started so I have a natural attachment to the place. But also, Cape Town is a city that Maharaj visits two to three times a year, for many years now, and he has long standing relationships with the devotees. Heartfelt appreciation of Maharaj was evident in the offerings of the devotees.

HG Medhavi Prabhu (ACBSP) mentioned, “I am two years physically older and five years Iskcon historically older but I consider, and I hope that Maharaj does not feel offended, I consider Maharaj to be my spiritual superior! When he offers his obeisances to me, I must offer them in return or Lord Nityananda-Balarama may come off the altar and find a kusha grass somewhere and dispose of me because Maharaj is such a wonderful devotee. There is no question… Whenever Maharaj speaks, he always brings in a very interesting, often humorous, aspect of the philosophy. I am sure devotees are going to mention his ecstatic kirtans… that goes for without saying. Maharaj really knows how to pump it up… at FULL speed! I just to thank Maharaj very much for visiting us often – I sure hope that I don’t jinx that because we are VERY, VERY, VERY fortunate that Maharaj comes to visit us.”

At the start of Vasanti’s offering, she presented to Maharaj a big box, wrapped in orange paper. Vasanti was the fortunate soul who met Kadamba Kanana Swami in 2010 on the streets of Cape Town, where he distributed a book to her. Vasanti spoke about the emotions and thoughts she experienced on that fateful day, as well as the power of receiving a book! In the box which she gifted to Maharaj was 108 books for distribution.

Other devotees went on to speak about Maharaj qualities of kindness and generosity, as well as his depth of sastric knowledge and joyful kirtans!

Maharaj accepted the glorification with great humility, “The other day, I was remembering how Srila Prabhupada said that when you see the light of the moon, then you know it is the reflection of the sun therefore if you see any good qualities in me, know them to be the good qualities of my spiritual master. That is very true…”

In his address to the audience, again Maharaj emphasized how he wanted us to be responsible and independently thoughtful. He urged us to care about this sankirtan mission and push it forward. Maharaj spoke about the parenting models of the bird, fish and tortoise; and as times goes by, he is more adopting the example of the fish and tortoise parents – the constant flying in-and-out may decrease but the watchfulness and meditation will always be there. 

The wonderful evening culminated with a spirited kirtan by Maharaj and a grand prasadam feast, prepared by the disciples, was served. The Harinama Ruci travelling sankirtan party coincided their tour of Cape Town with Maharaj’s visit and just added to the euphoria of each day.

The good vibes from Friday continued on Saturday as devotees travelled to Pringle Bay, a little sea-side village about 100km away from the city of Cape Town. Devotees, Mukunda and Madhurika, hosted a kirtan mediation program and Kadamba Kanana Swami was invited as a special guest. Students from the nearby Stellenbosch University Bhakti Yoga Society also attended. Three hours of soulful kirtan and some really good prasadam left everyone feeling satisfied. However, for many of us, the best part of the day came after the program as those who stayed behind, mostly disciples, were rewarded with some special time with Maharaj where he fielded questions; those personal kind of questions that one could not really ask in a public forum but could amongst a small circle of close associates! During the scenic drive back to Cape Town, we watched the sun set and upon returning to the temple, devotees enthusiastically started preparing for the initiation ceremony which was scheduled for the next day. 

Bhakti Caitanya Swami arrived on Sunday at midday and at 4pm, both him and Kadamba Kanana Swami bestowed first initiation unto two devotees respectively. Bhakta Gilly is now Gopa Kumar das and since his initiation has adorned saffron cloth. Maharaj appreciated Gopa Kumar’s efforts in book distribution. A lively KKS kirtan ended Sunday’s proceedings.

Monday was Maharaj’s designated day for resting but he spent time giving darshans. He also had a meeting with the city councillor of Cape Town regarding the upcoming Ratha Yatra in December. On Tuesday, after an early puja for Giriraja, he left the temple at 7am for his flight to Johannesburg and later that day, he flew to Amsterdam and thereafter travelled to Radhadesh!

I would like to acknowledge Tribhuvanatha Das and Bhaktin Nicole for assisting with recordings and photos. The offerings from the birthday programs held in South Africa will be shared together with the offerings from Radhadesh later next week.

Photos

Visit flickr to see all the pictures.

Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 31-37, Programs in Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton, Canada
On Monday, April 20th the TOVP Team and the Lord’s Padukas visited the home of Kalarupini dasi who, along with Bhaktin Katelin, prepared and served us prasadam. In the evening we were invited to the home of Virendra Sharma where many devotees came to hear Jananivas speak. The Padukas were worshiped along with kirtan and prasadam was served
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17233

Hare Krishna! TOVP Tour Daily Diary: Day 31-37, Programs in Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton, Canada
On Monday, April 20th the TOVP Team and the Lord’s Padukas visited the home of Kalarupini dasi who, along with Bhaktin Katelin, prepared and served us prasadam. In the evening we were invited to the home of Virendra Sharma where many devotees came to hear Jananivas speak. The Padukas were worshiped along with kirtan and prasadam was served
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17233

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"

CC daily Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"

Day 10 FOOD FOR LIFE NEPAL 5th May 2015 Nuwakot (Album with photos)
FOOD FOR LIFE Nepal distributed sacks of rice to earthquake victims people at Nuwakot (Chauthe VDC- Lama Village) on 5th May 2015, Tuesday.
Volunteers of Food For Life Nepal went Chauthe VDC of Nuwakot to distribute food items to earthquake victims. Most of the houses were destroyed and people were starving. Condition is critical.
The road to reach there is also not paved. Our 4 Volunters were on 2 bikes and rest of volunters were in stock carrier car. After reaching highly earthquake affected area FOOD FOR LIFE NEPAL volunteers distributed around 500 kilo rice to the families at Chauthe Village- Lama Gaun, Nuwakot.
We are very grateful to everyone for your help/prayers/supports/donations.
See them here: https://goo.gl/GjHSkg

Nitai Fest programm in Israel (5 min video)
Devotees in Tel Aviv probably never got so enthusiastic before!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/33A8zE

Mukunda Goswami’s new book Spirit Matters has been released by Torchlight Publishing is now available as e-book for free download for 3 days only on dates May 11-13. The book is a compilation of Mukunda Goswami’s articles published in the Hindustan Times discussing topics related to war, peace and love.

Explaining the Krishna conscious philosophy to interested souls during Harinama :-)

The post Today is the 70th anniversary of VE day appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Art Of Krsna (3 min video)
Beautiful hand painted work of art done by: “Rajan Maaluja”
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/C6rqFI

http://youtu.be/QwrnGZ_P7oI

The post SRS: The best part of the Vyasa-Puja ceremonies appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Iskcon leaders speak about the importance of the colossal Temple of Vedic Planetarium currently under construction in Mayapur, India, as a means to counteract the materialistic propaganda of atheism. It is a playlist of videos.
Watch them here: https://goo.gl/GxvkLM

Hare Krishna! Thousands participate in the first International Kirtan Mela in Mauritius
Devotees experienced new bliss and taste for the holy name, so much so that they could not stop chanting and dancing. Mauritians had never experienced such dancing in kirtan. On the first day HH Kadamba Kanana Maharaja described how in the Caitanya Bhagavata it is stated that sometimes Lord Caitanya is dancing wildly as if He wants to break the floor. The next day, the devotees danced so much that the wooden floor of the pandal gave way!
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17230

The post May 8th, 2015 – Chandan yatra Darshan- Day 18 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Narsimha Chaturdashi Abhisek on 03 May 2015, ISKCON Mayapur

Maitreya now turned his attention to describing the children of Bhramā’s son, Svāyambhuva Manu, whose children were fragments of Hari’s fragments.

Śatarūpā gave her husband two sons empowered by Vāsudeva’s to protect the existence of the world: Priyavrata, whose promises are dearly kept, and Uttānapāda, who strides far. Uttānapāda had two wives: Sunīti, whose morals were impeccable, and Suruci, whose beauty was impeccable. Suruci was very dear to her husband, not the other one or her child Dhruva.

Once, the king sat Suruci’s son Uttama on his lap and played with him. Dhruva tried to climb up, but the king didn’t welcome him. Seeing her co-wife’s son struggling, Suruci spoke hatefully to Dhruva while the king listened.

“Little boy,” she said, “You don’t deserve to sit on the kings lap. Yes child, you are the king’s son, but you are not mine. I did not hold you in my tummy; some other woman fostered you. Of course, you don’t know about this, and that’s why you are trying to achieve the impossible.

“If you really want to sit with the King, perform austerities to worship the Supreme Person. Only by his mercy will you attain the goal of being born from my womb.”

Rent by the cruel words of his mother’s co-wife, Dhruva hissed like an angry snake struck by a rod. His father simply looked at him, not saying anything at all.

Breaking down in tears, Dhruva went to his mother.

When Sunīti saw her child’s lips trembling in anguish, she embraced him. She became sad to hear what had happened and what that woman had said. The more she thought about it, the more her beautiful lotus face dried up like a vine the the fire of grief. Losing her composure, she also began to weep.

Seeing no way out, she could barely breathe. “Darling boy,” she said, “Don’t wish evil upon others. Those who wish ill to others only suffer themselves. Suruci told you the truth. You were held in my luckless belly, and nourished by the luckless breast of a wife who is not loved by her husband.

“My darling, you should follow your co-mother’s advice without hating her. It is good advice, ‘Worship the lotus feet of the Supreme Beloved if you want to sit beside Uttama.’”

Sunīti employed a play on words, so that “sit beside Uttama” also means “attain the highest goal.” This was a blessing on her son. She did not want him to strive for foolish goals, such as becoming loved by the crooked hearts of vile people like Suruci and Uttānapāda. She wanted him to attain the very highest goal.

Instilling confidence in her boy and in the paramount goal, she explained the importance of worshipping the Supreme Beloved. “Unborn Brahmā worshipped his lotus feet by disciplining his breath,” she said. “As a result he received his supreme position of mastery over all the powers and qualities in the universe. Similarly, your blessed grandfather Manu worshipped him with singular focus, by holding ceremonies and giving away great wealth in charity. By that worship he achieved worldly pleasures that are otherwise impossible to attain even in heaven, and then gained the ultimate emancipation.

“My boy, definitely take shelter of him. He is affectionate to his dependents. Even those who seek liberation carefully seek his lotus feet. Fill yourself with nothing but adoration for the supreme person. Make it the essence of your very being and fix your heart on him!

“My child, only he can destroy your misery. Everyone else, including Brahmā, searches for the Beautiful Goddess of Fortune who holds a lotus in her hand. But she herself searches for him whose eyes are like lotus-leaves!”

Hearing the profound and effective words spoken to him by his mother, he made up his mind and abandoned his father’s house.

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 4.8.5 ~ 24

Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com

As some of you may have noted on occasions their is postings to my blog by other devotees as a contribution, some of which has been directly attributable to myself, this posting is meant to open up a discussion; although some may inevitably view it as an attack (perception is individual and according to viewpoint and position.

I would however like to stress that this survey is a small one given the size of the UK devotee community, and does not define if those taking part are active or inactive member’s as this could have a bearing on responses. However as a discussion point and openness this could be seen as a catalyst for a wider survey or discussion

Is ISKCON UK experiencing a “Mission Drift?”

Question 1

Iskcon Uk has not strayed from the teachings and management practice’s taught by Srila Prabhupada (No signs of mission drift) Do you agree with the above statement
58 answered 3 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 0.00%. = 0
Very much = 5.17%. = 3
Somewhat = 27.59%. = 10
Slightly. = 15.25%. = 9
Not at all. = 44.83%. = 26
Don’t know. = 6.90%. = 4

Written response sample:

1) Drift is there in the form of loosing touch with Srila Prabhupada’s mood & mission, as he reveals in his books and teaching’s. For example, genuinely nurturing and careing for the devotee’s who have dedicated their lives for propagating the Holy Names of the Lord, instead of leaving them to rot without real involvement in this sacred mission. Doesn’t that come close to Nam-aparabh?

2) It would be good to outline what those management practice’s are – I do not think that there is stray from teachings as such if you mean philosophy – In the application of the teachings – there the difference’s. I am not sufficiently familiar with the details of all that goes on to give an accurate answer to this although I would suggest opening up and looking for areas of improvement and incorporation of others input for a healthy growth. According to time place and circumstances there is room for discussion.

Question 2

Managerial policies in Iskcon Uk demonstrate an awareness of, and loyalty to, the instructions and guideline’s of Srila Prabhupada? Do you agree with the above statement
57 answered 4 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
Completely. = 0.00%. = 0
Very much. = 12.28%. = 7
Somewhat. = 33.33%. = 19
Slightly. = 28.07%. = 16
Not at all. = 15.79%. = 9
Don’t know. = 10.53%. = 6

Written response sample:

1) Without istaghosthis, or temple meetings of the devotee’s, actually we are cut off from the concern’s and input from many an experienced and senior Vaisnavas, and this seems to be a principle throughout the UK. Or if they might happen, then not really a meeting of transcendentally inclined & trained minds, rather an attitude of “we’re telling you what’s going on”. This is seriously immature ” management”. Regarding those UK management policies, how come they are never made available and most devotee’s simply have no idea what they actually are, or even who is the Management Council? Why is No actual effort made to communicate these, and everything effectively kept shrouded in secrecy.

2) Some centre’s demonstrate great enthusiasm for involving the devotee’s as far as possible in the preaching mission, as did Srila Prabhupada. Others, like Bhaktivadanta Manor & elsewhere, demonstrate a policy of secrecy on issues like salaries & management, and don’t appear to communicate what actually goes on beyond the superficial. Much importance is given to academic training courses that will quiet possibly never lead anywhere, including pujari work and maintaining some temples, but what about the practical preaching?

Question 3

I will be heard and my opinion taken seriously if I express any concern’s about the policies or management within Iskcon UK? Do you agree with the above statement
59 answered. 2 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
Completely. = 0.00%. = 0
Very much. = 1.69%. = 1
Somewhat. = 13.56%. = 8
Slightly. = 23.73%. = 14
Not at all. = 52.54%. = 31
Don’t know. = 8.47%. = 5

Written response sample:

1) Experience tells us “they shoot the messenger”. Also very little interest taken when issues of concern are raised, eg ” maybe we will discuss it.” We experience the manager’s of Iskcon UK simply deny or try to deflect genuine concern’s raised, pretending they don’t exist or are unimportant, and attempt to disqualify those who disagree with them.

2) Am not completely sure of this statement, but I can tell from general Iskcon policies in the world, that devotees who express opinions outside of the Iskcon’s accepted opinions have of necessity been afraid to express such opinions for fear of backlash of various nature’s, such as being ostracised from attending the temple programs and festivals

Question 4

There is a culture of fear and intimidation that actively discourages me from expressing my views about policies and management within Iskcon UK? Do you agree with the above statement
57 answered. 4 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
Completely. = 17.54%. = 10
Very much. = 17.54%. = 10
Somewhat. = 31.58%. = 18
Slightly. = 14.04%. = 8
Not at all. = 7.02%. = 4
Don’t know. = 12.28%. = 7

Written response sample:

1) I know that if I felt strongly about something I could make an appointment to speak to the Temple President and he would give me time. Would translate into anything concrete? I very much doubt it, but I could express my views if I really wanted to. I think there should be regular istaghosthis so that issues could be discussed openly and an atmosphere of unity could be fostered among devotees, rather than this unhealthy “us and them” culture we have now.

2) Generally we have seen so much active and passive discouragement of the devotee’s – where are they all now. However, fortunately some of us don’t get discouraged so easily. What about trying to rescue some of those who have inevitably drifted away, and give them some actual service and association?

Question 5

To what degree, if any, is there evidence of discrimination based on race or ethnicity at Bhaktividanta Manor?
57 answered. 4 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 7.02%. = 4
Very much = 26.32%. = 15
Somewhat = 22.81%. = 13
Slightly. = 10.53%. = 6
Not at all. = 5.26%. = 3
Don’t know. = 28.97%. = 16

Written response sample:

1) I have occasionally encountered racism both ways (sometimes outside the Manor) some devotees (especially those who are older) slag off the society’s ethic Hindu supporters and some ethic Hindus have belittled, say , ‘white’ devotees. Neither seems, to me, to be consistent with Srila Prabhupada’s mood and example.

2) As it happens for some reason the vast majority of discussion makers come from the Asian community, which is fine if they are pure rep. and have a thorough understanding of the teachings and mission of Srila Prabhupada. I see experienced Western bodied devotees not utilised to the optimum, who have such experience… In the mid eighties the Indian community was cultivated in separate Bhagavatam classes from the Western devotees every Sunday AM… And the same went for the Pandava Sena Group… We should have cultivated everyone together otherwise right in early year’s there is unwanted segregation and false differences arise.

Question 6

There is a growing “Celebrity Culture” in Iskcon, wherein excessive importance, fanfare and prominence is afforded to the person and preaching styles of may sannyasis, gurus and their entourage at the expense of fidelity to Srila Prabhupada and the standards he set? Do you agree with the above statement.
56 answered. 5 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 23.22%. = 13
Very much = 33.93%. = 19
Somewhat = 19.64%. = 11
Slightly. = 10.71%. = 6
Not at all. = 1.79%. = 1
Don’t know. = 10.71%. = 6

Written response sample:

1) I think it is that culture has always been there. Devotees like Vishnujana, Hansaduta, and others were “famous” kirtan leaders in the 70’s and had their “fan’s”. The nature of the soul is to take shelter. Very few people are natural leaders, most are natural followers.

2) It depends… An obviously advanced disciple of Srila Prabhupada in terms of His service, ability to make devotees, advance the 7 purposes of Iskcon and produce literature adding to the glories of the disciplic succession is not a celebrity and may attract a big crowd simply because her/his association is welcome.

Question 7

The current environment at Bhaktivadanta Manor offers me a fulfilling service opportunity? Do you agree with the above statement.
56 answered 5 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 5.36%. = 3
Very much = 8.93%. = 5
Slightly. = 33.93%. = 19
Not at all. = 37.50%. = 21
Don’t know. = 14.29%. = 8

Written response sample:

1) The nature of a big temple is that a person can get involved as much or as little as he likes. Some devotees like being anonymous and just turning up for prasad on festival day’s, others like to be there every day for Mangala arotik. There is no one stopping anyone from doing either, or doing something in between. I have service opportunities and could definitely do more if I so desired. In a small temple you certainly feel more needed, but that also means more responsibility, which not everyone wants.

2) So many can be encouraged that are not. Again salary is a problem. But we have entered for sometime now into this system of salary. Not that this should be just stopped but some further thought should be put into this. A council of Brahmins. Non paid, who can oversee this and other issue’s.

Question 8

Harinam and outreach programmes are part of Srila Prabhupada’s seven purposes of Iskcon, to what degree has Iskcon UK emphasised, promoted and offered financial assistance to these core activities?
59 answered. 2 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 3.39%. = 2
Very much = 3.39%. = 2
Somewhat = 23.73%. = 14
Slightly. = 35.59%. = 21
Not at all. = 8.47%. = 5
Don’t know. = 24.42%. = 15

Written response sample:

1) Again I am not fully conversant with the present state of affairs. But just imagine if the vast amount of devotees who are part of the Manor were to form large Harinama party’s

2) Book distribution is probably the most important core activity, more important than harinama, (which has been omitted from the above list). Some temples are very good with outreach. The more congregation orientated the temple, it would seem the less “core” activities they do. I think we have to be careful that we don’t promote vegetarian Sunday clubs for picking up partners.

Question 9

At Bhaktivadanta Manor, to what degree do you see that Srila Prabhupada – along with his legacy, his teachings and the sanctity of his rooms – is being given prominence and emphasis?
59 answered. 2 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 3.39%. = 2
Very much = 15.25%. = 9
Somewhat = 40.68%. = 24
Slightly. = 27.12%. = 18
Not at all. = 6.78%. = 4
Don’t know. = 6.78%. = 4

Written response sample:

1) The room’s are very sanctified and they appear to be maintained very nicely. They are a sacred space. I would prefer the school programmes are done somewhere else to give Srila Prabhupada his space. Programmes like this are very important but not at the expense of Srila Prabhupada’s privacy and the accessibility of his darshan to other’s. As for the legacy and teaching’s again if we are referring to the philosophical teachings them the thread is as much in place at the Manor as anywhere else practically. As for the legacy make it clear what that is so comparative comments can be made.

2) Srila Prabhupada rooms are definitely a place I love to visit and chant?

Question 10

As a result of the 20/20 vision document and consultation, we see that transparency is one of the policies advertised as integral to the new way forward at Bhaktivadanta Manor, Iskcon’s annual accounts, freely available on the Charity Commission’s website, state “no employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 in the year”. As a registered charity with annual income in excess of £6million – to what degree do you think Bhaktivadanta Manor, along with other UK temples, should adopt a policy of financial transparency, especially with regards individual wages and remuneration?
58 answered 3skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 65.52%. = 38
Very much = 25.86%. = 15
Somewhat = 1.72%. = 1
Slightly. = 3.45%. = 2
Not at all. = 0.00%. = 0
Don’t know. = 3.45%. = 2

Written response sample:

1) I think there should be financial transparency, but not ” especially ” regarding wages. Hartfordshire Country Council have a policy that any expense over £500 is posted for public view. A policy like that would be healthy and help to avoid corruption of allegations of corruption.

2) salary may be required as development of the society at the Manor is restricted in size etc. However publishing salaries could be counter productive. But full accounted financial statements are a must. Having those who are being paid, meeting to discuss their salary increase is problematic. An independent Brahmin Council (unpaid) should oversee this. When money is involved there will be envy, so publishing salaries may be counter productive.

Question 11

It is now acknowledged that there have been between 4,000 and 5,000 changes, large and small, to the 1972 edition of Bhagavad Gita As It Is. These changes to Srila Prabhupada’s original books are necessary and acceptable? Do you agree with the above statement.
56 answered. 5skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 3.57%. = 2
Very much = 7.14%. = 4
Somewhat = 14.29%. = 8
Slightly. = 21.43%. = 12
Not at all. = 4821%. = 27
Don’t know. = 5.36%. = 4

Written response sample:

1) Obviously errors should be corrected, like the well known “planet of the trees” translation for pitrloka, because it is clearly wrong, but anything that changes the meaning of a translation or purport, even subtly, should not be allowed, in my opinion.

2) Has anyone tried to change the philosophy- that’s point that I’m curious about. I know this is a very hot issue but the fanatical wing – and the devotee world abounds with fanatics – claim the books have been changed as in no longer conveying what Srila Prabhupada intended to say

Question 12

All UK temples should now make the original editions available to whoever wants them? Do you agree with the above statement.
57 answered. 4 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 73.68%. = 42
Very much = 7.03%. = 4
Somewhat = 5.26%. = 3
Slightly. = 5.26%. = 3
Not at all. = 5.26%. = 3
Don’t know. = 3.51%. = 2

Written response sample:

1) The original books are easily available online, but in order to foster a mood of honesty and openness in Iskcon I don’t see any reason why the temples shouldn’t stock both the originals and the “updated” versions, so that devotees can make an informed choice, otherwise Iskcon just plays into the hands of rtviks or other splinter groups.

2) No problem with that – should be published by the BBT though as that was Srila Prabhupada’s wish from what I gather. For public distribution it would be good if the few obvious mistakes be corrected and missing purports included. Again this is another topic aside from the Iskcon UK management policy and I suggest you take it out of the survey.

Question 13

According to the managerial guidelines given by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, if signs of a “Mission Drift” become apparent, whose duty is it to address the matter? You can select more than one
57 answered. 4skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
The GBC body. = 87.72%. = 50
The local GBC representative. = 84.21%. = 48
The Iskcon initiating gurus. = 49.12%. = 28
The sannyassis. = 57.89%. = 33
The temple president. = 75.44%. = 43
The department heads. = 49.12%. = 28
The temple residents. = 56.14%. = 32
The temple staff. = 49.12%. = 28
The congregation. = 49.12%. = 28
The individual devotee. = 57.89%. = 33
Devotee news websites. = 40.35%. = 23

Written response sample:

1) As far as I understand Srila Prabhupada wanted/expected the GBC to visit the temples regularly and make sure that the devotee’s were following correctly. They were supposed to maintain standards while the local managers took care of day to day matters. But again, in an open society devotees should feel able to discuss any matter, via regular meeting/ishtagostis

2) In short – it is Everyone’s responsibility

Question 14

Which of the following are necessary to promote Srila Prabhupada’s mission and ensure its success throughout Iskcon UK and the world? You can select more than one.
58 answered. 3skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. = 91.38%. = 53
Srila Prabhupada’s legecy. = 74.14%. = 43
Srila Prabhupada’s books. = 93.10%. = 54
Srila Prabhupada the person. = 68.97%. = 40
Srila Prabhupada as founder Acharia. = 87.93%. = 51
The Iskcon institution. = 67.24%. = 39
Honest and honourable dealings between Iskcon devotees. = 89.66%. = 52

Written response sample:

1) General and sincere desire of all concerned to please Srila Prabhupada

2) We must not forget that Prabhupada’s teachings are Mahaprabhu’s teachings. It is important to recognise that the message is coming down the line from Krishna himself. When I say Prabhupada I refer to both Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and Srila Bhaktividanta…

End of Survey

Hare Krishna! Pledge Your Support for the TOVP
To establish Sridhama Mayapur, the audharya dhama, as the World Headquarters of the Hare Krishna Movement and bring it to the forefront and attention of the entire world, as well as to show our love and gratitude to Srila Prabhupada for this most rare benediction and gift he has given us in the form of the ISKCON society, we all need to work together to make our acharyas’ vision become manifest. Srila Prabhupada said that the temple was already built, but we must take this opportunity if we want to be the instruments and receive the transcendental credit, or someone else will.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17223

From Raja Pariskhit P
Answer Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"

From Raja Pariskhit P
Answer Podcast:
Download by "right-click and save content"