Observations and Suggestions from Sankirtana Das (ACBSP)
1.Devotees need to educate the public as to why they are chanting on the public streets around the world. The holy name of Krishna is both a personal meditation for our own spiritual well-being and, as Prabhupada explains in the purport of Adi, 17.141, “for the reformation of all the anomalies of human society.” The chanting parties should distribute brochures or flyers to inform everyone who passes by and invite them to participate when they have the chance.
2. So many books are going out, but are devotees staying in touch with people who purchase them? Book distributors need to take time to get people’s contact info and follow up to encourage them to read or to see if they have any questions. Important to establish relationships. Devotees who distribute books and share Krishna Consciousness with people need to pass out their own contact cards.
3. The Back to Godhead (BTG) magazine that Prabhupada started in 1944 is vital to the Krishna Movement and must be maintained, even if in a modified way. He wanted it to be as popular as Time magazine. We also need articles about timely events.
4. In a letter of Dec 18, 1974, Prabhupada encouragingly writes, “In your country there is a very good system of democracy.” Devotees have to understand the potential he saw in the USA and encourage adherence to the US Constitution and protect religious freedom. Devotees should be aware of active elements in the administration that would undermine the Constitution and religious freedoms, and actually hinder the Sankirtana Movement in the public arena.
5. Over the years, many people were attracted to Krishna Consciousness (KC) and appreciated the Movement. But for one reason or another, they moved on. Devotees need to find ways to reconnect with these folks who are now in their 50s, 60s, & 70s. They might not be interested in institutions, organized religion or even yoga, but invite them back to experience the meditative path.
6. Prabhupada tells us not to do anything “hampering our reputation,” nor “deteriorating to the popular sentiments of the public in favor of our movement,” and “we should not become unpopular in the public eye.” This is an important factor in how we police our own movement.
Prabhupada cautions the devotees – “We must spread this movement in such a way that they will not misunderstand us and take offense.”
7. Communication is essential – on sankirtana, book distribution, college programs and outreach to the public. Devotees need to develop a variety of outreach programs, to establish relationships and create alliances. Prabhupada especially mentioned college students and the faith traditions. Devotees need to educate the public as to what is dharma and adharma to help people make informed decisions.
8. Prabhupada talks about “love and trust.” How devotees relate to one another is of the greatest importance.
9. Love will alter the dynamics of the world. Devotees need to be ambassadors of Krishna’s love. This also means creating Krishna Conscious communities and relationships. When Prabhupada established ISKCON in July of 1966 ISKCON was ONLY about community. Temple worship appeared several years later. Devotees need to re-create that atmosphere of community prominent in the early days. Three things Prabhupada focused on: to be inclusive, to be inspiring and to be empowering. In a letter to Bhagavan dasa,1969, Prabhupada wrote —“I am so glad to see that you have developed the art that whenever someone comes to serve Krsna, you know how to engage him as he likes to serve Krsna, not forcing him to do something that he does not like to do. No intelligent person will accept that process.”
10. Prabhupada’s disciples, now in their 60s, 70’s, and 80s, and still participating in the movement, are an invaluable asset to ISKCON. In any other community or culture, they would be considered elders who freely share their matured wisdom and experiences with anyone who enquires from them. These devotees have been meditating on the holy name of Krishna for a half century or more. In the early days of the movement, these devotees were ready to make any sacrifice to fulfill Prabhupada’s smallest desire. Many abandoned ambitions, careers and college educations. And now, over 50 years later, it is certainly time for the movement to invest in these elders, men and women alike. As per Prabhupada’s vision, whoever wants to accept the task and responsibility of becoming a spiritual master should be allowed to do so.
11. Over several years now my main focus has been writing numerous articles to show how dharma (or KC) is relevant to the concerns and issues of a western audience. We have to make KC timely and relevant. Contact: story108@juno.com More articles on ISKCON NEW
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