| I am studying several books (in addition to my Kcon | | | | There have been many studies that indicate that the |
| studies) right now that deal with the structure of | | | | more divisive language is used the more a particular |
| different types of organizations, the power of | | | | culture experiences conflicts internally and externally |
| Authority, books on Non Violent Communication (which | | | | and these conflicts sometimes become violent |
| I am using as source material for several courses I am | | | | conflicts. So, I prefer to think of people who are not |
| putting together on Empathy and conflict resolution), | | | | practicing Kcon to be "aspiring devotees," who are not |
| and material that helps me develop strategies for | | | | yet aware that they are aspiring. They are aspiring in |
| presenting Kcon to the world in general. Of course all | | | | the sense that they want Krishna but are not aware |
| these materials have to be properly digested and | | | | that they want Him. They are innocent. According to |
| adapted so that they don't conflict with our philosophy. | | | | our philosophy a madhyama Adhikari should see those |
| This is quite a challenge, but also an exciting one. It is | | | | who are not opposed to Kcon as being innocent. |
| exciting for me because the whole purpose is to help | | | | When I think in terms of innocence or in terms of |
| others. Otherwise I would not be interested in any of | | | | people wanting Krishna but not being aware that they |
| this material. | | | | want Him, the thought naturally leads to compassionate |
| One must recognize one's needs (spiritual and | | | | thinking and action. We should be cautious whenever |
| otherwise). I have been considering why devotees | | | | we use divisive, judgmental language. The sastras |
| have so many problems in their spiritual lives and | | | | contain very clear descriptions because it is necessary |
| relationships. Observing Srila Prabhupada I see the | | | | to present the siddhanta in a way that one will not be |
| perfect example of how Krishna consciousness should | | | | confused, but in daily life one must exercise caution in |
| be executed. I just wrote to one of my Godsisters as | | | | applying these designations. I have already been |
| follows: Prabhupada on the other hand was in | | | | getting some favorable feedback from devotees |
| complete touch with his needs and was very | | | | about the blog. Many are encouraged by it. It is |
| affectionate to all and not engaged in excessive | | | | important to be able to communicate feelings and |
| austerities. His life is a perfect example of spiritual | | | | thoughts about Krishna conscious realizations and |
| harmony and balance. | | | | service. It is almost as if Krishna told is forcing me to |
| Just had a conversation with one of my disciples via | | | | communicate because He does not want me to keep |
| skype. She has to spend a lot of time outside the | | | | these thoughts/realizations to myself. |
| temple environment relating to those who are not | | | | I read several things today in Srila Prabhupada's books |
| familiar with Krishna consciousness. Sometimes the | | | | that inspired me in my search for real compassion |
| devotees in the temple look down upon her and others | | | | empathy. One particular verse really struck me (from |
| whose life takes them outside the protected | | | | the SB 4.12.36): "The self-effulgent Vaikuntha planets, |
| environment of a temple. In the beginning of the | | | | by whose illumination alone all the illuminating planets |
| conversation the word "non-devotee" was used and I | | | | within this material world give off reflected light, cannot |
| made the point afterwards that we have to be very | | | | be reached by those who are not merciful to other |
| careful in using language that creates division. In | | | | living entities. Only persons who constantly engage in |
| ISKCON we have many designations that create | | | | welfare activities for other living entities can reach the |
| division not only between our members and others but | | | | Vaikuntha planets." For me the operative word in this |
| also within ISKCON. We have devotees/non-devotees, | | | | verse is "constantly." In order to achieve this constant |
| devotees/demons, devotees/raksasas, devotees | | | | status one has to be impelled by intense love/empathy |
| karmis, advanced devotee/sense gratifier, etc. | | | | compassion for all living entities. |