Strengthening the Bonds that Free Us    Inisrath, Ireland

  October 1^st to 4^th, 2007, members of the North American Grihastha Vision Team, Partha dasa and Uttama dasi presented the seminar, Strengthening the Bonds that Free Us amidst the peaceful, scenic setting of Inisrath Island in Ireland.

The highly interactive course helps Grihasthas develop healthy attitudes toward their ashrama; gain positive Vaishnava communication skills and offers guidance for progressing spiritually while navigating the complexities of the world we live in. The course is based on the 12 Principles and Values behind a Krsna Conscious Family Life:

1. Alignment with Srila Prabhupada

2. Spiritual Growth and Progress

3. Spiritual Equality / Material Difference

4. Positive and Realistic Vision

5. Mutual Respect and Appreciation

6. Commitment and Dedication

7. Open & Honest Communications

8. Personal and Social Responsibility

9. Economic Development & Prosperity

10. Focus on Children’s Welfare

11. Family Love and Affection

12. Regulated, Balanced & Exemplary Lifestyle

Some comments from participants of the course were:

• I liked the open honest mood of the facilitators as well as the light laughing mood that helped reduce, what might feel like threatening situations, to fun.
• I like the way issues were presented without compromise of Srila Prabhupada’s standards. I liked the optimism this course brought to me. Also the inspiration it has given to me to improve and deal with my own shortcomings instead of leaving everything up to Krsna.
• I like the relaxed family atmosphere and feeling empowered that I can improve in all the areas covered.
• I like that it was balanced, generous and non-judgmental.
• I liked learning the skills, the fun, the great information obtained, the facilitators, and the companionship of the devotees.

In addition to this course two couples were given training to offer mentoring services to local couples both before and after marriage. The Mentor Training Program supplied mentors with skills, use of inventories designed by the GVT and a Step by Step Guide for mentor sessions.

The mentoring program can provide valuable support for pre-marital guidance. It is the beginning of a world wide vision to offer premarital and marital support systems for every devotee entering the grihastha ashram. Many Catholics and Protestants have been offering such supports for decades, before marrying followers. Our goal is to have our Society not only performing the rituals, but also seen as supporting and nurturing marriages.

For more information on programs and activities of the North American Grihastha Vision Team visit www.vaisnavafamilyresources.org

Mentor Couple Training