By Kesava Krsna Dasa
How many of us wonder why, in spite of vigorous book distribution and innovative outreach we still appear irrelevant in society? What does it mean to be relevant? Have we generally consigned ourselves to just being isolated spiritual people with near impossible Vedic world objectives? Perhaps the Durban festival holds some clues.
If the service of book distribution and other forms of outreach are our frontline presentations of Krishna consciousness, are we truly aware of what interested persons will experience once they reach our temples or preaching centres? Will these places represent the vast length and breadth of Vaisnava and Vedic culture described in Srila Prabhupada’s books?
In most cases, such persons will probably see ashramas, some deity worship, and various service engagements to maintain Iskcon properties. Larger temples will have more variety of activities to witness. All such activities will centre on brahminical aims. Will such brahminical orientation be relevant for all who come? Clearly not.
In other words, we preach about big Vedic world objectives and explain how they are needed to help relieve modern society of prevailing social ills, but our ashramas and temples do not fully portray them. What persons usually see and experience is just a tiny part of living Vedic culture in action. Because of this, despite all answers contained within our books, we remain isolated idealists in the eyes of society.
We ourselves can also be blamed for this, because at present our versions of Vedic culture is hardly relevance for say, a poorly paid gold miner, an employee at the waterworks or a highly trained musician schooled in Beethoven, Bach and Mozart. We outwardly preach, but we retain an isolation of what we preach – outward isolation.
With these restrictions in place, we wonder why important people and institutions hardly take us seriously sometimes. We can ask ourselves whether we can get ‘out of our isolation shells’ and actually volunteer to participate in local or national incentives that call for social cohesion, moral upliftment and shared human interests, even though at first these appear not to be very Krishna conscious for our ‘brahminical’ selves.
If we limit our participation in such schemes because they are ‘below’ our dignity, or are afraid of material allure, then we shall remain irrelevant. Devotees are citizens and on different levels of society, they can participate as concerned citizens. Situations like these present ‘networking’ potential for further interest in our larger Vedic message.
In relation to South Africa, the government began a national initiative called NICSA (National Interfaith Convention of South Africa). They realised – as many other people do – that people of religion usually find it difficult (bipartisan) to cooperate on social issues or matters of faith. Iskcon South Africa signed up for this alongside all other denominations.
Furthermore, because Iskcon has an established major annual Festival Of Chariots held in Durban that promotes the same ‘above religion’ harmony, in line with our volunteered participation, this has already enhances our relevance. Now we are seen to be interested in helping with social cohesion. Doesn’t the Bhagavad-Gita verse 5.29 call for this? It is philosophically within our scope of involvement.
Some devotees might wonder why an orchestra and stilt walkers are required? Let us suppose that the site on which our festival activities was held, were a self-governing city for example. We as Iskcon are running this city for four days. As within any city, matters of maintenance, security, refuse, hospitality, education, feeding and the rest, all have to be considered. Did not Vaisnava kings of the past also have to see to every aspect of society as well? Were such things beneath their dignity?
The Durban Philharmonic orchestra happened to be celebrating 30 years in existence. Our venue was to help with that. “How mundane…” some will say. Then what if the bulk of their time evolved around the holy names of the Lord, as HH Bhakti Bhrnga Govinda Maharaja sang? And that a choir from Kwa Mashu only ever sang Hare Krishna in each of their performances? This blend of vocals and orchestra with the holy name was magical.
On stage were assembled skilled musicians schooled in Classical and modern musical genres essentially appealing to euro-centric tastes. Tes, their medley had smatterings of Carmen, Thai Meditations, and Sinatra’s Strangers In The Night and the passionate My Way (Not God’s Way).
But this was intended for our diverse multi-racial audience. There was something relevant for them who may not find relevance in our ashramas. “These Hare Krishna people are not so isolated after all… they are useful members of society…” is the message that would have gotten across. Multifaith representatives held discussions in some of many other booths.
A child with an innocent sense of wonder would have seen a stilt walker and excitedly recalled seeing a “giant tall clown with really, really long legs walking about… at that Hare Krishna thing…” The police, brass bands, the VIP politicians, the municipal staff who enabled a prime location and so on, all engaged in Krishna’s service directly or indirectly – it was a microsm of Varnashrama-dharma in action – ableit for a short time.
This Festival Of Chariots demonstrated how humanity can socially converge above religious interests. The “Culturally Many, Spiritually One” heading is our bigger message, and given the chance to display workable harmony, the devotees needed to get out a little more. HH Indradyumna Maharaja helped local management to widen their scope.
There were some reservations among devotees – festival ideas were quite new. Optional wearing of civvies was meant to show how one does not have to be continually dressed in robes and saries to be ‘other worldly.’ Some other’s preferred that Lord Jagannatha be present on site. Yet others opined that helping with NICSA is politically bipartisan. And one of the main uncertainties was, “will we compromise ours or Srila Prabhupada’s standard?”
As the first day of the festival passed, the sheer numbers of visitors for the parade and onsite presentations already caused some to conclude it was the “best ever” festival. The numbers continued over the next three days.
If a devotee wants to pursue politics as Balavanta Prabhu once tried years ago, this ‘Social Cohesion’ theme would form a relevant platform. With “culturally Many, Spiritually One” added to the mix we should expect a new type of politics to counter bipartisan left or right divides.
Some of us think that our Iskcon culture and lifestyle is too ‘other worldly’ or ‘detached’ to be relevant. Others think our purity will be compromised if we do like Durban did. But let us see how the two said Maharajas are not only dedicated to Srila Prabhupada and Iskcon, but they are still retaining inner purity while outwardly innovating to make us relevant. If they can help pull this off, and so can others as well.
The lessons from this success are that we need to believe that Vaisnava and Vedic culture can and does play a part in any level of society – including mineworkers and classical musicians. This means having the confidence to volunteer our participation in matters of broadcasting, education and other arms of state or institutional influence, regardless of which political party is in charge. It may be easier in some countries than others.
In all of our attempts at participation, we will make friends with people who matter and can make things happen. This can enable unexpected primetime or prominence for us. When things start to move for us in this fashion, we will know that we have become relevant. Such relevance can multiply Krishna conscious exposure more than we thought possible.
Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa – GRS
I feel compelled to respond even though i know nothing. Interaction with vaisnavas is enlightening. I am sorry that I cannot truly like this article. Of course it doesn’t matter what i like, it only matters what krsna likes, and what guru likes. If the devotees are happy with something, then surely it means krsna is. So maybe you can help me to see better. Please correct me where i am wrong:
If devotees appear irrelevant in society it is due to only one thing. Society does not yet know who krsna is. Krsna is relevant to everyone everywhere at all times, and serving Him is everyone’s goal of life. Temples are supposed to be Vaikuntha, where a person enters and hears about krsna, hears kirtana, takes prasada, meets blissful compassionate people that are the best friend. A person’s occupation or race or education are transcended. That experience is relevant to everyone that walks through the door. What soul will not find vaikuntha attractive and of the utmost relevance to himself?
If temples are not a place guests want to return to over and over again, then we must put more effort into revealing them as vaikuntha. They must become the vaikuntha hubs of this world. If people knew they could enter a different dimension simply by walking through a door, a dimension in which everyone was blissed out in constant creative activity for that One who makes life sweet, everyone busy in all sorts of novel exciting service to please the Lord, they would flock to the temples. We should go out and distribute books, and go on harinam and invite people back to vaikuntha. Beg people, trick people, anything to get them to our vaikuntha hubs. Everyone can fall in love with krsna by first falling in love with devotees–humble, compassionate, personal, blissful souls. How great are devotees. Temples should be hubs of preaching service where devotees always congregate and give their association while excitedly discussing and implementing everfresh ideas to please krsna –just as life is in vaikuntha–and then those who enter the temple can simply join in the all-blissful service that attracts their heart most. There are unlimited ways to spread krsna’s name.
The way to be relevant is to believe krsna Himself is relevant. Be a blissed out devotee, engaging excitedly in a service that has meaning to you, and you will attract the world. There is nothing more attractive than serving krsna alongside other devotees; it is a catching thing.
Have all faith in krsna, be blissful.
ys, klh
KrsnaLH,
You have simply expressed some opinions. Whether I like them or not should not really matter either.
Under the guidance of Srila Prabhupada and his followers, we are all entitled to offer opinions in matters of outreach. Some opinions may earn consensus among fellow devotees, and others may not.
I agree that our temples should be hubs or portals for transcendental experiences for visitors, but I also think that extensions of these in the form of ‘livewire’ devotees can mix in, in places where decisions and policy-making affects society.
To sit in on municipality meetings, or an influential broadcasting board where matters of religious or moral content is discussed, or other areas of societal concern, can enable devotees to voice valid opinions or at least, other paticipants will acknowledge the devotee’s usefulness in society. Vaisnavism can be applicable for any level of society but we will not demonstrate that simply by being confined to temples and ashramas alone.
Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa.
kkp:
Thank you for continuing the conversation.
You speak as if getting into meetings and giving valid opinions is something separate from, as you stated in the first sentence of your article, “innovative outreach.” Preaching is something limited only by the imaginations of devotees, and to go out and find new avenues to spread KC is always a good thing–and different devotees will be attracted to different venues. Srila Prabhupada certainly never encouraged confining ourselves in a temple.
You are particularly enlivened by infiltrating “places where decisions and policy making affects society” — government and organizations with a social agenda. What are you working on? What are your specific goals? I have some experience in the local government in NYC and for me there are better uses of my time than spending it there, but krsna must have some plan for you if that is what you see as needed service.
What worries me in your article is your conception of the ISKCON temple… that it is simply a place where individuals do a little brahminical work. ISKCON temples are places for individuals to do vaisnava work and in the mood of preaching. Temples should be vibrant, active, enterprising oases of krsna katha, kirtan, bhajan, and a place where preaching ideas are always being discussed and facilitated and worked on.
You come back to the temple/center after your town meeting and you share with a group of interested devotees (and krsna) what happened and your ideas to make further progress, and that inspires ideas from them. Over in the next room a group of devotees are hovering over 10 computers, each one outreaching on the internet; in the next room 4 devotees are painting abstract paintings with incorporated bhagavad gita verses to be exhibited and sold; in the next room there is a class on what broadmindedness really is; in another room there is a bhajan, and in another room are 3 devotees discussing how to get more people into the restaurant; in another room they are practicing for a puppet theatre they are taking to the streets, and etc. It is to say, the temple is a meeting place for super association, encouragement, ideas, service…and it has something for everyone.
What persons who visit should see is not “a tiny part of vedic culture,” but blissful, transcendental, contagious work for krsna.
I also wonder how preaching “you are not your body, you are an eternal blissful servant of krsna” is an impossible “big vedic world objective”?
ys, klh
KrsnaLH,
If I knew your actual initiated name, I would happily greet with So and So Prabhu.
In response to your asking what I do, I am involved with several projects, one of which is a body set up by Nelson Mandela in ’94 when he became President. It is called IFFM. Below is snippet of a report I presented to fellow management after being asked to represent Iskcon:
“This is a combined SABC and Governmental initiative. The objective is to seek religious unity in diversity aiming at encouraging social cohesion in general society. Broadcasting of religious content with emphasis on upliftment of shared human values is the primary means, followed by ensuing meetings on interfaith level.
It was an inaugural presentation to members of various faiths, laying groundwork for future gatherings and understanding of SABC broadcasting rules governing religious content. It also seeks to revive the RBP (Religious Broadcasting Panel) consisting of 15 multifaith members. (I requested Yashika Singh to ensure our (Iskcon’s) place on it)
The inaugural event largely consisted of inputs from involved role players. The presence of multifaith participants presented ‘networking’ opportunities for us. The Chair of IFRB (Independent Forum for Religious Broadcasting), now named IFFM (Independent Forum for Faith and Media) whom I know, was also present.
I made personal contact with those who bore influence on a National level. Though I previously participated in IFFM meetings, but discontinued – due to their being seekers of increased broadcasting representation (A problem of which we as Iskcon do not have) – I may reconsider because of potential ‘spin-off’ interfaith benefits. Besides, the IFFM Chair eagerly asked for our participation. I will write to them to explain preferential reasons for our participation.”
But why broadcasting in particular? As we may know, media can be misused as Goebbels did remarkably well, or vice-versa. There is the chore of meeting time, but this can be offset by ‘networking’ or preaching potential. Being friends with diverse people of faith is an advantage.
Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa.
kkp, thank you very much for sharing a bit of your service with us. As usual, i have some difficulty in understanding you, and i hope you don’t mind if i inquire further.
I visited the immf site and it seems to be not much updated. This is what i understood from your reply: the immf wants as many different faiths as possible to join together and act as one voice so that their voice is strong enough to win benefits for them all–that being to get more air time for improving society. Is this radio and tv? What does the Religious Broadcasting Panel do? Are they trying for a specific religious station, or time on other stations? Do most people in SA have internet? Is there some avenue besides radio and tv that is “broadcasting”?
What do you personally mean by “upliftment of shared human values”? What kind of people are those “who bore influence on a national level”? What did you learn at the “inaugural event”? What do you plan to do with “networking opportunities”?
And especially i do not understand why you discontinued going to these meetings. Besides learning broadcasting rules, what was the point of the meetings…that is, what did you talk about? What do you mean that they wanted more “broadcasting representation,” and that’s a “problem we don’t have”??
What do you see as the “preaching potential”?
your servant, klh
Srila Prabhupad would allow the media, TV and Radio, to interview him knowing that he would be able to reach many, many people through these media. I recall one TV show in Mexico City in 1972. When Srila Prabhupad met the TV program’s host, His Divine Grace shook the man’s hand and flashed the most beautiful smile of humility that I ever personally witnessed in his presence. The program’s host asked each of the approximately 12 devotees what religion they were practicing. Many of the Mexican devotees were of the Catholic tradition and spoke so. When I was asked what my religion was I answered “Vaishnava”. Srila Prabhupad gave a deep look towards me, and I felt both joy and anguish. I hoped that I had not displeased His Divine Grace.
In any case, the media is a good opportunity to introduce Krishna consciousness. I personally believe that we are emissaries of Lord Chaitanya. The Supreme Lord, seeing our unqualified nature, gave us the process of meditating upon and congregational chanting of the Holy Names. We must not make His process, however, a sectarian process. When Atreya Rsi das was in Iran in 1973, he wrote to Srila Prabhupad: “I got some of the muslims to chant the Hare Krishna mantra.” Srila Prabhupad’s reply (in his letters) was” “Why are you making the Sankirtan movement sectarian? Let them chant their name for God, Allah”. The Sankirtan Movement clearly exists beyond the walls of the ashram, and Lord Chaitanya glorified the Holy Names both with His confidential associates intimately and in the public as well. We will not be able to place that conception into a neat folder and close the file on it. It is beyond material limitation. The Holy Names are transcendental sound vibrations. And, as Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, we must encourage others to work in the spirit of devotion. The goal may not be to have everyone become Krishna bhaktas specifically. Rather, to encourage others to recognize the recommended process for spiritual purification in this age is through the hearing and chanting of the Holy Names, including those of other religious traditions for those of other faiths.
Pusta Krishna das
Part One:
KrsnaLH,
In response to your questions:
The IFFM meets quarterly, which may explain delayed updates.
South Africa has a mixture of 3rd world standards and 1st world standards. The financial and communications sectors are 1st world. There are paid satellite broadcasting facities and excellent internet capacities, though many people cannot afford these. The real Mouthpiece of the nation is the SABC (South African Broadcasting Company) which is State owned. It broadcasts via TV and Radio.
Besides being a voice of reason for broadcasting content, the existing members of the IFFM (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, African traditional, Buddhists, Baha’i etc.) did not mind getting increased and favourable airtime especially via TV. Iskcon usually has good coverage on TV due to recognised outreach such as Food For Life and cultural interest. This “seeking” of more airtime caused me to discontinue in good faith – they still want us back. I would rather work on the principle of sharing of universal aims as demonstrated by our Durban Ratha-yatra for instance.
The SABC has yearly financial allocations for all manner of broadcasting departments such a news, documentaries, entertainment and so on – religion is one such department. Broadcasting of religious content is determined by the size of adherents of each faith. Since Christianity has the most adherents, they receive the most airtime. The smaller faiths receive less airtime.
The SABC has a board that oversees all matters of SABC functioning. In the desire to encourage ‘Social Cohesion’ the RBP body is intended to oversee and be the voice of reason for religious and related content. Incidentally, the Pay-Sattelite channels also produce religious content and have specific channels for this. The SABC does not have any specific religious channels – religious content is mainly broadcast on Sundays.
“Upliftment of shared human values” refers to human society sharing universal needs whether people are religious or not, in terms of shelter, access to clean water, sanitation, food and so on. Social Cohesion means to create a more content society. We know that the Holy Name can unite society.
Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa.
Part Two:
The people “who bore influence on a national level” were MP’s, academics and known role players. I learnt that though this is a National initiative, we as Iskcon can somehow be a part of this. I also detected some polite resistance to the ‘Cohesion’ idea from those who prefer religious exclusivity – this might indicate that extra effort will be required to meet together in future gatherings.
The plan for “Networking opportunities” is where the “preaching potential” comes in. I am a firm believer in devotees making friends and always leaving a positive impression. This is true for mixing with people of other faiths. We need not be concerned about converting such people, but rather create good relationships and friends. Once friends are made, they are more likely to take us seriously and hear what we say. In this way, we can share in matters of universal human interests such as people’s search for God, the need for peace, the need for purpose in life and the rest.
To help people ‘like’ us is a form of preaching. How we behave and interact with the public or those of different faiths and leaving favourable impressions is also preaching. Preaching is more than simply verbalising and attempting to convert.
Overall, Iskcon has a very good reputation in South Africa. When I first present our credentials (Iskcon) at the IFFM they already were aware of our feeding programs – they invited us anyway. These other chances for our involvement on a ‘bigger’ stage (regional and national) are other ways to preach.
Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa.
kkp, thank you again for giving a deeper understanding of your desire for iskcon to become seen by the public as a group who is working toward the betterment of society.
How true it is that we hear what a person has to say so much better if we feel they are our friend. The more you like/respect someone the more you will let their words into your heart. Making positive impressions is very important. It could be that the best impression is made when you truly do care for a person…
I watched the video of the bhaktivedanta manor house of lords gathering, and it reminded me of you— how humanity must reach out and care for each other; how dharma is to love our common god and through that love to be able to love all living beings; how just as a dog recognizes his master no matter what the master is wearing, we humans must recognize our beloved lord when He comes in different dress for different people throughout history…and etc.
But, now back to my questions, if you could be so kind as to further clarify. If we are conscious of concrete goals we can more readily see opportunities that krsna is giving us, and i would like to understand better your concrete goals.
What programs on tv and radio has iskcon been part of in the last year? Is the “coverage” you speak of a news report done by a reporter, or is it some program we have ourselves filmed/recorded? How many people see/hear these broadcasts? Are the sunday programs lectures? interviews? music? debate? What would be the ideal sunday program in your eyes? Am i correct in thinking you do not want an iskcon only program, but want to join with other faiths in collaborative programs? What specific things would you like to accomplish with the airtime?–Are you mostly focused on wanting to make friends with other worshipers so they can eventually adopt some of our practices (e.g. vegetarianism), or…? What kind of projects outside of broadcasting would you want to work on with people of other faiths?
I looked up NICSA and understood they are most concerned with the moral decline in society. They want to influence gov’t policy, and seem to believe christianity has been the dominant religion for too long. They complained that too many rights have been given to the people, especially children…that many laws have been passed that go against religious values. What is your thought on this.
Also, what is your thought on how to improve the temple so that it can be more relevant?
ys, klh
Part One:
KrsnaLH,
Thank you for your further enquiries.
The TV coverage comprises programs such as Sunday Sadhana, Dharma Moments, Eastern Mosaic and Spirit Sundae – all Sunday showings. If one You Tubes especially the first two named series, one will find frequent references to Iskcon in certain episodes.
Such names could easily have been taken out of our Iskcon vocabulary, yet they are not Iskcon productions. They were produced under the SABC allotted time for one of the smaller faiths in South Africa, Hinduism. Besides these, our Durban Ratha-yatra usually receives national TV coverage at prime news time. Iskcon also takes part in numerous other countrywide events.
I do not monitor TV coverage because I do not watch TV enough. At the NICSA inauguration at SABC it was revealed that the most popular religious content is Gospel music. We have our bhajanas. But Gospel allows singers to sing in easily understandable English or one of many other South African dialects. Could there be a niche for Krishna Gospel, as it were?
It would be nice if our own productions were aired – we are just one of several ‘Hindu’ groups. I think it would send a powerful message to society if and when, leaders of each faith jointly spoke with one voice without sectarianism on major issues of the day. If religious leaders and people remain divided – and people in general look to them for guidance – how can we expect society to unite?
I have not been with IFFM for several months. Last time I was there, some members complained about a lack of response to their requests for increased and fair airtime from the SABC. I did not really want to be part of this sort of ‘protest.’ Rather, we as Iskcon just do what we do best, and that is attractive in receiving airtime, and it works.
Interactions with other faiths are useful for sharing on things that matter for society, but it would not be the end game to merge. Vaisnavism has the answers to global warming, moral decay and other social ills. We know we have the answers, and so does everybody else.
Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa,
Part Two:
The longer term plans would be to allow the government to have enough faith in us, to allow us to teach in their schools, to allow us to advise on reducing social decay. It will not be easy – the SABC allocation for religion receives the smallest of all budgets. By participating in a body such as NICSA, we know that not all expectations of ours are met at this time, but it is a vehicle by which at least, we can attempt something constructive.
Some very large temples, like our Temple Of Understanding in Durban showcases many of our cultural assets. This temple is also a tourist destination for visitors and holidaymakers. Not all temples and preaching centres have this capacity – they may be limited to perhaps just a simple ashrama for instance. A first-timer visiting both places will see and experience a sharp contrast in presentations that may appear relevant or not.
By participating in governmental sponsored attempts for social cohesion, one can only plan as much as situations allow. General elections come and go. Ministers come and go. Long-term aims would be to hold advisory roles for ministers and directing government mechanisms – Krishna willing. In order to be trusted with these positions, we certainly must have the trust of politicians, people of faith and constituencies – why not help build up this needed trust by being relevant.
Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa.
hare bol kesava krsna prabhu,
I’m trying to connect our ultimate goal with practical preaching. There is a need for us to define what it is we really want, so that we may then come to practical projects. You have mentioned our “impossible vedic world objectives,” and i would like to understand what you mean, and what objective you believe is not impossible.
Possibly, an “impossible” objective would be that everyone on the planet chant hare krsna in bliss and talk only of krsna and things relating directly to Him. So, what is possible? What do we want? How about 50% of the planet chanting hare krsna? Or is it that we just want people to remain in separate religions but to follow closely those religions and be moral and truthful and clean and compassionate?
If we want people to know krsna Himself, possibly we will have goals such as…100%… 50%…20%??? of the population having a set of srimad bhagavatam in their house and offering their food….or maybe our goal is that every city has 500 plus person harinams everyday….or maybe….i mean, what are we ultimately wanting? If we don’t want it how will it happen? What ultimate goal can our present minds accept as possible?
You have mentioned more airtime. I watched several Sunday Sadhana shows. What do you see is the goal of our exposure there? All exposure is good, but why? The more focused we are in why we want things, the more potent they will be. You bring people to the temple. Great. But why? If why is not foremost in our brain, people will come and then go, and you will continue to feel isolated.
The specific goals you mentioned are:
1. getting english songs about krsna on the air. Is this on lotus fm? Do you know any devotees that are already producing songs like this? Are there any songsters in sa that would like to work on this project?
2. teaching in schools. Do you mean elementary, high school, and university? Are there gita courses in your universities? How would you go about getting them in? What kind of elementary or hs classes do you have in mind–about krsna, or about morals…?
3. advising the gov’t. If the advisory group you were part of included christian and muslim etc what kind of advise would we all agree on. What specific advise would you give? In other words pretend the reality has come, what would you advise? I’ve read some not good things about nicsa…are you sure we want to be part of that?
ys, klh
Krsna LH Prabhu,
The “near impossible” allusion was an ironic tense in the context of us remaining ‘irrelevant.’ If we remain confined to ‘irrelevant’ situations in the eyes and minds of the public, like ‘isolated’ ashramas or isolated rhetoric, then our big world plans shall remain a distant dream – or near impossible, although nothing is impossible.
You wrote, “There is a need for us to define what it is we really want.”
This is dependent on geographical progress of preaching. What you may want in New York will differ from what we try to adapt to here in South Africa. Here, the government policies are largely centred around BEE (Black Economic Empowerment). It means that if we wish to seek financial help from government to build a school of our kind, they will attach conditions such as locating the school in an impoverished (crime ridden) township for example.
Attempts like NICSA are meant to help unite society, which is a sort of socialist ideal. Most of the leaders in government have affiliations with the SA communist Party, but many happen to be religious at the same time. Yet they promote a mixed economy of market and social. Any material body such as NICSA will have flaws.
The goals I mentioned, like advising and teaching perfectly fit the brahminical lifestyle. We may be some way off these goals at present, but they are admirable long-term goals to strive for. We are simply adjusting our preaching to circumstances availing us – they may work or not. We won’t know unless we try.
The “gospel” mention is not a goal of ours; I just said it was the most popular religious content on TV. I then posed an open question, “Could there be a niche for Krishna Gospel, as it were?” If positive coverage airs on TV it is nice, but we don’t really crave it ourselves, when our winning formulas attract.
While cultivating good relations with people of other faiths, we still continue to do what we’ve done over the years. It is attractive, unusual for the general public and dynamic. We have our ideas but Krishna has His. We can plan and scheme all we want, but we remain instruments in the Lord’s bigger plan of which, we might be clueless at times. Let us try.
Ys Kesava Krsna Dasa.