Prabhupada’s ISKCON Temples, Centers, Farm Communities and Ashrams are literally Torch Lights of Knowledge to distribute the highest benediction to all humanity. One way for leaders and future leaders of ISKCON to view their preaching mission is to use these centers to their fullest potential, grow them, cultivate them, expand them, purify them and pass them on to a qualified person who has the same level of dedication, loyalty and commitment to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. A parent always wants their child to do better than them; to be more successful, fulfilled and happy. In the same way, current leaders must see future leaders as their children and put them in a position to “run with the baton of transcendental knowledge”. Successful companies always have a succession plan to ensure their company not only maintains its current market share but ideally so that it expands and increases through the transition. This is altogether possible if the candidate has the correct incentive (heartfelt dedication to Srila Prabhupada) and proper training. When new generations of devotees learn from their predecessors, they will be well versed in what has failed and succeeded in the past and have a very clear vision of how to navigate future decisions. They will also naturally be more in touch with technical and cultural changes that effect outreach strategies. In a race, when the baton is passed, the next runner is automatically in a position that will allow him to get closer to the finish line. Similarly, with every transition of ISKCON management, the successor would ideally be put into a position to expand the distribution of mercy exponentially. Srila Prabhupada told Giriraja Swami shortly before leaving his body that ISKCON will continue on successfully without his physical presence by organization and intelligence. So, let’s pass on the baton with gusto and embrace the future of mercy distribution on this planet. Hare Krishna
Yours in Service,
Atula Govinda das