By Gopal Das
Everyone comes to ISKCON, or any socio-religious organization, for protection from the existential loneliness and dejection of life in this world. That is natural. Unfortunately, today in the world in which we live, very few people are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to provide that shelter for others, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or most importantly, spiritual. This applies even to parents in this age, where children are seen as an inconvenient by-product of household life, rather than a rare opportunity to contribute to the real well-being of other jivas. Since children don’t have a model from which to learn to give shelter, they also are incapable of providing shelter for others when they mature, and the whole cycle of anxiety and insecurity perpetuates generation after generation. Therefore, especially in ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada’s glorious mission, we need training on how to give shelter, as well as how to accept shelter. Since no real form of shelter was offered to many of us in our formative years, we have learned to be extremely independent, and we are unable to recognize trust-worthy shelter when it is offered.
Fortunately, all is not lost. We have the great fortune of having an Institute for Spiritual Culture in ISKCON, expertly managed by Her Grace Mother Devaki Devi Dasi. There are many aspects to spiritual culture which are addressed in her courses, but the very beginning, the titular course is Giving and Accepting Shelter. I had the good fortune of attending this course in Mayapur from the 4th to 8th of January, when Mother Devaki explored with the students all the circumstances and qualities that give rise to an environment of shelter for everyone. By cultivating such an atmosphere of respect and reciprocal affection, many of our problems today will dissipate just like the morning dew. When trust and respect for seniors is present, shelter may be accepted, and when affection and responsibility is felt for juniors, frustration and disappointment subside, and we may give shelter, employing the same loving exchanges that are shared with us as we accept shelter.
Shelter is for everyone, even if we are very expert in all aspects of life, and even if we are very advanced in Krishna consciousness. We can see from Srila Prabhupada’s example that at every stage, we all need others with whom we can consult. Srila Prabhupada himself was so expert in this. He even used to go to his own disciples and ask their advice and counsel. If it is good enough for Srila Prabhupada, then who in our ISKCON is so advanced as to be less in need than Srila Prabhupada?
“Suppose we are taking shelter, child is taking shelter of the father, mother, or the citizens is taking shelter of the state, of the government. So one has to take shelter of something else for protection, for security.” Srimad Bhagavatam Lecture, 3.26.43, Bombay, January 18th, 1975
In such a spiritual atmosphere, a natural flow of accepting and giving shelter will develop, and this creates the family environment that we all felt under the care of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. I’ve found that by taking this course, and studying the accompanying materials, I am gradually developing the trust and understanding I need in order to accept the shelter being offered by Srila Prabhupada’s wonderful followers. I am also developing the faith that one day, I will have sufficient experience and purification to be able to offer guidance to other devotees looking for help in their progressive lives in Krishna consciousness.
For more information on how you can get this wonderful knowledge, please visit the Spiritual Culture website at http://www.therootsofspiritualculture.net/.