It can be argued that the most harmonious society is the smallest: when people know one another, care about each other, and are directly affected by the decisions which must be made, wiser and fairer decisions can be reached quickly. In such small groups, the democratic notion of majority rule quickly becomes unfair and misleading. Instead, decisions become an all- or-nothing affair -- either the solution suits everyone, or it is unacceptable. Consensus creates balance between the good of the group and the good of the individual, and fosters personalism at all levels.

Even in small groups, governance by consensus can be a frustrating, if not entirely unworkable, model. Complete surrender to the consensus process requires that the group share a common philosophy, and be truly committed to allowing for one another's experiences. It also requires a recognition of fundamental freedoms, individual rights, and legitimate responsibilities through respect for diversity. And, it requires time. When challenging decisions must be made, the consensus process demands that the participants be willing to discuss threadbare...and discuss some more.

To achieve consensus, we must overcome four major obstacles:

1. The complexity of ideas.
2. The limitations of the written word.
3. The fact that everyone views life and the world somewhat differently.
4. The unpredictable nature of material life.

To maintain and support consensus, we must:

• ...share goals as a driving force to create a unity of purpose;

• ...have freedom and autonomy from outside pressures, agendas, and other hierarchical structures;

• ...foster a safe, trusting atmosphere by the promotion and use of imagination, creativity, and innovation;

• ...have enough time to communicate and reach agreement by setting time limits;

• ...be aware of one's own and others' feelings by having a respect for and value of diversity and diverse interests;

• ...be willing to attend to attitudes by encouragement of empathetic listening;

• ...promote a sharing of power by having equal access and opportunity to share that power among all members;

• ...promote the value of a willingness to learn and practice skills for honest participation, facilitation, and communication by involving everybody through voluntary inclusiveness;

• ...nurture a willingness to commit to the process and the greater good of the group through the encouragement of self-design, self-reliance, implementation, effective monitoring, and accountability;

• ...always look for the third way through a search for synthesis by being flexible and not afraid of compromise.




In the context of the critical issues facing the Independent Vaisnava Council, consensus may be exceedingly difficult to reach on some points. Council members will be challenged to take the consensus process to new levels. And, to the degree that the consensus process is found to be effective, it might be considered as a long-range protocol. Dovetailed with majority vote when the greatest difficulties arise, it may be an excellent working model for the Council. In the final analysis, it will require a greater investment of time on the part of individual members, because effective consensus governance requires healthy reciprocal relationships....Krsna consciousness.





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