Be Part of the Solution
BY: KESAVA KRSNA DASA
Jul 15, 2011 — JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (SUN) — I have read the responses to my concerns. Needless to say, there is much bad feeling, sore memories and general negativity related to past experiences, expressed with ever fresh anger and vigour. Yes, I could palpably feel the hurt, sense of injustice and victimisation. It is very sad.
In many ways, I can empathise because I too, have experienced hurt and related schisms. I was initiated by two fallen gurus – Jayatirtha, and Bhagavan Dasa. I served under "bullying" party leaders, and was witness to unwarranted incidents and so on. In spite of these experiences, I chose never to leave Iskcon, nor allow these events to hold me back spiritually. Please allow me to explain why.
It may appear that our situation here in South Africa is isolated from the rest of the world. It isn't. There are several Gaudiya Matha groupings here, some ritvik infiltration, and even pockets of die-hard Jayatirtha followers. The ivory towers comparison is false. I spent eight years in Iskcon UK before coming to South Africa in 1988. Besides, I have travelled sufficiently.
I saw the drastic social changes here in this country – before and after apartheid. Nowadays, the previously privileged class are complaining because they feel threatened by a black majority, many of whom wish for a Zimbabwe-style land-grab and nationalisation. A Truth and Reconciliation process took place that allowed victims to speak of traumatic apartheid experiences, while perpetrators got punished or were given amnesty.
While the previously advantaged minorities complain, the majority are using newfound democracy to usher in leftist policies headed by populist ideologues. The general thinking is that the minorities should be guilt ridden, while the majority can bask in "freedom." The same minorities are warned to become more active in national concerns, or risk getting left behind, and therefore marginalised.
There is a similar situation here as far as this topic goes, but in the reverse of the above analogy. We have what appears to be, a vocal grouping of devotees who feel, or have purposely marginalised or distanced themselves from Iskcon. This representation channelled through this website is, we have to say, vociferously and unceasing in attempts to repeatedly highlight pass negative issues.
Many of these past events are well known, and they are certainly not forgotten. They can be used for attention grabbing in the direction of those who are meant to be "perpetrators." Is this really the best and only way to bring attention? For instance, the minorities of South Africa are requested to stop complaining and become part of the national solution to forging a "Rainbow Nation."
Even with my own past experiences, I cannot imagine myself keeping a distance from Iskcon and simply verbalising ad infinitum about the same things we read on this website. I'd rather be part of the solution, and this is what I am doing in a positive constructive way. I can assure you there are many other devotees with the same experiences as I, who are working at improving matters within Iskcon. Does not "Action" speak louder than words?
I sometimes wonder if another worldly analogy might help. In world politics, North Korea is known as an isolated nation with few friends or allies. International pressure is expecting the communist hierarchy to oblige to certain demands. The North Koreans pursue an antiquated system of diplomacy belonging to the cold war era.
Whenever they feel ignored or are accused of misdemeanours, we can expect them to utter strong language backed up with repeated threats of attacks or war. This usually happens when they want attention. Now, many people read repeats of the same old stories on this website. May I ask, what is the objective? Are these repeats mere sabre-rattling or a variety of gunboat diplomacy?
You want attention; you get it, and now what next? Do you intend to try to be part of the solution? If not, then what will the repeats serve to achieve? Rocana Prabhu indicated in a reply to my concerns that he does not get or receive any affection from his God Brothers. Can any reasonable person expect that if they see their names portrayed and published negatively on this forum, they're going to wash your feet as a token of thanks?
If we take this stance, and expect others to be affectionate towards you without you making reciprocal moves, then it becomes a demanding one-sided affair. Besides, this approach is antiquated. It belongs to the Iskcon of years past. Such indiscriminate sabre-rattling and gunboat verbosity have no place in mature Vaisnava dealings.
Do you all want a sort of Truth and Reconciliation process to help deal with past bad experiences? In my mind's eye I also wonder if I can help mediate in such healing exchanges. The fact is, so long as one dwells on these negatives and repeatedly publishes them in company with like-minded devotees for comfort in numbers, this is not always beneficial spiritually.
There are powerful, cleansing qualities like forgiveness. The will to let go can be very painful. But it is less painful than retaining them as acute reminders, and simultaneously cause doubt in the minds of innocent readers. There is much emphasis upon truth on this forum. Perhaps here is a question to ponder: What if this "Truth" causes loss of faith in the process of Krishna consciousness in others? What if such "Truth" causes animosity towards Srila Prabhupada, the sincere devotees or Iskcon?
Is anyone to tell me that Truth is really indiscriminate? This is what is being advocated here. So if someone like President Barack Obama is a "demon," as Rocana Prabhu pointed out, then do you say that in his face? So here we have an aggregate admission of a constituency that promotes indiscriminate Truth. I don't think Srila Prabhupada was indiscriminate. He was cultured. He spoke truth at appropriate times. If anyone claims to be following Srila Prabhupada with indiscriminate Truth telling, are not.
If the tendency is to remain locked within antediluvian thought patterns and expect everyone else to make the first move towards affection, or whatever aim exists, it is unlikely to work. Mature and sensitive devotees do not communicate this way. There has to be reciprocal initiatives. Just think about this: If "demons" can give and take for the sake of convenience, then why should "enlightened" devotees fare less well?
Since I am speaking of personal experiences, I will say that it is far better to be involved in Srila Prabhupada's Iskcon than not. I may be a grand disciple of Srila Prabhupada and initiated by an Iskcon guru, but this does not make me blind or sheepish. Far from it. I have certain responsibilities and maturity of conviction to deal with different situations.
For those of you who think I am muzzled by sheer force of GBC restrictions, then I suggest you think again. If any of you will care to take the trouble, I have written two previous articles for Dandavats called, "When Guru Worship Gets Sentimental," parts 1 & 2. Tell me I am sentimental after that. I also highlight certain areas of concern there. I have no need to repeat what happens here, nor do I want to. I have my freedom. But I am not careless to indiscriminately say the sort of things expressed here. This is uncultured.
The Iskcon of today is different from the time-warped retentions kept here. We do not deny there are problems. But problems have to be worked out amicably. The present aims of this forum are not conducive to modern-day problem solving. Problem solving also has to be internal as well. You cannot expect to complain constantly thinking this will solve your own internal problems. There has to be self-effort. Study the pastimes of Lord Balarama for insight.
With the effort of writing here, I am trying to make readers aware that Iskcon is the place to be. We do not dwell on the past, but do not forget either. This is no Ivory Towers admission. I ensure that whoever comes under my care are protected. I help guide them as I would expect. I know there are many others who share my objectives. I would like to repeat; let's all be part of the solution.
Ys Kesava Krsna dasa
