I was interested but also saddened whilst sat in a class recently to hear the individual state that they were sorry to say but they thought that the second generation devotees were much better than the original Prabhupada disciples and had achieved much much more.
As always it’s a matter of perspective
In some way’s you could say it’s true, given the number of courses you can do, and the fact that the internet allows us to immediately check on. From a knowledge Krishna Conscious point of view in may ways you could argue this statement to be correct, this could also be correct when it comes to book distribution.
However if you analyse things, the work ethic of those early disciples far surpasses that of the modern disciples, did you stop and think how much effort was taken into editing and printing each book? The all day harinam’s? And the all day book distribution?
However there is one area that we owe the greatest debt and have had in many cases especially in the UK replicating the opening of Srila Prabhupada’s hospital’s; after reading the books were to next we need centre’s and temples.
If we look at the capital of the United Kingdom, London we appear happy just to have two temples and no permanent preaching centres, maintenance appears to be a measure of success. Yes the stated Congregational membership has expanded and there is an amazing core of devotees who regularly do seva which is inspirational.
But ask yourself why we haven’t opened another temple, given the size of London have we stopped and asked why this is; and then expanded the question as to why we do not have more temples incorporating cow protection as found at Bhaktavadanta Manor?
Harinama, books, open new centre, make devotees move on start all over again; this way every town and village has a centre for Krishna Consciousness a hospital for all those who are seeking the relief of material nature.
It could be easy to blame
Well non of the courses have or cover opening centres
It’s the temple’s responsibility
It’s the senior devotees or heads of department responsibility
However as the individual who spoke in class apologized if his comments were controversial, may I also be a little controversial.
Let’s be practical, most disciples and aspiring disciples live outside of the temple, most work in secular jobs have mortgages, family commitments and so full time preaching is difficult.
However look closely to were you live and ask one question is the temple 15 miles from your home, if not then what’s your plan on opening one or do you have a plan?
Ask yourself how difficult it would be to hire a small community hall once a month and do a Sunday feast, small kirtan and introductory talk on Krishna Consciousness; I am reminded that the devotees who showed me the glories of devotional life ran a program every Wednesday, initially no one came but due to sincerity people came and some of us became full time practitioners of bhakti.
Yes there is some cost in time and money, and it does mean that their has to be some book distribution and advertising of the events with some snazzy thought provoking posters, but if each one of us as individuals take up the challenge then we can fulfil Srila Prabhupada’s wish that in every town and village there is a hospital
I’m also been inspired by those who have opened up restaurant that also have been centres for krishna consciousness; and for those who have taken the plunge and started small cow protection project’s, and those who have also started small countryside retreats.
This should be the challenge each and everyone of us should take up.
But not forgetting the most important thing getting together and inspiring each other, sharing stories and techniques that have been successful in spreading pure love of Krishna.
Maybe in this 50 year celebrations the aim is to increase the centres and temples we have in the country we live and focus on getting the spiritual hospitals into every town and village.
Pray that’s not too controversial
Hare Krishna
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