Over the past few month’s I have been pondering what for me is the real meaning of mentor, and of those who have been the finest examples of mentor; this given that it is the latest buzz word being bounded around.
In many ways the first devotee’s that I had contact with were the perfect mentors, although they didn’t use such a crude word. The first devotee who stopped me in the streets became my first role model in devotional service, backed up by some amazing devotees who took on that responsibility.
The interesting thing is that it didn’t feel intimidating, no forms, no courses that you had to pay for; but over many months they introduced me to the essentials of a life in devotional service and started to help in the preparations for initiation.
It was inspirational and natural, they spent time to really know me, develop and encourage. Before you realised it your chanting 16 rounds of japa, following the 4 regulative principles and taking any opportunity to do some service.
When they left as I still had a long way to go, another senior devotee took over this personal training of me in Krishna Consciousness to the point were I gave my first class to university students.
I miss those day’s although it did teach me one vital lesson in order to make anyone we meet a fully initiated life time devotee, it takes commitment, time, tolerance, patience and an individual plan on how to bring the best out of the person.
However there is an even greater example of mentor, which emphasises this even more and in many ways defines who we are and remains important to us throughout our lifes.
It also shows that their has to be an underlying addition that without any mentorship will fail, and is the basis of any relationship that lasts and that is simply love.
She held you in her arms, fed and protected you; put your needs before her own.
She taught you how to walk, talk, control your bladder and bowls.
She taught you how to read and write, to colour and express yourself
She taught you how to be polite, to deal with others and how to cope with the problems life brings.
And this is not a week, month, year but a lifetime; indeed even when her child has grown up and has children of their own she still is their, advising and helping. Selfless driven by love.
And if she has several children you will notice the adjustments she makes to simply bring the best out of each child; the underlying principles remain the same; but she understands each child’s personality and the best way to bring the best out of each one.
Our greatest mentor is always their, and even if they leave their body the words remain and the lessons remain; in essence it defines us. With love.
Srila Prabhupada had so much love for his disciples, his guidance, tolerance and showing how to undertake devotional service; his lessons and examples were so powerful that even after all this time his disciples continue. His voice and words remain always in their thoughts, motivating.
This is his legacy, his example is that mentor and teaching is a personal individual thing. Bringing out the best in each person developing them into a lifetime of devotional service, working with what they bring to make then the best devotee they can be.
Yes they may not be perfect, I’m not perfect; that’s why Srila Prabhupada asked us to at least try to get on, but most important we can inspire each other and bring the best out of those we meet, so they too can enjoy a lifetime of devotional service.
Although for some my thoughts will remain as always anti-ISKCON, because they love forms and courses and tests and think everyone does, missing the point of real mentorship; but that’s a long journey if done correctly.
And as Srila Prabhupada said it takes many many gallons of blood to make one devotee, yes real effort.
But I appreciate more those early mentors, who took me on a journey without me knowing it, training in a practical way, challenging and nurturing; may I continue in that tradition as it is truly the most beneficial way in my humble opinion to make and inspire devotees.
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service back and I keep Praying to SRILA PRABHUPADA to keep helping me and to give the power to keep doing Devotional service for PRABHUPADA and the Devotees HARE KRSNA Your lowly servant Parvata Muni Das P.S. pray and keep Helping Me email parvatamuni@gmail.com ....