by Praghosa Prabhu, the chair-man of GBCom (GBC commity for Mayapur)
Sesa prabhu made a very impressive contribution during the GBC meeting at New Vrindavan last June. In essence he expressed how swings and roundabouts are the arrangement of the supreme Lord.
He made the point that:
- Most of the child abuse took place in India, yet the US yatra was sued and had to take the brunt of raising the majority of the settlement figure. Still they accepted that graciously and also greatly appreciated the co-operation they received from International ISKCON.
In the same way, why can we not unite around the request (for the facility of retirement for Srila Prabhupada disciples and elder Grihastha couples, who served in ISKCON for many years), that a suitable arrangement be made for the maintenance of senior vaisnavas, those who have served Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON for decades?
In short ISKCON should both support and underwrite the maintenance of it's senior and long serving devotees. That responsibility should not be the exclusive concern of ISKCON Mayapur but at the same time ISKCON Mayapur should be enthusiastic to help as much as they can. We cannot change the fact that Mayapur is the holy dhama, that Mayapur probably has more land than any other ISKCON centre in the world, that Mayapur has more buildings and facilities than any other ISKCON centre. This being the case it is somewhat natural that Mayapur will take the greater proportion of responsibility for making the transcendental 'old vaisnava home' a reality, again these swings and roundabouts are the arrangement of the Lord.
Thus this should be a transcendental labour of love and ISKCON Mayapur will receive both financial support for it as well as receiving the blessings and praise of the worldwide vaisnava community.
Just as some devotees are eager to help financially to establish a library in Mayapur, I am sure if we announce that we want to establish a facility for elderly members, much support will be forthcoming. Of course we need to be enthusiastic and united in our efforts, that will inspire the worldwide devotee community.
Your servant, Praghosa dasa.
Please visit www.dandavats.com
It is the absolute duty of Iskcon to provide for senior members after retirement. Case and point my mother donated her time to teaching classes for Iskcon kids for almost 25 years at the Dallas, and Los Angeles gurukulas. At this time in her late fifties she has no means of maintenance having given all of her working life to Iskcon with full dedication and a proven track record. Also my deceased grandfather Usika dasa donated $66,000 to Srila Prabhupada for the printing of second canto of Bhagavatam on the condition that Iskcon will look after her welfare. So far I am maintaining her without so much as a dime offered from any Iskcon source. She has never worked a day in her life for any outside entity and has no means of collecting social security.
ReplyDeleteI am one of the first kids born in Iskcon ie: 1971 and have never sued or taken part of any defaming of the society. Tell me O devotees where is the provisions for senior matajis in your overall plans?
Thank you for your comment, although we really prefer when people sign their name. We have a rule - no anonimous coment/articles.
ReplyDeleteBut because you have mentioned some of your personal details we concidered your coment to be semi-anonimous :-).
Anyways, if you want to drop us an e-mail, you are welcome and we try to see if we can help bring up your situation somewhere for attention (with hope for some positive action).
Hare Krishna.
your servant,
Vrindavan Lila Dasi
In order to create "a suitable arrangement be made for the maintenance of senior vaisnavas, those who have served Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON for decades", I propose a Trust Fund based in Mayapur where devotees from around the world can contribute (tax deductable) for this purpose.
ReplyDeleteAs a bramacari for 10 years, I joyfully went out on "Sankirtana" for the benefit of the Temple I turned in every dime as a service to my Guru and Krsna with no expectation of return. The "return" was Guru and Krsna are pleased. I don't feel ISKCON owes me anything for this service, as this was for my benefit.
Accepting the Grhasta asrama and having to maintain myself and new family all while "Sankirtana" became more and more illegal, I turned to the financial services industry as a career. After 20 years in the insurance and investment business, I realize many devotees are sadly lacking in the area of personal finance. As part of my service to the Vaisnavas, I offer my help in this area.
This Trust Fund, with local GBC's as trustees (they determine eligibility)would provide services and maintain this important program.
I can't think of anything more blissful than preparing to go back home, back to Godhead, with no stress or worry at the great Mayapur Dhama! Whatever I can do, I am at your service.
Hare Krsna!
Gangamantri Dasa