“We find it so easy to communicate on the internet, yet so difficult to do so in person (myself included).”
“
Guru-Krsna dasa is a classic example (no offense), presenting a mood of humility, when in fact his mood is really something else.”from Bhaktavatsala dasa (NZ)
Dear CHAKRA,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Please don't mind but I would like to make a comment on the letter from Guru-Krsna dasa to Srila prabhu. Guru-Krsna approaches Srila prabhu as if with the straw between his teeth, yet it seems apparent that he harbors some mood other than that of genuine humility. Why make a show of humility if his mood is something else? It seems obvious that he is not appreciative of at least some of Srila's comments, so why pretend or try to guise it? I would say only for the sake of diplomacy, which may not be the best way to approach a subject or communication. He quotes Srila as saying, ""Hearing, not arguing, promotes understanding." Definitely true, at least in part. I would take that one step further, as hearing is only one factor in the art of communication. I would say that communication, which involves mutual exchange, and definitely not arguing, is the fundamental basis which then automatically leads to genuine understanding. Communication does not only promote understanding, it is both fundamental, essential, and also the very basis of understanding. As an example, I would like to ask where any of us would be in Krsna consciousness without the purports of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada? I would say pretty much nowhere. All we would have would be unlimited speculations to filter through to try to get to the conclusive truth.
We would certainly have little depth of understanding of the subject matter of Krsna consciousness, as that understanding comes from the communication contained in Srila Prabhupada's purports. It's really a very simple, fundamental, principle.
Jayadvaita Swami decries email and the internet, but, like anything else in life, it's not what you have or use, but more the case of how you use it, no? Of course he is fully entitled to choose for himself what he does and doesn't do, as we all are. As far as I understand there are basically two kinds of communication, namely useful and useless. I personally would say that we have a great opportunity (while it is available) to use the internet for useful communication, which can then bring about useful understanding, because without it there is no understanding. What is really unfortunate within ISKCON, in my own experience, is that we find it so easy to communicate on the internet, yet so difficult to do so in person (myself included). I have seen it from the lowest bhakta up to the highest GBC and guru. I feel that ISKCON communities (as with numerous other communities) suffer unlimitedly due to severe communication problems, hence the epidemic gossip and speculations which destroy so many relationships in communities worldwide, basically because devotees (generally) do not know how to communicate, nor do they know how to properly relate. At least that has been my own experience, and observation, over the ten years of my time within ISKCON temples. Guru-Krsna dasa is a classic example (no offense), presenting a mood of humility, when in fact his mood is really something else. This is duplicity (according to how my former guru, Jagadish prabhu, taught me), which (I believe) has been rife within ISKCON both in the past as well as the present.
Hopefully some day what we achieve in the subtle realm of the internet will spring forth onto the physical realm of our personal relationships with each other. I hope that everyone will eventually climb aboard the boat of (useful) communication. But before that happens, we need to learn the principles involved (myself included), making sure our communication is in fact useful, and developing confidence in ourselves, each other, and in those principles. No small thing. I think it is gradually heading that way however, 'cause I believe I can see the signs. However the next step is in the physical relationships, which hinge on mutual understanding, which comes from mutual communication, which is a great art (involving, in part, hearing).
Personally I think it's great that Guru-Krsna prabhu is being so communicative about his thoughts and feelings. At least he's communicating them directly to Srila prabhu as honestly as he knows how. I applaude him. But sometimes (not necessarily in this instance) it is prudent to do so privately (on principle). Of course at other times, in more threatening circumstances perhaps, it is no doubt more prudent to have trustworthy friends, confidants, and associates present. Of course it is always prudent to have mature, wise and experienced persons present, in any situation. Then we just have to learn what is mature and wise both materially as well as spiritually to know who, and what, is most appropriate. Not easy when you're immature.
The 7 Habits can help in this regard, I believe.
Thank you again for hearing me out. Please excuse me if there is any offense, as it is not my intention to offend. I really did appreciate the fact that Guru-Krsna prabhu is making great efforts at effective communication. Bravo! Wishing well for all, I remain...
Forever an insignificant servant,
Bhaktavatsala dasa (NZ)
© CHAKRA 31-Dec-98
Go to the “GHQ Page”
| Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare |