ISKCON
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temple
temple temple
templetemple
temple
ISKCON
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temple
temple temple
templetemple
temple
ISKCON
temple
temple temple
temple
temple
“Outsiders”4
devotees
devotees
devotees
devotees
devo
tees
devo
tees
devo
tees
temple
“Congregation”
ISKCON
Congregation
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ISKCON
Congregation
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ISKCON
Congregation
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ISKCON
Congregation
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temple temple
temple
Defines only one äçrama, brahmacarya (sannyäsa).
Gives no sense of identity to gåhasthas in the congregation.
Increased alienation between temples and congregation.
Temples become irrelevant, structure becomes more unwieldy and anarchistic.
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Devotees are not getting a fair chance at Kåñëa consciousness.
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They don’t have enough association. They don’t have opportunities for
service other than donating. They don’t receive regular guidance. They don’t feel part of/or accepted into
ISKCON. They don’t feel ISKCON cares for them.
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Non-missionary gåhasthas will be abandoned.
Live in constant tension with Congregation.
Because numbers limited, work of ISKCON is limited.
Have little security for a lifetime of service as congregation does not support them.
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Just a union of temples with a few “priests”.
Certainly not a Society.
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temple temple
temple
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ISKCON
ISKCON is the sum of temples and congregations that we can call the “community”.
And the temples are the smaller part of the community that provide place of spiritual inspiration supply spiritual guides for community the ultimate authority on community
standards.17
Rule 1. Stop using the terminology “temples”.
Rule 2. Start using the terminology “community”.
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The community is not just everyone who believes in Kåñëa.
It is about people who accept a set of common values and have established “rights” and “obligations”.
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One therefore has to define requirements of community membership.
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Empower community for social, religious and economic services: Mediation, Ombudsman, Judiciary Organizing Sunday Program Organizing special events Chamber of commerce, educational,
economic incentives Summer camps and outings Nursery’s, schools, hospices Recreational centres
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But the community needs to be established and sustained.
For that we need a devotee care and counselor system.
This is compulsory for being a community member.
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How to build and maintain a community I will leave to Guruttama Prabhu.
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