About those who are considered lost but are still alive
Recently, one of my friends, a devotee who served for many many years day and night the mission of his spiritual master, a devotee known for exceptional qualities, capable to create literally huge funds by minimal investment, a devotee without whom practically all the temples in the North European zone wouldn't exist, he shared with me his observation. As nobody approached him or wanted him after the fall down of his spiritual master, he created a modest universe on his own, managing it practically single handedly.
Any time I meet him I could cry with pitty why NOBODY from the official ISKCON representatives of today was able to approach and inspire such a man to be availlable at least in advisory manner to a largely mismanaged and chaotic ISKCON of today.
This text illustrates an essential flaw re-occurring in history of ISKCON and documenst the devastating massive breach being created by fall down of leaders in ISKCON among the generations of devotees.
Managers and collectors for projects, which are by now enjoyed by new generations of devotees, finding themselves re-visiting places where for years they gave whatever they had, finding themselves finally being removed into oblivion and ostracized, pushed into the emigration of different kind, many many devotees were lost who could be still instrumental to the mission Srila Prabhupada entrusted us with.
My friend quotes:
"The stupidity of the leading class of ISKCON is that when a guru falls down they do not collect and support the devotees, who were faithful to that guru. They should understand that these are hard working, loyal and sincere devotees, and therefore should be engaged in the mission of KC. Instead they surround themselves with new people who have no qualification except being loyal to the new regime, exactly like in the modern political world. In this way they marginalise and alienate the older devotees, who have proven themselves capable”
Here are some quotes from Srila Prabhupada and even mundane man who could serve well those who put their vanity in front of common sense, and who dare to pose themselves as leaders while blocking the path of others. Common sense is requiered, and not personal amibition.
Here Srila Prabhupada defies entirely any democracy within the ISKCON leadership.
In a letter to Hrdanyananda He writes on 5th of November, 1972:
„This constantly changing managers is not good. We shall develop more progressively by sticking in one place and working, not that one week we have three presidents, that is not good. Our managers should be very responsible for developing their center to the topmost standard, why this restlessness?
It is just like one man is holding government post by getting votes, so today or tommorow or next day, but he will have to go out. Then another man comes, then another, another - in this way, democratic system, no one becomes responsible for the welfare of the citizens, only they want to take for themselves as much as they can before they have to get out, so they do not take real interest in their duty.
Its like that. My idea is that the leaders must agree to stick at one place, even they may have to remain life-long, that is the ideal leader, one who is conscious of his duty.“
Here is something from a man who lived prior to Srila Prabhupada's appearance, but beyond any doubt would be most inspired to meet His Divine Grace:
„Democracy is replacing the assignment of few corrupt ones with the election of few incompetent ones.“
„Democracy is the last trick of tyrany.“
„The wisdom of my enemies never harmed me that much as the stupidity of my friends.“
„There is nothing worse for a man as admiration of fools.“
„Titles are elevating mediocre people, embarrass the extraordinery ones, and are rendered worthless by people without vallue.“
„The only reasonable man is my tailor. He measures me every time I visit him.“
„The more a man is ashamed, the more he is decent.“
„People occasionally complain about their loss of memory. But strangely enough, nobody complains about his loss of intelligence.“
Bernard Shaw