I started to write an appeal to devotees to help generate an
interest in my recently published book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. I knew
that I needed the help and blessings of all the devotees in order to create a
tipping point that would spark a general interest in the book and the points it
raises.
In looking at the direction I wanted to take with my book, I
realized there is a broader issue for our society to look at. As devotees, we always want to provide the
answers to societies ills. But more importantly, we must first formulate the
right questions for people to consider. In other words, how do we create
buzz? What type of conversations can we
initiate which will be of interest and relevancy to the greater society?
Of course, devotees
around the world are making remarkable impacts every day. Now, as we approach
the 50th, we need to focus on and broaden our influence in these areas,
such as: kirtana, vegetarianism and prasadam distribution, yoga, the Hindu
community, academia, promoting books, the media, Mayapur, festivals and
cultural events which appeal to the public, giving people an understanding of what is real
leadership, what is dharma, and to appreciate Srila Prabhupada’s Herculean efforts
to make Krishna Consciousness available all over the world.
By the 50th I mean both the 50th
anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s
journey to America and the founding of ISKCON.
Because, pardon my bluntness, the story and achievements of an
individual always trumps that of an organization totting it’s own horn. 2015
has to be as important as 2016. They are
both part of the same story. We should take thorough advantage of both of these
years. (I’m sorry I don’t remember
where, but I recently read a statement on a site that Prabhupada’s stepping off
the Jaladutta onto the Boston pier was the most monumental event of the 20th
century.)
I keep reading about meetings and conferences devotees have,
but how are they communicating the planning and inspiring the rest of the
Society? Is the planning inclusive? The main thing, since this is only a year
way, is that right now for all devotees to be in the conversation about in the
50th and to develop and
promote individual and temple initiatives on the local level.
Fortunately, the dust has settled on much of the controversy
that has plagued our Movement for the past 25 years. We can move forward with
confidence. At this time let all lovers of the Holy Name join forces and move
forward on the things we can agree upon. Let’s have a little experiment. Let devotees put away their differences for
three years and see what happens. This mood of cooperation would be very
pleasing to Srila Prabhupada and would make a wonderful collective gift for him
for the 50th. We all need to
be involved.
Amaze yourself. Each day, move a little beyond what you
think you can do. Let’s use the 50th
to catapult Krishna Consciousness into the 21th Century.
And by the way, please visit my site about the book www.Mahabharata-Project.com Thanks.
