What is ISKCON? - Incompatibility with ISKCON

December 21, 2005

> I was not aware that ISKCON has Justice Ministy. This is most promising.

> Is it operating? What can one expect from it? How to propose a matter to

> their investigation. Any procedures? Who to contact? Can please somebody

> help with this information.

Yes, the Justice Ministry is very active. Sesa Prabhu is the Minister, while

nearly all the work is being done by the ISKCONResolve office.

The website is still being developed, but the services offered are outlined

there. So far the results have been far beyond our expectations.

A brief background: Decisions are made in three ways:

Power-based

Rights-based

Interest-based

Power-based is the standard system of authority in ISKCON: the line of

authority wherein an leader takes a decision in a conflict or question of

justice.

Rights-based is when a neutral third-party (like a judge) takes a decision.

The Child Protection office runs in this way, and we are working to

establish arbitrators for taking such decisions.

Interest-based is when two parties discuss matters (often with the help of a

mediator) with each other and through improved communications and empathy

try to settle matters in a way that all are satisfied. It may sound hard to

do, but about 75% our our mediations in ISKCON end in an agreement being

reached by the parties.

A proper system allows for all three approaches, though the Interest-based

one is preferred as decisions are voluntarily reached by both parties, and

thus (especially in a voluntary spiritual organization) there is far better

chance of compliance.

Also, you will note that on the website there are opportunities for all

devotees to voice concerns and complaint anonoymously (if they prefer).

Ys, Braja Bihari dasa

Recommended Posts