What is ISKCON? - Incompatibility with ISKCON

[Guest guest]

Dear Braja Bihari Prabhu.

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

Thank you for your information. I have some second thoughts, if program of

ISKCONResolve is what I can really take shelter of.

 

I had some experience with mediation some months ago, and it didn't turn out

well, to put it politely. Actually, it worsened situation to a large degree.

I don't know if the reason was inexperienced mediator (who was

sannyasi/Guru/GBC in this case), or was it the nature of problem itself,

maybe not being most suitable for mediation. I'd rather not think about this

specific mediator being incapable, because of his high status in ISKCON. So

I prefer thinking, that this case was not really suitable for mediation.

Maybe this is not the right place to describe matter in detail. Therefore

let me just say, that basically it was dispute between local authorities and

several other devotees, including myself, regarding perceived intentions of

local authorities to adjust Srila Prabhupada's books for better public

acceptance.

 

I think Power-based decision seems the right way to go in this case. What

would you suggest? You say, that proper system uses all three approaches,

namely power, rights and interest based. Please let me say again, that I

have terrible experience with mediation, and am not likely to engage in it

in any near future. Can you please tell whom I can turn to for Power-based

decision, in the case, where local GBC representative refuses to come up

with such decision. What are my options, if any at all.

 

Thank you

 

your servant Giri-nayaka das

 

> > 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.

>

> www.ISKCONresolve.com

>

> 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