UNITY IN DIVERSITY - what is it?

[Guest guest]

> Is there any ISKCON definition about what means Unity in Diversity?

 

I guess it is explained in the text of resolution itself with "relevant"

quote from Srila Prabhupada.

 

426. Unity in Diversity

 

[statement]

 

A Policy Statement of the Governing Body Commission of the International

Society for Krishna Consciousness—Sridhama Mayapura, March 2005

 

Material nature means dissension and disagreement, especially in this

Kali yuga. In the material world there are varieties, but there is no

agreement. In the spiritual world there are varieties, but there is

agreement. That is the difference. If we keep Krsna in the center, then

there will be agreement in varieties. This is called unity in diversity.

But, if we fight on account of diversity, then it is simply the material

platform. Please try to maintain the philosophy of unity in diversity.

 

I am therefore suggesting that all our men meet in Mayapura every year.

With all GBC and senior men present discuss how to make unity in

diversity. That will make our movement successful. If we are bunched up,

we can never be broken, but when divided, then we can become broken very

easily.— Srila Prabhupada Letter, October 18, 1973.

 

Diversity is Welcome. It Strengthens ISKCON .

 

Srila Prabhupada was proud of his international society and welcomed

devotees from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, gender and economic

backgrounds. It was said that Prabhupada "built a home in which the

whole world could live," and thus he taught us the importance of

developing "unity in diversity"1.

 

Our diversity is evidence of the vitality of Lord Caitanya’s sankirtana

movement and its ability to attract people from all nations and walks of

life. Our diversity will continue to expand and be manifest in varieties

of realizations, services, applications of philosophy and cultural

environments within our society. Such diversity is not only welcome, it

is to be celebrated.

 

Thus, rather than reject diversity, Srila Prabhupada taught us to

embrace it. He taught us that the "whole is greater than the sum of the

parts." He taught that variety is the "mother of all enjoyment"2,3. And,

he showed us that by utilizing each other’s strengths we can accomplish

otherwise impossible tasks. Like the blind man and the lame man walking

together, ISKCON will reach its greatest potential when it assimilates

and fully supports the contributions of all of its members.

 

Unity through Srila Prabhupada

 

Unity in ISKCON is based on our fidelity to Srila Prabhupada, our

founder-acarya. Unity brings strength, inspiration and synergy. Srila

Prabhupada wanted us to cooperate, and when we keep his instructions in

the center of our lives and our services we remain unified, despite

temporary obstacles or differences that may arise. This unity is a

practical manifestation of Lord Caitanya’s philosophy of

acintya-bhedabheda-tattva4,5,6. Although individuals, we are one in our

aim of pleasing Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna. Our dedication to

spread Lord Caitanya’s movement, to relieve the suffering of the

conditioned souls, and go back home, back to Godhead are our sacred,

shared goals.

 

Strengthening Unity

 

Unity must not be forced or be based on intolerance. It is built upon a

genuine service attitude towards each other. Respect, humility and

appreciation toward other Vaisnavas help us to overcome the

materialistic mentality of enmity and quarrel. As we develop this loving

mood, Krishna empowers us to see into the hearts of the devotees and to

understand how to best support their strengths and engage cooperatively

in His service.

 

Our unity is further strengthened by:

 

Understanding that ISKCON is a "family of devotees"

Cultivating respect for all ashrams and services

Building channels of open and honest communication at all levels of our

society

Avoiding Vaisnava aparadha—and understanding that differences are

natural and can lead to growth

Utilizing ISKCON Resolve and other mediation initiatives to solve

problems

Guidance of Guru, Sastra and Sadhu

 

Acceptance of diversity does not mean anarchy, nor lack of spiritual

standards. The parameters which guide ISKCON are clear. We are governed

by guru, sastra, and sadhu. We accept the authority of Srila Prabhupada,

the sastra, the previous acaryas, our current spiritual leaders and the

Governing Body Commission (GBC).

 

We also must strive to exemplify the highest standards of Vaisnava

behavior by being "perfect ladies and gentlemen." We adhere to the four

"pillars of spiritual life:" honesty, cleanliness, austerity and mercy.

For initiated devotees this includes the principles of no meat-eating,

no gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sex. Thus, while there will

be diversity in applying our realizations, the basic tenets of Krishna

consciousness must always remain in place.

 

Conclusion

 

It is recommended that serious time and thought be allotted in ISKCON

communities, and during the annual international GBC meetings in

Mayapura, to carefully consider Srila Prabhupada’s statements regarding

Unity in Diversity." Practical application of this principle involves

and enlivens devotees, and will empower us to fulfill the desire of His

Divine Grace Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our

founder-acarya and eternal guide7.

==============

 

My only reaction is that "Srila Prabhupada’s statements regarding Unity

in Diversity."" should be read as "Srila Prabhupada’s above statement

regarding Unity in Diversity." And it relates to one of the core

instructions by Prabhupada -- your "love for me will be proven by how

well you cooperate together when I have gone."