GBC has agreed to active participation in cow protection

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> > [Text 2398841 from COM]

 

> > Janesvara (Dasa)

> > > -- but if Krsna's devotees don't make some arrangements to train and

support devotees who are protecting cows, we may find that in a couple years

there are hardly any cows left. And this will benefit no one and all will be

lost for everyone. How can those claiming to be "leaders" not make this a

priority when they claim to be the "leaders" of a culture which clearly

prioritized it. It is very clearly NOT a priority in the minds of these

so-called leaders - there is only talk.

 

 On 12 Jun 1999, Hare Krsna dasi wrote:

Sometime I need to address this problem of painting all of ISKCON's leaders

with the same brush. Several of them have worked to provide a substantial

amount of funding which is the only reason why this varnasrama book can be

written. A number of other ones are quietly starting self-sufficient

communities at different parts in the world. Admittedly, some are afraid of

varnasrama -- but I think you might be surprised at how many of ISKCON's

leaders are really supportive of varnasrama. They are cautious, but they are

pushing things forward. Gradually, you will see the results of their quiet

efforts. Anyway, that's for a later time.

 

Comment:

Yes we understand they are supportive of the concept of Varnasrama, and yes as

individuals they have made steps to back that up. But as a group their voice

in this matter has had a rather small volume. Cow protection receives even

less notice from them than varnasrama. Varnasrama is the next step, Srila

Prabhupada indicated and it is obvious that the cows' makeup the central core.

 

 

 But as for cow protection -- we certainly have to admit that their

have been devastating and embarrasing shortcomings over the years. But again,

please don't say that our leaders, especially the GBC, are indifferent to cow

protection. This past spring in Mayapura they all voted to approve a

comprehensive set of cow protection standards which was even longer than all

the rest of the by-laws put together.

 

Comment:

What they have done it is attentive step in the right direction, the cows have

suffered over the years, and I know 25 years on two different ISKCON farms.

The farms (I am excluding those farms were GBC and sanyassis resided) were

visited rarely and when they did visit it was even rarer for them to look for

the cowherd and walk with them and ask about the conditions. Children where

abused, women mistreated and they raising a big stink, lawsuits and talks

about editing the books to give a more favourable light towards women. These

are some of the things that come to mind. The cows are the dearmost of

Govinda, but you see no big protest about their conditions. Very little.

They're breeding, decreased, because it is such a burden to care for them

without the proper support.

 

 I personally am adverse to kicking sand in someone's face when they

have just begun to reform their actions. I prefer to give them a chance to

stand up and demonstrate their sincerity first. At least you should give the

GBC until August 15 before you call them negligent on cow protection.

 

Comment:

We are not saying bad things just expressing our doubts based on past

circumstances. We are waiting, for them to show us that they care. Then if

they do it will indeed be glorious and we can move forward. Then signs of

mourning can be removed. It will be a strengthening and an encouragement to

us, just by this simple act, just 6 hours out of 8,760. But we are cautious

not to get our hopes up to much, otherwise the heartbreak maybe too much, it

has happened for too long.

 

 One aspect of what they endorsed obligates them to visit each of

ISKCON's farms and traveling ox program 4 times per year. The need to

schedule 1-hour private meetings with the herdsmen and teamsters at each

visit, and also inspect the cows' facilities. They also need to submit a

report to ISKCON's Ministry for Cow Protection and Agriculture quarterly. The

first one is due by July 30. So allowing 2 weeks for slow mail, let's at

least give them until August 15 before we put them down for not being sincere

about cow protection. We may be pleasantly surprised at how conscientious

many of them are about fulfilling their promise on this matter.

 

Comment:

If they do not perform as expected, are we to just to avert our eyes and turn

away back to the chores? That will only put us in their boat. There is need

for a stronger stand, denouncing those who do not act is required. Because

they are the leaders their behavior must become exemplary how else will the

rest of the devotees understand the importance.

 

 At least we owe it to them to give them a fighting chance to prove

their determination to set things right as far as cow protection goes.

They've said they will do this. Now let's give them a chance before we

criticize them more. It's only fair.

 

Comment:

It is also fair for us to say that we are hurt, we have not drawn and

quartered them only expressed our hurt feelings. We wait with expectant hearts

for their feet to tread the earth with us. Forgive us if we are not very vocal

in praise or in telling what the problems are, because it will be a shock if

they do come and show they care. They must also be patient with us for we have

much baggage accumulated for so many years. Only those cowherds who have daily

worked with the cows really know the full extent of what kind of tolerance the

cows have mustered to meet the conditions. Then when the GBC have shown their

true colours, can we turn to the local management and ask their help to heal

the hurt. There needs to be a change of heart of all the devotees and the

leaders must be the ones to show it first.

 

So many unengaged, acting the part but not doing the deed. We must become an

agrarian society for varnasrama to work. The only education worth having is on

how to remember Krsna all other is simply a waste of time.

Ys,

Rohita dasa