GBC Restructure Proposal & Sannyasi Restrictions

[Guest guest]

Dear Devotees,

PAMHO, AGTSP.

 

Last week, I posted a proposal from the GBC Restructure conference that has

been sent to the GBC. Thank you for the many replies and expressions of

support.

 

In the comments I received since then, there has been, however, one

consistent

complaint: our proposal's restrictions on sannyasis in terms of material

facilities. It is not that readers felt the limitations are wrong, but rather

considered that they are not wholly practical. In order to prevent

misunderstanding, I hope the following explanation will clarify the issue:

 

While ISKCON tends to preach strictness in relation to principles and

standards, when it comes to the personal situations and needs of individual

devotees, there is generally a wide degree of accommodation according to need

and desire. We have inherited this outlook from Srila Prabhupada.

 

The purpose of the proposed restrictions, such as, "Sannyasis should avoid

maintaining bank accounts, credit cards, personal conveyances, residences or

real estate, being involved with business ventures, etc.," is to point out that

such facilities are not natural "perks" of sannyasa life. In other words, if

one

takes sannyasa or accepts disciples, it should not be automatically understood

that one has graduated to a level where reserved residences, platinum banking

privileges, and luxury automobiles are required or desirable. On the other

hand,

if one's service makes it obvious that some non-traditional facilities are

needed by sannyasis who are publishing or have legitimate travel commitments,

etc., this should not be a problem.

 

"Avoided" means these accoutrements should not be sought after; not that they

are forbidden. Hopefully, our ISKCON members will respect the maturity of

experienced devotees and not resent their personal choices to utilize a

facility

they genuinely believe they need for their service to guru and Krishna. At the

same time, a great many devotees will be extremely grateful if those whose

position in society is the traditional epitome of renunciation and austerity

are

careful to set the ideal example and not accept unneeded symbols of modern

luxury in the name of being properly recognized as the top-most members of

society.

 

Your servant,

Sri Rama das

Conference Moderator

[gbc.restructure (AT) pamho (DOT) net]