Using your projects to benefit devotees, and not devotees to benefit our projects
The main difference between a neophyte and an intermediate devotee is that the neophyte worships the deity but is inconsiderate of other devotees.
A serious problem that exists in our movement, and in all spiritual organizations for that matter, is that often devotees are used to improving projects, instead of projects being used to improve devotees' devotional service. It's very important to understand the difference between these two because they are almost opposite.
What is the purpose of building a temple? One may answer that it is to worship Krsna, and this is, of course, true, but it is actually a secondary reason, since we may worship Krsna without a temple. The real function of a temple is to offer a place where people can cultivate their Krsna Consciousness. As Krsna Himself explains in the 11th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, the main difference between a neophyte and an intermediate devotee is that the neophyte worships the deity but is inconsiderate of other devotees.
Every sincere person who comes to our temples, schools, or communities is precious to Krsna. If we don't treat them properly, Krsna will not be happy with us, no matter how much we worship we do. One can't be friends with someone and at the same time mistreat their children. One who mistreats one's children is an enemy, no matter how much superficial worship he or she may do.
Temples and other types of projects are very important, but we should always understand that temples exist to help people in their spiritual life. It's not just about maintaining the bricks and the tiles but about properly using the facilities to help devotees improve their devotion to Krsna.
If we say that we love Krsna, or that we love Srila Prabhupada, but at the same time we mistreat their devotees, we are just being hypocrites. We are trying to worship Krsna's feet and at the same time beat his head. We should be very careful not to follow this path.
One may think that because he or she is practicing for many years there is no problem in mistreating a little the "new bhaktas" and others who are "lower" in the hierarchy, but the story of Jaya and Vijaya from the 3rd canto of Srimad Bhagavatam gives us a graphic example of how even great personalities may have to face consequences if they mistreat dependents or other defenseless persons. Although Jaya and Vijaya are personal associates of the Lord, they had to stay in the material world for three lives due to their mistreatment of the four Kumāras. In his purports, Srila Prabhupada mentions that devotional service is never destroyed, but it can be covered for the time being because of offenses to others. Another example is the story of Suruci, who lost her life due to her mistreatment of Dhruva Maharaja, although he was just a child at the time. We never know who amongst the "new bhaktas" we are mistreating will become a pure devotee in the future.
The process of becoming a proper leader or role model passes through learning how to be considerate of other devotees and to care about them. By definition, devotional service can't be forced: it can only be done voluntarily. In order to be able to inspire people to serve Krsna, a leader must first earn their respect and trust. When a bond of trust and respect is established, a leader can easily steer the efforts of devotees serving under him in the right direction. This is the real purpose of a spiritual leader, not to just lay bricks.
The greatest Maya in our movement is not chocolate or coffee, but precisely this propensity of using devotees as a resource to develop projects, instead of properly taking care of them. People who do this may achieve some momentary success, but they will eventually end up doing more harm than good. The real wealth (the devotees) will be destroyed, and in the end, there will be just materialists squandering over empty buildings, as happened in different episodes in the past.
When we examine points like that, we tend to start pointing fingers at different leaders who, in the past, did bad things and abused devotees' trust. We should, of course, learn from such incidents, but the main point is that we should consider how we can do it differently.
We will all become leaders or role models at some point in the future. Liking or not, we will eventually be forced to accept part of the shared responsibility over the Saṅkīrtana movement of Mahāprabhu, including possibly posts in a spiritual organization. Being part of a family means that we will eventually grow up and accept responsibility. Our parents and uncles will not be around eternally to do things for us.
When we look around, we can see both good and bad examples. It's up to us to find the good ones and learn from them, so we can grow and become like them in the future. Only by doing that will our movement be able to leave behind past troubles and become a house where everyone can live.
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If you have questions, use the comments; I will answer as possible. They may even become the topic for another article. Your thoughts and opinions are also very welcome. ⤵️
Namaste, I agree with you. I’ve seen this a lot unfortunately… But I still have faith great article. Thank you. 😊🙏🏽