Different from the ways of ascetics and mystic yogis, our process is based on cooperation. Our only chance to spread Krsna consciousness around the world is by working together.
The final instruction of the Bhagavad-Gita is that one should spread Krsna consciousness. By spreading this knowledge, we can satisfy the Lord. To preach is important not only for others but especially for ourselves, it’s an opportunity to share in the most intimate service to the Lord.
A good book distributor must be mature, not just someone working for fame and recognition, pushed by the mode of passion. For this, realization is needed, and realization, in turn, is obtained by seriously studying our philosophy and applying it to our lives. Without this deep understanding, our realization will remain superficial, or we will reach the wrong conclusions and thus deviate.
Maturity means that we do things for the right reasons and we are sure about what we are doing. A classical example of immaturity is when one wants to renounce while still attached: out of frustration, to avoid inconveniences, or out of a desire for fame and recognition.
Our movement was created as a preaching mission, with the goal of sending souls back to Godhead on an industrial scale. For the system to work properly, there must be cooperation between different groups, e.g.: book distributors, temples, bhakti vriksa, prasadam distribution, cultural programs, etc. There must be a coordinated effort.
More than just making new devotees, a good preaching spirit enlivens the whole community, which then works together towards a greater goal. Without this, devotees tend to fight amongst themselves and the whole atmosphere becomes tamasic.
In order to be an effective preacher, one needs to be able to sacrifice his personal comfort, at least to some extent. “For one who desires a comfortable life in Krsna consciousness, advancement is very slow“.
To cooperate may not be easy, but that’s the way to advance in spiritual life. Cooperation with other devotees is the real proof of humility.
For maximum results, the efforts on book distribution must be combined with a proper cultivation effort, so interested people have an opportunity to join. By just distributing books, we will create changes in people’s mentality but not necessarily make many devotees.
Devotees who decide to follow Krsna consciousness after getting books and becoming interested in the philosophy tend to be the strongest since they join for the right reasons and with philosophical understanding.
Lord Caitanya’s prediction that His name will be chanted in all towns and villages of the world is not a poetic exaggeration. It’s predicted in the scriptures and it’s coming to pass. There is a divine arrangement that is already in motion.
The result is already decided, but by engaging in the sankirtana mission we have the opportunity of advancing in spiritual life and attaining the mercy of the Lord.
As our movement grows, it becomes more and more like a conglomeration of different congregations, and less of a unified movement. More and more, there are people with different views and different goals in life, who share the desire to advance in Krsna consciousness. In this environment, it’s essential to be tolerant and flexible enough to be able to conciliate petty differences and collaborate with others to fulfill a greater goal.
Instead of rejecting people who don’t fit into our stereotypes, we should “fan the spark”, see good qualities in others and help them to use these qualities in Krsna’s service. One of the secrets of success is to be strict with ourselves and accommodating with others, helping everyone who comes in contact with us to advance, without lowering our own devotional standards.
Envy is the central point of material life, and it tends to accompany us even in the intermediary stages of devotional life, causing all kinds of intrigues and relationship problems with other devotees. When we envy someone, it’s very difficult not only to cooperate but to do anything pleasant or beneficial for him. While psychology and material relationship skills can help to a certain extent, the real solution is to raise ourselves above the lower material modes, which are the root cause of the problem.
To progress from the neophyte to the intermediary stage, we need to develop faith, humility and compassion, qualities that can be developed only with spiritual advancement. Faith comes from accepting knowledge from the scriptures, applying it and observing the results. As we advance, we understand that there is still a long way to go, which fosters humility. By understanding people’s precarious position in this material world, we develop compassion.
One of the shortcomings of the neophyte is his tendency to mistreat other devotees and the public in general. Because of his humility, compassion, and realization, a devotee in the second stage is capable of treating everyone properly and thus cooperating with others. Envy (which is the root cause of so many problems) is treated. Such a devotee starts to develop love for Krsna, and such love can be easily extended. “One that loves Krsna can love everyone“. The true solution is to be Krsna conscious.
Association with devotees is vitally important. Indeed, it is the root cause of devotional service. The problem is that frequently we use socialization as a substitute for sadhu sanga. True sadhu sanga is spiritually nourishing, while socialization is on the material platform. Prajalpa is not only detrimental to our consciousness, but it erodes our relationship with devotees.
Real sadhu sanga is centered around chanting, discussing spiritual topics, serving and preaching together. It strengthens our bonds as devotees and nourishes admiration and cooperation. Srila Prabhupada prescribed doing missionary activities together as a means to solve relationship problems.
