A Classless Society
Iskcon's Four Movements : Now the Fourth Wave : A Classless Social Movement
I S K C O N ’ S FOUR MOVEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
The Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, identified four “movements” to be introduced systematically within society to help alleviate the “harshness and bitterness of the present world”. These were identified even before Srila Prabhupada journeyed to the West and remained his focus of attention right up until his very last breath. The four movements are:
1. The Sankirtana Movement
2. The Temple Worship Movement
3. The Spiritual Initiation Movement
4. The Classless Society Movement
These four “movements” were first referred to by Srila Prabhupada in his letter dated February 28, 1949, to the Hon. Sardar Dr. Vallavbhaajee Patel, Deputy Prime Minister, Government of India, The very same themes were again taken up in 1956 when publishing his Essay on Gita Nagari in the Back to Godhead Magazine. We also see these same four divisions when Srila Prabhupada introduced his ISKCON society in North America. We give here but the gist of these four “movements”. For more information, kindly refer to the book “MAKE VRNDAVANA VILLAGES” (His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Maharaj,
Varnasrama Book Trust, 2007).
1. Sankirtana Movement (Letter, 1949)
“In the midst of his multifarious duties, Gandhiji never missed to attend to his randhun kértana meeting. This is one of the soundest methods for the culture of devotion to God. In the opinion of Çrémad-Bhägavatam, one who is imbibed with the devotion of Godhead is also endowed with all the good qualities of the gods. But one who is not a devotee of Godhead has not any value for his good qualities because he utilizes his so called good qualities for ulterior purposes. As such the easy way to raisethe moral standard of people in general is to make this saìkértana movement more popular all over the world by philosophical discourses based on reasoning and moral and ethical codes. The Vaiñëava Äcäryas, especially Lord Caitanya and his six Gosvami disciples, give us ample opportunity and scope for this work. Lord Caitanya first inaugurated the saìkértana or randhun movement and the later Gosvamis supported it by scholarly philosophical synthesis. The six sandarbhas by Çréla JivaGoswami are marvelous in this respect.”
COMMENTARY
The chanting of the holy name (japa and nama sankirtana) and book distribution (brhat-mrdanga) thus constitute the first division, referred to as the Sankirtana Movement. These were the first to be introduced in ISKCON by Srila Prabhupada.
2. Temple Worship Movement (Letter, 1949)
“The second item is to take up the temple entry or temple worship movement. This is, in the real sense, a theistic cultural movement and the facility or opportunity shall be open to every one whatsoever he may be. All the past Äcäryas accepted everyone who desires to offer his respect to God inspired by transcendental love and devotion. We can support this movement of Gandhiji on the authority of çästras. There are thousands and lakhs of temples all over India but they are not always properly managed. Some of them have become the positive dens for undesirable activities and most of the owners or trustees of such temples do not know how to utilize these sacred buildings. Neither modernized gentlemen have any interest for these neglected theistic institutions. Originally the aim of these temples was to diffuse spiritual culture in every quarter. These temples or theistic institutions should therefore be reorganized as the centre of spiritual culture according to authentic principlesas laid down in the scriptures like Bhagavad-gétä.”
COMMENTARY
Within ISKCON this second phase or division is easily identified with the construction of beautiful temples in most major cities of the world where Deity worship is carried out daily in keeping with the highest standard of devotional service.
3. Spiritual Initiation Movement (L. 1949)
“The third item is to take up the Harijana movement. This movement is, in the real sense, a spiritual initiation movement and this should be organized in such a manner that people all over the world may take interest in it. The harijana is a word which shall not be used neglectfully as it is done now but attempt should be made to make everybody a harijana. Harijana means the recognized man of Hari, the Personality of Godhead, and thus he (the harijana) is as important a man as the knight of the king. So harijana movement should be strengthened more scientifically to turn every person who is now mayajana into a
harijana. The mayajana is a word which is applicable to a person who is ordinarily engaged in the service of materialistic pursuits, whereas the harijana is the person whose main business is to attain perfection of human life, as Mahätmä Gandhi did, by spiritualistic realization. This movement should therefore be conducted under strict disciplinary methods as prescribed by the mahajana or the harijana of accredited merit. In such a movement we shall have full co-operation of the sädhu community in India.
COMMENTARY
Within ISKCON this third phase or “movement” refers to various congregational programs meant to prepare individuals for becoming initiated and committed devotees.
4. The Classless Society Movement (L. 1949)
The fourth item is to organize the much discussed caste system as a solution of natural division of the human beings all over the world. Nationalistic division of human races is artificial but scientific division of the caste system as envisaged in the Bhagavad-gétä is natural. We shall have to pick up brähmaëas and others not only from the Indian people but from the peoples of all over the world. The vitiated caste system of present India is never sanctioned by the scriptures. But the caste system is made by God according to quality and work of the subject and it was never designed for the benefit of accidental birthright. Thus whatever is made by God cannot be destroyed by man. Destruction of the caste system, as contemplated by some exponents, is therefore out of question. By the modes of nature different persons are imbued with different qualities and the scientific way of division of human society, from the qualitative aspect, by the caste system is quite natural. But the basic principle of such caste system is to serve the plan of Godhead and by doing so the four orders of caste system make headway by the co-operative method. When such spiritual progress is definitely made, the materialistic progress is automatically effected as a matter of course. That makes a real classless society.
COMMENTARY
Within ISKCON this fourth phase refers to establishing varnasrama, specifically the system of Village Organization as referred to by Srila Prabhupada.
CONCLUSION
While the first three “movements” or phases within ISKCON remain active and developed with (1) regular book printing and distribution promoted all over the world, with (2) continued new temple construction in major cities on different continents and with (3) on-going congregational preaching programs such as New Bhakta Training in both temples and in Institutes such as VIHE, MIHET, BI, Bhaktivedanta College, Sri Rupanuga College, etc., Youth preaching programs through BYS, IYF, etc., as well as Nam Hatta programs and Bhakti-Vriksa programs, the fourth area (4) Varnasrama communities, or more specifically establishing the ideal social model of Village Organization receives but little attention, promotion and commitment.
There seems to be an increased concern, interest and commitment on the part of some in regards to cow protection, which is an essential component for developing varnasrama communities. However, the need for establishing self-sufficient communities, specifically the order given by Srila Prabhupada for reintroducing the ideal social order, “the scientific division of the caste system” must be taken up more seriously to succeed in firmly establishing Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan Movement for generations to come. That is our mission, this is the challenge! Varnasrama Education is thus very much needed to help bring
about these essential changes.
Srila Prabhupada's words :
“The fourth item is to organize the much discussed caste system as a solution of natural division of the human beings all over the world.Nationalistic division of human races is artificial but scientific division of the caste system as envisaged in the Bhagavad-gétä isnatural.” (1949 Letter to Hon. Sardar Dr. Vallavbhajee Patel, Deputy Prime Minister, Government of India)
“In that institution of natural caste system all divisions of men will be engaged in one transcendental business of spiritual community with equal status of life and with equal importance of co-operative value as much as the different parts of the one whole body have different functions only but qualitatively they are one and the same.” (1956, Essay on Gita Nagari)
For more information please visit: www.varnasrama.org,
(This article is part of the promotional efforts of GLOVESCO (Global Varnasrama Educational Social & Cultural Organization).
Get-Involved, contact – Bharat.Chandra.BRS@pamho.net)
INTRODUCTION
The Founder-Acarya of ISKCON, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, identified four “movements” to be introduced systematically within society to help alleviate the “harshness and bitterness of the present world”. These were identified even before Srila Prabhupada journeyed to the West and remained his focus of attention right up until his very last breath. The four movements are:
1. The Sankirtana Movement
2. The Temple Worship Movement
3. The Spiritual Initiation Movement
4. The Classless Society Movement
These four “movements” were first referred to by Srila Prabhupada in his letter dated February 28, 1949, to the Hon. Sardar Dr. Vallavbhaajee Patel, Deputy Prime Minister, Government of India, The very same themes were again taken up in 1956 when publishing his Essay on Gita Nagari in the Back to Godhead Magazine. We also see these same four divisions when Srila Prabhupada introduced his ISKCON society in North America. We give here but the gist of these four “movements”. For more information, kindly refer to the book “MAKE VRNDAVANA VILLAGES” (His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Maharaj,
Varnasrama Book Trust, 2007).
1. Sankirtana Movement (Letter, 1949)
“In the midst of his multifarious duties, Gandhiji never missed to attend to his randhun kértana meeting. This is one of the soundest methods for the culture of devotion to God. In the opinion of Çrémad-Bhägavatam, one who is imbibed with the devotion of Godhead is also endowed with all the good qualities of the gods. But one who is not a devotee of Godhead has not any value for his good qualities because he utilizes his so called good qualities for ulterior purposes. As such the easy way to raisethe moral standard of people in general is to make this saìkértana movement more popular all over the world by philosophical discourses based on reasoning and moral and ethical codes. The Vaiñëava Äcäryas, especially Lord Caitanya and his six Gosvami disciples, give us ample opportunity and scope for this work. Lord Caitanya first inaugurated the saìkértana or randhun movement and the later Gosvamis supported it by scholarly philosophical synthesis. The six sandarbhas by Çréla JivaGoswami are marvelous in this respect.”
COMMENTARY
The chanting of the holy name (japa and nama sankirtana) and book distribution (brhat-mrdanga) thus constitute the first division, referred to as the Sankirtana Movement. These were the first to be introduced in ISKCON by Srila Prabhupada.
2. Temple Worship Movement (Letter, 1949)
“The second item is to take up the temple entry or temple worship movement. This is, in the real sense, a theistic cultural movement and the facility or opportunity shall be open to every one whatsoever he may be. All the past Äcäryas accepted everyone who desires to offer his respect to God inspired by transcendental love and devotion. We can support this movement of Gandhiji on the authority of çästras. There are thousands and lakhs of temples all over India but they are not always properly managed. Some of them have become the positive dens for undesirable activities and most of the owners or trustees of such temples do not know how to utilize these sacred buildings. Neither modernized gentlemen have any interest for these neglected theistic institutions. Originally the aim of these temples was to diffuse spiritual culture in every quarter. These temples or theistic institutions should therefore be reorganized as the centre of spiritual culture according to authentic principlesas laid down in the scriptures like Bhagavad-gétä.”
COMMENTARY
Within ISKCON this second phase or division is easily identified with the construction of beautiful temples in most major cities of the world where Deity worship is carried out daily in keeping with the highest standard of devotional service.
3. Spiritual Initiation Movement (L. 1949)
“The third item is to take up the Harijana movement. This movement is, in the real sense, a spiritual initiation movement and this should be organized in such a manner that people all over the world may take interest in it. The harijana is a word which shall not be used neglectfully as it is done now but attempt should be made to make everybody a harijana. Harijana means the recognized man of Hari, the Personality of Godhead, and thus he (the harijana) is as important a man as the knight of the king. So harijana movement should be strengthened more scientifically to turn every person who is now mayajana into a
harijana. The mayajana is a word which is applicable to a person who is ordinarily engaged in the service of materialistic pursuits, whereas the harijana is the person whose main business is to attain perfection of human life, as Mahätmä Gandhi did, by spiritualistic realization. This movement should therefore be conducted under strict disciplinary methods as prescribed by the mahajana or the harijana of accredited merit. In such a movement we shall have full co-operation of the sädhu community in India.
COMMENTARY
Within ISKCON this third phase or “movement” refers to various congregational programs meant to prepare individuals for becoming initiated and committed devotees.
4. The Classless Society Movement (L. 1949)
The fourth item is to organize the much discussed caste system as a solution of natural division of the human beings all over the world. Nationalistic division of human races is artificial but scientific division of the caste system as envisaged in the Bhagavad-gétä is natural. We shall have to pick up brähmaëas and others not only from the Indian people but from the peoples of all over the world. The vitiated caste system of present India is never sanctioned by the scriptures. But the caste system is made by God according to quality and work of the subject and it was never designed for the benefit of accidental birthright. Thus whatever is made by God cannot be destroyed by man. Destruction of the caste system, as contemplated by some exponents, is therefore out of question. By the modes of nature different persons are imbued with different qualities and the scientific way of division of human society, from the qualitative aspect, by the caste system is quite natural. But the basic principle of such caste system is to serve the plan of Godhead and by doing so the four orders of caste system make headway by the co-operative method. When such spiritual progress is definitely made, the materialistic progress is automatically effected as a matter of course. That makes a real classless society.
COMMENTARY
Within ISKCON this fourth phase refers to establishing varnasrama, specifically the system of Village Organization as referred to by Srila Prabhupada.
CONCLUSION
While the first three “movements” or phases within ISKCON remain active and developed with (1) regular book printing and distribution promoted all over the world, with (2) continued new temple construction in major cities on different continents and with (3) on-going congregational preaching programs such as New Bhakta Training in both temples and in Institutes such as VIHE, MIHET, BI, Bhaktivedanta College, Sri Rupanuga College, etc., Youth preaching programs through BYS, IYF, etc., as well as Nam Hatta programs and Bhakti-Vriksa programs, the fourth area (4) Varnasrama communities, or more specifically establishing the ideal social model of Village Organization receives but little attention, promotion and commitment.
There seems to be an increased concern, interest and commitment on the part of some in regards to cow protection, which is an essential component for developing varnasrama communities. However, the need for establishing self-sufficient communities, specifically the order given by Srila Prabhupada for reintroducing the ideal social order, “the scientific division of the caste system” must be taken up more seriously to succeed in firmly establishing Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtan Movement for generations to come. That is our mission, this is the challenge! Varnasrama Education is thus very much needed to help bring
about these essential changes.
Srila Prabhupada's words :
“The fourth item is to organize the much discussed caste system as a solution of natural division of the human beings all over the world.Nationalistic division of human races is artificial but scientific division of the caste system as envisaged in the Bhagavad-gétä isnatural.” (1949 Letter to Hon. Sardar Dr. Vallavbhajee Patel, Deputy Prime Minister, Government of India)
“In that institution of natural caste system all divisions of men will be engaged in one transcendental business of spiritual community with equal status of life and with equal importance of co-operative value as much as the different parts of the one whole body have different functions only but qualitatively they are one and the same.” (1956, Essay on Gita Nagari)
For more information please visit: www.varnasrama.org,
(This article is part of the promotional efforts of GLOVESCO (Global Varnasrama Educational Social & Cultural Organization).
Get-Involved, contact – Bharat.Chandra.BRS@pamho.net)
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the 4th wave of HDG Srila Prabhupada Movement : Establishment of a classless varnasrama society
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