There is a strange term which has often puzzled me we speak about devotee’s then the term congregational member; do we actually have congregational members?
It appears to be more divisive than it initially appears, however I have found that those labeled congregational members are actually inspirational devotee’s in disguise.
Given that I’ve been going to the same temple for over seven years you would have thought may be not going since the beginning of the year someone would notice, may be those who have come into Wales either for the annual retreat or visiting would swing by.
Indeed over the past seven years I’ve had to learn about the retreats close to my home after the event and every year the same reply, ow next year but next year never comes; to senior devotees who say they need to talk to me then are within 10 minutes from my home but no visit.
Now can I make a small humble contrast with those ladled congregational members Interestingly they not only noticed my absence but contacted to make sure everything was alright, sent inspirational quotes and links to amazing videos.
The same congregational members have taken the time to travel just to assist with a community Diwali celebration and even participated and made some amazing cakes.
And I remain humbled by their concern and assistance during a hospital stay making sure I had all my needs both spiritually and materially; even offering to make sure myself and my vehicle returned safely to Wales.
And over the years I’ve seen a deep and amazing love and appreciation of Sri Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, and how they extol this in how they demonstrate this in their lives, not by words but by their actions.
For me it’s not in the label we place on individual’s or that we use a term that appears incompatible with the teaching and spoken word from Srila Prabhupada who simply looked on everyone as spirit soul and those who have taken up the spiritual path of bhakti (devotee)
When you speak to those who not only met but spent time with Srila Prabhupada noted that he had great concern and was less concerned about forms, exams, courses but on the individual how to inspire them and angage in devotional service; most describe it as a pure love.
For love is the inspiration.
Love means we care.
And what I’ve noticed is that those who have ladled congregational member show the greatest love and this inspires one to remain in devotional circles, and inspire one to do more seva.
Love is all you need
And the mistake we make is ladling some congregational member when their deep love demonstrates that they are indeed devotee
So could I humbly suggest we stop using this label and describe everyone as devotee
HARE KRISHNA
Source:http://david.deltaflow.com/?p=3376
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