The full time service rendered inside the local temple by the renunciated members should be dealt with as follows:
Taking a salary from the deity is not pure devotional service. That is a job for money. Full time members are required to be setting personal example to the members of the congregation as surrendered servants. That is the highest reward in the human life!
The congregation is primarily based on people living in the grhasta ashram and visiting on a weekly monthly basis.
They have to work to support their families. That is a job in itself.
As far people to fill up the temples for full time service that depends on the efforts of the senior members especially the temple president that is the most important role a devotee can have. To manage Prabhupada and his mission for his guru.
For our members here is some direct guidance from our Guru. Let’s be clear everyone must follow his instructions otherwise it’s maya your following;
Srila Prabhupada: Why salary?
We have no hired men!
“Why salary? Krsna’s servant. We are eternal servant. That is the beauty of our institution. We have no hired men. Unless one is sincere, why he’ll work?
(Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, August 3rd, 1976)
“So here there is no question of salary. Here the institution must be maintained, strictly following the principles of Bhagavad-gita.”
(Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, April 15th, 1977)
“Regarding the restaurant, why they should get salary? There should be no salary. You are working without salary, so why they should take. They are not very important men. So after this month arrange for no one to get any salary there. That will be nice.”
(Srila Prabhupada Letter, July 16th, 1975)
“…But the temple should not provide them with salary to enjoy their life…But what is this? They are given high salary. Because his service is essential–”All right, you take apartment.”….You take prasadam. But why salary? Where is the question of salary? Where is vairagya, renouncement? So in all circumstances the salary process should be stopped. One who wants salary, he can work outside…In Los Angeles it is very freely going on. In the name of Vaisnavism they are drawing salary, living comfortably, having sense enjoyment. This is not good, not at all. So you all high officers, you think over it and do the needful”
(Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, 28/4/77)
“So these things should be stopped, that they should live comfortably with husband and wife, children, and take salary from the… Besides that, in our BBT it is clearly written that “Fifty percent for printing book, and fifty percent for…” So you cannot violate this. Those who can give voluntary service, “Welcome.” Otherwise we don’t require. At least they should not be given any salary. That is very bad. This is against principle.”
(Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation, April 28th, 1977)
The brahminical principle!
“Kings like Maharaja Pariksit had their council of advisers, and all the members of that council were either great sages or brahmanas of the first order.
They did not accept any salary, nor had they any necessity for such salaries. The state would get the best advice without expenditure.”
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1.16.1, purport)
“That is brahmana’s business. And in that way, whatever the disciples bring, that is his income. No salary, no contract, that “If you pay me hundred dollars or five hundred dollars weekly, then I can teach you.”
No. There is no such contract. Teaching is free. It is the business of a brahmana to give free education to everyone. “
(Srila Prabhupada Lecture, May 27th, 1972)
False brahmanas charge fees
“No, they are not brahmanas. Those who give education in exchange for money—they are not brahmanas. For instance, we are lecturing, educating people. We don’t say, “Give us a salary.”..We are not asking money—”First of all pay the fee; then you can come and learn Bhagavad-gita.” We never say that…That is dog’s business.”
(Srila Prabhupada Room Conversation)
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