The intent of this tiny site is great; to simply encourage chanting of Hare Krsna under the orders of Srila Prabhupada.
The site is open; any member can post away at their own discretion, barring certain organizational necessities and any obvious philosophical deviations. As well, we do not tolerate abuse towards women by males onsite, ever. There is simply no tolerance for any member abuses; but so far as the GBCs etc, have at 'em. As a site which brings in new devotees, there will be incidents of members coming and going and sometimes with acrimony.
We do not pretend to great scholasticism or stature in devotional service, just steadiness over time. By presenting simply the teachings of the pure maha bhagavata Srila Prabhupada, we avoid all gambling and cheating in the name of religiosity. There is never a fall down, as Srila Prabhupada is perfect. The rest of us admit our fallen status. *see
We are one of the few sites fully recognizing the power of simply reading and chanting and following Srila Prabhupada's teachings. As the external recognition of an internal spiritual change of heart amounting to spiritual or bhagavata diksa, we then recognize this by pancaratriki style formal name giving etc. as Srila Prabhupada instructed us to do. Further for advanced students who are steady and clearly deeply commited, second initiations as brahmana are also given. We of course charge for none of this, though some do give a small donation sooner or later.
I am writing this special post to request our members to talk up our programs. Tell others, write an article for other devotee sites extolling the glories of Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON ; SPIrit-net. Who among us is telling others of the glories of our programs and inviting sincere guests? Who is there among us writing articles, sharing katha, and otherwise actively seeking to expand Srila Prabhupada's programs into the realm of street kirtana and book distribution and preaching to new seekers? Simply say something nice about our site and our intent, please, to other devotees.
Criticism is easy, but putting ones actions towards something positive is much better ~
This site was never meant as a drop in social center. This site is meant as a hub for worldwide revolution. Kindly help in every way possible, as so much service is needed.
For example, although I started this little site, I have minimal computor skills. Soon, i may be going on pilgrimage, and will not be available for months at a time. We need our younger members to step up and take charge of production and maintenance of this site; and that means of course preaching and interacting with regular members and also the new seekers, and maintaining, not merely accepting a ceremonial role.
We are very much in need of preachers and the devotees to share with the new members and thus help them rather than merely maintaining a page and we never ever hear from you. Please note; personal member pages wherein comments and messages are sent but not answered will eventually be removed. Some "dead" pages were recently removed in tis regards.
Anyway, I have tried my best here with some success. We even have classes now and a program for recognition as a student of Krsna consciousness. Students please note that Sri Upadesamrta class is ongoing and the first quizz is ready. Basu Gopal Maharajah's classes are also ongoing. We have also given initiation to two brahmanas, I think a first among the ritivk sites. Together, somehow or other, we have carried on now for two plus years. Thank you for this.
*recent criticism;
1. We are running our site like a business.
Yes, this is our business, Srila Prabhupada's service. Is this really a criticism? PS If this is a business, we arent very good at it, as we run nonprofit. I wish i WAS running this site like a business, that's a good idea. Sustainability is essential. We may need to consider to start to charge an annual membership fee of something like local currency 5. to15.$, depending upon how many stay with the site if we start asking a yearly fee for maintenanace.
As editor, my name Tamohara dasa v used to be everywhere and i didnt like that, so i became simply editor instead of Tamoharadasa, and removed my private page. Anyome wishing the service of Chief Editor, let me know; we already have seven site administrators, and anyone who is a member in good standing and obviously proven trustworthy, can ask for the service.
2. Tamoharadasa is crazy.
That i have always admitted fully. However, the professional associations seem to disagree on that concept. CHFS, BGS, MSc, Aud (C) Clinical counsellor, diagnostician, rehabilitation specialist, chanting Hare Krishna since 1971, acbssp. It also takes a little craziness to join and push on this Movement for 37 years. Finally, many writers are colorful in some fashion; this means interesting, and is sometimes helpful for social sites. Sorry for living. buddy.
3.We are a making money venture.
HA ! OK, Great ! Please tell me who has it all ?
For my part, i have donated about $400. first year, and over two years full time service, ie seven days a week, minimum ten hours per day. We give free classes here. No one has ever bought anything onsite to my knowledge. Yearly donations last year covered our expenses minus about 40$. which i covered. An accounting is in the group Brahmanas. We are far too exclusivist for this to be a money making venture. If we wanted cheap members with money, we would open up the site not place restrictions on membership.
Thanks Prabhus!
Obeisances to all the devotees.
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