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WORLD  GBC Restructure Proposal & Sannyasi Restrictions BY RAMA DAS USA, Feb 16 (VNN) — (see also VNN Story 6538) Last week, I posted a proposal from the GBC Restructure conference that has been sent to the GBC. Thank you for the many replies and expressions of support. In the comments I received since then, there has been, however, one consistent complaint: our proposal's restrictions on sannyasis in terms of material facilities. It is not that readers felt the limitations are wrong, but rather considered that they are not wholly practical. In order to prevent misunderstanding, I hope the following explanation will clarify the issue: While ISKCON tends to preach strictness in relation to principles and standards, when it comes to the personal situations and needs of individual devotees, there is generally a wide degree of accommodation according to need and desire. We have inherited this outlook from Srila Prabhupada. The purpose of the proposed restrictions, such as, "Sannyasis should avoid maintaining bank accounts, credit cards, personal conveyances, residences or real estate, being involved with business ventures, etc.," is to point out that such facilities are not natural "perks" of sannyasa life. In other words, if one takes sannyasa or accepts disciples, it should not be automatically understood that one has graduated to a level where reserved residences, platinum banking privileges, and luxury automobiles are required or desirable. On the other hand, if one's service makes it obvious that some non-traditional facilities are needed by sannyasis who are publishing or have legitimate travel commitments, etc., this should not be a problem. "Avoided" means these accoutrements should not be sought after; not that they are forbidden. Hopefully, our ISKCON members will respect the maturity of experienced devotees and not resent their personal choices to utilize a facility they genuinely believe they need for their service to guru and Krishna. At the same time, a great many devotees will be extremely grateful if those whose position in society is the traditional epitome of renunciation and austerity are careful to set the ideal example and not accept unneeded symbols of modern luxury in the name of being properly recognized as the top-most members of society. Your servant, Sri Rama das Conference Moderator [gbc.restructure@pamho.net]  Comment on this storyContact VNN about this storySend this story to a friend
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