© 1998 VNN
| EDITORIAL November 29, 1998 VNN2574 See Related VNN Stories Actions Speak Louder Than Words BY BHUDHARA DAS EDITORIAL, Nov 29 (VNN) — Dear Prabhus, Regarding: the Statement by the North American Executive Officers (November 28, 1998) I appreciate the sentiments expressed in their statement, but feel that "actions speak louder than words". Their statement begs the question: "When will the society' truly apply those ideals to other Vaishnavas who are not part of our immediate corporate-body, but who are nonetheless viable members of the greater spiritual body?" We will know that 'words have been crafted to action' when we hear from the disenfranchised (women, children, the infirm, old persons, and senior Vaishnavas), that they have indeed experienced the tangible benefit of such egalitarian ideals. It is only the united agreement of the abused that can lend credibility to such expressions. May I suggest that we can achieve this by considering the needs of people as our primary concern, rather than the corporate-body's public relations image, which can only appeal to those who lack any substantial experience of the "society". By placing people first, we may have a chance in due course to slowly build a reputation that is substantial and that embodies the lofty expressions of the Executive Officers. Otherwise such expressions only highlight the substantial gap between precept and experience - thus inviting an understandable cynical reaction. Nevertheless, the Officers deserve an acknowledgment that at least they have taken a stand for the right ideals, especially at a time when so many pronouncements consistently fail to address the real and human issues. It is not by way of criticism that I say this, but rather to emphasize the enormity of the task at hand. It will take a great deal of love, patience, compassion and giving to heal the long festering collective wounds. Only after that, can we say that 'words have been crafted to action'. Then appeased, the disenfranchised may kindly offer their vote of confidence. Yours sincerely, Bhudhara das See Related VNN Stories This story URL: http://vnn.org/editorials/ET9811/ET29-2574.html NEWS DESK | EDITORIALS | TOP |
