Apr 17, 2017 — MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (SUN) —
In the Isopanisad mantra one it is stated that everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is completely owned and controlled by The Lord. One should, therefore, accept only those things necessary for himself which are set aside for his quota and one should not accept anything else knowing well to whom they belong.
Srila Prabhupada in the purport 6.14.10 speaks about the importance of having a pious king, stating that under a pious king there is a profuse supply of everything for everyone, so there is no question of exploitation, corrupt dealings or black market.
So in today's world, how does mantra one relate to the principles of the modern economy which is free market and global? What are the criteria for a business man, how is he to expand his business since in doing so he is bound to encroach on other persons? Or is our Vedic view that if he runs his business fairly, allowing of course for some white lies, and if he is more efficient and can attract more customers, it's O.K. to put others out of business?
We are not Communists, neither are we out and out Capitalists. I would suggest that the Vedic line will be protectionism and allowance for expansion under conditions legislated by the King. Even in today's economies some will argue that for instance, there is a monopoly commission, their job will be to see that fair trade and equal opportunity for business is in place.
The problem is all the administration in today's world have vested interests. They are not independent. For instance, it is a known fact in the U.K. that bankers become politicians and politicians become bankers, or the like. So although there is an outward show of fairness, it's just a sham.
The ISKCON movement must show its political wing, demonstrating its approach to these issues and more, if it is serious about having influence in the world. As politics is a subject that the majority of people have views on, they must see us outline our ideas on political matters. Surely they will be impressed, and Srila Prabhupada made numerous references to this topic.
We can ask ourselves what are the plans of our leaders in this regard? Not utopian dreams of an ideal society, but practical policies that can be formulated and promoted to the public in general, and should be relevant and appealing, as per the instructions and directions of Srila Prabhupada. Do our current leaders have thoughts and plans in that regard, or perhaps they are too busy carrying out their own strategies, letting slip the importance of the Founder's vision. We require a revolutionary mood, not a mood to fit into the establishment.
I was listening to one memory of Srila Prabhupada. He was addressing religious leaders, prestigious senior men in their fields. His opening statements were, "You are what you eat, if you eat hogs, you are a hog." The devotees were cringing wondering whether that was the best way to begin the talk. This is Srila Prabhupada, direct and to the point. A form breaker, not form maker to fit in with the current vogue. This preaching method adopted by Prabhupada and his guru maharaja has greater appeal than establishment preaching. This, of course, takes maturity, conviction and advancement on the spiritual plane.
