Request for Vaishnava Critique and
Recommendations
BY: MAYESVARA DASA (ACBSP)
Nov 25, 2011 — OJAI, CALIFORNIA, USA (SUN) — This is a serious request for vaishnavas to share their insights and opinions with me about the effectiveness of how to advertise Krishna Conscious events in the local newspapers. Please share and/or publish the attached material as profusely as possible. If I get an adequate response I will publish the results in a future dispatch.
I recommend readers open the attached file which is nicely formatted and much easier to read than the text provided below. That has been provided only so those who do not have the ability to open the attached Word document can still participate in this study.
Hoping this meets you in good health and enthusiastic service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead!
Thank you for your assistance!
Yours in the service of Lord Jagannatha!
Mayesvara dasa (ACBSP)
AKA: William G. Roberts MBA/MIS, CCP
American Vedic Association
687 West Villanova Road
Ojai, California 93023
md @ jagannatha.com
william.roberts @ navy.mil
"Destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge, the darkness born of ignorance."
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Chatper 10, "The Opulence of The Absolute," Text 11
Request for Vaishnava Critique
In an attempt to attract the general public to Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan movement, I
regularly place ads in the local newspapers inviting people to come to the Bhagavad
Gita As It Is Fellowship which I sponsor on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Often the subject matter for the Gita gatherings is gleaned from one of the "Prabhupada Speaks Out" commentaries that have been published in Back to Godhead magazine. This material is then further used as the core content of the newsletter I send out about a week prior to the meetings held twice a month. The respective topic culminates as the focus study and discussion point at the actual bi-monthly Gita class gathering the public is being invited to.
Instead of placing the consistently boring type of repetitive classified invitation
that is traditionally found in the calendar section of the local newspapers, I use
the ads to poke at topics the casual reader is likely to have encountered somewhere
and may be interested in further exploring. While this seems to be a very
effective way to provoke curiosity and attract those individuals who are ready to go
beyond the usual new-age sophistry, this approach may have counterproductive
drawbacks. I am relatively confident that the content of what I am submitting for
publication is consistent with the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy. I feel equally safe
that Srila Prabhupada would understand and endorse the essence of what is being
published, but what I am not so clear about is what the assembled Sadhus feel about
this type of public outreach. What I am looking for here is the insight and critique of the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord.
The conundrum I fear is that perhaps publishing these types of calendar entries I am
shooting right over the head of the audience I am attempting to attract? The
danger of exposing the verisimilitude of prevalent New Age themes such as the
"Oneness" movement and "The Power of Now" etc, is that it can immediately create an
adversarial mood with those who are thoroughly entrenched in this type of nonsense.
The rebuttal to that objection is that these ads are not intended to persuade the
militant impersonalits. Instead the target audience are those who have just
recently begun to get indoctrinated by the powerful influences of Mayavadi thought. I have found that many individuals just beginning to get involved in deviant
philosophies often sense that there is something wrong but can't quite put their
finger on what exactly that error is. Just knowing that there is an alternative
viewpoint is often a breath of fresh air for the neophyte new age slaughter lamb.
I have been doing this sort of public outreach for more than 20 years with mixed
results, depending on how the end results are evaluated. On one hand we can
consider that if I attract an average of 15-20 traditional Western raised
individuals (not of Indian descent or exposure) from a valley of about 40,000
citizens, then my efforts are statistically consistent with what Krishna says should
be expected. (Bg. 7.3) On the other hand, one could say that if my approach were
more conciliatory, then more people would feel comfortable attending.
I struggle to evaluate the balance between drawing a clear line between the
definitive process of self-realization outlined in the Gita, which was so
masterfully presented by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, and all of
the endless flavors of "Do it Yourself Religion" which is rapidly spreading
everywhere. The Sedona-like mood of self deluding "New-Age" banter has particularly
saturated the small, geographically bound Ojai Valley, which makes this inquiry
particularly important.
I am therefore requesting any erudite devotee who reads this appeal and has the
time to share their opinions with me to please weigh in on this subject. Below are
the 24 advertisements I have ready to put in place for the 2012 calendar year.
What do you think? How do you think the average person looking for something to do
in the calendar section of the local newspaper will respond to this type of
advertising? Perhaps you find some ads more appropriate than others? The more
details you are willing to give me, regarding why you either like or dislike any
particular content, the more helpful that will be. If you believe very strongly
that this type of approach is really very counterproductive and not appropriate,
then perhaps you might be willing to send me an example of what you think would be
acceptable for publication in the local papers.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I beg to remain within the good
blessings of the Vaishnava Devotees of the Lord.
Thank you!
Yours in the service of Lord Caitanya and His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Prabhupada.
Mayesvara dasa (ACBSP)
AKA: William G. Roberts MBA/MIS, CCP
c/o American Vedic Association
687 West Villanova Road
Ojai, California 93023
md @ jagannatha.com
william.roberts @ navy.mil
AVA Programs Planned for 1st Half (Spring) 2012
Generic Advertisement:
For use under "Ongoing Events" section of paper when space is available.
American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: On the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm, the public is invited to attend the Bhagavad Gita
As It Is Fellowship discussion. This study of India's most sacred scripture
includes a a harmonious Kirtan, mantra meditation, short review of the original
Sanskrit text, and a FREE tasty vegetarian feast for all who attend! 687 West
Villanova Road, Ojai 640-0405 Always Free!
January
1st Tue: Jan-03-2012
"Vows, Resolutions & Austerities" - will be discussed at the American Vedic
Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: How sacred is a vow? Is it OK to
give your word then break it? What good are austerities like meditation, mantras,
prayer or yoga if you can't be trusted? What is the origin and purpose of ethics or
social responsibility, according to whom and for what purpose? Join this robust
investigation at the next AVA fellowship. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
3rd Tue: Jan-17-2012
"You Are Eternal & Not Your Body" - will be discussed at the American Vedic
Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: If you are NOT your body then what
are you? Energy persists but does not love. Universal love is a force but needs
someone to reciprocate. If you're eternal where will you go after your body
collapses, what determines that destination and according to whom? See what the
sages say at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
February
1st Tue: Feb-07-2012
"Primordial Valentine" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: If "All you need is love", where will you find
it, from whom, how often, and what kind of Love? How is love defined, what about
tough love and co-dependency? Is loving God admirable, a cop-out, a social pariah,
or a gross delusion? Explore this essential topic at the next AVA fellowship!
7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
(Darwin Day Feb 12, 2011)
3rd Tue: Feb-21-2012
"Darwin's Dilemma" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association Bhagavad
Gita As It Is Fellowship: Regardless of how things evolved, where did the "Building
Blocks for Life Come From?" The laws of thermal dynamics prove that something
beyond physics had to initiate the origin of everything. The Vedas provide details
about that origin consistent with what science observes. Learn more at AVA. 7:30pm
640-0405 Always Free!
March
1st Tue: Mar-06-2012
"Who is Lord Caitanya" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: You heard about Lord Christ, but do you know
who Lord Caitanya is? (1486) He was Krsna Himself appearing as His own devotee to
teach the easiest and most effective way to be spiritual in a world gone crazy.
Celebrate His appearance at the next AVA program with a documentary video,
vegetarian feast, divine music and great dialogue. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
3rd Tue: Mar-20-2012
"What Are You Doing and Why?" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Idealists have faith that people will
instinctively do good but police know otherwise. Some blindly adhere to dogma and
others chant: "Don't Worry-Be Happy." The really clever say you are not doer and
there is nothing to be done! Joint this inquiry at the next AVA gathering! 7:30pm
640-0405 Always Free!
April
1st Tue: Apr-03-2012
"Don't Be an April Fool?" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: The average person seeks truth on their own and
the wise learn from qualified advisors but the fool repeats his mistakes and accepts
the advice of no-one. Be more then mediocre by hearing the conclusions of some of
the most positively influential people the world has ever known at the next AVA
fellowship! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
3rd Tue: Apr-17-2012
"Eating Our Environment?" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Your diet has more of an impact on the
environment than any other single factor. Vedic culture is founded on a
comprehensive altruistic philosophy that preserved the ecosystem. It thrived for
thousands of years but has become overcome by the solipsism which now prevails.
Learn how to get back to our natural roots at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
May
1st Tue: May-01-2012
"Is Knowledge Useful, Necessary or Irrelevant?" - will be discussed at the American
Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Changing the world for the
better requires useful information about what really matters. An individual will
prosper to the degree they prepare for the "NOW" and not just surrender to it.
Discuss the difference between mundane distractions and what the sages say is
important at the next AVA fellowship. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
3rd Tue: May-15-2012
What Is Om & Why Vibrate That?
"What is OM and Why Chant It?" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Vibrating the sacred syllable "OM" is very
fashionable but who knows why it's so special, where it comes from or what it means?
Why not sing Doe, Ray, Mi or La, De, Da? Find out the definitive historic answer
to this question at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
June
1st Tue: Jun-05-2012
"Distinguishing Good from Evil" - will be discussed at the American Vedic
Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Respecting Everyone" sounds good
until one encounters terrorism, the criminally insane, or a chronic sociopath. The
merging of multi-cultures makes discerning what's ethically correct so complicated
that loving "What Is" has become an excuse for moral laziness. Investigate moral
ambiguity at the next AVA meeting. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
3rd Tue: Jun-19-2012
"Derailed by Silent Meditation" - will be discussed at the American Vedic
Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: If meditation is not what you
think, then what isn't it! Don't be derailed by cognitive riddles, guided
fantasies, upright sleeping or the sound of silence. Vedic meditation is the king of
education, the purest knowledge, directly perceived, philosophically sound and
joyfully performed. Try it at AVA! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
AVA Programs Planned for 2nd Half (Fall) 2012
Generic Advertisement:
For use under "Ongoing Events" section of paper when space is available.
American Vedic Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: On the 1st & 3rd
Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm, the public is invited to attend the Bhagavad Gita
As It Is Fellowship discussion. This study of India's most sacred scripture
includes a a harmonious Kirtan, mantra meditation, short review of the original
Sanskrit text, and a FREE tasty vegetarian feast for all who attend! 687 West
Villanova Road, Ojai 640-0405 Always Free!
July
1st Tue: Jul-03-2012
"No One is Independent" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: "Think for yourself," may be vogue but in Vedic
civilization everyone understood our inter-dependence. Now people speak of
"Oneness," but remain attached to "Doing their own thing." insuring that nothing
will change. Prosperity depends on cooperation with subtle laws outlined in Vedas
and explained at AVA. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
3rd Tue: Jul-17-2012
"Nine Paths to Perfection" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: If we are hopelessly cursed by sin why try to
improve? If we're whole, perfect and complete as we are there is nothing to
improve! The Vedas offer nine ways to overcome our conditioning and restore our full
spiritual relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Learn more at AVA!
7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
August
Sat: Aug-4-2012
"Lord Krishna Appearance Day" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Lord Krishna appeared 5000 years ago and spoke
the 700 perfectly composed Sanskrit verses of Bhagavad Gita, arguably the most
profound religious scripture ever conceived. Celebrate His extraordinary character
at this festive event which includes great music, association, philosophy, food and
fellowship. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
NOTE: Official Lunar Date for Sri Krishna Appearance Day! – Tuesday Aug. 9th, 2012
NO PROGRAM ON Tuesday Aug-7-2012 (Janmastami Instead)
1st Tue: Aug-21-2012
"Liberation is the Booby Prize" - will be discussed at the American Vedic
Association Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Just escaping our material woes
will not satisfy the nature of the soul. Merging into "One" means nobody to love
and Nirvana denotes crushing emptiness. The Vedas teach that satisfaction comes
from abundant loving exchanges and you can learn about that at the next AVA
fellowship! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
September
1st Tue: Sep-04-2012
"Hogs, Dogs, Camels & Asses" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Mankind is blessed with greater intelligence
then the beasts but these species typify aspects of human intelligence misused in
the pursuit of ordinary animal habits. Learn how to leverage your God given
cognitive skills for the biggest possible payoff at the next AVA fellowship. 7:30pm
640-0405 Always Free!
3rd Tue: Sep-18-2012
"Materialistic Fanatic" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: We scorn the religious fanatic at the risk of
becoming material fanatics. Profit, adoration and distinction have superseded
modern mans quest for a meaningful purpose, personal integrity and philosophical
coherence. Discover the globally unifying path of Vedic relevance at AVA. 7:30pm
640-0405 Always Free!
October
1st Tue: Oct-02-2012
"Oneness Means Loneliness" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Many say liberation means "Merging" into the
"Oneness" of the "Brahman." However such singularity is equivalent to the curse of
solitary confinement for a soul that craves love via relationship. Wise Vedic sages
knew better and you can too if you attend the next AVA fellowship. 7:30pm 640-0405
Always Free!
3rd Tue: Oct-16-2012
"Bhakti Means Party Yoga" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Vedic theology is so satisfying to the heart
and mind that it yields a joyous expression of the soul. Bhakti yoga is synonymous
for Party Yoga because it's method is song, dance, theater, art, good music, drink
and the most satisfying vegetarian cuisine. Join the party at the next AVA
gathering! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
November
1st Tue: Nov-06-2012
"Non-Judgment Sophistry" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Moral laziness is now prevalent as a spiritual
virtue veiled in the "Respect Everyone" pablum. Discerning who deserves respect from
the foolish, the cheat or social pariah requires a reverent philosophy that adroit
transcendentalists appreciate. That wisdom is found in the Vedas and can be had at
an AVA gathering. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
1st Tue: Nov-20-2012
"Pre Thanksgiving Alternative Karma-Free Vegetarian Feast"
On November 20, 2012 at 7:30 PM the American Vedic Association invites the public to
join in a community celebration of thanks with a karma-free banquet dinner event.
The evening includes a short discussion from a talented international guest speak,
about how our eating impacts the environment, our health, and world peace. Find out
more about human "Dharma" and the rapidly growing fork revolution at this popular,
annual,festive event. - RSVP appreciated at 640-0405 Always Free!
December
1st Tue: Dec-04-2012
"Prodigal Son Syndrome" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: The symptom of spiritual adolescence is the
pride and ignorance that is responsible for the social chaos, distraught relations,
and economic anxiety we now endure. Consider the consequences of our own
ill-founded prodigal ways and how to elude them at the next illuminating AVA
fellowship. 7:30pm 640-0405 Always Free!
3rd Tue: Dec-18-2018
"Defrocking Religious Phobias" - will be discussed at the American Vedic Association
Bhagavad Gita As It Is Fellowship: Is religion an emotional fantasy perpetuated by
uneducated sentimentalists? Are sacred scriptures "Divinely Inspired" or just the
literature of talented writers? How can we distinguish between Godly truths and
crass self-deception? Can a flawed human understand anything correctly? Hear how
the sages sorted this dilemma out at the next AVA meeting! 7:30pm 640-0405 Always
Free!
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