I was inspired by this quote from David Haslam today whilst trolling through PlanetISKCON...

I remain reliant on the Internet, each class posted by the Melbourne devotees, each piece of devotional music more precious than the finest of diamonds.

I started this blog in 2001 and of late I've been contemplating writing for it more often. I originally conceived of the site as a vehicle for us to share spiritual life. It wasn't meant to be a place just for me. As it is this year I've been way too busy to write having taken on more managerial responsibility than is probably healthy. That's another story.

What prompted me to get back into it, at least for today was the simple statement from David quoted above.

At least if noone is writing it has been satisfying to see the daily class go up. In fact I get upset if it doesn't. I don't listen to the classes myself but I know many of my friends do. It's a way for them to stay connected. It's important.

I'd like to thank Rasanandini, Tim and Nanda Mandir for keeping the blog going, especially for keeping the daily class happening. I'd also like to invite anyone who has an idea for a story or a contribution to please let us know. We can find a way to fit you in.

Oh, and as far as ownership goes we are happy to share. We should probably make a statement to that affect somewhere on the site. If persons want to use our materials they are welcome but we would like to see our work acknowledged. You can use it but it would be nice if you told everyone where you got it from and link back to the page it came from originally. That's fair isn't it?

# Posted by Aniruddha at 5/8/08; 11:52:31 AM to the Working Together dept.
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An interesting question and answer session with Bhakti Caru Swami. Community development means economic development...

Actually dealing with money is not the main consideration and concern. How one is dealing with money-that is what really matters. When one is in a proper Krishna conscious environment, motivated by a spiritual objective, then he may deal with millions of dollars but he will not be affected. To be Krishna conscious means to understand that everything belongs to Krishna and everything must be used in His service. If one is constantly reminded of this objective, then there will be little chance of falling into maya.

It looks like this idea may have come of age. We aren't going to get too far as a society without money and that means on the whole encouraging the economic endeavours of the householders!

# Posted by Aniruddha at 30/4/08; 12:58:57 PM to the Working Together dept.
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Jagannatha Rama has kindly offered to coordinate a set of interviews with Michelle Lim who is researching Well Being in religious communities for a Psychology thesis.

Why is non-conventional spirituality just as - or more - beneficial compared with other beliefs?

Our aim is to help find out why?

Melbourne University's Department of Psychology is conducting research into this question. Devotees are invited to participate in the 'Beliefs &Well-Being Study.' Participation will involve attending one interview session with a researcher.

You will be invited to answer questions via an interview and simple questionnaires. These questions relate to the following: . Your level of involvement in your spiritual/religious community . Your current physical & mental health. Your relationships with people around you . Any stressful events that may have occurred in your life recently. Any spiritual or mystical experiences that you may have had . Any "out of ordinary" experiences you may have experienced, eg. psychic phenomena, telepathy etc. There are also two simple computer tasks. You will be asked questions relating to these tasks.

The total interview time is 1.5 to 2 hours. In order to cover your time and travel expenses, you will be reimbursed a total of $20 after completing all the face-to-face assessment interviews.

Please discuss your availability with Jagannatha Rama.


# Posted by Aniruddha at 26/4/08; 4:53:16 PM to the Working Together dept.
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I've created a new department for this topic...

Are we alone in this? Is ISKCON the only organisation where deeply held opinions over relatively minor points threaten to open up wide schisms? Of course not. Everybody's at it. This is the Age of Quarrel after all, so feeling that you are right and the other guy is definitely wrong comes as second nature.

# Posted by Aniruddha at 25/6/07; 11:08:35 AM to the Working Together dept.
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