Date: July 13 to 19, 2015
Background Information
Whenever we give a seminar on Varnasrama Dharma, we distribute on the first day a paper entitled “Varnasrama Seminar Questionnaire”. This helps us understand a little about each participant, in particular how many are present at the beginning of the course.
At the end of the seminars, we distribute two additional papers, one entitled “Varnasrama Seminar Realizations” and the other entitled “Varnasrama Seminar Evaluation”.
At our seminar given at Almvik Village as part of the Scandinavian Bhakti Sangam Festival, we had an initial enrollment of some 40 students and ended with approximately 30 students. We distributed the last two papers the day before the last session but could only retrieve 12 out of a possible 30 regular attendees due to various factors. We have withheld the names of the respondents but have indicated only the gender.
RESPONSE to paper “Varnasrama Seminar Realizations”
(SK) Mataji
It was very interesting and I discovered many new things. Will be happy to get more information how to improve my life from today. I live in Almvik farm and it is very real for me. I also find a lot of information on the internet from karmi people who change their life, e.g. one year without shopping, or without using plastic. It is very inspiring. We can start something similar for devotees and spread this information. I like to start from simple things. It is easier then to start from seminars to make all new lifestyle.
I think we in ISKCON need more people who can spread this knowledge and the internet can help with it, e.g. to connect people through web forum or webpage with all information, ideas and people who made it succeed.
(RPY) Prabhu
The presentation was (the) first of its kind that I heard in ISKCON. It’s a very important part and also desire of Srila Prabhupada to implement Varnasrama in ISKCON society as other instructions like temple construction, book distribution, prasadam distribution, etc. But it’s clear now that the important personalities in ISKCON are trying really hard to implement the system for a better future of our devotees and their families and in turn our society. It would be an example for others, who think urbanization, and so called modern civilization, makes life happy. The TED talk shown in the seminar was a perfect example of how one can be self-sufficient and still have time to do all important activities like chanting, reading, etc. I pray this can be implemented all over the world and be an example for the rest of the population. Om Surabhyai namah!. Thank you.
(DD) Prabhu
I am quite new in ISKCON and your seminar gave a new dimension in my understanding of Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
It’s important to deepen the understanding even if we can’t apply it in our life immediately. The vision should be spread, then it will be turned into practice.
(SJ) Prabhu
It’s fantastic! Simply wonderful! Very important to spread the correct understanding. Thank you very much!
(NR) Mataji
Personally I was concerned about how will it go, but as days progressed I have become more open, even looking forward to learning more.
The presentations were realistic and knowledge was understandable.
As mentioned in point 5 (For me it will be nice to hear from a woman’s perspective, maybe from someone who is living in community that has implemented VA), it would be nice to hear from women – practical application and concerns.
(LDD) Mataji
Hoping for further education on the subject by expert devotees. If Maharaja Bhakti Raghava Swami could come perhaps once a year and help us to lean and implement more and more the principles of Vedic culture.
(JD) Pabhu
I have realized now that cow protection is a prerequisite for establishing brahminical culture/Varnasrama/natural life. We in Almvik have to push and develop this program and make it priority.
PS: Thank you for a very sober, logical presentation on daiva Varnasrama.
(KD) Prabhu
This course opened my eyes and realization that we must develop what Varnasrama means.
The Vedic culture is based on Varnasrama and this we must understand because it is Krishna’s system. All devotees can stay in ISKCON. Everyone can find a place, where they can serve in good mood, happily.
There is coming right respect to others and trust, etc. This is revolution in our consciousness.
RESPONSE to paper “Varnasrama Seminar Evaluation”
Question 1. Please rate your appreciation of the seminar (higher number means higher appreciation).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Responses……………………. 1 1 3 6 1
Question 2. Which areas of the seminar attracted your attention the most?
Responses………… (+1 indicates the number of respondents to the same point)
TED Talk on “Life is Easy, Life is Simple” + 1
Self-sufficiency
Cow protection +1 +1 +1
Products from cow dung, cow urine
VAD presented in a systematic way
Education +1
Scriptural references
Indonesian projects
Village life
Varnasrama as part of four movements to spread KC
Question 3. Which areas were not sufficiently covered according to you?
An action plan on how to implement Varnasrama in the West.
Ashram life +1
How the planet is destroyed at the present
Perhaps discussions on practical applications
How to implement Varnasrama on an individual level
Everything except cow protection
Information and plans to implement the Varnasrama, which place, etc. Is it only for temple devotees or outside people can also join?
Local implementation
What to do now? Want to know more full practical recommendations.
Question 4. Your suggestion as to how the presentation can improve?
Will be nice to have some kind of start up or what you can start to do from today.
It can be focused more on local areas where it is make
Some survey data can be added
It can be bigger
Do something practical, maybe roll the incense or something like that.
Establish that Varnasrama/Vedic culture is an eternal principle that can be applied by anyone in any situation.
Prepare discussions by giving questions/homeworks to do during meals/free time.
Have approximately 2 sessions on the subject of practical applications.
The need/necessity of living off the land.
Now start discussion, next is actual practical level
Question 5. You suggestions to help advance the implemention of Varnasrama within ISKCON?
More seminars and educate devotees to understand how important this topic is.
Start cow protection and self-sufficiency
Varnasrama College
Education, Devotee Care
For me it will be nice to hear from a woman’s perspective maybe from someone who is living in community that implemented VA
Open more information on t he subject matter
Education to children whey they are young would be very helpful.
Education, awareness
More practical seminars and more info in internet.
Question 6. Are you more clear about the concepts of Varnasrama now, more confused or the same?
More clear total 10
Not sure total 01
The same total 01