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Page 1: HELPING DEVOTEES SUCCEED

Helping Devotees SucceedHelping Devotees Succeed

Spiritual GuidSpiritual Guidance Systemance System

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Welcome!Welcome!

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A A SSpiritual piritual GGuide uide

YYour spiritual success partner who:our spiritual success partner who: Thinks of you, listens to you and speaks to Thinks of you, listens to you and speaks to

you kindly in all circumstancesyou kindly in all circumstances Works alongside you with strong faith in Works alongside you with strong faith in

you and your potentialyou and your potential Assists you in making lasting positive Assists you in making lasting positive

changes in your lifechanges in your life Supports you and encourages your Supports you and encourages your

spiritual and professional growthspiritual and professional growth

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A A SSpiritual piritual GGuideuide

Encourages your service, Encourages your service, recognises your recognises your natural gifts and talents, so that you can natural gifts and talents, so that you can use them as a basis for your spiritual use them as a basis for your spiritual growth and material supportgrowth and material support

Works with you and for you, not on youWorks with you and for you, not on you Keeps strictly confidential any information Keeps strictly confidential any information

about youabout you Believes in your inherent potential to be a Believes in your inherent potential to be a

pure devotee of the Lord. pure devotee of the Lord.

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The Seven Purposes of ISKCONThe Seven Purposes of ISKCON

3.3. To bring the members of the Society together To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).(Krishna).

6.6. To bring the members closer together for the To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life. of life.

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Be under the guidance of your elder Be under the guidance of your elder brother Janardana and you will progress brother Janardana and you will progress nicely.nicely.

Letter to Sivananda - Los Angeles 21 Letter to Sivananda - Los Angeles 21 January, 1968January, 1968

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… … please act under the guidance of please act under the guidance of Brahmananda, so long I am not able to Brahmananda, so long I am not able to see you …see you …

Letter to Robert - Los Angeles 20 February, 1968Letter to Robert - Los Angeles 20 February, 1968

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I am pleased to note that Girish is I am pleased to note that Girish is progressing nicely under your guidance.progressing nicely under your guidance.

Letter to Aniruddha - Los Angeles 23 January, 1969Letter to Aniruddha - Los Angeles 23 January, 1969

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People are going to hell for want of People are going to hell for want of proper guidance.proper guidance.

Letter to Harer Nama - Los Angeles 15 January, 1970Letter to Harer Nama - Los Angeles 15 January, 1970

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One who gives personal instruction to each and One who gives personal instruction to each and everyone does more for others than the platform everyone does more for others than the platform speakers do. Generally, whatever platform speakers speakers do. Generally, whatever platform speakers say cannot solve the problem of everyone in the say cannot solve the problem of everyone in the audience, nor can it always benefit every individual. audience, nor can it always benefit every individual. A person's defects are better rectified in a private A person's defects are better rectified in a private tutorial class or private coaching than in hearing tutorial class or private coaching than in hearing lectures in a school or college. Therefore those who lectures in a school or college. Therefore those who instruct particular persons separately can award instruct particular persons separately can award them something more permanent.them something more permanent.

- Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Amrta Vani, page 315- Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, Amrta Vani, page 315

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A Need!A Need!

There is a clear need for more There is a clear need for more systematic and effective support and systematic and effective support and guidance of devotees - based on talking guidance of devotees - based on talking to hundreds of serious devotees serving to hundreds of serious devotees serving in ISKCON.in ISKCON.

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Return On InvestmentReturn On Investment

People who are taken care of well and People who are taken care of well and are guided well will tend to do the same are guided well will tend to do the same with others in returnwith others in return

This will expand our mission and grow This will expand our mission and grow our movement.our movement.

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Holistic Or Complete CareHolistic Or Complete Care

Health Health SadhanaSadhana ServiceService RelationshipsRelationships Etc.Etc.

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This is organizationThis is organization That is the way of Indian teaching, that there is one teacher, That is the way of Indian teaching, that there is one teacher,

and how he's managing hundreds? That means there are and how he's managing hundreds? That means there are groups. One who is elderly student, he's taking some groups. One who is elderly student, he's taking some beginners: "Write a or A like this." That he can teach. What beginners: "Write a or A like this." That he can teach. What he has learned, he can teach. Similarly, next group, next he has learned, he can teach. Similarly, next group, next group. group.

So in this way, one teacher can manage hundreds of So in this way, one teacher can manage hundreds of students of different categories. This is organization. Not students of different categories. This is organization. Not that everything I have to do. I cannot teach anybody to do that everything I have to do. I cannot teach anybody to do it. That is not intelligence. it. That is not intelligence.

Room Conversation -- July 31, 1976, New Mayapur (French farm)Room Conversation -- July 31, 1976, New Mayapur (French farm)

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This is organizationThis is organization

Intelligence is that employ others to help you. That is Intelligence is that employ others to help you. That is intelligence. Not that "Oh, I was busy, I could not do it." intelligence. Not that "Oh, I was busy, I could not do it." Why? What about your assistant? Train assistant so that Why? What about your assistant? Train assistant so that in your absence things can be done. So the elderly in your absence things can be done. So the elderly students, they could be... students, they could be...

Just Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to do that. When He was Just Caitanya Mahaprabhu used to do that. When He was sixteen years old he could argue with Kesava Kasmiri, sixteen years old he could argue with Kesava Kasmiri, because He was practiced. In this way, stage after stage, because He was practiced. In this way, stage after stage, everyone should be expert. Everyone should be teacher everyone should be expert. Everyone should be teacher and student.and student.

Room Conversation -- July 31, 1976, New Mayapur (French farm)Room Conversation -- July 31, 1976, New Mayapur (French farm)

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Purpose Purpose

Educate and train devotees to live Educate and train devotees to live according to the Krishna conscious according to the Krishna conscious principles of their asrama.principles of their asrama.

Provide systematic training in Krishna Provide systematic training in Krishna conscious philosophy, sadhana, conscious philosophy, sadhana, Vaisnava behaviour, lifestyle and Vaisnava behaviour, lifestyle and attitudes.attitudes.

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PurposePurpose

Provide a formal framework within which personal Provide a formal framework within which personal care and attention can be provided to all devotees care and attention can be provided to all devotees to make them feel loved and wanted and part of a to make them feel loved and wanted and part of a wonderful spiritual family.wonderful spiritual family.

Foster warm personal relationships and a spirit of Foster warm personal relationships and a spirit of love and trust amongst devotees based on Krishna love and trust amongst devotees based on Krishna conscious principles.conscious principles.

Provide a forum which facilitates engaging Provide a forum which facilitates engaging devotees in service, organization of major events, devotees in service, organization of major events, communication of important decisions, etc.communication of important decisions, etc.

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How Does The System Work?How Does The System Work?

Certain experienced devotees from the Certain experienced devotees from the temple and the congregation are temple and the congregation are trained and nominated to provide trained and nominated to provide support and guidance. support and guidance.

Devotees from the temple and the Devotees from the temple and the congregation accept particular spiritual congregation accept particular spiritual guide.guide.

Train assistant guides.Train assistant guides.

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How Is A Spiritual Guide Selected?How Is A Spiritual Guide Selected?

Be a devotee who has been in active Krishna Be a devotee who has been in active Krishna consciousness within ISKCON for a reasonable consciousness within ISKCON for a reasonable length of time.length of time.

Demonstrate a solid understanding of the Demonstrate a solid understanding of the philosophy and practice of Krishna philosophy and practice of Krishna consciousness.consciousness.

Demonstrate the ability to give balanced Demonstrate the ability to give balanced guidance based on Krishna conscious principles guidance based on Krishna conscious principles according to time, place and circumstance.according to time, place and circumstance.

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How Is A Spiritual Guide Selected?How Is A Spiritual Guide Selected?

Be willing to extend himself/herself to Be willing to extend himself/herself to help others. Has a spirit of sacrifice.help others. Has a spirit of sacrifice.

Be compassionate and have genuine Be compassionate and have genuine concern for the welfare of devotees.concern for the welfare of devotees.

Be a good listener.Be a good listener.

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How Is A Spiritual Guide Selected?How Is A Spiritual Guide Selected?

Be a mature, sober and stable individual.Be a mature, sober and stable individual.

Demonstrate good standard of sadhana, Demonstrate good standard of sadhana, etiquette, behaviour, service and etiquette, behaviour, service and commitment to the ISKCON’s mission.commitment to the ISKCON’s mission.

Be properly situated in his/her own asrama.Be properly situated in his/her own asrama.

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Becoming A GardenerBecoming A Gardener

When a person receives the seed of When a person receives the seed of devotional service, he should take care of it devotional service, he should take care of it by becoming a gardener and sowing the seed by becoming a gardener and sowing the seed in his heart. If he waters the seed gradually in his heart. If he waters the seed gradually by the process of sravana and kirtana by the process of sravana and kirtana [hearing and chanting], the seed will begin to [hearing and chanting], the seed will begin to sprout. sprout.

CC Madhya 19.152CC Madhya 19.152

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Responsibility Of A Spiritual GuideResponsibility Of A Spiritual Guide

A spiritual guide is a friend, supporter and A spiritual guide is a friend, supporter and guide in Krsna consciousness. guide in Krsna consciousness.

A spiritual elder brother/sister. Takes personal A spiritual elder brother/sister. Takes personal care of all devotees in the group.care of all devotees in the group.

Inspires and encourages devotees whom he Inspires and encourages devotees whom he guides in Krsna consciousness and monitors guides in Krsna consciousness and monitors their progress.their progress.

Provides Krsna conscious training to those Provides Krsna conscious training to those devotees.devotees.

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Responsibility Of A Spiritual GuideResponsibility Of A Spiritual Guide

Assists devotees in both spiritual and Assists devotees in both spiritual and personal matters. He looks into the overall personal matters. He looks into the overall welfare of the devotees.welfare of the devotees.

Conducts fortnightly meetings with devotees.Conducts fortnightly meetings with devotees.

Recommends qualified candidates for first Recommends qualified candidates for first and second initiation.and second initiation.

Does not abuse his/her position as a guide Does not abuse his/her position as a guide

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Responsibility Of A Spiritual GuideResponsibility Of A Spiritual Guide

Provides useful input to the Team of Provides useful input to the Team of Spiritual Guides and actively Spiritual Guides and actively participates in meetings.participates in meetings.

Sets a solid standard of sadhana, Sets a solid standard of sadhana, service and behaviourservice and behaviour..

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4 Roles Of A Spiritual Guide4 Roles Of A Spiritual Guide

1.1. ExampleExample

2.2. SupportSupport

3.3. GuidanceGuidance

4.4. ChallengeChallenge

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Training Of DevoteesTraining Of Devotees How to be ideal brahmacaris and grhasthas How to be ideal brahmacaris and grhasthas

by keeping Krsna in the centre.by keeping Krsna in the centre.

How to maintain proper devotional standards How to maintain proper devotional standards at the temple or at home (regarding at the temple or at home (regarding behaviour, sadhana, kitchen, altar, etc.).behaviour, sadhana, kitchen, altar, etc.).

How to be proper brahmacari or How to be proper brahmacari or wife/husband/parent/child, etc., according to wife/husband/parent/child, etc., according to scriptures.scriptures.

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Training Of DevoteesTraining Of Devotees

How to balance economic and social responsibilities How to balance economic and social responsibilities with spiritual vows.with spiritual vows.

How women should deal with men, particularly How women should deal with men, particularly brahmacharis and sannyasis.brahmacharis and sannyasis.

How men should deal with women.How men should deal with women.

How to have proper attitude towards other asramas.How to have proper attitude towards other asramas.

A manual of Vaisnava Etiquette and Lifestyle is A manual of Vaisnava Etiquette and Lifestyle is discussed in meetings.discussed in meetings.

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Meetings Of Spiritual Guides And Meetings Of Spiritual Guides And DevoteesDevotees

Vaisnava bhajans.Vaisnava bhajans.

A few pages of one of Srila Prabhupada’s books are A few pages of one of Srila Prabhupada’s books are discussed. One of the devotees makes a presentation discussed. One of the devotees makes a presentation and a discussion follows.and a discussion follows.

Sharing realizations.Sharing realizations.

Discussion on service, sadhana and Vaisnava Discussion on service, sadhana and Vaisnava etiquette.etiquette.

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Meetings Of Spiritual Guides And DevoteesMeetings Of Spiritual Guides And Devotees

Any challenges or problems. Any challenges or problems.

Personal problems that require confidentiality Personal problems that require confidentiality are discussed in private with the guide.are discussed in private with the guide.

Kirtana.Kirtana.

Prasadam.Prasadam.

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Meetings Of The Team of Spiritual GuidesMeetings Of The Team of Spiritual Guides

• Discussion on sadhana (japa, waking up early, Discussion on sadhana (japa, waking up early, etc.).etc.).

• Reading (philosophy, importance of reading Reading (philosophy, importance of reading Prabhupada’s books, etc.).Prabhupada’s books, etc.).

• Vaisnava etiquette and behaviour (how to Vaisnava etiquette and behaviour (how to serve/honour prasadam, personal habits, serve/honour prasadam, personal habits, discussion on 26 qualities of a Vaisnava, etc.). discussion on 26 qualities of a Vaisnava, etc.). Different guides make presentations each time.Different guides make presentations each time.

• Caring for devotees (reports from various teams Caring for devotees (reports from various teams formed to care for devotees, if applicable).formed to care for devotees, if applicable).

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Meetings Of Spiritual GuidesMeetings Of Spiritual Guides

Sometimes when the discussion flows Sometimes when the discussion flows spontaneously, more time is required.spontaneously, more time is required.

At the end, various management matters are At the end, various management matters are discussed if needed.discussed if needed.

Prasadam.Prasadam.

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Current ExamplesCurrent Examples

Chowpatty Mumbai Chowpatty Mumbai UkraineUkraine Bhaktivedanta Manor Bhaktivedanta Manor StockholmStockholm London SohoLondon Soho

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BenefitsBenefits

Train more preachersTrain more preachers Increase book distributionIncrease book distribution Assist ISKCON gurusAssist ISKCON gurus Not lose devoteesNot lose devotees Stable familiesStable families Train spiritual leadersTrain spiritual leaders Krsna consciousness in the workplaceKrsna consciousness in the workplace Less problems and scandalsLess problems and scandals Expand the missionExpand the mission ““Boiling the milk”Boiling the milk”

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BenefitsBenefits

Increase support network for devoteesIncrease support network for devotees Increase preaching opportunitiesIncrease preaching opportunities Increase congregational involvementIncrease congregational involvement Increase temple maintenanceIncrease temple maintenance Ensure that the Temple takes into account Ensure that the Temple takes into account

the views of the congregational and temple the views of the congregational and temple devotees when making decisions.devotees when making decisions.

Facilitate loving relationships between Facilitate loving relationships between brahmacaris and grhasthas or temple and brahmacaris and grhasthas or temple and congregational devotees.congregational devotees.

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How to start?How to start?

Form teams of local devotees who are willing Form teams of local devotees who are willing to be spiritual guides.to be spiritual guides.

Leaders support them in starting and Leaders support them in starting and developing a system by speaking about it in developing a system by speaking about it in classes and forums and providing practical classes and forums and providing practical help.help.

Take assistance from the European Team for Take assistance from the European Team for Spiritual Guidance.Spiritual Guidance.

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Fan the spark!Fan the spark!

Just like people come here with little Just like people come here with little faith. That faith is the little spark of fire. faith. That faith is the little spark of fire. Now you have to fan it, fan it, so that Now you have to fan it, fan it, so that fire may increase.fire may increase.

Lecture, Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.12 Vrndavana, October 23, 1972Lecture, Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.12 Vrndavana, October 23, 1972

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We require many boys and girls We require many boys and girls like you to spread this movement. like you to spread this movement. Please do it carefully and help Please do it carefully and help others to become Krishna others to become Krishna conscious.conscious.

Letter to Dayananda - Calcutta 8 February, 1971Letter to Dayananda - Calcutta 8 February, 1971

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Every disciple must make his own Every disciple must make his own spiritual progress positively and spiritual progress positively and help others to do so.help others to do so.

Letter to Nayanabhirama - Bombay 30 April, 1971Letter to Nayanabhirama - Bombay 30 April, 1971

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So everything is there. Save yourself, So everything is there. Save yourself, save others. This is our Krsna save others. This is our Krsna consciousness movement. First of all consciousness movement. First of all save yourself; then try to save others. save yourself; then try to save others. Or both things can go on Or both things can go on simultaneously.simultaneously.

Conversation on Roof - February 14, 1977, MayapuraConversation on Roof - February 14, 1977, Mayapura

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One to One SkillsOne to One Skills

For Spiritual GuidesFor Spiritual Guides

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OutlineOutline

Part 1Part 1 IntroductionIntroduction 10 Qualities10 Qualities Goal SettingGoal Setting

Part 2Part 2 Relationship Relationship SkillsSkills Practice Practice

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How can we assist devotees?How can we assist devotees?

In going from where they are to In going from where they are to where they want to be, more quickly where they want to be, more quickly and efficiently than they would do it and efficiently than they would do it on their ownon their own

Provide a framework for their self-Provide a framework for their self-observation, self-evaluation and observation, self-evaluation and improvementimprovement

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How you can assist devotees?How you can assist devotees?

By together highlighting and By together highlighting and engaging their worth, potential, engaging their worth, potential, talents and strengthstalents and strengths

By together discovering new options, By together discovering new options, opportunities, possibilities and opportunities, possibilities and advantages for solving problems and advantages for solving problems and achieving resultsachieving results

By together finding solutions that By together finding solutions that exactly meet their needsexactly meet their needs

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10 qualities 10 qualities

1.1. A genuine desire to help devotees A genuine desire to help devotees succeedsucceed

2.2. Genuine interest in devotees Genuine interest in devotees 3.3. A greater interest in people than in A greater interest in people than in

thingsthings4.4. The ability to balance your own life The ability to balance your own life

and to put your own issues on holdand to put your own issues on hold5.5. Total commitment to devotee’s Total commitment to devotee’s

successsuccess

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10 qualities10 qualities

6.6. Excellent verbal communicationExcellent verbal communication

7.7. Strict confidentialityStrict confidentiality

8.8. Being neither judgemental nor Being neither judgemental nor criticalcritical

9.9. Being an explorer and provider of Being an explorer and provider of optionsoptions

10.10. PersistencePersistence

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Goal setting Goal setting

“ “Our goal is Krsna, and we are preaching Our goal is Krsna, and we are preaching the gospel of Krsna, Bhagavad-gita As It the gospel of Krsna, Bhagavad-gita As It IIs” s”

- Letter to Jayagovinda, Los Angeles 13 August 1969- Letter to Jayagovinda, Los Angeles 13 August 1969

“ “Disturbance is due to want of an ultimate Disturbance is due to want of an ultimate

goal, and when one is certain that Krsna is goal, and when one is certain that Krsna is the enjoyer, proprietor and friend of the enjoyer, proprietor and friend of everyone and everything, then one can, everyone and everything, then one can, with a steady mind, bring about peacewith a steady mind, bring about peace.” – .” –

- Bg 2.66 P- Bg 2.66 P

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StartStart

If you want to achieve goals you’ve If you want to achieve goals you’ve never achieved before, you have to never achieved before, you have to start doing things you’ve never done start doing things you’ve never done before.before.

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GoalsGoals

A problem to solve or a result to A problem to solve or a result to achieveachieve

A minor or major change of direction A minor or major change of direction Clear destination firstClear destination first The means and motivationThe means and motivation

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Two stepsTwo steps

Helping a devotee to define where Helping a devotee to define where they want to be (setting their goals)they want to be (setting their goals)

Helping a devotee to reach that Helping a devotee to reach that

destination (achieving their goals) destination (achieving their goals)

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SMART goalsSMART goals

SSpecific pecific MMeasurableeasurable

AAttractivettractive RRealisticealistic

TTime-boundime-bound

Clearly defined Clearly defined

Tangible, practical, Tangible, practical, quantifiablequantifiable

Inspiring Inspiring

Within your capacity Within your capacity or influenceor influence

Have a deadlineHave a deadline

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Writing goalsWriting goals

The act of physically writing goals The act of physically writing goals down (paper or electronic) reinforces down (paper or electronic) reinforces your commitment to achieving them. your commitment to achieving them. A goal that is not written is likely to A goal that is not written is likely to be forgottenbe forgotten

Yale University studyYale University study

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Working with goalsWorking with goals

Write them downWrite them down Read them everydayRead them everyday Do something everyday to move you Do something everyday to move you

closer to achieving themcloser to achieving them Evaluate your actionsEvaluate your actions Create a support structureCreate a support structure Meet deadlinesMeet deadlines Etc.Etc.

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ExerciseExercise

Choose a goal in one area of your life Choose a goal in one area of your life (spiritual, career, relationships, (spiritual, career, relationships, health, etc.) and make it into a health, etc.) and make it into a SMART goal, write it down and share SMART goal, write it down and share it with a devotee next to you or with it with a devotee next to you or with a group. a group.

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DemonstrationDemonstration

Help a volunteer from the audience Help a volunteer from the audience to set and achieve a goal in his to set and achieve a goal in his chosen area.chosen area.

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Relationship Relationship

Let me become a sincere servant of Let me become a sincere servant of the devotees, because by serving the devotees, because by serving them one can achieve unalloyed them one can achieve unalloyed devotional service unto the lotus feet devotional service unto the lotus feet of the Lordof the Lord.” .”

- Nectar of Devotion, Rendering Service to Devotees - Nectar of Devotion, Rendering Service to Devotees

(SB 3.7.19)(SB 3.7.19)

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Establishing rapportEstablishing rapport

Dictionary definitions: Dictionary definitions: A close and harmonious relationship A close and harmonious relationship

in which there is common in which there is common understandingunderstanding

A feeling of understanding and A feeling of understanding and sympathysympathy

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RapportRapport

““Getting in tune with another person Getting in tune with another person so that your mutual communications so that your mutual communications are totally successful”.are totally successful”.

MMake it easy for a devotee to relate ake it easy for a devotee to relate to youto you

Show genuine interestShow genuine interest Listen empathicallyListen empathically

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RapportRapport

Excellent mutual understandingExcellent mutual understanding TrustTrust Say what you mean Say what you mean Mean what you sayMean what you say Enthusiastic to work together Enthusiastic to work together

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InterruptingInterrupting

Discussion that is going nowhereDiscussion that is going nowhere Negative line of comments Negative line of comments Self-pitying, victim attitudeSelf-pitying, victim attitude

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HonestyHonesty

“ “If one is always acting under these If one is always acting under these three facts, knowing Krsna to be the three facts, knowing Krsna to be the Supreme Proprietor, Enjoyer, and Supreme Proprietor, Enjoyer, and Friend, then he is truly honest, and if Friend, then he is truly honest, and if one is not acting in this knowledge, one is not acting in this knowledge, then he is always cheating or being then he is always cheating or being dishonestdishonest.” .”

- Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Bhakta dasa, Tokyo 2 May 1972- Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Bhakta dasa, Tokyo 2 May 1972

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What does it mean?What does it mean?

Being totally honest with yourselfBeing totally honest with yourself Being totally honest with a devoteeBeing totally honest with a devotee Comply with your spiritual beliefs, Comply with your spiritual beliefs,

ethics and Vaisnava behaviourethics and Vaisnava behaviour ““Put on an act” for a whilePut on an act” for a while From a true place withinFrom a true place within

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Exercise: Your Spiritual EthicsExercise: Your Spiritual Ethics

Think of a time where you were not Think of a time where you were not truthful in a relationship and what truthful in a relationship and what were the consequenceswere the consequences

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A servantA servant

Finds pleasure in helping you Finds pleasure in helping you succeed in your chosen area. He succeed in your chosen area. He does this by assisting you in finding does this by assisting you in finding solutions to your problems and solutions to your problems and strategies for achieving your goalsstrategies for achieving your goals

Sees you in terms of your potential, Sees you in terms of your potential, not in terms of your present not in terms of your present performance or behaviourperformance or behaviour

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A servantA servant

He is like a friend or teacher, leader He is like a friend or teacher, leader or adviser who believes in you when or adviser who believes in you when you don't believe in yourself. One you don't believe in yourself. One who stays with you regardless. Not who stays with you regardless. Not someone who is too soft and someone who is too soft and permissive with you, someone who permissive with you, someone who gives in to you, but someone who gives in to you, but someone who would neither give in to you nor give would neither give in to you nor give up on you.up on you.

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ExerciseExercise

Practice building rapportPractice building rapport Add guidelinesAdd guidelines Feedback and discussionFeedback and discussion

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BGBG

It is said that He (Krsna) is the ocean of all It is said that He (Krsna) is the ocean of all the relationships exchanged between two the relationships exchanged between two living entitiesliving entities ... Bg 11.14 P ... Bg 11.14 P

One who works in devotion, who is a pure One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangledsuch a man is never entangled. Bg 5.7. Bg 5.7

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Skills Skills

1.1. Listen empathicallyListen empathically

2.2. Ask effective questionsAsk effective questions

3.3. Turn problems into opportunitiesTurn problems into opportunities

4.4. Promote dynamic actionPromote dynamic action

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ListenListen

Fully understand the situation of the Fully understand the situation of the devoteedevotee

Give them the space to understand Give them the space to understand themselvesthemselves

Listen first and seek first to Listen first and seek first to understandunderstand

Remain as impartial, open and Remain as impartial, open and objective as you possibly canobjective as you possibly can

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ListenListen

Interested and concernedInterested and concerned THEY are responsible for their livesTHEY are responsible for their lives Clear your mind of all personal issues Clear your mind of all personal issues

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ExerciseExercise

Listen to a devotee next to you for 3 Listen to a devotee next to you for 3 minutes. You must not: make any minutes. You must not: make any sound, say anything, nod, shake your sound, say anything, nod, shake your head or show any other signs. head or show any other signs. Repeat back your understanding of Repeat back your understanding of the key points they made. Ask a the key points they made. Ask a devotee whether you understood him devotee whether you understood him or her well.or her well.

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Asking Effective QuestionsAsking Effective Questions

The purpose of asking questions is to:The purpose of asking questions is to:1.1. Understand your devotee wellUnderstand your devotee well2.2. Help them understand themselvesHelp them understand themselves3.3. Clarify what they wantClarify what they want4.4. Discover new options, opportunities, Discover new options, opportunities,

possibilities and advantagespossibilities and advantages5.5. Identify obstaclesIdentify obstacles6.6. Make an action planMake an action plan

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EEQQ

What are your strengths, talents, What are your strengths, talents, skills, good qualities?skills, good qualities?

What do you want?What do you want? What one great thing would you dare What one great thing would you dare

to dream if you knew you could not to dream if you knew you could not fail? (question about an exciting fail? (question about an exciting goal)goal)

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EEQQ

What one thing, if you would do superbly What one thing, if you would do superbly well everyday, would make the greatest well everyday, would make the greatest positive difference in your life? (question positive difference in your life? (question about personal habits / best practices)about personal habits / best practices)

What can you learn from this?What can you learn from this? How can you turn this problem into an How can you turn this problem into an

opportunity?opportunity? What and who inspires you the most?What and who inspires you the most?

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EQEQ

What do you want?What do you want? Are you ready to pay the price?Are you ready to pay the price?

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Disempowering questionsDisempowering questions

Why are you so bad?Why are you so bad? Why you don’t understand what’s Why you don’t understand what’s

good for you?good for you? When are you going to change / When are you going to change /

shape up / grow up?shape up / grow up? How could you do such a thing?How could you do such a thing?

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TipTip

After asking questions and listening, After asking questions and listening, summarize what you have heard to summarize what you have heard to be sure you have understand your be sure you have understand your devotee well. devotee well.

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Power of questionsPower of questions

The question that saved The question that saved concentration camp prisoner’s life.concentration camp prisoner’s life.

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ExerciseExercise

Pair up as and take turn to speak Pair up as and take turn to speak about an issue.about an issue.

1.1. Ask relevant and empowering Ask relevant and empowering questions until he is certain to have questions until he is certain to have understood the devoteeunderstood the devotee

2.2. Paraphrase back to the devotee to Paraphrase back to the devotee to determine whether he has determine whether he has successfully understood him. The successfully understood him. The devotee should confirm it.devotee should confirm it.

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Turning Problems Into OpportunitiesTurning Problems Into Opportunities

“ “O Partha, happy are the ksatriyas to O Partha, happy are the ksatriyas to whom such fighting opportunities whom such fighting opportunities come unsought, opening for them come unsought, opening for them the doors of the heavenly planetsthe doors of the heavenly planets.” .”

Bg 2.32Bg 2.32

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Turning Problems Into OpportunitiesTurning Problems Into Opportunities

The way you see a problem or a task The way you see a problem or a task powerfully influences you action and powerfully influences you action and the results you will achieve. the results you will achieve.

Help the devotee to see their Help the devotee to see their problems differently: as a blessing in problems differently: as a blessing in disguise. disguise.

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A turnaround expert A turnaround expert

What is great about this problem?What is great about this problem? What can I learn from this problem?What can I learn from this problem? What this problem is an opportunity for?What this problem is an opportunity for? If you would be a world expert on these If you would be a world expert on these

issues, what would you advise?issues, what would you advise? If you would be super-intelligent, how If you would be super-intelligent, how

would you deal with this problem?would you deal with this problem? What additional skills do you need to deal What additional skills do you need to deal

with this problem?with this problem?

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A turnaround expertA turnaround expert

Use questions as you see fit, in any Use questions as you see fit, in any orderorder

Induce a devotee to see themselves Induce a devotee to see themselves as expert in solving a particular as expert in solving a particular problem and learn everything they problem and learn everything they can about it from various sources can about it from various sources (spiritual, professional, etc.).(spiritual, professional, etc.).

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ExerciseExercise

Choose one problem and turn it into Choose one problem and turn it into an opportunity together.an opportunity together.

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Promoting ActionPromoting Action

“ “Factually, we should be engaged 24 Factually, we should be engaged 24 hours in Krsna's service and hours in Krsna's service and everything should be done very everything should be done very nicely and perfectlynicely and perfectly.” .”

Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Adi-kesava, Bombay 2 January 1975Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Adi-kesava, Bombay 2 January 1975

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Helping devotees succeedHelping devotees succeed

Helps devotees succeed in their Helps devotees succeed in their chosen area by assisting them by:chosen area by assisting them by:

Clarifying what they wantClarifying what they want Exploring options, opportunities, Exploring options, opportunities,

possibilities and advantagespossibilities and advantages Overcoming obstaclesOvercoming obstacles Making a written action planMaking a written action plan Holding them accountable by Holding them accountable by

requesting weekly reportsrequesting weekly reports

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Holistic Or Complete CareHolistic Or Complete Care

Health Health SadhanaSadhana ServiceService RelationshipsRelationships Etc.Etc.

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ChangeChange

To change their results, devotee To change their results, devotee needs to change their perception, needs to change their perception, their thinking and their action. their thinking and their action.

To achieve things you have never To achieve things you have never achieved before, you have to start achieved before, you have to start doing things you have never done doing things you have never done before.before.

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Success Success Success = Personal effort + Krsna’s mercySuccess = Personal effort + Krsna’s mercy

The place of action [the body], the performer, the various The place of action [the body], the performer, the various senses, the many different kinds of endeavour, and senses, the many different kinds of endeavour, and ultimately the Supersoul — these are the five factors of ultimately the Supersoul — these are the five factors of action. Whatever right or wrong action a man performs by action. Whatever right or wrong action a man performs by body, mind or speech is caused by these five factors. body, mind or speech is caused by these five factors. Therefore one who thinks himself the only doer, not Therefore one who thinks himself the only doer, not considering the five factors, is certainly not very intelligent considering the five factors, is certainly not very intelligent and cannot see things as they areand cannot see things as they are. .

Bg 18.14-16Bg 18.14-16

O son of Kunti, I am the taste of water, the light of the sun O son of Kunti, I am the taste of water, the light of the sun and the moon, the syllable om in the Vedic mantras; I am and the moon, the syllable om in the Vedic mantras; I am the sound in ether and ability in manthe sound in ether and ability in man. .

Bg 7.8Bg 7.8

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Practice Practice

DemonstrationDemonstration Mutual assistanceMutual assistance Share first with your partner and Share first with your partner and

then with a whole group what you then with a whole group what you have learned and experienced both have learned and experienced both as a guide and guidedas a guide and guided

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Helping each otherHelping each other Prabhupada liked to hear of his disciples helping each other Prabhupada liked to hear of his disciples helping each other

to follow the instructions of the spiritual masterto follow the instructions of the spiritual master. .

SDG, Prabhupada Meditations 2.2.3: Guru Means HeavySDG, Prabhupada Meditations 2.2.3: Guru Means Heavy

I hope we shall very soon meet again and help each other I hope we shall very soon meet again and help each other in the matter of discharging Krishna consciousness in the matter of discharging Krishna consciousness engagementsengagements..

Letter to Satsvarupa - Delhi 6 October, 1967Letter to Satsvarupa - Delhi 6 October, 1967

… … help each other to become better and better preachers help each other to become better and better preachers of this Krishna Consciousness movementof this Krishna Consciousness movement. .

Letter to Madhucara - Nairobi 25 September, 1971Letter to Madhucara - Nairobi 25 September, 1971

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SummarySummary

Attentive to devotee’s needs, interests and Attentive to devotee’s needs, interests and concernsconcerns

ConfidentialConfidential SupportiveSupportive Focused on a devotee being guidedFocused on a devotee being guided Personal issues Personal issues Sharing realizations and successesSharing realizations and successes Not a lectureNot a lecture Working together to find solutionsWorking together to find solutions EnlighteningEnlightening

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GITA ONE-TO-ONE MODELGITA ONE-TO-ONE MODEL

GGoals oals IInstructions nstructions TTests ests AActionction

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BenefitsBenefits

Clear inspiring Clear inspiring goalsgoals Personalized Personalized instructionsinstructions Strength and knowledge to pass the Strength and knowledge to pass the

teststests Dynamic Dynamic actionaction

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GoalsGoals

Positive Positive SMART SMART Written Written

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InstructionsInstructions

ResearchResearch ChooseChoose ThinkThink ApplyApply

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TestsTests

InternalInternal ExternalExternal EasierEasier HarderHarder

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ActionAction

WhatWhat HowHow When When AccountabilityAccountability

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ONE-TO-ONE SKILLSONE-TO-ONE SKILLS

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4 Roles Of A Spiritual Guide4 Roles Of A Spiritual Guide

1.1. ExampleExample

2.2. SupportSupport

3.3. GuidanceGuidance

4.4. ChallengeChallenge

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How do we help devotees How do we help devotees succeed?succeed?

1.1. Highlight devotees’ worth and Highlight devotees’ worth and potential.potential.

2.2. Discover new options, Discover new options, opportunities, possibilities and opportunities, possibilities and advantages.advantages.

3.3. Find solutions that exactly meet Find solutions that exactly meet their needs. their needs.

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Establishing RapportEstablishing Rapport

DefinitionDefinition Attentive listeningAttentive listening HonestyHonesty Service attitudeService attitude

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Effective QuestionsEffective Questions

PurposePurpose Disempowering questionsDisempowering questions Empowering questionsEmpowering questions

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Turning Issues Into GoalsTurning Issues Into Goals

Issue = problem or resultIssue = problem or result Current realityCurrent reality Desired outcomeDesired outcome SMART goalSMART goal Goal as a challengeGoal as a challenge

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Promoting ActionPromoting Action

Specific actionSpecific action Written planWritten plan Determination: on a scale 1-10Determination: on a scale 1-10 AccountabilityAccountability

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PRACTICE ONE-TO-ONEPRACTICE ONE-TO-ONE

Plan A SessionPlan A Session Have A SessionHave A Session Evaluate A SessionEvaluate A Session

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Plan A SessionPlan A Session

Use the GITA table in the handoutUse the GITA table in the handout Take assistanceTake assistance Review skillsReview skills Clarify outcome, i.e. specific actionClarify outcome, i.e. specific action

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Have A SessionHave A Session

Work in threes (guide, devotee, Work in threes (guide, devotee, observer)observer)

Follow your session planFollow your session plan Avoid giving adviceAvoid giving advice Ensure actionEnsure action

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Evaluate A SessionEvaluate A Session

Ask a devoteeAsk a devotee Ask the observerAsk the observer Ask yourselfAsk yourself Share with a facilitatorShare with a facilitator

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Follow UpFollow Up

Teach it within 48 hoursTeach it within 48 hours Apply it dailyApply it daily Report to someoneReport to someone Stay in touch with guidesStay in touch with guides Mutual assistance (daily or weekly Mutual assistance (daily or weekly

mutual questions)mutual questions)

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Services And ResourcesServices And Resources One-to-one coachingOne-to-one coaching Courses: Helping Devotees Courses: Helping Devotees

Succeed, Gita CoachingSucceed, Gita Coaching Leadership consulting Leadership consulting Ebook: Helping Devotees Ebook: Helping Devotees

SucceedSucceed Audio: Helping Devotees Audio: Helping Devotees

SucceedSucceed Website: Website:

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Thank you!Thank you!

Hare KrsnaHare Krsna

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