Question: In the context of King Bahulāśva and the poor brāhmaṇa episode, There is largely growing concern in the masses that ISKCON society, internationally, it only belongs to the rich, opulent in high material positions,and considered as good devotees, and also they are more close to gurus and sannyāsīs. Whereas meek, humble and submissive poor devotees are considered less fortunate,and even those lose their position, their opulence, are bereft of the mercy of less mercy from gurus and sannyāsīs. Similarly, their humble, poor offerings are considered less significant. How should we deal with it within the society and with public at large?

Jayapataka Swami: Well, during this lockdown period, I make various visits by Zoom. Some houses I visit are bamboo structures, and some houses I visit are opulent structures, some are in between. We don’t have any particular policy, that we only visit the houses of the rich, that way we saw that Kṛṣṇa, He visited both the king and His poor devotee. So, I think that the major donors who support the temple, they may be seen as getting some reciprocation from the gurus and sannyāsīs. But that is maybe because they are major contributors. So, we are grateful for their help. But that doesn’t mean that a simple devotee is not also worthy of the Lord’s mercy. Rather, who has more devotion, he may get more mercy from Kṛṣṇa. It is unfortunate, it seems like those who are major donors receive more mercy. It’s quite natural that we want to take care of the people who are donors, because by their contributions, we are able to serve everyone. But naturally our services are for all of the devotees,just like we are giving out five thousand plates a day. We are receiving donations from different devotees;we are praying for them and we are able to distribute the prasāda to the poor people. So, it may seem that we are reciprocating with the rich who are giving donations,but we are actually using their donation to serve the poor,and I personally am very grateful for all the devotees who are chanting and practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, and in our Congregational Development Ministry, I want to reward those who are doing lots of preaching. There is no particular reward for the major donors. So, no one should feel that they are bereft of mercy because they are not able to give donation.
12-June-2020 SRI DHAM MAYAPUR, INDIA