Test Your Ethics Skills

Here are examples that require exercise of ethical skills. Note that the suggested answers reference specific guidelines in the ISKCON Code of Ethical Behavior. It is important to recognize that the Code is a “living document,” meaning a work-in-progress that will be amended and expanded over time. In its current form, the Code does not cover a very wide range of situations, but it is a good starting point.

Before reading the answers, ask yourself how you would respond.

EXAMPLE 1:

Govinda das is a grihastha temple president. Mary is a single working guest who has been coming to temple programs for the past year. She has a sincere interest in devotional life. Sometimes Mary stays after class to speak with Govinda in his office about ISKCON practices and beliefs. When temple administrators ask Govinda about these meetings, he assures them nothing improper is going on between them.

QUESTION: Is the relationship ethically acceptable according to ISKCON standards?

ANSWER:

No.

Apart from the “fire and butter” analogy, which warns that there is every chance of something innocent turning less innocent, private meetings will appear suspicious to others, and ISKCON officials must always be above suspicion. Govinda das should cease having these private meetings and:

  1. find a more public venue for the discussions,
  2. find a female devotee qualified to mentor Mary, and/or
  3. talk to an ISKCONResolve ombuds about other options. This third option is important, since the private meetings could be symptomatic of a deeper personal dilemma that Govinda is facing.

Reference in the Code: 3a

EXAMPLE 2:

Mahmoud has been attending classes at a Krishna temple. He appreciates the teachings, although he does not intend to give up his Muslim faith. From his childhood, Mahmoud’s parents instilled in him negative feelings about Jewish people. One day, he learns that initiations are scheduled and that some of the candidates come from Jewish families. Mahmoud feels compelled to boycott the initiations and hand out flyers decrying the way his people have been treated by Jews over the centuries.

QUESTION: Is Mahmoud ethically justified in boycotting the initiations? Should he be allowed to hand out the flyers?

ANSWER:

This is an important issue for ISKCON members. Ethics do not take place in a vacuum, and attention should be given to particular circumstances. For example, in certain parts of the world, a Muslim attending classes in a Krishna temple could lead to protests or other repercussions. The ethical course of action in such locations would be to advise Mahmoud, for his safety and that of the temple, to not be so public about his interest in Krishna consciousness. If Mahmoud lives in a more democratic location, he would be legally entitled to express his opinions and participate or not in a temple ceremony, and temple officials should not criticize him for holding opinions ingrained from childhood. However, handing out flyers on temple property would likely disturb devotes and guests, and the ethical course for Mahmoud would be to stop doing so.

Reference in the Code: 9a

EXAMPLE 3:

John and Maria are married, they have one child, live in an apartment, and attend weekly temple programs. Ever since losing his job several months ago, John has been unusually short tempered. Bhakta Mike resides in the temple and notices that lately John has been yelling at Maria and that she has bruises on her arms. Mike suspects John of being physically abusive and worries about Maria and her child.

QUESTION: Should Mike take some action based on his suspicions?

ANSWER:

Yes, as soon as possible. Mike should contact ISKCONResolve to learn what actions may be required, such as reporting what he has observed to local civil authorities. While ISKCON is not responsible for what temple-goers do in the privacy of their own homes, devotees are supposed to be compassionate and are compelled by their faith to intercede when they see wrong being done.

Reference in the Code: 11a

EXAMPLE 4:

A full-time devotee fundraiser has been raising funds for the temple. He has a good relationship with one donor who makes a sizeable donation and says he is welcome to spend the money “however he sees fit.” For a long time, the fundraiser has needed to replace his car, which is constantly breaking down. He takes some of the donation and buys a car, reasoning that a) the donor authorized him to do so, b) he has the authority to do so as the fundraiser, and c) the car will increase his service to the temple.

QUESTION: Is his purchase of the used car ethically acceptable? Is his reasoning sound?

ANSWER:

No, on both counts. The Code of Ethical Behavior makes clear that devotees cannot use donations to personally benefit themselves, however justified doing so may seem in terms of increased service. Any fundsdonated to a temple belong to the temple, and any major expense or purchase must be approved by the temple authorities. Fundraisers in particular hold visible positions in ISKCON, and their actions must be conducted according to strict ethical standards. If the fundraiser needs a better car, no problem, but he should submit a request in writing to the temple authorities.

References in the Code: 6a, 6b, 6c

EXAMPLE 5:

While on sankirtan, temple devotees are confronted by a ritvik group who belittle them and argue that the initiating line of gurus ended with Srila Prabhupada. One of the temple devotees gets caught up in the exchange and begins insulting the ritviks, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Back at the temple, the president questions his behavior, but the devotee argues that Prabhupada was also a strong preacher.

QUESTION: Was his behavior justified?

ANSWER:

No. While his motives may have been righteous, his actions are questionable. The operative condition in the above story is “drawing a crowd of onlookers.” When in public, devotees are expected to display impeccable behavior. Projecting a hostile demeanor, however philosophically justified, may lead onlookers to conclude that Krishna devotees are argumentative and prone to outbursts of anger. Strategies for handling such encounters merit planning before they happen, for example by knowing that one person should stay back to deal with disturbances while the kirtan leader steers the chanting party away from the hostilities. Ethical dilemmas when they occur in public often require responses planned in advance. The argument that Prabhupada was also a strong preacher needs to be balanced with the many other instructions from Srila Prabhupada about impeccable behavior. Followers are expected to emulate Srila Prabhupada’s impeccable character, not imitate his strength as jagat-guru.

Reference in the Code: 4a

EXAMPLE 6:

EXAMPLE 6:

During a shopping expedition in a large department store, a devotee came across an unmarked envelope lying on the floor. When she opened the unsealed envelope, she discovered $250 in cash. After deliberating for a few minutes, she turned it in to the store’s lost and found and was told that, if no one claimed it, the money would be hers. A few days later, she received a call from an emotional and very grateful woman, who explained that she had just cashed her welfare check and was so thankful that the money was returned. She tearfully commented that recovering the money reminded her that “not all people are bad.”

QUESTIONS: Would you have done the same thing and turned in the money? Would you have kept the money for yourself? Would you have donated the money to a temple? In each of the above, what do you think the consequences would be, emotionally, “karmically,” legally?

ANSWER:

References in the Code: 1a-1d