ISKCON Sacramento recently held a Devotee Care Course from September 13th to 15th, 2024, facilitated by Radha Gopinath Das and Damodar Das. The event, which was attended by 15 participants, was designed to deepen their understanding of the role of devotee care in sustaining a loving and vibrant spiritual community.

Throughout the three-day course, the facilitators explored key insights into what it truly means to care for others within the ISKCON community. Participants were introduced to a framework of principles divided into three core lessons: understanding devotee care, leadership in devotee care, and mastering the skills essential to caregiving. 

In the first lesson of the course, participants gained a clear understanding of the definition, scope, and significance of Devotee Care within ISKCON. The lesson concluded that Devotee Care is essential to the long-term growth and harmony of the community. Srila Prabhupada always emphasized the importance of cooperation among devotees. Such a spirit can be fostered when we sincerely care for and support one another.

The course brought a strong focus on leadership within the community in the second lesson. Care in leadership involves creating an environment where the well-being and personal development of individuals are prioritized. Effective leaders show compassion, empathy, and understanding, creating a culture where people feel valued and supported. Participants were trained on how to take a more proactive stance in addressing these gaps and embracing strategies to promote a culture of compassion and empathy within ISKCON’s organizational structures.

Building on this, the course delved into core caregiving skills—tools that would serve any community leader well. Through a series of interactive exercises and practical case studies, participants honed skills like active listening, conflict resolution, and emotional support. These practices were not just theoretical; real-life scenarios enabled participants to apply these skills in a safe, supportive setting, ensuring they possessed the confidence to bring these principles into their daily service.

A major highlight of the course was its focus on the practical application of devotee care. Participants were provided with clear examples of how to implement structured care within their temples, including enhancing communication between devotees, addressing emotional well-being, and managing conflicts with sensitivity and grace.

The course inspired participants to strengthen relationships and create a more caring atmosphere within their communities. With the new skills and understanding they gained, participants are now better prepared to serve and support fellow devotees, both practically and spiritually.

One of the participants shared, “The course gave us such deep and broad knowledge. It inspired me to implement these teachings in my community and share them with others.” 

Since the course highlighted the value of open communication and working together, there is now greater awareness among temple leaders and congregation members. From this, they can develop new strategies to help meet everyone’s mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. One of the attendees of the course remarked, “Empathy, active listening, and genuine care for others were emphasized throughout the course, and I feel better equipped to practice these skills.” 

To learn more about Devotee Care and its workshops and resources, please visit their website  and follow them on Facebook.

To follow the events and ongoing service at the ISKCON Sacramento community, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook and YouTube.