‘Counselling, Therapy, and Social Care: A Krsna Conscious Perspective’
31 May – 1 June 2003 — ISKCON Potomac, USA

Candramukhi Dasi and Aghari Dasa

From 31 May to1 June 2003 ISKCON Communications hosted a mental health conference on ‘Counselling, Therapy, and Social Care: A Krsna Conscious Perspective’ at ISKCON Potomac. Attendees included devotees interested or working in the helping professions as well as ISKCON leaders and congregational members.

The programme began with Bhakti-tirtha Swami presenting from his new book on the mind and psychology, specifically on the topic of Vaisnavas coping with grief. His presentation included an overview of the grieving process and stages of grief, as well as an interactive component wherein participants broke up into groups for further process work. He facilitated exploration of grief experiences and in role-playing scenarios from the time of death in which important relationships and communications with loved ones may have gone unattended. This was a very moving experience and helped set the mood for the entire conference.

Next Chandramukhi Dasi and Aghari Dasa facilitated a socio-drama performance. Picking up on the themes evoked during Bhakti-tirtha Swami’s exercises, the group enacted a disputed intimate relationship between devotees living ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ of temple/asrama life. Several people participated and filled the roles of family members and comrades on both sides of the dispute. The enactment intensified when existential time of death context was added to the developing drama. The workshop was emotionally rewarding for the group.

Visnu-gada Dasa presented on ‘Psychological Testing and its History’. The evolution of testing and its scientific basis was described and its efficacy for use in addressing devotee mental health and psychosocial problems was discussed. He also discussed the ethics of guru-disciple relationships and confidentiality, engaging the participants in an interactive discussion of these topics. Almost everyone present was stimulated by the relevance and need for pursuing a better understanding of all devotee relationships, especially between guru and disciple.

At the request of ISKCON leaders, VAC (Vaisnava Alliance of Care Providers) facilitated a panel discussion on spousal abuse and family violence. Panel members included Jagannatha Pandita Dasa, Citralekha Dasi, Arcana-siddhi Dasi, Aghari Dasa (Masters in Counselling Psychology) and Anuttama Dasa (Director of ISKCON Communications). The panel was facilitated by Chandramukhi Dasi (Masters in Counselling Psychology). Discussions included the cycle of violence, internet websites and phone hotline information, community resources for victims, frustration and concern surrounding recurring patterns of victim/offenders, as well as the economic realities confronting women and family members attempting to achieve independence or self-sufficiency after leaving abusive relationships. Empowerment of women and accountability of men was discussed at length. Peer counselling within male circles and the need for men to take responsibility for developing intimacy was emphasised.

The first day ended with Jaya Sacisuta Dasa presenting the results of his research study on ‘The Modes of Nature and Personality in Academia: Its Implications for Mental Health Care, Psychopathology, and Behavioural Sciences’. He detailed his use and further development of Dhira Govinda Dasa’s research model regarding the modes of nature and personality theory. He is also endeavouring to expand research on the effectiveness of the Hare Krsna mantra in treatment systems. The participants appreciated his research and its implications for extending the viability of Prabhupada’s teachings into academic and clinical settings.

On the second day, Cintamani Dasi presented a brilliant and stirring lecture on ‘Cultivating Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Resiliency in ISKCON Communities’. Drawing from her work with families and her personal process in Krsna consciousness, she explained the growing field and specialisation of Positive Psychology and the Resiliency Model. This treatment modality emphasises the strengths and resources of clients, enlisting their focus in building on positive aspects of their experience and lives. Challenges and problems are reframed from a positive perspective and include brief cognitive therapy. She deftly wove excerpts from Srila Prabhupada’s books and lectures with positive psychology in order to help participants to visualise themselves as ‘Victorious Vaisnavas’, successful in their personal struggles to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual congruence and authenticity in their lives.

Ravindra Svarupa Dasa presented on Pneumapathologies of ISKCON in the light of Anton Boisen’s ‘Laws of Spiritual Life’. He provided a chart detailing the characteristics and problems associated with people who undergo neurotic and psychotic symptoms while pursuing spiritual aspirations and the rigours of religious life. Boisen’s work appears to be similar to current theories in the transpersonal school of psychology and Stanislav Grof’s work on spiritual emergencies. Ravindra Svarupa Dasa provided historical context for the applicability of Boisen’s theories for ISKCON devotees and emphasised the intrinsic core crises confronting devotees of all faiths and religions in their journey towards authenticity.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the abundant prasadam throughout the conference was exquisite in its preparation and variety thanks to ISKCON Potomac cook, Caitanya Nitai Dasa, and the temple president’s wife, Tunga Vidya Dasi.