Answer
In every service, there will be certain assets that are entrusted to us for execution. These assets may come directly as part of the service, or they may come from the public. For example, when a temple devotee goes out for collections, he is very clear that whatever is collected belongs entirely to the Guru and the temple. This principle must be followed very strictly in all our services.
Māyā does not enter abruptly—it creeps in gradually, in small doses. For instance, every paisa that we receive should be brought back and surrendered to the spiritual master’s organization. However, sometimes a preacher may think, “I need to cover some expenses anyway. Someone has given cash donation—let me use it now, and later I will adjust it and return the amount.” Even if the expenditure is proper, this mentality itself is incorrect. Everything must be brought as it is and handed over. This is how māyā penetrates—step by step.
Our missionaries should not maintain anything as personal—no personal money, no separate bank accounts. They are maintained by the temple, and in return, they simply serve the temple.
To avoid falling into feelings of proprietorship and control, one must strictly follow even the smallest instructions. Preachers do not only receive money—they also receive contacts. These contacts are also temple assets. Just as all money is handed over to the Guru, all contacts must also be handed over to the temple.
Consider this: if an ordinary person, dressed in regular attire, approaches people for contacts, will he receive the same response as a preacher representing the temple? Certainly not. People respond favorably because they see the preacher as a representative of a sacred and respected mission. The devotee understands that any respect, donations, or contact details received are not due to personal ability, but because he represents the temple and its noble mission.
Therefore, one must always remember this principle. Even when someone works for a month and earns a salary, that money is ultimately Kṛṣṇa’s. Although it may appear as “my earning,” in reality, everything belongs to the Lord. This entire world is His organization, and all resources flow by His will. The Lord observes how we use His resources. When we use them for His service, He becomes pleased.
That is why charity and donations should be offered for Kṛṣṇa’s purpose. The sooner we return what belongs to Him, the better it is for us.
Assets may come in many forms—money, contacts, people, or influence. One must deal with all of them in a Kṛṣṇa conscious way. The moment we start dealing with them with an enjoying mentality, we develop false notions of doership, control, and ownership.
Therefore, strict adherence to rules and regulations is essential to avoid pride and these false identifications. Nothing truly belongs to us.
Even contacts fall under this principle—they are also part of the Lord’s domain. One should feel grateful that, under one’s care, certain contacts have come. However, the authority has the right to decide how best to engage those contacts for the welfare of the individuals and the mission of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
If preachers deeply understand these principles, there will be no heartburn or dissatisfaction when contacts or resources are utilized differently than they personally expect.
These are fundamental principles of material nature. To protect ourselves from the illusion of doership and control, one must remain in satsaṅga—in the association of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s followers—and continue serving with humility and clarity.
