Welcome to
the Krishna Center for
Empathic Communication
The Founder-Acarya
of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON),
His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada
states in The Nectar of Instructions that
Our Movement Progresses
Because of Loving Relationships!
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Do We Really Need Empathic Communication?
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A prominent preceptor acharya in our succession of spiritual masters and disciples coming from Lord Krishna, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura mentions that we have material as well as spiritual needs, and to progress smoothly on the spiritual path, both types of needs should be addressed. With this understanding in mind His Holiness Bir Krishna das Goswami tried to understand why many devotees have problems in their spiritual lives and relationships. |
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Words and the way we think matters. His Holiness Bir Krishna Maharaja's interest in presenting the Empathic Communication (EC) for devotees lies in transforming relationships so that the members of a Krishna conscious society can live functional lives, materially as well as spiritually. Maharaja came to the realization that merely praying for compassion is not enough. One must consciously practice it. The desire for feeling and practicing compassion has led Maharaja to take the practical action of studying sociology and relationship strategies with the aim of helping the devotees develop a functional “love-giving” society. |
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Maharaja's search for understanding brought him to Nonviolent Communication (NVC) teachings by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D. These deal with universal human needs that motivate individuals' every action. Becoming aware of the needs of ourselves and others helps create a high quality connection out of which people enjoy voluntarily contributing to one another's well-being. Bir Krishna Maharaja studied NVC, attended workshops, and, to make what he learned useful for devotees, he adapted the NVC principles to Krishna consciousness. The result was Empathic Communication - a powerful tool for inspiring compassionate connection and action. |
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It’s crucial to be cautious regarding the habitual use of divisive, judgmental language. The sastras contain very clear descriptions, as it is necessary to present the siddhanta in a way that does not result in confusion; yet, one should be cautious in applying these designations in everyday life if one wants to develop empathic relationships. |
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In Maharaja's book, Realizing Our Empathic Nature: in Connection to Krishna you will find recommendations which can be utilized to help develop compassion and empathy in conjunction with the process of Krishna Consciousness, as given by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
The Empatic Communication process doesn’t mean merely mechanical procedures. Although there are some mechanics initially, it is a question of changing the heart. Here practice becomes our best alley. EC Practice Groups, Seminars, and Trainings are designed to support devotees in applying and integrating these skills into their daily lives and spiritual practice. |
Words can be windows or words can be walls.
Empathic Communication (EC) can be applied at all levels of communication. One person is sufficient to start the process.
Empathic Communication can assist devotees in bringing situations to resolution and help to free ourselves from the obstructive effects of past experiences and conditioning and heal the old pain.
Empathic Communication enables us to break the thinking patterns at the foundation of arguments, anger, guilt, shame, and depression; to resolve conflicts peacefully and build relationships on mutual respect, compassion, and cooperation.
Thus, it is not just a language, though we use language to reshape our consciousness. And if we are not sensitive to the words we use, we can drive people away from, instead of towards, Krishna’s lotus feet.
Empathic Communication can assist devotees in bringing situations to resolution and help to free ourselves from the obstructive effects of past experiences and conditioning and heal the old pain.
Empathic Communication enables us to break the thinking patterns at the foundation of arguments, anger, guilt, shame, and depression; to resolve conflicts peacefully and build relationships on mutual respect, compassion, and cooperation.
Thus, it is not just a language, though we use language to reshape our consciousness. And if we are not sensitive to the words we use, we can drive people away from, instead of towards, Krishna’s lotus feet.
"People come to Krishna Consciousness not because of philosophy
but because of compassion."
HH Bir Krishna das Goswami
We are looking forward to serving you with delight!
Hare Krishna!
Hare Krishna!
