On Donations (a comment by Tim McEvitt, a temple visitor, Jan 2013)

There are many fine Church buildings in Ireland built in the past with donations from their local congregation. Historically, people had a more simple faith and donated easily. Nowadays, I observe that people in general are less likely to donate to a spiritual institution, even though they have more money then their ancestors. We have so many other things to buy, do we not? And so many expenses.

When I attend events at the temple in Fermanagh or the Centre in Dublin, I feel genuinely inspired - I get a spiritual boost. At the Sunday programme, for example, there is always wonderful association, deep philosophy, pleasant music and tasty vegetarian food - and it's all for FREE! Now, for myself, I donated in the past, I've done service for the temple and lived in the ashram years ago, etc. After attending a nice event I may see the donation box, but then I remember those hefty personal expenses, and I decide - well, I can't at the moment (and it's easy that no one is asking me for the money anyhow :-)

However, deep down, I think that it's not so great to take facilities and not give something back. In the world today everything has a price - if you want it, you pay for it. However often the devotees of Krishna are so generous that they offer these events to one and all, at no charge.

I would like to tell you a little secret. ISKCON Ireland has no celebrity sponsors, no employees and no funds are taken whatsoever for any person's personal extravagances. I know this for a fact, as I know all the people involved. Any donations simply maintain the buildings to be where they are today. So if you attend any event and feel inspired afterwards, then please give what you can into the box. Your donation will be very much appreciated. Maybe nobody will ever know how much you gave, and you'll never get a direct 'thank you', but still that contribution is very much required for the Society to keep going - Thank you!

If you are not so familiar yet with the deep Vaishnava faith, bhakti-yoga and Krishna Consciousness, then please look into it more. If you have philosophical questions, ask the monks directly. They'll be happy to reply to you:

Mayesvara Das Brahmacari mayesvara.das@googlemail.com (monk originally from Belfast)

Syamananda Das Brahmacari syamananda2@hotmail.com (monk originally from Cavan)

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images below: Inis Rath Island temple in Fermanagh. Credits - Stephen Barnes (WWW: aurient.co.uk)