Leadership Succession

Mother Gopi Gita: If you knew that in only ten years, your young daughter would become the CEO of the company you’re working at, would your words be different?

If you could see that the little boy in your class would become the next temple president, would you treat him differently?

Would you trust their judgement? Would you believe their feelings? Would you hear them more carefully?

Last weekend, Dallas temple president Nityananda dasa and his wife, Mother Manjuali, amazed us all. After celebrating their 25 years of stellar service, they transferred their responsibility of leading hundreds of thousands of DFW bhakti seekers to a second generation bhakti couple, Nrsimha Rupa dasa and Kanchana Kunda devi dasi (aka Rupa & Kunda).

Almost two decades ago, when I met Rupa and Kunda, all of us gurukuli youth would hang out on Nityananda prabhu’s and Mother Manjuali’s couch after every Sunday feast. We would watch the Cowboys together, eat her yummy snacks, and listen to him talk about deeper philosophy from the class. They were our extended parents, as they were to thousands. In a more intimate setting, they prioritized the practical lives of kids and teens, always.

Today, witnessing this transfer is astounding to many. It is a first in ISKCON history – a first gen, old school TP handing the baton to a second gen gurukuli from the same community. This completely non-political transfer of leadership has no deceit, judgment, or divisiveness. With blessings and collaborative input from so many, and with important boundaries identified and set, there is little room for ill will. On top of it, both sets of leaders are experts in organizational management, spiritual care and loving community above all else.

Today, on the eve of our beloved Lord Krishna’s birthday celebration, we congratulate the new temple president, Nrsimha Rupa and Kanchana Kunda devi. We applaud their stepping up, their courage, and deep commitment. There could be no better leaders chosen for our DFW bhakti community. Indeed, everywhere I go, from the kids in the classroom to a random bump-in at Whole Foods, to the discussions happening after the programs, bhakti members rejoice.

“Wow!” are the whispers, “What a powerful sign of succession.” (To anyone who has watched “Succession” on Netflix, you can see how difficult even transferring leadership to your children can be.)

Nityananda prabhu would say in his weekly Leadership classes at the school: “A true leader creates more leaders.” Watching him portray this principle in the most authentic way has been nothing short of miraculous.

These great souls are proving: A leader doesn’t control, belittle or shame. A leader doesn’t sulk, complain, or try to pull people down in order to stay on top. A leader isn’t scared of others becoming better. They facilitate the growth and success of everyone around them. And they know when the time has come to recognize the leaders they have created around them.

Please look at your kids with “gold-tinted” glasses. Who will they be? Who are they already? How will the words you speak to them now affect them? Will you be ready to recognize them when the time comes? Are you ready to accept their leadership now?