Computers for Krishna – Program Plan and Charter – DRAFT

April 29, 2012

Current State

Computers are a part of daily life for many people these days. Some people work with them professionally. Our children are constantly barraged by numerous aspects of computers and the Internet. It is very easy to become enamored by the capabilities of computers. Computers, because they simplify many tasks through automating many manual tasks and executing them quickly, are an integral part of organizational administration. Simply put, in the cities of today you can't get away from them. They are an asset as well as an influence. We must utilize these assets in ways that have a spiritual influence and shun the material influence that they present. To do this, we must put computers in their proper perspective and utilize them in furthering the preaching mission of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Any other application of computers and the Internet is simply a waste of time.

Our children are going to learn about computers from non-devotees whether we like it or not. It is imperative, therefore, that we instill proper devotional direction in their use and application. For those kids that are going to use computers, we should engage them according to their abilities to further the preaching mission and to cultivate one's own devotion to Krishna.

There are hundreds of incredibly intelligent devotees that work in the Information Technology profession. They are not necessarily immune from maya's enamoring influence pertaining to computers. There are many ways in which these skills and tendencies can be focused to serve the preaching mission of ISKCON. Indeed, many may relish the opportunity to apply these talents that Krishna has given them in the devotional service of the Lord.

ISKCON relies significantly upon the service of its members. Providing digital arts, educational content and application development services are no exception.

Concept

Computers for Krishna is collaboration of kids and adults in local ISKCON communities amongst themselves, generating creative Krishna conscious digital art, educational content and computer applications. In addition, the various divisions and ministries within ISKCON are encouraged to present various project requirements so that the kids and adults that are utilizing Computers for Krishna may satisfy those requirements. Participants are encouraged to originate projects as well as work on specific project requirements that are posted by various ISKCON groups.

First, the local community must be clear to focus on applying technology in a judicious manner specifically for activities that further the preaching mission and development of one's devotional service. It is assumed that many participants in the program will already have computers that they can bring to a weekly work session. For those who do not have a laptop or tablet to bring, the local community will likely need to make one or two computers available. Internet access is also required. It is also desirable to have a high-definition display or television screen of appropriate size for an audience to receive the full impact of presenting digital art content.

There is also a need for organizational structure, as the local community is to be a part of the international community by way of one or more web site areas enabling such service. With a number of projects, global project management will be helpful. There should also be some degree of coordination between the needs of different divisions and ministries within ISKCON as the outputs from one project may also be utilized by another. One example is use of educational content for digital dioramas.

There is also an incidental benefit that the experience the participants gain may be helpful in their current and future careers.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goals and objectives of using Computers for Krishna are:

1. Utilize existing skills and propensities in computers and digital arts to further the preaching mission

2. Teach proper and prudent utilization of technology in Krishna's service

3. Provide support to Ministry of Education Development by engaging youth and adults in creating digital arts content for instructional and testing purposes

4. Provide support to Division of Administration/Systems Development by engaging members that are already Information Technology professionals

5. Provide support for ISKCON BBT media arts efforts

6. Produce museum quality digital dioramas

7. Enrich the devotional service of participants

Specific Ways to Engage in Digital Devotional Service

The types of projects that kids may work on, according to their age and ability include:

• Graphics design

• Animation

• Interactive Graphical Educational Content Development

• Web Site Development and Maintenance

• Computers for Krishna Blog Content Development

• Gurukula and Krishna Avanti School Collaboration Web Site Development and Participation

• Game Design using Krishna Lila Story Lines (esp., e.g., Jagai and Madhai)

• Game Development

• ISKCON and Temple/Community Application Design and Development

The types of service that older kids and adults may choose to perform, according to their abilities and maturity, include:

• Oversight of Kids Activities to include mentoring and management

• Encourage production of video and animation. This may include original works.

• Application development projects driven by need and requirements from ISKCON leadership (Administration/Systems Development, Ministry of Education, BBT/media), including locally driven projects (subject to review).

There are kids and adults that are addicted to their computers. We do not want to encourage that. We must incorporate activities that get people involved in doing all of the other tasks involved. For example, creating dolls and taking pictures to create images for animation, reading books to aid in creating a story board for a game, brainstorming for application development, project planning and management. And ensure that computer time is scheduled – not 24 hours a day. For some, a weekly program may be the only time they have to utilize. For others, they may work at home on projects. Again, this should be in a scheduled time slot.

Specialized Technology

Video capabilities needed will depend on the needs of the individuals using the computer.

Open source software tools will be utilized as much as possible. Participants may already have licensed copies of commercial software. There may be some instances where commercial software may need to be acquired for a local temple computer. Some of these may be available from other groups within, or supporting, ISKCON where they may have an available license to offer. If the need is significant and software needs to be purchased, a donor will be sought.

A high definition display or television of suitable size should be available for demonstration of projects that the local group is engaged in. For some, this may just be a good computer monitor. For diorama and video production, a larger screen is desirable. If one is already available within the temple community, then perhaps it can be shared. Otherwise, it may be necessary to obtain another. Sometimes, donations may be available when someone is upgrading televisions.

Creating a Digital Art Library

To create digital art, it is going to be very helpful to develop a globally accessible library of images, audio and visual recordings that can be freely utilized in creating finished works of devotional art and content. Some possible sources and ideas for obtaining these include:

• BBT

• Video producers

• Animation producers

• Stop-Motion animation taking pictures of dioramas, deities?

• Creating of “dolls” for purpose of capturing moving arms, legs, heads for stop-motion stills?

• Video recordings of plays (Media Release may be required)

• Have local drama rehearsals done one character at a time in front of a green screen?

ISKCON Stakeholder Divisions and Ministries

The following groups within ISKCON may have a stake in utilizing Computers for Krishna.

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Role?

Educational content

Movies

Animated shows for children

Information Technology Coordination

Divisional Director of Administration/Systems Development role

Provide list of needs and requirements

Provide representative to Program Office / Global Committee

Should have a core group that focuses on the project posting and management web site (can consist of local temple volunteers)

Ministry of Education Development

Leadership role

Provide list of needs and requirements

Provide representative to Program Office / Global Committee

Establish collaboration with gurukulas and with Avanti schools

Governance

Local Program Leader(s)

Temple President approval

Brahminical initiation preferred

Monthly update verbally or in writing

Local Committee

Temple President approval 3 devotees

Brahminical initiation preferred

Not participants

Span generations

Coverage of IT profession, Education, and ___

Observe in person from time-to-time

Receive presentation from local group every 1-2 months

Review online outputs every 1-2 months

Prepare quarterly report on issues and progress to Temple President and Program Office/Global Committee.

Raise any issues at any time to Program Office/Global Committee.

Program Office / Global Committee

Has representation from stakeholder divisions, ministries, etc.

Quarterly review of all groups, report to ED

Annual GBC Report

Fill coordination gaps. E.g., finding 3D Pixar/CGI movie/animation production experience, project management.

Reconcile needs and priorities of media arts, education and temple systems.

Proper Perspective

On Prabhupada and Preaching

(Thoughts and excerpts from reviewing “Making of an Effective Preacher”)

“Art –

• Krishna conscious paintings are windows to the spiritual world

• Our art is meant allure people away from the so-called beauty of the external nature

• The paintings in our temples attract visitors to the beauty of Krishna

• At first sight, people are attracted to our books by the art

• ISKCON art impresses people, thus helping us make life members

• The aim of the artist should be to inspire people to become devotees

• The artist advances in Krishna consciousness”

Audio Visual – “Srila Prabhupada wanted us to use every means available and take every opportunity to spread Krishna consciousness. He encouraged us to produce films, videos, records, tapes, radio broadcasts, and television shows, provided we remain Krishna conscious and provided the project was not overly expensive or difficult. Regarding radio and television, he stressed the value of having regular shows, ideally weekly, and using this media to popularize and sell our books. In general, Srila Prabhupada encouraged preaching through these areas unless he saw that the results were not worth the effort, or that the devotees involved would be taken away from other services where they could be more effective.”

Business – should be kept simple, work according to nature

Diorama Exhibitions – High Definition with 3-D Modeling for historical education purposes

Drama – Animated lilas

Films – esp. BG, also the life of Lord Chaitanya, SB

Gurukula – prepare to be preacher – not technologists. Build character.

Recruiting – must focus on intelligent youth, develop preachers, brahmanas, managers

Hearing, printing and distributing books

“Anything material, if it is used for the service of Krishna, it is a mistake to give it up”

Please Krishna by doing what is practical and necessary, according to time and place.

And not be whimsical.

Utility is the Principle

Do not become enamored. Focus on preaching.

Follow in footsteps, repeating...

Surrender to Krishna to provide intelligence

Do not over-endeavor. However, it is appropriate to try to “shoot the rhinoceros”. The plan should be manageable in steps.

Novel preaching programs