CHAPTER ONE
The Compendium and This Volume The Compendium This handbook is the first instalment of publications that will define and regulate the implementation of var£§ªrama for members of MKTHK. It is not for the general public but for practising devotees. The subject matters of this first volume are the qualities and duties of devotees in general, as well as those specific to each var£a. By developing the qualities and duties of their var£a, devotees can feel confident that they are living in the world in a way that is pleasing to K¥¢£a and which facilitates their K¥¢£a consciousness. Var£§ªrama-dharma is not about pigeon-holing devotees according to their qualities and work. It is about helping devotees cultivate those qualities, perfect their service to K¥¢£a, and practise their profession in the most dharmic way. Since this handbook is meant to be concise, these practices are described succinctly, the in-depth explanations being left to the education process that will follow this volume. 21
