namahatta.org - Congregational Development Ministry

by Bhakta Eric (New Vrindavana)

In 1995 I moved to New Vrndavana and eventually was introduced to the term "fringie." I was a new bhakta then, all fired up and judgmental of anyone else who wasn't. We'd talk about the "fringies" out on the ridge with their TVs and kids in public schools—they were practically demonized!

That is, until I got a chance to actually know them. I'd sit and listen to their stories of Olde Vrndavana, their pastimes with Srila Prabhupada, their advice on being a new devotee, and advice on making it to the point of being an older devotee.

 

For me, the term "fringie" stopped being an insult. It took on more of a "Hall of Fame of great devotees" meaning. A fringie isn't just someone on the outskirts of the movement. To me, a fringie is a real devotee. He put in his time at the temple, building it from nothing, building the community, sacrificing his health, wealth, and life for Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON.

When I was a new bhakta I thought, "There's no way I would ever become a fringie!" But now I see the truth. I see that there is no way that I ever could become a fringie. I am nowhere near as advanced as they are. I haven't done the service they have. I haven't had the good times, bad times, or transcendental times they've had. Simply put, I am not qualified to become a fringie.

 

But here I find myself poised to move back to New Vrndavana. While I'm there I will most definitely take the association of the glorious fringies on the ridge. Once again, I'll be able to sit and listen to their stories, their pastimes, and their advice—all the while knowing that I'll never attain the glorious status of "fringie."

My humble obeisances to you, dear fringies. All glories to your lives given fully to devotional service!