Counterpart 1x09: My Dinner with Andreis
“No Man’s Land, Part One”, Season 1 Episode 9 of Starz’s Counterpart. Ivan & Red dive into the classic two part finale format. We finally figure what Angel Eyes, Ringleader, and Glasses are up to, and we discuss Harry Lloyd’s awe-inspiring ability to portray pathetic incompetence.
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In ancient Vedic times, there were no religious institutions and to be a renounced preacher was not within the reach of many. Modern religious institutions need preachers. They therefore make titles like Pastor, Cardinal, Ayatollah and Swami accessible to many. If a person joins and demonstrates good preaching skills, the ability to enrol followers and generate income, he is awarded a title and given a position as long as his loyalty to the institution takes precedence over honesty to the individual or congregation. The most valued preachers are those who can network and exert influence among the political elite to promote the interests of the institution. The institution invests them with authority and provides them with worldwide travel, pre-booked accommodation, food and preaching arrangements. Although they are in the business of promoting religion, they do not to be saints to do their jobs. Like their Christians and Muslim counterparts, many ISKCON members have paid a very heavy price for not understanding that a saint is not to be assessed merely by institutional title, charisma or influence. Examplary renounced preachers are still a rare breed. Aspiring sannaysis can learn from your article and be cautious not to become corrupt by the institution they serve. For French readers, I strongly recommend the 1956 book of Leon Tolstoi entitled “Le Pere Serge” which tells the insightful story of a catholic priest who becomes embroiled and corrupt by the church he serves.