The third session of the 84th round of Congress 60 workshops in the Academy branch of Congress 60 was administered on February 12th, 2025 at 10 a.m. by Mr. Hossein Dezhakam as the Master and Guardian of the meeting and Traveler Mohsen as the secretary. The agenda was “Guides’ Week”.
Mr. Hossein Dezhakam’s speech: I hope you are all doing well. Thanks to God, I am also doing well. Today is February 13, 2025, and it is 10:06 a.m. We are in the Academy building in Tehran.
As usual, on Saturday, these topics were discussed and decisions were made in the Family Group and the Assistants' Council. However, each group makes its own decisions in their respective sections. In the Congress of Assistants, in the women's section, the Assistants of the companions and in female travelers’ section, the assistants of female travelers make decisions.
I hope that the male companions also reach the capability to establish their own Assistants' Council. God willing, I will soon ask Amin to take action on this matter so that decisions can be made there as well.
In Congress 60, decisions are not made by a single person, not even by the guardian of Congress 60 [Mr. Dezhakam]. Instead, decisions are made collectively. As we say, the elders decide—although women do not have beards, we refer to the elders—meaning the experienced members of Congress 60. They decide on the policies and the direction things should take.
When I participate in these meetings, I try to agree with what is logical and aligns with our goals. This is what I have done so far, unless I see something harmful, in which case I inform them of the reason. However, I still encourage them to vote and share the final decision with me.
From this date onward, in the Family Group, the Marzbans’ (Border Guard) Shawl [as some members of a branch are elected as Marzbans, they receive a yellow shawl] will only be awarded by the Assistants. In no branch of Congress 60 is the agent allowed to give the Marzbans’ Shawl—it must be given exclusively by the assistants. If the former Marzbans themselves are able to give it, they will do so; but if they cannot, it must be handed over to other individuals, who are also the Assistants.
During Guide’s Week, we should avoid inviting former guides who have been absent from Congress 60 for five, four, or even two years. Inviting them after such a long time, especially when they have forgotten the customs and traditions of Congress 60, can cause issues. Sometimes, some members of Congress 60 have selected a new guide and their current guide is someone else, but the former guides expect to receive a gift but may feel upset if they do not receive one, leading to potential problems. We should focus on those who are actively involved and engaged [we must give gifts to the current guides], just like a flowing river that remains in motion.
From now on, in all branches of Congress 60, the Marzbani room for travelers and the companions must be separate. If their designated areas are currently shared, necessary measures must be taken to ensure full separation—whether by clearing out a room or making adjustments—so that they can move freely and carry out their responsibilities independently.
Additionally, in Congress 60 branches, photocopy machines should not be placed in the Publications section; instead, they must be located in Marzbani room. Under no circumstances should copies be made in the publications section.
When a guide’s service period ends, they can no longer maintain a virtual group with their former students. Up until now, the guide had a virtual space to work with their students, but once their service period is over, the pupils belong to a new guide, and the former guide can no longer keep them. This situation creates confusion, as different guides may give conflicting instructions. Once a service period is completed, the guide steps aside, and at that point, the virtual group must also be dissolved and cannot continue their job.
For making payments into the donation basket, please do so either at the beginning or the end of the session using your card. The credit card reader should not be passed around during the session, as it distracts everyone. This rule applies to the Family Group (companions) too .
We have two matters ahead:
1. Guide’s Week – I have mentioned before that you should give flowers and nothing else. Then some asked whether artificial flowers, natural flowers, roses, or gladiolus should be given. I said, "Don't give flowers at all!" (with laughter). Instead, simply present a certificate of appreciation. Write meaningful and beautiful words on an A4 sheet and give it to the guide as a token of appreciation.
2. It is better if these certificates of appreciation are signed by the agent [agent is the person responsible for a branch’s all affairs) on behalf of the border guard group (Marzbani). At the bottom of the certificate, it should state: Marzbani [Border Guard] Group", and the agent should sign it, saying, “On behalf of the Marzbani Group, Agent [Name] signs.”
If you give a certificate without a signature, it has no value. Many people give unsigned certificates to members, which is pointless. The reason they are often left unsigned is either because people don’t know who should sign or because they want to avoid any misunderstandings. Therefore, it is better for the agent to sign it on behalf of the Marzbani Group. So, it is better not to give flowers!
Not long ago, we spent about one billion tomans on flowers [Liberation Flowers are given by Mr. Hossein Dezhakam in the Academy Branch of Congress 60, Tehran, to the person who is just liberated from addiction]—780 million tomans in one case and 180 million tomans in another. And this was after sourcing them directly from China! Had we ordered them indirectly, the cost would have reached four billion tomans. You might find this hard to believe—actually, you definitely won’t believe it!
The daily operating cost of Congress 60 is 500 million tomans [10000 dollars]. After calculating, we found that the daily expense for Congress 60 comes to this amount. Essentially, those who achieve the title of Pahlevan (champion) cover the cost of running Congress 60 for one day (laughs). This reminds me of the saying about “two and a half bites left over” that I once shared with you [the Sulaiman’s story mentioned two weeks ago].
But it makes sense when you consider that we have over 200 sports parks. If you divide 500 million by 200, each branch’s share is around 2.5 million tomans per day. Every Congress 60 center has daily expenses of around 2.5 to 3 million tomans, which is why the total adds up to 500 million per day.
So, when I say we spent one billion tomans on flowers, don’t be surprised. Or that the cost of tea was 800 million to 1 billion tomans, and the cost of sugar was 700 million tomans—these things are just normal at this scale.
From now on, on the Guide’s week, [to appreciate the guide’s efforts in the branches], we will no longer give out trophies, statues, or commemorative plaque—none of them. Just write a beautiful text on a certificate of appreciation, express your gratitude, and that will be enough.
In Congress 60, we do not have "downtown" and "uptown" distinctions—we must completely eliminate this mindset. In the hunting ground, we are lions and wolves, yet in the grove, we are at peace. Congress 60 is our grove.
If a woman becomes an agent (the person responsible for all the affairs of a branch) or a Marzban (border guard) in a branch, she cannot act arrogantly or engage in thuggish behavior—those things belong outside of Congress 60. We, each of us, could disrupt an entire police station, let alone a branch (laughs), but here, in Congress 60, we remain peaceful in the grove.
It doesn’t matter whether you claim to be from uptown or downtown—trying to act superior is meaningless, whether in the men's or women's groups. Congress 60 follows the language of logic and rationality.
Since it is Guide’s Week, I have forgiven the Gheidar Companions’ group, and they are now allowed to hold their meetings again. However, all family (Companions) groups everywhere must stay alert.
A Persian idiom reads "The more fruitful a tree, the lower its branches bow." [the more you have, the less you show].
Likewise, the wiser and more knowledgeable a person, the humbler, calmer, and more composed they become. On the other hand, those who lack control make a lot of noise, but Congress 60 cannot be managed through shouting and arrogance.
Another important matter is the formation of the Addiction Science Congress, which officially starts today. One of its main pillars of this congress is Congress 60 itself. We have established numerous awards and provided both financial and scientific support, as we need to connect with universities and scientific communities—because, in reality, we ourselves are an educational institution.
That is why I ask that guides and second-stage travelers attend this event tomorrow. You don’t need to wear white clothing—I don’t want it to be obvious that all attendees are from Congress 60. The same applies to women—dress in normal attire.
The first and second rows should be reserved for researchers, doctors, and academics—our members should not sit there so that these guests have a place.
From today onward, our members can participate in the exhibitions, attend different panel discussions and lectures, and actively engage in the event.
This is a two-day event, and I participate in our panel either, along with Dr. Arvin and Mrs. Ani, who will deliver a speech on genetics. Additionally, Dr. Daneshmand and Mr. William White will contribute—although Mr. White could not attend in person, he has sent his speech, which will be read by Ms. Shani Dezhakam tomorrow.
On Friday, the awards will be presented, so make sure to attend!
All the awards are provided by Dezhakam Publications, and starting today, you can also visit the exhibition booths.
The holy month of Ramadan is approaching, and this year, we will celebrate it for 18 days [since the rest of the Ramadan overlaps with Nowruz holiday and Congress 60 is closed on Nowruz]. Fortunately, Ramadan brings a very positive and transformative atmosphere to Congress 60. Many of our members also gradually increase their fasting percentage leading up to the holy month.
Of course, some say that fasting is recommended, but breaking the fast (eating iftar) is obligatory for everyone (laughs). I’m just joking, but we will strive to make the best arrangements possible for Ramadan.
Ramadan Preparations in Congress 60
• In all branches, the agents and Marzban (border guards) will oversee iftar arrangements and related decisions.
• At the Academy branch, I will personally handle the decisions.
• From now, branches can begin setting up their kitchens. Potatoes and onions are currently 60000 tomans per kilo [1.5 dollars], so keep that in mind!
• As always, God willing, we will prepare our communal pots of food, and with God’s help, everything will come together.
• Branches can start announcing their Ramadan plans from now on.
Everything we provide at Congress 60 must be of the highest quality—whether it’s rice, oil, or other food items. Do not bring low-quality or leftover items.
In the past, when we asked for food materials donations, I am happy that you were not here to eat them, people brought spoiled rice, or infested materials. We made baghali polo [an Iranian dish of rice, fava beans and dill ] with meat, but it turned out as hard as concrete [because of the spoiled materials that the members had given]!
If you are making a donation in the name of God, either do it properly or avoid it, if you want to donate rice, give the best quality one.
• Instead of donating 100 kilos of rice, donate 50 kilos of the best quality rice.
• Instead of donating 10 kilos of oil, give 5 kilos of premium oil.
• Only use the best ingredients.
Guide’s Week is Coming Up
Next week, we will celebrate Guide’s Week, which is truly the production engine of our organization. Our newcomers’ guides are our input [providers], while our guides—marked by their orange shawls—are our operational force.
On this day, members can give gifts to:
• Their Newcomer’s Guide
• Their main Guide
• Their Mentors and Coaches (including those in sports, swimming, rugby, music, etc.)
Guides Are the Driving Force of Congress 60
Guides go through rigorous training, Congress 60 members are rarely accepted in the Guidance Exam. Imagine—from each branch 300 people take the exams, but only 8 to 10 receive the orange shawl. Even among 300 to 400 participants, maybe only 20 will succeed in earning the Newcomers’ pistachio-green shawl. This is what makes their role so valuable.
They serve for free, provide all their guidance for free, cover their own expenses of transportation, and dedicate themselves to helping others. In this week, we honor and appreciate them.
Take a moment to judge for yourself: I've met individuals who entered Congress 60 suffering from severe infections—so extreme that no one could even get close to them [because of the infection]. Others have battled serious illnesses that billions [of dollars] could not cure. Yet, they traveled the DST path and achieved full recovery. On their “liberation from addiction” day, they put a mere 200,000 tomans in an envelope for their guide— if they wanted to cure their disease outside Congress 60, how much were they to pay?
• A person who was paralyzed, unable to walk, needing constant care, now stands on their own two feet, thanks to Congress 60. Even spending millions elsewhere wouldn’t have helped, but here, they achieved recovery. And yet, they think a 50,000-toman note is an appropriate token of appreciation for the guide who devoted a year of their life to their recovery.
You must honor your guide in a way that reflects their worth. Consider this:
• Matthew Perry from Friends spent millions of dollars battling addiction but couldn’t succeed and ultimately ended his own life.
• Many Oscar winners struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, yet despite all their resources, they lost their battles.
• Maradona, the football legend, was deeply trapped in addiction. He tried many ways to get rid of addiction, but he could not. People spent millions trying to save him, but they failed.
But you—you found cure in Congress 60. That’s why this week, it is everyone’s duty to appreciate their guide.
There was a time when, in the depths of withdrawal, we would walk barefoot from here [Tehran] to Karaj just to get heroin. We spent tens of thousands of tomans daily on drugs. But now, after finding freedom and healing, we have to truly show our appreciation for those who guided us. You had to think of the gift a week or a month ago.
This isn’t about those struggling financially. No one is forced to give [gifts]. But those who can afford it—they should give.
• In Congress 60, not a single person receives a salary.
• A guide may help 50, 60, even 100 people recover—all for free.
• As the saying goes, [a quote by Imam Ali, peace be upon him]: If someone teaches me a single word, I become their servant.
• Even in the Qur’an, it states: If you save one person, it is as if you have saved all of humanity (Surah Al-Maede, verse 32).
Congress 60 is a Revivification Society. If you destroy a person, it is as if all the people have been destroyed. When you help someone recover from heroin, opium, or meth, you don’t just save one person—you save an entire family, a mother and father.
These Eyes Must See [everything].
In the holy Quran, it is mentioned "Do they not look at the camels—how they are created?" (the holy Qur'an 88:17), [the holy Quran asks us to look at the phenomena].
Have you ever looked at how the camel was created? In the desert, its wide, skate-like feet without hooves prevent it from sinking into the sand. Have you noticed how its long neck allows it to see far into the distance?
Have they seen how the sky was raised high? Look inward. Look at the guide from within—see what they do and how they move. Despite facing countless struggles and hardships, they dedicate a few days each week to attending Congress 60 or going to the park to help others. By helping, they find satisfaction within themselves and gain energy. God grants them strength, and He will give them everything. But we must learn this for our own sake.
So, during Guide’s Week, strive to perform this duty in the best possible way.
During Guide’s Week, we absolutely do not use live music. None of the Congress 60 branches should bring in live music bands during this week, as it creates problems for us [due to the laws imposed by the gov]. We are trying to steer this ship forward through the storm. The situation may be different in homes or weddings, but in Congress, it is different.
Therefore, we are obliged to respect and follow the regulations. There will be no live music in any of the branches—just play the Congress 60’s anthem, speak, and celebrate.
For the guide’s week celebration refreshment, Congress 60 has allocated 30,000 tomans per person. The Marzbans and agents will handle the costs so that we can have a great week and carry out this event properly.
Once again, from the bottom of my heart, I congratulate all guides and mentors.
Thank you all for listening to my words.
Thank you.
Hello friends, this is Hossein, a traveler.
I want to remind everyone that only those who were my direct students, whether they were students of Jones’s legion (cigarettes smokers), or had addiction issues, are the ones who give me gifts. However, others should not do this. Sometimes, people come and insist, asking to give me gifts, but please don’t do this. There are a thousand excuses to give me a gift—Engineer’s Week, Doctor’s Week, Judge’s Week, Hakim’s day and so on. If you want to give me a gift, please give it to your own guide. If you truly like me, listen to my words, and do not bring gifts to me unnecessarily.
A very important issue that has come up is the matter of the guides, which truly was a masterpiece and something unique for any NGO and for Congress 60. If we did not have guides and these legions, as far as I know, no NGO at the global level has this. It is unique to Congress 60. When we established Congress 60, there was only one branch, which I established in Madi Zadeh Alley, in Revolution Street, with just one session [a week]. At that time, it hadn’t taken shape yet, and during the session, we had some very disorganized and antisocial individuals. For example, when we were curing a person, they took him to the north [of Iran for recreation] and tried to do "cold turkey" treatment, saying, “What is gradual treatment [DST method]? Just cut it off!” Or they would take someone and try to treat them with alcohol at night or create gangs, they had folded down their shoes heel and hold their coats of their elbow. I apologize for using the term "thug and hooligans" but these people would gather in groups. Some Congress 60 members asked me to dismiss these hooligans, I told them if we dismiss them, some others come and take their place. I said this problem will not be resolved using firing and sacking them, because the problem will continue and there were grouped into or three bands and they had gained power, trying to disrupt everything.
We had one branch in that time, and now there are two hundred branches. Even if there are 100,000 branches, nothing will be disrupted. Congress 60 members suggested we expel them, but I said, “Expelling them costs dear, and it's not as simple as that. Even if we expel them, new people will just come in.” I said, “We need to think and come up with a plan to solve this problem once and for ever”.
The first step is to start with thought and structure. After much thinking, I said, “From today, I want to create bands in Congress 60, and I will make the guide the head of these bands”. (laughs) We would create different groups and call them Legions. A guide is someone we designate. To be a guide, one must take the exams, these guides need to have reached liberation from addiction and possess the necessary social, personal, and academic knowledge, and we even conduct interviews with them. We said that from now on, guides will have to take exams. They said, we became addicted to avoid taking exams, now we have to take exams again? I said that this was just a formality—write something on the exam papers and go through with it. And, we did it!
So, we formed groups, but we controlled them in the positive direction, while they controlled [people] in the negative direction. We called these groups "Legions." They said, "We don't have this name in the NGO culture." The head of the NGO is the guide. No one in Congress 60 is allowed to be without a Legion. Everyone must have a guide, under any circumstances. And that's when the process of Congress 60 slowly found its calm. Now, no one can form a gang or group within Congress 60 to cause destruction. In this way, the structure of the Legions and their leaders—the guides—came into being. In my opinion, it was a brilliant and outstanding idea that came to fruition. According to this model, it can be constantly replicated.
We have guides for female group, for male group, we have female legions, male legions. Even sports groups have a Legion and guide, in this way, they become much stronger and more powerful. Each week, the serving legion [one of the legions in a branch] serves people, and this is why the guides and Legions were formed. The head of the Legions is the guide. I mentioned these points all because this week is Guide’s Week, and I want to explain why this system was created.
The issue of greeting in Congress 60 is like the salutation [sending blessings] of the clerics in a mosque. I am telling this point seriously. When the clerics want to attract the attention of the congregation, they say “send blessings [to Prophet Mohammad]” multiple times, which is their way of creating silence before speaking. In Congress 60, when someone says “hello”, it means the speaker seeks silence. Everyone does their part and says, “Hello, friends. I am Hossein, a traveler,” and everyone responds, “Hello, Hossein.” Silence is created, and then the person begins to speak. So, there’s something significant in the greeting itself.
Another thing I want to mention at the end is that when Congress 60 started, mentioning the name of the guide was forbidden. They said that it would be seen as advertising a guide. If someone said, "My guide is Hossein or Hassan," others would object, and it was considered advertising the guide. This was causing conflicts between groups. Every day, we had arguments, with some saying, “Why did you mention the name of your guide? You’re promoting the guide!” I would reply, “Why are you making a fuss? Everyone should say the name of their guide! It’s good to say the name because it shows who their teacher is. If anyone is in a certain situation, they should mention who their guide is.
Why should we not mention the name of the guide?! That’s when it became a rule: Anyone who achieves liberation from addiction must say their guide’s name. This removed the controversy because there was always a fight over whether someone mentioned their guide’s name. Now it’s clear that those who are disciplined are, of course, have good guides. This is why mentioning the guide’s name in Congress 60 during meetings became important and reached the point we are at today.
Looking at all of this—from the formation of Legions and Marzbani [border guards]—there have been many stories and struggles leading up to this point. Now, dear ones, I’ll hand the session over to the secretary, who will express thanks and announce the treasury. I commend all of you to the great God and look forward to seeing you in the upcoming sessions.
Translated by Elahe
_hw6t.png)
https://www.congress60.org/News/387867/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B4%DB%8C-%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86%E2%80%8C%D8%A8%DB%8C%D9%86%DB%8C-%D9%87%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%87-%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%86%D9%85%D8%A7