I have known Svāmījī since he took sannyāsa and have followed his lectures over the years. What has always struck me is that he is both a genuine sādhu, grounded in humility, austerity and devotional learning, and a true intellectual in tune with modern society and theology. Following his honest reflections from Harvard on social media, I felt how being stripped of the teacher's role to become a student again transformed his teaching style, more conversational and in dialogue with history, philosophy and the modern world, without ever diluting the fundamental teachings of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism he professes. For those of us who have watched his journey from the early āśrama to academia and back, this book is a beautiful joining of the dots.
Thankyou for sharing your integrated journey of spirituality and academia with the introduction to your next book. How uplifting, energising and very admirable. Looking forward to reading the rest. Thankyou for walking the talk, sharing wisdom that breathes with the world and sharing your experiences with such honesty.The world is very lucky to have such an amazing soul to guide them.
It’s simply wonderful and awesome to read you. How you put all your feelings and emotions into words just amazing. We are truly blessed to interact with you. Thank you dear Maharaj for being such an inspiration 🙏❤️
Amazing reflections and inspiration in all you share with us. I greatly admire the many services you offer Srila Prabhupada and Our Lordships.. which included the hundreds of thousands of lives that are touched by your wisdom and dedication.
Hare Krishna🙏🏽🙇♀️❤️ One of my prayer s is that you find a little space for conversation with lowly souls like me who follow you and are inspired to do more. Yet we still fall short.
I am still discovering Krishna consciouness. Here for trying, questioning and understanding. Without judgment, posing facts reflections to improve my conditioning and my experience into this spiritual journey.
I have visited a couple of Temple, in the Morning class we start reading The Ten Offences to the Holy Name
1) To offend those who have dedicated their lives to propagating the holy name of the Lord.
2) To consider the names of demigods like Lord Shiva or Lord Brahma to be equal to or independent of the name of Lord Vishnu.
3) To disobey the orders of the spiritual master.
My questions are :
a) Isn’t everybody a devotee?
I discovered ISKCON about a year ago, and to be honest, I feel that this place has mostly been lowering my vibration instead of raising it. It has been a year of hearing the same repetitive speech...
I find it quite depressing to put an etiquette on who is a devotee and who is not.
If one is seeking spirituality, but pointing out that Krishna devotees are superior in religious matters and that we should only associate with Krishna devotees, isn’t that also an offense? It is written “the devotees who have dedicated their lives” and “the holy name of the Lord.” I, personally, read through this that “Allah,” “Yahweh,” are also holy names of the Lord. Who knows, maybe some of their souls used to be strong Krishna devotees in a previous life, and came here to spread the holy name in a different way. Isn’t that why there is the principle of samsara?
Therefore, we cannot know, so shouldn’t we be more open and aware of this? Maybe some souls dedicated their previous lives to helping spread the holy name.
If we concentrate on the soul, why keep everything so material? Who are we to start judging that Krishna devotees have higher consciousness only because they are part of ISKCON?
Maybe some souls have already found liberation. Maybe some souls came back to Earth with a purpose. On my journey on Earth, I feel blessed that I have met many beautiful souls that have so much to teach me, who are conscious and wise. Some are atheist, some are Muslim, some are pagan, Mormon, etc. So personally, I find that there are a lot of offenses happening.
George Harrison said that “KRISHNA is GOD, the Source of all that exists, the Cause of all that is, was, or ever will be.
As GOD is unlimited HE has many Names.
Allah-Buddha-Jehova-Rama: All are KRISHNA, all are ONE.”
b) It is said at the same time “to be equal to or independent of.”
Independent definition: Not depending upon the authority of another (cf. Oxford English Dictionary).
Dependent definition: That depends on something else, having its... A person who depends on another for support (cf. Oxford English Dictionary).
Shiva is considered to be the best devotee, so in his own way, the soul of Shiva is dedicated to propagating the holy name of the Lord. However, I have been told by many ISKCON devotees that this is not really a good energy... Isn’t it an offense? Shiva depends on Krishna, like two friends. They both coexist and are here for a reason. Like milk and yogurt...
Without the first approach of Shiva and Kali, I would never have become interested in Krishna.
c) Aren’t we supposed to commit ourselves to spiritual advancement: to reflect, question, and raise our consciousness to something higher? Isn’t that the meaning of spiritual advancement?
I witness that cows hold plastic necklaces instead of flower necklaces. Now I understand why the Earth, Bhūmi, is full of plastic. Why does no one think of her?
d) In the principle of “I am a soul that comes to Earth,” did anyone think of Krishna, the day his soul will come back to Earth, since he will be a human like all of us? I find it quite impersonal. Aren’t we supposed to create a personal relationship with Him? Why remain so impersonal?
e) In the learning subject, I also feel that this is mostly open to humans with a typical way of functioning. We all have our own conditioning, but we also all have our own ways of functioning. I find this organization still behind for people who have a different way of learning. Unfortunately, I cannot say it is open to everybody:
Some of us have an atypical way of learning, and it appears that we do not have the same access. For instance, I found it quite complicated to do my 16 rounds, but instead of understanding why, I was only told that I am not ready. Who are we to project onto other people’s lives? I would rather start focusing and meditating on the first three offences all day long, to integrate them. I would rather focus on one or two rounds each day than force myself to do 16 but forget my soul essence. It doesn’t mean I do not have the potential to access the learning. Unfortunately, it has been that way so far. Isn’t it a school for the soul?
Next time, I will pretend I am doing my 16 rounds. I feel that I should start putting on a mask rather than being authentic to have access to more in-depth learning and true connection.
I can see that ISKCON is here to propagate spirituality, but I have mostly found, for one year, conditioned souls there who repeat the same thing every day. I find it quite sad. Personally, I start feeling sorry about this, and that is the reason why I have stopped attempting the morning class when I visit the temple.
Isn’t it a personal journey to reconnect with Krishna, and doesn’t everybody have their own relationship with Krishna? I don’t feel that my soul’s relationship with Krishna is being considered. Rather, I feel that through ISKCON, as much as people are kind and lovely, they are only trying, unconsciously, to condition my soul. And it is not the reason why I came. This remains far too impersonal for me at the moment.
At the end of the day, I don’t know. I am truly questioning myself.
Is there another school, other than ISKCON, where I could have the same access to learning that is more adaptable or shall I keep rely on myself?
Can't wait to read your book Maharaj! Thank you for giving us a taste of it with the introduction. I especailly love that your papers are also included alongside your experience so we can get a sense of what you were contemplating.
It was so comforting to me knowing you were here in the US for all that time. What a blessing to have you here and to see you sharing Krishna Consciousness in a loving and relatable way. Many, many thanks. Please come back!! 😊
I have known Svāmījī since he took sannyāsa and have followed his lectures over the years. What has always struck me is that he is both a genuine sādhu, grounded in humility, austerity and devotional learning, and a true intellectual in tune with modern society and theology. Following his honest reflections from Harvard on social media, I felt how being stripped of the teacher's role to become a student again transformed his teaching style, more conversational and in dialogue with history, philosophy and the modern world, without ever diluting the fundamental teachings of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism he professes. For those of us who have watched his journey from the early āśrama to academia and back, this book is a beautiful joining of the dots.
Cannot wait to get this book Swamiji 🌼
Thankyou for sharing your integrated journey of spirituality and academia with the introduction to your next book. How uplifting, energising and very admirable. Looking forward to reading the rest. Thankyou for walking the talk, sharing wisdom that breathes with the world and sharing your experiences with such honesty.The world is very lucky to have such an amazing soul to guide them.
Hare Krishna🙏❤️🙏
Can't wait to read this!
It’s simply wonderful and awesome to read you. How you put all your feelings and emotions into words just amazing. We are truly blessed to interact with you. Thank you dear Maharaj for being such an inspiration 🙏❤️
Amazing reflections and inspiration in all you share with us. I greatly admire the many services you offer Srila Prabhupada and Our Lordships.. which included the hundreds of thousands of lives that are touched by your wisdom and dedication.
Hare Krishna🙏🏽🙇♀️❤️ One of my prayer s is that you find a little space for conversation with lowly souls like me who follow you and are inspired to do more. Yet we still fall short.
Be well and remember those who also try🙏🏽🙇♀️❤️
Hare Krishna Maharaj
Congratulations!!! We should definitely read that book. Always learn a lot from your personal realizations and experiences. Thank you Maharaj
I am still discovering Krishna consciouness. Here for trying, questioning and understanding. Without judgment, posing facts reflections to improve my conditioning and my experience into this spiritual journey.
I have visited a couple of Temple, in the Morning class we start reading The Ten Offences to the Holy Name
1) To offend those who have dedicated their lives to propagating the holy name of the Lord.
2) To consider the names of demigods like Lord Shiva or Lord Brahma to be equal to or independent of the name of Lord Vishnu.
3) To disobey the orders of the spiritual master.
My questions are :
a) Isn’t everybody a devotee?
I discovered ISKCON about a year ago, and to be honest, I feel that this place has mostly been lowering my vibration instead of raising it. It has been a year of hearing the same repetitive speech...
I find it quite depressing to put an etiquette on who is a devotee and who is not.
If one is seeking spirituality, but pointing out that Krishna devotees are superior in religious matters and that we should only associate with Krishna devotees, isn’t that also an offense? It is written “the devotees who have dedicated their lives” and “the holy name of the Lord.” I, personally, read through this that “Allah,” “Yahweh,” are also holy names of the Lord. Who knows, maybe some of their souls used to be strong Krishna devotees in a previous life, and came here to spread the holy name in a different way. Isn’t that why there is the principle of samsara?
Therefore, we cannot know, so shouldn’t we be more open and aware of this? Maybe some souls dedicated their previous lives to helping spread the holy name.
If we concentrate on the soul, why keep everything so material? Who are we to start judging that Krishna devotees have higher consciousness only because they are part of ISKCON?
Maybe some souls have already found liberation. Maybe some souls came back to Earth with a purpose. On my journey on Earth, I feel blessed that I have met many beautiful souls that have so much to teach me, who are conscious and wise. Some are atheist, some are Muslim, some are pagan, Mormon, etc. So personally, I find that there are a lot of offenses happening.
George Harrison said that “KRISHNA is GOD, the Source of all that exists, the Cause of all that is, was, or ever will be.
As GOD is unlimited HE has many Names.
Allah-Buddha-Jehova-Rama: All are KRISHNA, all are ONE.”
b) It is said at the same time “to be equal to or independent of.”
Independent definition: Not depending upon the authority of another (cf. Oxford English Dictionary).
Dependent definition: That depends on something else, having its... A person who depends on another for support (cf. Oxford English Dictionary).
Shiva is considered to be the best devotee, so in his own way, the soul of Shiva is dedicated to propagating the holy name of the Lord. However, I have been told by many ISKCON devotees that this is not really a good energy... Isn’t it an offense? Shiva depends on Krishna, like two friends. They both coexist and are here for a reason. Like milk and yogurt...
Without the first approach of Shiva and Kali, I would never have become interested in Krishna.
c) Aren’t we supposed to commit ourselves to spiritual advancement: to reflect, question, and raise our consciousness to something higher? Isn’t that the meaning of spiritual advancement?
I witness that cows hold plastic necklaces instead of flower necklaces. Now I understand why the Earth, Bhūmi, is full of plastic. Why does no one think of her?
d) In the principle of “I am a soul that comes to Earth,” did anyone think of Krishna, the day his soul will come back to Earth, since he will be a human like all of us? I find it quite impersonal. Aren’t we supposed to create a personal relationship with Him? Why remain so impersonal?
e) In the learning subject, I also feel that this is mostly open to humans with a typical way of functioning. We all have our own conditioning, but we also all have our own ways of functioning. I find this organization still behind for people who have a different way of learning. Unfortunately, I cannot say it is open to everybody:
Some of us have an atypical way of learning, and it appears that we do not have the same access. For instance, I found it quite complicated to do my 16 rounds, but instead of understanding why, I was only told that I am not ready. Who are we to project onto other people’s lives? I would rather start focusing and meditating on the first three offences all day long, to integrate them. I would rather focus on one or two rounds each day than force myself to do 16 but forget my soul essence. It doesn’t mean I do not have the potential to access the learning. Unfortunately, it has been that way so far. Isn’t it a school for the soul?
Next time, I will pretend I am doing my 16 rounds. I feel that I should start putting on a mask rather than being authentic to have access to more in-depth learning and true connection.
I can see that ISKCON is here to propagate spirituality, but I have mostly found, for one year, conditioned souls there who repeat the same thing every day. I find it quite sad. Personally, I start feeling sorry about this, and that is the reason why I have stopped attempting the morning class when I visit the temple.
Isn’t it a personal journey to reconnect with Krishna, and doesn’t everybody have their own relationship with Krishna? I don’t feel that my soul’s relationship with Krishna is being considered. Rather, I feel that through ISKCON, as much as people are kind and lovely, they are only trying, unconsciously, to condition my soul. And it is not the reason why I came. This remains far too impersonal for me at the moment.
At the end of the day, I don’t know. I am truly questioning myself.
Is there another school, other than ISKCON, where I could have the same access to learning that is more adaptable or shall I keep rely on myself?
Can't wait to read your book Maharaj! Thank you for giving us a taste of it with the introduction. I especailly love that your papers are also included alongside your experience so we can get a sense of what you were contemplating.
It was so comforting to me knowing you were here in the US for all that time. What a blessing to have you here and to see you sharing Krishna Consciousness in a loving and relatable way. Many, many thanks. Please come back!! 😊