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Re: Discussion: What are Hare Krishnas
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To: alt-hindu@uunet.uu.net
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Subject: Re: Discussion: What are Hare Krishnas
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From: HGroover@Qualitas.com (Henry Groover)
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Date: Fri, 18 Aug 95 14:19:59 GMT
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Distribution: world
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From news@news1.digex.net Fri Aug 18 10: 07:55 1995
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Newsgroups: alt.hindu
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Organization: Express Access Online Communications, USA
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References: <410si8$rn4@babbage.ece.uc.edu>
betul@astro.ocis.temple.edu (Rajiv Pant ( Betul )) wrote:
[*snip*]
>After I came here, I saw people paint a slightly different picture. I
>heard names like ISKON. Particularily, in real life as well as on the
>net, I heard a lot of negative things about them -- drugs, cult, try to
>convert everyone ... etc.
>
>Could somebody please tell more about what the Hare Krishna movement
>really is about ? Is there one such movement or are there various such
>distinct movements ?
>
>Finally, do they consider themselves "Hindu", or related to "Ancient
>Indian Culture" in some ways ?
>
>Thanks,
>______________________________________________________________
> Rajiv Pant (Betul) http://www.temple.edu/~betul
ISKCON is an acronym for "International Society for Krishna Consciousness"
and was begun in the U.S. in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Since his departure from this world in 1977, some of his followers have
started other organizations. The only one I know of that adheres strictly
to GauDIya Vaishnavism is the Gaudiya Vaishnava Society, based in Oregon.
I have been associated with ISKCON since 1976. Like any ascetic
movement, it has attracted its share of people who "don't fit in"
to society at large. Initially this was the hippie generation.
Over the years some people have joined who either turned out to
be psychotic or engaged in criminal activities. The activities
of these few have been used to paint the large numbers of us who
are decent people ;-) in the most negative manner possible, overlooking
the large numbers whose lives were literally picked up from the
gutter and brought to a sattvic and peaceful lifestyle.
Another thing that people (not just in America) object to is being
preached to in an aggressive and condescending manner ("accept
the word of God or you'll burn in HELL!!!") I have seen some
zealous proselytizing (probably done some myself) but over
the years I feel that I have matured considerably, and have seen the
society do so as well.
When asked my religion, I generally say that I am a Hindu Vaishnava
(yes, I know Hindu is a misnomer, but not everyone understands what
sanAtana-dharma is and I don't insist on explaining more than I
have to). Perhaps one day the media will lose some of its power
to create negative and inflammatory public opinion; I believe that
will only come about when people choose to learn the truth for
themselves.
I hope this personal perspective is helpful.
Jaya Shri Krishna.
Agrahya das
(Henry Groover)
