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By Gauri dasa President, Bhaktivedanta Manor

Many ISKCON projects around the world have chosen to be identified as part of Hinduism. There are, no doubt, many reasons for doing so, perhaps even necessity. However, this choice in effect has outraged other devotees globally who have now coined a derogatory term, “the Hindufication of ISKCON”. Concerns, opinions and upset are being conveyed internationally and openly by electronic mail and websites.

In opposition to the Hindu identity, quotes from Srila Prabhupada’s books, lectures, letters and conversations are being stacked up to the roof. Undeniably, Srila Prabhupada clearly stated on many occasions that we are not Hindus, nor are we spreading Hindu religion. A new bhakta, after having read “the Science of Self Realization”, will understand this point. But still temples are identifying themselves as Hindu; even our ISKCON Communications interfaith statement says we are part of the greater Hindu tradition.

As temperatures rise and the debate intensifies, relations are being strained, our movement is disempowered, and we are confusing everyone. We are portraying ourselves as a confused society with little or no authority. What is Hare Krishna, if not an authentic indigenous faith tradition of India, which both scholars and common people refer to in their terms of reference as “Hindu”?

Through examining Srila Prabhupada’s statements and the contexts in which they exist, we hope to take this conflict by the horns and attempt to give a progressive understanding that will reconcile all our views, sharpen our determination, and empower our devotees to make a concentrated global impact.

Gauri dasa President, Bhaktivedanta Manor

( See his power point presentation below )

Merudevi Dasi: The ICELT meeting in Radhadesh also had a session with this topic. You might find it a useful in preparing for the ELM. Here is a link to the meeting where you can find the presentation ‘Am I a Hindu?; yes, no, when it suits me.’:

http://www.iskcon.com/audio/hindu.mp3

Bh Rembert (PhD student) wrote a blurb for his presentation:

“Most outsiders have no difficulty placing ISKCON on a religious map. To them we are clearly a Hindu movement, and represent an orthodox devotional Hindu school. We follow Hindu principles, practice Hindu rituals, have Hindu beliefs, and study Hindu scriptures. Hence, we are Hindus. Nevertheless many ISKCON devotees often claim the opposite. Statements such as “ISKCON has nothing to do with Hinduism” are often heard. At the same time, in some circumstances ISKCON devotees claim to represent Hinduism and be genuine Hindus. This attitude has confused many congregational members (as well as fully committed devotees), has angered Hindus worldwide and caused many to perceive ISKCON devotees as opportunists. In this session I do not aim to look at the managerial side of the issue, but rather to take a step back and ask what the consequences of either position are.”

Your servant,

Merudevi Dasi

To view the following presentation in full screen click here