ISKCON experience

Four of us drove a third across the country to this utopic place amongst the hills in west virginia conceived by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. We spent about 2 days there. Some of the things that struck me were -
1) The pleasantness and calmness permeating the campus.
2) Palace of gold - An absolutely exquisite construction by Prabhupada's devotees that express their love to him.
3) The trance like state the chant "Hare krishna..." ,in its various tones and notes, can put you in.
4) Probability of getting brainwashed is very very high.

Being an acceptant of the vedanta philosophy, i knew that i might have to face certain incongruencies with the 'Hare krishna' mission which i was willing to.

Devotees believe:

• Buddha, Jesus were sent to the earth(by krishna) at different times to awaken the people.
• Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 15th century was the reincarnation of Krishna and spread the message that only by chanting "Hare krishna.." can anyone be united with the lord. Without that they have no chance.

There are many many more. The only reason these people believe so is because they are predicted and highlighted in the scriptures. A classic case of intolerance towards any other path.

I understand that a leap of faith demands dispelling all reason and they can be equally right as any one else.

I am not even worthy of introducing any caveats here, but, i would implore people to not give up their ability of free perception, not to become fanatically indoctrinated.

LOVE AND TOLERANCE BE ALL.

*Some people felt that i had wrongly branded ISCKON. I retract any of those statements that might cause discomfort to certain people.*