Why Do Some Devotees LeaveISKCON and Embrace Mayavada Philosophy?

ISKCON, or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, draws inspiration from ancient Hindu scriptures, but it has garnered opposition and controversy over the years. A notable example of this opposition is the leave-taking of some devotees who convert their allegiance from ISKCON to Mayavada philosophy. In this article, we explore the reasons behind this shift, examining both the nature of ISKCON and the allure of Mayavada.

Basics of ISKCON and Mayavada

ISKCON, rooted in Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Vaishnava tradition, emphasizes devotion (bhakti) and spiritual practice aimed at personal enlightenment and the realization of the divine. On the other hand, Mayavada philosophy is associated with the Advaita Vedanta school, which posits a non-dualistic nature of reality.

Transition from ISKCON to Mayavada

Some ISKCON devotees may leave the traditionalistic approach of ISKCON for a number of reasons. One key factor is the style and approach of ISKCON, which can be seen as somewhat similar to Christian missionary work. By centering on the teachings of Lord Krishna and promoting a strict path of devotion, ISKCON often becomes business-minded, which can be off-putting to some followers. The commentary in the ISKCON version of the Bhagavad Gita has also been criticized for mistakes and misleading interpretations, some argue that it does not represent authentic Hinduism.

Another factor is the inherent desire for spiritual exploration. Many ISKCON devotees crave a deeper understanding of spirituality, which may lead them to explore different philosophical schools. They might find that the Mayavada philosophy’s metaphysical interpretation of Bhagavad Gita resonates more with their philosophical aspirations.

Moving Between Philosophical Paths

Practically, individuals can move between different philosophies and spiritual traditions for various reasons. These include realizing the limitations of their current path and discovering the benefits of another, or finding their bhakti (devotion) less stable and in need of strengthening.

Realizing Limitations and Embracing Another Path

One can become dissatisfied with their current spiritual path and find another taught by different philosophical traditions to be more satisfying. For instance, explaining through a personal experience, an ISKCON devotee may find the Tattvavada philosophy to be more spiritually fulfilling after some dissatisfaction with ISKCON. This dissatisfaction often stems from a perceived lack of authenticity or a more rigid or dogmatic approach.

Stability of Bhakti and Spiritual Practice

Another critical factor is the stability of bhakti. Devotees who are not strongly rooted in their devotion may rely more on external factors such as arguments, rival sampradaaya proselytization, or popular opinion to maintain their spiritual path. Lack of a stable foundation can lead to spiritual drift and occasional changes in allegiance.

A Case in Point - Shri Tulsidas and Shri Surdas

A famous story involves Shri Tulsidas, who, despite being a deeply devoted follower of Lord Rama, was moved by the divine love expressed by Shri Surdas, a great devotee of Lord Krishna. This story underscores the power of devotional practice and the importance of spiritual stability. Even renowned devotees can be influenced by encounters with other devotees of different deities.

Shri Tulsidas ji's bhakti towards Lord Rama serves as an example of strong and firm devotion. For individuals who lack such stability, consistent engagement in bhajans (devotional songs), chanting, and other spiritual practices can help strengthen their devotion and bhakti.

Ultimately, the decision to leave ISKCON for Mayavada philosophy is multifaceted and varies from individual to individual. While the transition can often be attributed to dissatisfaction with the current path or an attraction to a more nuanced or philosophical understanding of spirituality, the spiritual journey remains a deeply personal and multifaceted experience.

For those interested in exploring further, it is important to approach ISKCON and Mayavada philosophy with an open mind and a willingness to critically examine the underlying teachings and their practical applications in spiritual practice.