Why I Left ISKCON and the Challenges of Spiritual Practice
As someone who has had an up-close experience with ISKCON, I would like to share my reasons for leaving the organization, my thoughts on its teachings, and the challenges faced by spiritual practitioners within various religious traditions.
Leaving ISKCON
I left ISKCON because the constant discussions about life and death were too overwhelming. I felt that they should just live in the present, pretending that nothing was going to happen. This, to me, is how real men should live. It's important to enjoy the present moment and not constantly dwell on the past or the future.
Why I Do Not Want to Join ISKCON
Even though I have never officially joined ISKCON and I am 15, I still have concerns about joining. I do not believe that ISKCON is a cult, nor do I think it is inherently bad. However, I do feel that when you worship God without selflessness, when you expect Him to be happy even if you do not have the best life, it is inappropriate for anyone or any organization to control your feelings towards them.
One thing I have heard is that when you understand the universe and the love of God, it is not you who are doing the worship; it is God Himself who is doing it. ISKCON's teachings are excellent, but they do not align with what Lord Krishna made me think of Him and my feelings towards Him. I believe that no single organization can make you a devotee of Lord Krishna and have everyone feel the same way about Him. Hence, I do not think I would accept ISKCON as a part of my love for Lord Krishna.
Challenges and Concerns in Spiritual Practice
Even though I may not join, I do have a lot of respect for ISKCON members. It is not easy to be an ISKCON follower, and I admire those who fulfill this service.
Revering Lord Krishna is commendable, but I find it awkward when ISKCON priests only want me to wear a Krishna tilak and not a Shiva tilak on entering the temple. They seem to think only Krishna can be worshipped, which is a form of discrimination. Lord Buddha, who was also a manifestation of Lord Krishna, was an atheist in the context of ISKCON's teaching. This mindset is a significant issue as there are so many ways to achieve spiritual realization, and every individual's path is different.
Conclusion
While ISKCON has its strengths and convictions, it also faces challenges and criticisms. It is essential to recognize the diversity of spiritual practices and the personal experiences of individuals within these practices. Respect and understanding are crucial when engaging with different religious and cultural groups.