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When did diversity embarrass Hinduism? Even Gaudiya Vaishnavism has its own schisms.ISKCON is supposed to be Gaudiya Vaishnavism so how does it differ from other schools of Hinduism? To me they're like the embarrassing sibling in the Hindu family
They're more Abrahamic in nature. At least the Western converts usually are. They also are very fervent in prostelysizing, something Hindus don't really care for. Of course this is usually more prevelant in Western converts. They are more monotheistic in nature, viewing Krishna as the ultimate source but often without the "rest of the hierarchy." Therefore they stick to their own specific Kirshna only brand of temples.
But again I must stress this might vary from practitioner to practitioner.
I tend to get along better with "Eastern" Hare Krishnas than their Western counterparts, generally speaking of course.
I suppose like everything it has its positives and negatives, many reliant upon the individual, not necessarily reflective of the entire group.
Well, they come, bow to the deity. That done, how can one ignore prasadam/blessings? It will be considered a slight to the deity. It is not they are looking for free food. They donate to the temple chest. Moreover, eating prasada with friends and family is double delight. Thankful that deity makes it happen. That is the take.Also, I suppose ISKCON temples often are the only Hindu temples in parts of the world regions where there is no Hindu majority. In the temple I attend in Germany, most Indians come only for the prasadam.
Well, they come, bow to the deity. That done, how can one ignore prasadam/blessings? It will be considered a slight to the deity. It is not they are looking for free food. They donate to the temple chest. Moreover, eating prasada with friends and family is double delight. Thankful that deity makes it happen. That is the take.
They are not embarrassing but they have a cultish fervour that strikes "mainstream" Hindus as rather strange.ISKCON is supposed to be Gaudiya Vaishnavism so how does it differ from other schools of Hinduism? To me they're like the embarrassing sibling in the Hindu family
That is not obligatory. It is between the deity and the worshiper. When the worshiper is before the deity, he/she talks to the deity and they have their equation. It is not like Namaz or Sunday sermons.Of course, you are right, dear @Aupmanyav . However, I can't help but noticing that there are relatively few Indians actually attending the kirtan and lecture, and if they attend, many bow down to the guru respectfully and then leave quietly after a couple of minutes. It may be my subjective interpretation but I always had the feeling they might think ISKCON preaching is not suitable for them. However, maybe it's just my "Christian" expectation that you don't leave the sanctuary in the middle of the "sermon".
That is not obligatory. It is between the deity and the worshiper. When the worshiper is before the deity, he/she talks to the deity and they have their equation. It is not like Namaz or Sunday sermons..
An ordinary Indian Hindu Vaishnav will be a family man/woman, with an idol of Krishna and Radha in the house altar room. He/She will offer a daily puja in the morning and in the evening, nothing extravagant, just a simple and sincere ritual. Once a month/quarter the family may arrange a sat-sand with gita recitation in the house or go to one big event of that kind in the neighborhood. At the big events (birth-day of krishna etc.) they will go to a big temple or arrange a big puja at the house. In all other aspects they will lead an ordinary mainstream life, be an average Joe and Jane of society. They will probably be vegetarian in diet , though that is not much of a stand out thing in India.ISKCON is supposed to be Gaudiya Vaishnavism so how does it differ from other schools of Hinduism? To me they're like the embarrassing sibling in the Hindu family
ISKCON is for the masses who do not have the need to genuinely understand Reality. The Mainstream Hinduism lies in Advaita Vedanta but God exists.ISKCON is supposed to be Gaudiya Vaishnavism so how does it differ from other schools of Hinduism? To me they're like the embarrassing sibling in the Hindu family
Advaita Vedanta is pretty common, and traditional, but I wouldn't call it mainstream. To me, there is no such thing as mainstream Hinduism. I don't think it's accurate to have one school in 10 000 schools considered the mainstream one.ISKCON is for the masses who do not have the need to genuinely understand Reality. The Mainstream Hinduism lies in Advaita Vedanta but God exists.
ISKCON is supposed to be Gaudiya Vaishnavism so how does it differ from other schools of Hinduism? To me they're like the embarrassing sibling in the Hindu family
If I had to put it in one sentence, I'd say that ISKCON devotees preach and proselytize and want to turn you into an ISKCON devotee, whereas most traditions in Hinduism don't seek to make converts. However, being a "convert" myself in a non-Hindu land, I obviously cannot speak for the majority in Hinduism, so please correct me if I am wrong.
It seems every single comment or conversation is just a quote from the Guru and not much else. It reminds me of the proselytizers on here who do the same. It's annoying to be sure, but mostly you have to look past that (because it's often just an immature attitude of an individual) and deeper into the actual philosophy.
That is sure a winner. The same goes for the temples. Any temple is better than no temple.I attend ISKCON Sunday feasts because I think "flawed" krishna-katha is still better than no krishna-katha.