Cross over devotees - Iskcon to Raganuga

Haribol, My name is Priya and I just signed up a couple of days ago. I have been going through these forums reading the different threads and posts to get a feel of the mood here and to also become acquainted with the other members.

I have a simple question. If this is a subject which has been discussed before; please direct me to the thread so I can read about it as I hate to rehash tired and dead discussions.

My question is that from reading here it appears that there are quite a few ex-ISKCON devotees that now practice Raganuga Bhakti. Is this correct or is it my faulty thinking? If correct may I ask why the transformation?

This is just questions of curiosity and not meant to be challenging or offensive. If by asking I have offended anyone please forgive me. It is difficult to express sometimes in writing as it sometimes will look different than meant to look without facial expressions and so on.

Radhe Shyam, Priya --

Welcome onboard and thanks for the first post!



I don't think this topic has ever come up, surprisingly. Thanks for bringing it up.

Your impression is correct, there are quite a few ex-ISKCON and ex-Gaudiya Math devotees here. Many of us first came in touch with Gaudiya Vaishnavism through them, and primarily through ISKCON. Among the Gaudiya branches, they are by far the most widespread ones in the West today. However, many of us began to seek more and more depth for our bhajan, while discovering that many of our questions did not find their answers in the framework of the group from which we initially learned about the tradition.



Just take it easy, people here are not too quick in pointing fingers at anyone for asking questions. I think most of us asked our questions once and drew suspicious and condemning glances for expressing their thoughts. So we know how it is like, and we don't want the same to happen to others. Just be yourself and feel free to express whatever you think, of course within the framework of being polite to everyone. If you don't bring into open your questions and doubts, they aren't likely oing to become resolved on their own.

Thank you so much for your rapid response to my query. I am certain that I will have many more questions as I have only studied Gaudiya Math and Prabhupada's books. It is nice to find a place where I will be able to ask without being smirked at and put down. Thank you.

Someone sent me the book "Krsnahnika Kaumudi" by Srila Kavi-karnapura. Has anyone here read it? I just received it and have not read it yet.

I haven't read it cover to cover, glanced here and there. That must be the edition of Mahanidhi Swami, right? As always, I'd myself prefer to have bilingual editions which include the original text, too, as expressing the original in toto in English is impossible. I have read his edition of Ananda Vrindavan Campu though, and I am personally quite content with the quality of his works.

Krishnahnika Kaumudi is one of the three classical astakaliya-lila granthas, the other two being Govinda Lilamrita and Krishna Bhavanamrita.

Yes, it is the edition of Mahanidhi Swami.

Do you suggest that I should also read Govinda Lilamrita and Krishna Bhavanamrita in adjacent to this one? Are these three books good for someone like me who has little knowledge of Raganuga Bhakti? Or are there other books that would be better?

I also have "Gaudiya Vaisnava" by Mahanidhi Swami. I have not read much of it yet but I find his style of writing quite understandable and suited to my limited understanding.

Hmm... you can also read them, but I suggest you also read something which clarifies the theology of bhakti and Radha-Krishna to have a good foundation for your study.

I recommend you check out Raga Vartma Candrika. http://www.krishnacaitanya.com

You can get GL and KB from Advaitadas if you wish. http://www.madangopal.com

Thank you for the links. I like to read up on things before I ask too many questions. This helps to keep from asking things that are already explained in the writings and also helps in asking intelligent questions.

I noted a typo in my last post. I meant that I have "Gaudiya Vaisnava Samadhis" by Mahanidhi Swami.

At Krishnacaitanya.com there's a 20 page preview of each title in PDF format. Be sure to check them out.



I understood what you meant, I have the book too. Some of the biographical details there are not as accurate as it can get, otherwise a nice work.

You can edit your posts if you wish, there's an edit-button in the top right corner of each post you post.