Unspoken Obstacles on the Path to Bhakti

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ISKCON is a growing society and grapples with many internal problems. Recently, some members have left to join other organizations, splinter groups or babajis. The problems, however, are not due to ISKCON itself or the process that Srila Prabhupada established within it. Like the holy River Yamuna, ISKCON is pure and transcendental, always able to purify and grant devotion. It is a divine vehicle for Lord Caitanya's mercy. Unfortunately, we dump refuse into it and pollute it with our coarse habits and previous conditioning, both gross and subtle. This bookexploressomeoftheseformsofconditioning, andmy hope is that it will stimulate introspection and improvement, individuallyandcollectively.

This is an in-house book for practitioners of bhakti and for leaders within ISKCON. It deals with philosophical and sociological issues. Many of the observations discussed herein may also be applied to other spiritual or devotional organizations. Far from being a complete analysis, only a few topics are discussed since the subject is vast. I am not a sociologist, but I have studied and practiced bhakti-yoga for twenty-six years.

During these years of practicing bhakti-yoga, teaching bhakti- sastras and counseling devotees, I have perceived certain behavioral patterns and conceptions, some of which are damaging to the cultivation of devotion. Pointing them out may be thorny, but there is a constructive purpose in my doing so. Abraham Lincoln once said, "He has a right to criticize who has a heart to help."

Constructive criticism will only be appreciated by the intelligent, who feel relief, hope and faith, because they see truth emerging from darkness, and that is their main concern. Still, I humbly request that you overlook any faults that you may stumble across in the pages to come. If you find any truths, however, please embrace them.