Gaudiya Repercussions: Statement of Purpose

We are a group of former Gaudiya Vaishnavas from various groups who met on related forums. We came to realize that our needs were unique as former members of Vaishnava groups, and could not be fully met in a forum designed for people who are currently practicing that faith. We could not find any place that met that need, so we decided to create a space that could truly accommodate our diversity of experience and beliefs.

Gaudiya Repercussions--the name--began as a joke that we realized was actually an apt title. We envision it primarily as a place for us to examine the impact of Gaudiya Vaishnavism on our lives, reconnect with old friends, and share our current beliefs.

We recognize that each of us may have found different answers in our ongoing quest for spiritual meaning, including atheism or agnosticism, other religions, or perhaps quietly practicing some of what we learned in our own way, without a group affiliation. Any of these choices is accepted here and we wish to share our observations with others who understand where we came from. Interfaith discussion is the heart and soul of Gaudiya Repercussions.

Gaudiya Repercussions also invites others who are interested in interfaith discussions, including Gaudiya Vaishnavas who are open to respectful discussion with nonbelievers. However, you should keep in mind that the primary audience of Gaudiya Repercussions consists of those who no longer accept most or all of your beliefs and that we may not follow your rules here. We also ask you to consider your spiritual welfare when determining your level of participation. It is not our desire to injure your faith or interfere with your sadhana. Neither should you interfere with our spiritual choices.

Ultimately, a deep respect for the rights of others to determine their own beliefs is the heart and soul of Gaudiya Repercussions, and it is the responsibility of each member to maintain that attitude of respect. Most of us have been judged in the past for our beliefs, both when we came to Gaudiya Vaishnavism and when we left. We don't want to replicate that experience here.

We also plan to have fun, support each other in establishing prosperity and health, meeting the challenges of life in the mainstream, and discuss any other subjects that occur to us along the way.

Rules of Conduct

1.)A tone of civility and mutual respect shall predominate, especially when discussing different spiritual beliefs. Sarcasm should not be used in a demeaning way towards another member. Please observe general netiquette here.

2.) Do not bring Vaishnava group or guru conflicts to Gaudiya Repercussions. For places to debate questions of legitimate lineage, methodology, authenticity, or effectiveness in preaching or practice, please look under "Gaudiya Vaishnavism Today" for links.

3.) Do not bring long topics of ISKCON reform to Gaudiya Repercussions. Mentions of ISKCON are natural to our history, news of ISKCON is also of interest to many. We think that extensive discussion of reforming ISKCON is a topic better suited to current ISKCON members, please look in "Gaudiya Vaishnavism Today" for links to such resources.

4.) Discussing one's experiences under various Vaishnava gurus respectfully (using "I messages") is fine, as long as it is done with consideration for those who continue to revere those same gurus.

5.) Citing "Vaishnava aparadha" as a reason to shut down a discussion is not acceptable. As long as the discussion is along the lines of the Rules of Conduct, it is allowed and one may not invoke this Gaudiya Vaishnava rule at Gaudiya Repercussions.

6.) Open proselytizing is not appropriate here.

7.) Vulgar language, along with sexual or violent images, are not allowed. Sex, however, may be a topic of discussion as a general issue. Please use PG rated terminology.

8.) Sexual propositions are out of place at Gaudiya Repercussions and are grounds for being banned or having your account deleted. The gender of the parties involved is not an issue--everyone should feel secure from unwanted attentions.

9.) Threats of violence or other retaliation are forbidden and grounds for immediate deletion of your account.

10.) Creating multiple accounts and personas is not allowed. Please stick with your initial member name. If there is a pressing reason to change it, discuss it with a moderator.

11.)Publicly arguing with a moderator warning or ruling.

12.) We caution you not to share specific information that will lead people to guess the city you live in. In a publicly accessible forum anyone can read such information and might compromise your personal safety. For location, we don't ask for more than your country. Revealing your legal name is also not required. Be cautious about sharing details with other members until you get to know them better.

Our rules were created with the goal of encouraging open, honest, and respectful discourse. We reserve the right to apply disciplinary warnings for behaviors that we have not thought to list here but which disturb other members.


New members are advised to read the new member orientation topic and to fill out their bios in order to obtain full posting privileges. Send a PM to the moderators when your bio is filled out. We've had to take steps to limit spammers and trolls. Any new account with a one or two word bio repeating the user name will be deleted--these have proven to be bogus accounts in the past.