Invited to small devotee gatherings, Advice? Options

[Dhyana]

I got a phone call at home from the GBC of our country, who had barely spoken to me before (despite my serving faithfully for so many years). He tactfully opened with the words, "They're saying you joined Narayan Maharaj." Hmmm. Of course, he couldn't define who the mysterious "they" were. Another few months went by, then our temple chairman calls at the crack of dawn to ask me a "few questions." Had flashbacks of the Gestapo.

I know it's off topic, but I just wanted to write it somewhere: I actually wrote a letter to our GBC about my leaving, so that he hears it from me first since I feel some connection to him -- doing personal service, and chatting a lot, and he also knows my husband well... and guess what? He did not even think it important enough to answer. So much for a personal religion

WHAT?? Oh my. The GBC should have been impressed to have (or have had) a person of such integrity and willing to communicate, among his flock. And he doesn't even reply. Fy fan, as Swedes say. Shame!

[amberline]

WHAT?? Oh my. The GBC should have been impressed to have (or have had) a person of such integrity and willing to communicate, among his flock. And he doesn't even reply. Fy fan, as Swedes say. Shame!

Was that sarcasm, Dhyana? I hope I did not deserve it by sounding conceited
I didn't mean that I am so important the GBC should be impressed by my leaving. I am simply surprised that he makes a big deal about the silliest gossips, but when a steady, long-time member whom he personally knows decides to leave -- and largely due to a situation which it was his job to fix -- then he is suddenly left speechless.

(Anyway, this has nothing to do with small devotee gatherings, so I apologize to zvs for appropriating his topic for personal ego-trips.)

[zanardi]

Usage of the term "they" is always handy.

"They're saying you joined Narayan Maharaj." Hmmm. Of course, he couldn't define who the mysterious "they" were.

The only thing missing is the theme music from x-files. The truth is out there and they know it. They know everything.

[tulasi]

Usage of the term "they" is always handy.

"They're saying you joined Narayan Maharaj." Hmmm. Of course, he couldn't define who the mysterious "they" were.

The only thing missing is the theme music from x-files. The truth is out there and they know it. They know everything.

tee hee

[Dhyana]

WHAT?? Oh my. The GBC should have been impressed to have (or have had) a person of such integrity and willing to communicate, among his flock. And he doesn't even reply. Fy fan, as Swedes say. Shame!

Was that sarcasm, Dhyana? I hope I did not deserve it by sounding conceited
I didn't mean that I am so important the GBC should be impressed by my leaving. I am simply surprised that he makes a big deal about the silliest gossips, but when a steady, long-time member whom he personally knows decides to leave -- and largely due to a situation which it was his job to fix -- then he is suddenly left speechless.

(Anyway, this has nothing to do with small devotee gatherings, so I apologize to zvs for appropriating his topic for personal ego-trips.)

No sarcasm was intended, I do think a GBC worth his salt should have taken your letter very seriously. Especially one who knew you personally. But even if not. You as an individual may not have been any central important figure, but how will the GBC ever find out where they fail if they do not listen to those leaving? And far from everyone tells them openly why they are leaving.

[zvs]

I know it's off topic, but I just wanted to write it somewhere: I actually wrote a letter to our GBC about my leaving, so that he hears it from me first since I feel some connection to him -- doing personal service, and chatting a lot, and he also knows my husband well... and guess what? He did not even think it important enough to answer. So much for a personal religion

When I left, I sent my guru a personal letter about it. And I never heard back from that, either.

[amberline]

When I left, I sent my guru a personal letter about it. And I never heard back from that, either.

Geez, I can't believe it Your own guru didn't think it worthwhile to, at the very least, say goodbye? That is so wrong! If nothing else, should he not have been concerned about your eternal soul and the fact you were heading for one of the many hellish destinations? Perhaps they don't believe so themselves. Or, perhaps, they are just too used to it happening. I once heard that some 90% of people drop out every ten years.

[Gerard]

When I left, I sent my guru a personal letter about it. And I never heard back from that, either.

Geez, I can't believe it Your own guru didn't think it worthwhile to, at the very least, say goodbye? That is so wrong! If nothing else, should he not have been concerned about your eternal soul and the fact you were heading for one of the many hellish destinations? Perhaps they don't believe so themselves. Or, perhaps, they are just too used to it happening. I once heard that some 90% of people drop out every ten years.

Of Prabhupad's disciples about 95 % dropped out.

[zanardi]

I know it's off topic, but I just wanted to write it somewhere: I actually wrote a letter to our GBC about my leaving, so that he hears it from me first since I feel some connection to him -- doing personal service, and chatting a lot, and he also knows my husband well... and guess what? He did not even think it important enough to answer. So much for a personal religion

When I left, I sent my guru a personal letter about it. And I never heard back from that, either.

Before my wife left Iskcon, she sent a letter to her guru and practically begged for answers to some of her doubts. I suppose that letter went to the same address as yours, zvs....

[amberline]

The answer I got to my doubts (the very same which finally led me to leaving) was "You should have outgrown that by now."
Oh, and then, when I said I was through with ISKCon (and KCon), I got a "How did that come about?"

[Dhyana]

The answer I got to my doubts (the very same which finally led me to leaving) was "You should have outgrown that by now."
Oh, and then, when I said I was through with ISKCon (and KCon), I got a "How did that come about?"

Marvelous. Verily astounding. Your guru seems to have perfected the art of filing every little item on its own little shelf. That way nothing ever contradicts anything else, and you never risk catching a glimpse of the big picture. Or the whole person.

[babu]

What I would do is go to a McDonald's and collect empty "Mcdonald's" bags and cups from a garbage can and toss bags around your car as if you frequent McDonald's quite often and see if they still want to be your friend?

[amberline]

I can just picture it!

(Unfortunately, due to a necessity of keeping peace in the family, I am unable to do so. Hmmm.... it just dawned on me that I was not the one being invited to small gatherings, but the one inviting others. Anyway, that's quite a complicated situation described elsewhere.)

[babu]

Sent a letter to my guru about leaving and he said, "Wait up, I'm coming with you."