Do you still Chant Hare Krsna daily? How, and Much, Vote for if you chant still, much/how Options

[Homer]

I find it a little sad when devotees are driven to de-briefing sites such as GR.

Where are the harmonious gathering places where gentle folk share?

Why can't devotees gather without conflict?

Why am I (still) here?

[0dayalu0]

I find it a little sad when devotees are driven to de-briefing sites such as GR.

Where are the harmonious gathering places where gentle folk share?

Why can't devotees gather without conflict?

Why am I (still) here?

Due to circumstances beyond my control, or maybe so I could take control, I have been separated from the type of devotee, full of spontaneity and loving attitude, non conforming but conforming to the living flow, I always liked most. I have lived long in separation and even that is to purify me, in a kind of way. But I have never been separated from my Krishna consciousness. And sadly I find some peculiar pleasure in the diverse association here. I can react almost as if someone were speaking and somewhere you all are! Unity in diversity!

[Homer]

The words devotee and non-conforming are totally mutually exclusive in today's era of gurus' dictatorially enacting laws to stifle thinking and feeling.

This is the outcome when realization of god is reduced to a system.

Purification by isolation? More like isolation because of a strong sense of self-preservation.

[Prisni]

If I chant or meditate on the hare krishna mantra it is to remember Radha and Krishna, since I miss them.

[Chanahari]

The words devotee and non-conforming are totally mutually exclusive in today's era of gurus' dictatorially enacting laws to stifle thinking and feeling.

Nahh, Homer. I don't find any contradiction in my own existence. I am both a bhakta (I like this word better than its Engilsh counterpart) and non-conforming. All this takes from me is avoidance of being part of a hierarchical temple structure, which I find suprisingly easy.

[evakurvan]

so true chanahari

[0Kula-pavana0]

Actually, the Vedic approach to spirituality is astonishingly broad and non-conforming. It is only in some cases that this universalistic approach is choked by extreme rigidity of overzealous neophytes. I call it the "Talibanisation of the Vedas" (or in much less PC terms: "Talmudisation of the Vedas")

[zanardi]

Vedic Talibans? Nice image.

[Dhyana]

Vedic Talibans? Nice image.

I am sure one could invent some nice folk etymology to it too. How about Vedic Talavans, i.e., donkeys?

[0Kula-pavana0]

Vedic Talibans? Nice image.

I am sure one could invent some nice folk etymology to it too. How about Vedic Talavans, i.e., donkeys?

here is the plot: some really fanatical Bengalis were chased out from India and settled in Afghanistan. They named their new community "New Talaban". soon their radicalism attracted attention of local Moslems who were so inspired by the fundamentalism of the Bengalis they called themselves "Taliban".

[metamorphosis]

here is the plot: some really fanatical Bengalis were chased out from India and settled in Afghanistan. They named their new community "New Talaban". soon their radicalism attracted attention of local Moslems who were so inspired by the fundamentalism of the Bengalis they called themselves "Taliban".

It has already been done, down in Miss.>>>>>>>>>Welcome to ISKCON New Talaban Farm Community

[Homer]

The words devotee and non-conforming are totally mutually exclusive in today's era of gurus' dictatorially enacting laws to stifle thinking and feeling.

Nahh, Homer. I don't find any contradiction in my own existence. I am both a bhakta (I like this word better than its Engilsh counterpart) and non-conforming. All this takes from me is avoidance of being part of a hierarchical temple structure, which I find suprisingly easy.

Maybe you are blessed with having devotee friends who are free-spirited. The devotees I have encountered in the last few years have not displayed even a tiny shred of independence or original thought.

The ones' who do break out of the box do not associate with the mainstream temple devotees. They are banned.

I do not go for Janmastami anymore, however, I did see the video of the last one and there were so few guests and only about half of the local devotees, oh, and of course, the usual Indians who can't hang out with their own temple crowd.

The new procedure for bathing the deities is that the person who gives the biggest donation is first in line followed by those with less open wallets in descending order.

Who says you can't buy your way to heaven?

[Tapati]

"A Forum for Former Vaisnavas and Friends"

Meta, the key word is "for" Former Vaisnavas and Friends, not "of." The point is not how many of each category are here, but rather what is the purpose behind the creation of the forum. There are other forums for current Vaisnavas but only one forum for those who have left it behind and need to talk about that process or what they're into now, free of judgment from current Vaisnavas. That's why I don't want to lose sight of that purpose or let GR gradually become a place where current Vaisnavas are more comfortable than former Vaisnavas.

[metamorphosis]

"A Forum for Former Vaisnavas and Friends"

Meta, the key word is "for" Former Vaisnavas and Friends, not "of." The point is not how many of each category are here, but rather what is the purpose behind the creation of the forum. There are other forums for current Vaisnavas but only one forum for those who have left it behind and need to talk about that process or what they're into now, free of judgment from current Vaisnavas. That's why I don't want to lose sight of that purpose or let GR gradually become a place where current Vaisnavas are more comfortable than former Vaisnavas.

Understood, and i would not want to change a thing! Thanks for all your good work, you have done well.

[Tapati]

Thank you for your understanding.

[Homer]

"A Forum for Former Vaisnavas and Friends"

Meta, the key word is "for" Former Vaisnavas and Friends, not "of." The point is not how many of each category are here, but rather what is the purpose behind the creation of the forum. There are other forums for current Vaisnavas but only one forum for those who have left it behind and need to talk about that process or what they're into now, free of judgment from current Vaisnavas. That's why I don't want to lose sight of that purpose or let GR gradually become a place where current Vaisnavas are more comfortable than former Vaisnavas.

This is my destiny I am here.

[Prisni]

Meta, the key word is "for" Former Vaisnavas and Friends, not "of." The point is not how many of each category are here, but rather what is the purpose behind the creation of the forum. There are other forums for current Vaisnavas but only one forum for those who have left it behind and need to talk about that process or what they're into now, free of judgment from current Vaisnavas. That's why I don't want to lose sight of that purpose or let GR gradually become a place where current Vaisnavas are more comfortable than former Vaisnavas. 

I think it all depends on what the meaning of the words are. I have found that Vaisnava groups of all kinds think that I am not a member of their group, and as of their definition is "blooped", "fringie", or at best former Vaisnava. Of course I might have a different idea, but all those current "Vaisnavas" don't agree.
This since I don't do any of the stuff they think Vaisnavas should do, chant on beads, wear tilaka, dress "devotionally", follow regulative principles, celebrate ekadasi etc. And I don't even have a guru, since my guru quit. Nowadays I have even found a new group, thinking that I don't belong to a proper "parivar" (whatever it means) I am not worthy.

It is a funny world. I really did not approach Vaisnavism in order to become a fanatic taliban dogmatic. I approached Vaisnavism for bhakti; love. And if all the current Vaisnavas think that love is beating each other with books in the heads, I rather stand outside of all that and call myself a former Vaisnava. Or possibly a guest.

[Bhaktavasya]

After being off-line for a while, then returning like someone entering a room to find a really interesting conversation going on, i applaud the speakers and creator of the quiz.

For me, the most intense jopa chanting period was as a brahmacarini for 5 years, THE most intense part of that being the very beginning in Toronto temple and culminating in Chicago (Evanston). Circa 1972-77.

A typically bad brahmacarini-brahmacari marriage increased my inner chanting, hand stuck permanently in the bead bag as if clutching a gun for protection (the prayer..."please krishna, get this idiot out of my life", that kind of chanting).

next came marriage of sorts to jayatirtha. no need to chant when you're already with god. lots of kirtan then deafening silence. krishna who?

mad at god

glad to have god as a concept even to think about now and then

bhakti yoga and devotees of Them, takes my breath away

[Homer]

bhakti yoga and devotees of Them,  takes my breath away

Because of the bliss thinking about them brings you or because of antipathy?

[Bhaktavasya]

bhakti yoga and devotees of Them,  takes my breath away

Because of the bliss thinking about them brings you or because of antipathy?

The first one, although not in a generic sense as i don't have any feelings at all for self-proclaimed, externally identifiable 'devotees'. For example, the ones who think they're the only real devotees and are arrogant enough to banish or disrespect seemingly casual devotees make me feel sick. I avoid them at all costs. I'm talking about the secret devotees who don't talk so much about love or God but it shines through. Like a hurt lover who keeps coming back for more.