r/HareKrishna

So I’ve been observing this recent rise in institutionalism in modern Gauḍīya organisations like ISKCON where they don’t allow proper learning and only restrict devotees to Svāmī Prabhupāda’s books. There is no culture of reading and learning pūrva pakṣa like Advaita, other other darśanas. There is also no culture of reading books of Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī, Śrī Rūpa, Śrī Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa, and so on. It strips the bulk of the devotees of the intellectual rigor that our tradition possesses and conveys a very wrong image to the general public that we’re only a cult who sings and dances, which definitely isn’t the case.

I am Hindu, but I honestly don’t feel naturally connected to God, the way many devotees do. I’m not deeply interested in bhajans, constant prayers, religious activities, or showing devotion all the time. Most times I don’t even remember God during the day. Society makes it feel like a “good believer” should always pray, always feel emotional devotion, and always stay connected spiritually, but I’m just not like that right now.

And because of that, sometimes I wonder:

What’s wrong with me?

Why don’t I feel that strong connection naturally?

Can I still become spiritual or close to RadhaKrishna even if I’m not deeply religious right now? Etc.. etc.. questions are coming intl my mind seeing other devotees.

But deep inside, I still want something real.

I want inner peace and trust in God

I want spiritual connection.

I want to become a genuinely good human being.

And maybe I want a real relationship with RadhaKrishna, not fake devotion done only because society expects it.

And according to Krishna, sincerity matters more than performance.

He repeatedly teaches in the Bhagavad Gita that even confused, distracted people can move toward him if their intention is genuine, but i don't know my intention.

The point is simple "How I can be spiritual, religious, and also close to God without any society or family force?

And also if anyone of you have whatsapp group (for radhakrishna) pls send link

And also recommend me youtube channels that can change me, my perspective and my mindset.

I live very close to New Vrindavan, WV where a large ISKCON center has been in existence near Moundsville, really since the 60s. I barely see any ISKCON missionary activity in or around Moundsville. If anything, the views of the people in Moundsville are rather negative toward ISKCON. Lately, I am seeing mostly Indians and Nepalese at the temple and not whites, blacks or Latinos. This makes me question the long term viability of ISKCON in North America if it cannot provision itself in communities. What do you guys think?

I’m looking for a community/group where people genuinely help each other through Krishna bhakti, Bhagavad Gita, and satsang. A place where if someone is facing problems in bhakti or even in daily life, people discuss and try to find solutions through spirituality and Krishna consciousness. Bhagwad charcha, Gita discussions, naam jap, satsang — that kind of positive environment.

If anyone is interested in something like this, feel free to DM. And if a group like this already exists on Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp, Reddit, etc., please let me know. I’d love to join 🙏 Hare Krishna ✨

“If we understand the underlying cause of what we think of as bad in someone, instead of being hateful, we will be compassionate. For is not every soul inherently good? A saintly person will hate the disease but love the diseased.”

-- HH Radhanath Swami, "A Journey Home"

https://preview.redd.it/32nwikr5fi1h1.jpg?width=564&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d362ae929f26c3a94e8ea1b94420d81d5ca6156d

needed links to get access to daily darshans of these temples/dieties. whatever is available, whatsapp channel, youtube channel, telegram channel, anything. pls let me know thanks and hare krsna.

As some of you guessed that I'm atheist well "Hare Krishna"

Rules:

Be logical, respectful and only logics and no stories. Refrence may be used.

Hare Krishna Dear Devotees, please accept my humble obeisances and sincere apologies for all Aparadhas.

I have just bought a cake from a pure vegan restaurant that is Halal so I thought it would be alcohol free. Typically, the restaurant also offers goods that are Halal always. But anyway, I still see Vanilla Extract on one of the Ingredients labels.

As Vaishnavas, can we consume vanilla extract even if it has alcohol? I am asking as I have seen many recipes on IDT where it is listed.

Sri Radharaman Lal Ki Jai

"The Hare Krishna Maha mantra is also a prayer, for a prayer addresses the Supreme Personality of Godhead by His name and invokes good fortune by petitioning the Lord to allow one to engage in His devotional service."

-- Srila Prabhupada
Srimad Bhagavatam: 4.24.69

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Hare Krishna dear devotees,

I’ve been reflecting deeply on increased japa and would genuinely appreciate hearing from devotees who have experience with chanting 64 rounds or periods extended immersion in chanting.

I’m especially curious about:

Chanting 64 rounds daily:
If you’ve maintained this either temporarily or long-term, did you notice a substantial increase in purification, steadiness, taste for bhakti, detachment, or remembrance of Krishna?

Extended chanting on Ekadashi:
For devotees who chant all day or aim for very high numbers on Ekadashi, did the extended absorption noticeably affect your consciousness or spiritual life afterward?

Full-day immersion in the Holy Name:
Has anyone spent an entire uninterrupted day primarily focused on japa? I’d love to hear whether your experience of the maha-mantra changed after many hours of hearing and chanting. Did the quality of your attention or absorption deepen as the day went on?
I’m mainly asking out of curiosity and sincere interest in others’ realizations. I’ve only chanted 64 rounds once myself, so I’m interested in hearing from devotees who have explored this more deeply or consistently.

[Disclaimer]
I understand Srila Prabhupada repeatedly emphasized active devotional service and preaching, and did not encourage becoming a solitary bhajanandi at the expense of one’s prescribed duties. I’m not asking from a mood of escapism or neglect of service, but rather to better understand whether devotees found that deeper immersion in the Holy Name significantly strengthened their bhakti and purification.

Dandavat pranams.

I have been looking more into vishnuism But I dont want to join any groups Like ISKCON,BAPS etc and I want to worship other gods of course in a hierarchical lens and Vishnu at the top dose anyone have any recommendations of what gods.