Avoiding sects in Krsna Consciousness

Krsna Consciousness is always good, especially when properly understood and applied under the direction of some mature Vaishnava, but sects can be bad. Avoiding them is important for our development.

A problem that may appear in different circumstances and become a serious stumbling block for the spread of Krsna Consciousness are sects and cults. Of course, Srila Prabhupada uses both words on occasion in the sense of "group" or the practice of a process, but here I'm using it in the negative sense.

Real Krsna Consciousness is non-sectarian, it has to do with the original nature of the soul and his relationship with Krsna. In the Jaiva Dharma of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, we see different examples of Vaishnavas from different ways of life, including even “Muslins” from the family of Chand Kazi who became pure Vaishnavas, despite externally still maintaining their Muslin dresses and social connections. Although Vedic culture is considered the most favorable, Krsna Consciousness does not depend on people changing their external dresses or environment. As explained in the Bhagavad-Gita, it is more about internal transformation than external symbols. When properly understood, Krsna Consciousness can be spread unlimitedly to members of all cultures and ways of life.

Sects on the other hand are based on externals. Members are supposed to follow a rigid dress code, eat certain foods, talk in a certain way, share the same opinions, and follow without questioning a certain charismatic leader. Members of sects are tightly controlled and anyone who leaves or deviates from the group's standards of conduct or opinions is ostracized. Sects can be based on conspiracy theories, religious ideas, fictional books, or even movies. There are many sects and cults in recorded history that did not end well, like the "Heaven’s Gate" and other examples.

One of the symptoms of real Krsna Consciousness is happiness, although a different type of happiness than the illusory happiness people search for in this material world. The happiness of Krsna Consciousness is a continuous state, while material happiness is flickering. This constant happiness that doesn't depend on external factors is one of the symptoms of one who is getting closer to spiritual energy (Bg 18.54). We can see in paintings of the spiritual world that everyone there is happy. On the other hand, there are many depressed people in this material world. Krsna Consciousness is about spiritualized happiness, activity, and empowerment. This is what Srila Prabhupada describes in his books, and what we can practically observe in devotees who are maturely following his teachings.

The problem is that sometimes, due to immaturity, we may inadvertently create sects and cults based on Krsna Consciousness, where the members are simply repressed and forced to fit into stereotypes. As in other cases, members of such sects tend to be sectarian, alienated, and aggressive against members of other groups, including devotees who don't belong to the same group, or who disagree with their philosophy. They frequently spend time gossiping and criticizing others instead of developing real Krsna Consciousness. Naturally, the result is not positive.

Sects and sectarian mentality can be a problem for one who is seriously trying to practice Krsna Consciousness and re-establish his relationship with Krsna. Sects are like a material container that limits the transcendental expression of Krsna Consciousness, which is a transcendental process. Being part of a sect may work in the beginning (at least one may have the opportunity to chant Hare Krsna) but will always have negative repercussions that will increase as time passes. A non-sectarian approach to Krsna Consciousness is much better.

To avoid falling into sects, it’s important to read and understand the philosophy of Krsna Consciousness that Srila Prabhupada explains in his books, and to find bonafide teachers who can maturely help one to find the proper path. Nowadays we frequently think that a spiritual guide is not really necessary and that we can figure out things by ourselves, but that's not what the scriptures explain.

The takeaway for today is that Krsna Consciousness is always good, especially when properly understood and applied under the direction of some mature Vaishnava, but sects can be bad. To steadily and safely advance in our spiritual practice it's important to learn to recognize and avoid such sects.

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