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[Atma Yoga is very grateful to the support the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness [ISKCON] and its Spiritual leaders. In this essay Atma Yoga Founder
Atmananda Das expands on the value of this connection…]
Why ISKCON?
When you are ready to embark on a journey of self discovery you have three basic options:
1. Pioneer your own path, figuring it out as you go along, relying chiefly on your intuition.
2. Study a number of available travel plans and concoct a hodge-podge of your own liking.
3. Rely on an authorized agent to provide you with accurate information about the terrain and the options available.
I have chosen number 3. I chose it not only because wisdom and experience indicate it to be the only one of the
three options that actually works; but because my motivation for self discovery is not personal. My principal aim
is to be of service to others. With the welfare of others in mind the first two options become even less appropriate.
The main reason for not "doing it my why," is who am I to offer my speculations to others. I am not qualified
to act as an unerring representative of the divine. Consequently, knowing my decision would affect many others,
I chose number 3, "rely on an authorized agent..."
The authorized agent I selected was Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. That is not such a difficult choice because
he is an exemplary spiritual master. He is well regarded by spiritualists and academicians alike. His teachings
stood up as complete, authoritative, and consistent with the Vedas. The hard part was accepting his institution,
ISKCON.
ISKCON (The International Society for Krishna Consciousness) is a complex and not easily appreciated organization.
Based on existing inefficiencies and past dysfunction, along with poor public relations, abandoning the institutional
portion and keeping the teachings would seem the appealing, even logical thing to do.
It is not, however, as easy as that.
Imagine, hundreds of lifetimes of searching for the absolute truth, longing for a realized teacher to show you
the way; you finally meet such a personality. Now what? Do you buy his or her book, thank them, and head off to
practice? Not quite. If you accept someone as your spiritual teacher you are entering into a sacred contract with
them. They will make it possible for you to make extraordinary spiritual advancement. This in turn will create
an enormous debt. Not a monetary or material debt, but a spiritual debt; one that in actuality can never be fully
repaid. Nonetheless the student is obliged to try.
Consequently, I am indebted to Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. And, it was his strong request and wish that his
institution (ISKCON) continue to grow in a cooperative and spiritually conscious way. Some of his goals for ISKCON
were decidedly admirable for example:
"To educate the greater human society in
the techniques of spiritual life as the basis for a balanced psychic and biological development, and thereby achieve
for the first time in human society a real peace and unity among the contending forces in the world today."
"To assist whenever and wherever possible in the building of a social structure on the real foundation of
spiritual progress and establishment of peace and unity between men throughout the world."
Although these goals remain intact, overtime the defects of human nature crept into the bureaucracy of the institution.
The resulting dysfunction created mistakes and a loss of credibility from the public point of view. Nonetheless,
the correctness and value of the content never changed. But above all the successful implementation of his institution
was the Teacher's ardent desire.
So even though it would be easier to distance myself from ISKCON, I am compelled to work for them and do everything
in my power to help.
The Atma Yoga program is an independent entity, separate from ISKCON. Nonetheless, ISKCON is certainly the beneficiary
of Atma Yoga's efforts. On the other hand Atma Yoga is very much the beneficiary of its association with ISKCON.
They have provided Atma Yoga with intellectual and spiritual support, as well as material support, one example
is by providing low cost space for our Yoga centers. In addition, I as the founder of Atma Yoga have had the opportunity
to associate with the spiritual leaders and teachers I respect and admire the most. Additionally, there is the
possibility of international reach; giving Atma Yoga access to spiritual centers and ashrams all over the world.
I welcome your comments and questions.
Your servant with love,
atma@yogamandir.com