Spiritual Coaches, Inspirational Speakers, Influencers

In some parts of the world, particularly in India and in the Indian diaspora, the younger generation of devotees of Krishna would like to have a “modern” ISKCON: a streamlined organisation, simultaneously religious and secular—chant the maha-mantra, close your eyes, find peace within, and enjoy the good vibrations. Mantra clubbing is IN!

YouTube channels are filled with videos of kirtan melas and bhakti retreats featuring famous kirtaniyas with closed eyes, singing in ecstasy, as well as various inspirational speakers inspiring people to become happy and successful in this life. Social media is filled with influencers of all colours and designs—ISKCON is no exception. For someone who has had the good fortune of being a member of ISKCON during the presence of its Founder-Acharya, these are strange days.

It all started with an American musical performer who calls himself Krishnadas. He sings mantras and plays harmonium with melodies that appeal to the ear, but his singing acts like milk touched by the lips of a serpent—it has a poisonous effect. He fills concert halls. He has fans and followers worldwide—but they are all spiritually dead.

Then there is the late Aindra Prabhu—a great Vaishnava saint, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and an unparalleled servant of the 24/7 kirtan in Vrindavan—with his wild harmonium style and ecstatic chanting of the maha-mantra. Followers or imitators of Aindra Prabhu’s style abound—many such inspired kirtaniyas have powerful voices, wear beards and matted sikhas, and have a lot of charisma. They guarantee a blissful bhajan/kirtan experience to devotees, spiritual seekers and yoga practitioners alike, and are thus regularly invited to perform at ISKCON bhakti festivals and at yoga camps. They perform for honoraria in dollars or euros, plus paid travel costs.

Spiritual coaches, inspirational speakers and influencers cannot change the hearts of people. Only a person empowered by Sri Rupa Goswami and those who are his actual followers can change the hearts of people. Spiritual coaches, inspirational speakers and influencers can influence people, change mindsets, cater to the intelligence and the false ego of the public, make you feel happy, make you feel good about yourself and about others, charge you with positive vibrations so that you can enjoy your life without inhibitions, and impress you with their erudition, their academic titles and professional careers. But they cannot change your heart. They coach people and speak at various venues for honoraria in dollars or euros, plus paid travel costs.

For someone who has had the good fortune of being a member of ISKCON during the presence of its Founder-Acharya, as well as for all those sincere devotees of Krishna who are in genuine contact with ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya through his books, recorded lectures, bhajans, morning walks and conversations, these are indeed strange days…

Jay Gurudev das