"A delightfully written narrative tapestry."
- Dr. Larry Shinn
Betrayal of the Spirit Reviews @
Amazon.com Book Description
Combining behind-the-scenes coverage of an often besieged religious group with a personal account of one woman's struggle to find meaning in it, Betrayal of the Spirit takes readers to the center of life in the Hare Krishna movement.
Nori J. Muster joined the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)--the Hare Krishnas--in 1978, shortly after the death of the movement's spiritual master, and worked for ten years as a public relations secretary and editor of the organization's newspaper, the ISKCON World Review. In this candid and critical account, Muster follows the inner workings of the movement and the Hare Krishnas' progressive decline.
Combining personal reminiscences, published articles, and internal documents, Betrayal of the Spirit details the scandals that beset the Krishnas--drug dealing, weapons stockpiling, deceptive fundraising, child abuse, and murder within ISKCON - as well as the dynamics of schisms that forced some 95 percent of the group's original members to leave. In the midst of this institutional disarray, Muster continued her personal search for truth and religious meaning as an ISKCON member until, disillusioned at last with the movement's internal divisions, she quit her job and left the organization.
In a new preface to the paperback edition, Muster discusses the personal circumstances that led her to ISKCON and kept her there as the movement's image worsened. She also talks about "the darkest secret" - child abuse in the ISKCON parochial schools - that was covered up by the public relations office where she worked.
Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
An excellent book detailing the life of a betrayed follower, August 16, 1999
Reviewer: A reader from Ames, IA
Nori Muster had great spirit when she entered a life as a Hari Krishna devotee and that spirit was obviously broken by the betrayal of the sect's leadership. Cults and indeed any religion that sitfles thoughts and freedom tends to destroy the follower. In looking at other customer comments I could see that some followers wrote disparaging remarks and for me, a non devotee, I think that illustrates some of the walls that Nori encountered. We are creatures of God and not simple possessions of religious leaders. This is a very good book and an important one for anyone who wants to abandon themselves to the total control of other human beings. I wish she could have said more about what drives Americans to such zeal and submission. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
an illuminating picture of a young woman's struggle, December 4, 1998
Reviewer: fahm@juno.com from Salem, Oregon
I loved Nori Muster's book, "Betrayal of the Spirit". It took me back to the old days in Los Angeles when I lived near the Hare Krishna Temple with my ex husband, guitarist John Fahey. John loved this book so much that he has bought it twice (after losing it once on the road). I remember John taking me over to the temple, to what he called "Little India" and introducing me to the chanting, drumming, and the free vegetarian Sunday feasts. We were given the royal treatment, with tours and (I'm sure) people assigned to us to try to convert us. Although neither of us ever became devotees we were always made welcome at the temple and I bought John a drum and he bought me a sari.
"Betrayal of the Spirit" has all of the color and drama of a vivid memory. I could smell the incense, hear the music, feel the emotions of the devotees. The costumes, the makeup, the deities in the temple, they were all there. Even an elephant. What more could a seeker after the exotic want? Nori's intimate description of the inside workings of ISKON satisfied quite a bit of my curiosity about how the organization was run in those days and I found that she portrayed the characters with an attention to detail that really brought them to life for me. I was able to appreciate the conflicts not only between various factions within ISKON, but within each individual. The goal of spirituality was often endangered by the temptation of power.
One of the themes that ran throughout the book was the relationship between father and daughter, and how Nori managed within the context of ISKON to follow in her father's footsteps by becoming a Public Relations worker. Her father's advice and support throughout despite her choice of a very different way of life was touching, and Nori's acceptance of his terminal illness was proof of her spiritual outlook.
"Betrayal of the Spirit" is an illuminating picture of a young woman's struggle to find peace, fulfillment, and structure in a materialistic world where "woman's place" has not yet been decided and men (and women) often long for enlightenment, but settle for money.
--Melody Fahey --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
A GOOD VIEW TO ONE SIDE OF THE TRUTH., September 19, 2006
By Jamie Velasquez (long island, ny) - See all my reviews
I am not a hare krishna but am interested in the belief system. knowing that there is/can be scam and politics of all sorts in any organized religion/belief system, i wanted to make sure i dident just focus on the one sided view you get from the devotees on the street. - -
this book is well written and easy to read. i read it non-stop until i finished it.she def set the image in your head as you were readnig. - -
some of the responses below from prior/current devotees/followers seem to show they are one sided with their view and dident get her point. nori's view was more on the organized portion of the system, not so much the belief portion, even though she did touch base with why women are so low on the bottom... in the end she is still a follower which shows she did get the point. her heart is still open to krishna himself.
she did touch briefly on the child abuse, but this is common all over now. no different if it is a priest or a monk molesting a child. just because they performed the act doesent mean the "religion" itself is warped, just the individuals who performed the act.
the "religion" doesent teach to beat/molest children and women, these are the actions of those who obviously dident get the point..with somethings, she pointed out how some of the higher level people would twist the "Religions" rules, to fit there own needs, again this is the action of the individual, not the "Religion"
i dont see it as she was knocking the whole system because of the individuals and their acts, but when you are a "leading part" of the system and you see that what you are being told to do is just masking the problems, its hard to want to stay a part of running things, especially if your heart is pure and open to your beliefs. - -
I don't see this book knocking the religion or keeping people from wanting to take interest in visiting a temple or learning more about
People just needs to remember that just because the belief's of a "religion" are pure, it doesent mean the organization running/promoting it is also pure. we also need to remember that the people running the system are still people and are subjected to the same errors as the rest of us. Sometimes errors are made and things can be fixed over time..i think this is what she was getting at. It was a shame to see her leave, but I guess she was weak in that area, but it has to be hard after dealing with the same thing for 20 years..
Her story is starting from back in the 70s. Hopefully there have been many changes since. I don't think her writing this book was an act of violence at all. By pointing out errors and things that need to be changed will only help in the end. She was not putting things down, just pointing them out.what do you think if Prabhupada would have done if he was still around and saw the mistakes..he would work to fix them..not hide them.
Kudos..
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
An eye opening insight into the hidden world of Hare Krishna, December 4, 1998
Reviewer: guysndolls@prodigy.net Rick Stoff from California
Ms. Muster takes us into a world we never see, much the way Jim Bouton once took us behind baseball, and others have taken us into political campaigns, cinema and many other "businesses" that can only be seen from the inside.
The true hero of the book, and the constant voice of reason and fairness, is her father. Ms. Muster allows us to travel the twists and turns of a true believer becoming disillusioned, and she lets us lean on her father,s strength during those confusing days just as she did. To my reading, this is the most touching part of the story. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Missing the point, March 26, 2001
Reviewer: A reader from Los Angeles
Miss Nori has written an interesting account of her less than happy experiences within the Hare Krishna movement. Amazingly, she says she still believes the Hare Krishna philosophy and considers herself to be a devotee of Krishna. She blames the leaders of the organization for all of the problems she describes in the book. By doing so, she fails to see the connection between the philosophy being propounded and its inevitable results.
The organization of the Hare Krishna's, known as ISKCON, is an attempt to institute what is known as the Hindu Caste System onto the rest of the world in the name of spirituality and devotion. That's why the Hare Krishna members dress in Indian clothes and have shaved heads with their little pony tails. They think they have become Hindu Caste Brahmins (priests) and are now the heads of society and are therefore solely qualified to tell everyone else in the entire world how to correctly lead their lives. This attitude is spread throughout all of their teachings. The 5,000 year old Hindu Caste System is one of total male dominance and female subordination, so how can Miss Nori complain about the leader's all being men and women being kept subordinate? Did it really take her ten years to figure all of this out? Perhaps she never read the part in the Hare Krishna philosophy wherein it is stated that females only have 60% of the brain substance of men, never mature emotionally beyond the age of 11 and therefore all have to have arranged marriages.
The fact that Miss Nori says she still believes and follows the teachings of Hare Krishna, in spite of her experiences, is a testimonial to the incredible brainwashing techniques she was exposed to for ten years. She has missed the entire point. The problem with ISKCON is not the corrupt leaders. It is the absurd attempt to impose the Vedic Hindu Caste System onto the rest of the world, which she apparently still wants to participate in. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
no point missed!, October 30, 2002
Reviewer: An Amazon.com Customer from Detroit
To the unfortunate person whose review is titled "Missing the Point"- i'm afraid it is you, my friend. Hare Krsnas are NOT about spreading the Hindu caste system throught the world , nor are they trying to create some elite class of MALE Brahmins.
Actually, ISKCON founder Srila Prabhuada constantly spoke out against the Hindu caste system- which places people in caste BY BIRTH. Meaning, the son of a Brahmin is automatically considered a Brahmin. Prabhupada practised genuine Vedic dharma in granting devotees Brahmin initiation based on QUALIFICATION- and to women too!
Youll be surprised to know that the base of Krsna Conscious philosophy is "Aham Brahmasmi"- I AM SPIRIT.
There is no distiction based on temporary bodily distinctions such as sex, race, or even species!
Hence the fact that devotees practice Ahimsa "nonviolence" to ALL living beings. Yes, i lived in Krsna temple for 2 years and have been a devotee for almost 10. There are inumerable women devotess who are Brahmins, Priests, and temple leaders. And as a male devotee, one of my many services involved cooking and cleaning in the temple. There is no "woman's work" predjudice. We are all spirit-souls serving Sri Krsna. The movement is not perfect- but the philosophy of Vedic culture and the devotion of Srila Prabhupada will inspire the heart of any open minded person!
I just cannot see lies spread about my culture. Please forgive me if i have made any offenses. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!*
9 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
There Are No Victims, Only Volunteers, December 14, 2005
By Gaura Dasa "Gaura"
As a 31 year member of the Hare Krishna Movement, I apologize on behalf of the angst and disappointment Nori has experienced, as expressed in Betrayal of the Spirit. I empathize with her, as I have experienced similar, but I am also eternally greatful for all the devotees within the movement that invested their time in me, to help me shape my character, and give up a materialistic life for genuine spiritual life. This is something that is lacking in her book.
As Nori knows, the founder, Srila Prabhupada, described that there are two types of mentalities, that of the fly, and that of the bee. The fly looks for the toxins and the bee for the nectar. Is this book a meditation on toxins or on nectar ? I have had my share of disappointments with various leaders, and have been a leader myself in the Krishna movement. I am sure I let many people down as well, but with my limitations , I tried to overcome my lower nature. I don't think that the well-wishing founder of the Hare Krishna Movement would approve of this book, as it gives a very distorted view of what the Hare Krishna Movement was not intended to be, and actually is not.
Srila Prabhupada, who she still claims to be a follower of, would say that there may be spots on the moon, but it does not effect the illumination. I remember meeting Nori and her husband in their offices one time, to thank and commend them on the movements newspaper that they were editing, and how they called it the Whitewash Review. It was then that I realized they were writing things that were "politically correct" because there probably was some pressure to do so.
I am not currently very active within the mainstream Hare Krishna movement, but I don't see the value in scaring people away from visiting a Hare Krishna temple. I think is is actually a disservice, and an act of violence in itself. The greatest decision I ever made in this lifetime was to visit a Hare Krishna temple, and the incredible effect the lifestyle has had on my development as a human being. Even Lord Krishna showed us the example of sucking the poison out of the witch Putana, but delivering her back to the spiritual world because of acting like a nurse to Him. I could also try to cash in on a percentage of $13.00 by writing about all the faults I experienced in the Hare Krishna Movement, but better I write volumes about my own short-comings and improve them, but who would want to read it ? We become what we meditate upon.
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is the purest and most profound author of spiritual literature that anyone could read. His books are available online, or at any Hare Krishna temple. He said that he too was a member of ISKCON, and "ISKCON with all thy faults, I love thee". Does this mean that Nori's standrards are higher than his ? I hope Nori and her husband will bury their hatchet and continue to participate in a way superior to cashing checks from hanging out the dirty laundry known as Betrayal of the Spirit. I think she has betrayed her own spirit by publishing it. I am also trying to learn to take responsibility for my own decisions and to give up the "victim" role, otherwise how will I ever grow ? The saints within ISKCON far exceed the deceivers. gaura_acbsp@yahoo.com
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Well done, March 13, 2001
Reviewer: A reader from Vienna, Austria
I am an iniated member of ISKCON - have been for the last 10 years or so. Still, I rate this book with 5 stars. Why? Because I know that what Nori writes is the sad truth. And we need more books like this. Readers who do not know ISKCON (the hare-krsna-movement)should and just read this book in order get their prejudices confirmed should keep one thing in mind: We are a young movement in the West, and yes, we make all kind of mistakes. Yet - we talk about it. Many ISKCON-members: leaders, rank-and-file-devotees, friends are trying to change ISKCON, to make it, as Srila Prabhupada put it: a house where the whole world can live in. Nori's book is wonderful; I like the style, I like her personal realizations about ISKCON, and I can only congratulate her. There is one sad part to it, though: We need people like Nori *in* ISKCON, not out of it. On the other hand - who if not people like her will make things happen? Thanks, Nori, I love your book! Hare Krsna! --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
6 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
Not impressed, March 12, 2005
By Nadia (Oxfordshire, UK)
Self-pitying, weak-minded and unbalanced account of one woman's involvement in the Hare Krishna movement. I would have admired her more, if she had taken responsibility for her own mistake in getting involved in something which she later regretted, rather than blaming others. And I thought it a shame that she should vent her spleen in a way damaging to an organisation, which has helped so many.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
After ten years, realisation ? hmmm, May 30, 2007
By Trancer108 "En-trancer" (London)
after ten years in the movement, the penny dropped. 'This is a cult, I must leave'
This is an excellent and well written book, riveting. However things are not black and white in life. Surely there is some good in the movement, and when a book is written in a one sided manner, it makes my critical mind itch.
you may wonder why one would not leave after a week, one month, one year, five years, but after a decade, and yet come out with an imbalanced view of the movement.she left after the second decade in the movement. Given that there were a lot of relevant events that happened. But ten years, My mind needs more justification.
I will also add that often, those following a regulated spiritual discipline appear very strange tothe outside world, and often it is in these very people that the world takes solace. Systems are corrupt, as are goverments, some argue even the present governments. Critics abound, we still live for we cannot escape being under some kind of authority. Some may argue that we are under the ultimate authority of God. Now looking from this context, ascribing a magnamous amount of ills to one movement may seem naive. Is it then the movement or the people that this individual has encountered.
Her website is of excellent quality, showing that Art therapy can help break the shackles of a cult. After reading we may wonder does Krishna conciousness fit the bill of a 'cult'. would it be possible that those who are not brought up in a eastern culture may find things within that culture abusive. I am not however discrediting her experience of abuse. I respect her life journey. certainly food for thought, not sure if we can go beyond thought though.
3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Loving the Good or Hating the Bad are NOT the same, March 27, 2006
By Kaunteya "Kaunteya" (Ireland)
I went to a Kumbha mela in India in 1965 at 18 years old and experienced many of the sincere Holy sadhus of India. In the same year Srila Prabhupada went to America with a message of How to get Back to God. Drugs and sex were not the way.
I joined iskcon in 1978 as well and left iskcon in 1984 for pretty much the same reasons as Nori. However, I have never left the love of Srila Prabhupada.
The danger Nori has here is by focusing on hating the bad our consciousness becomes very stained. I decided to simply Love the Good in all that passed through my life, including iskcon.
The study of human nature is fascinating. I went to the big Mayapur festival in 1980 and there were 11 "holy thrones" for the 11 American holy young men who staged a coup after their leader left his body. To them their spiritual Dad had died and it was case of getting into a position of power in iskcon. They just did what came natural to ambitious americans. Take control of the iskcon world.
I looked at this with some amusement and immediately said to a devotee next to me, "Eleven green bottles sitting on a wall, and if one green bottle should accidently fall there'd be ten green bottles left hanging on the wall."
It was just so obvious to anyone that these young American boys were no sadhus. But they were connected to one.
Over the past 26 years nearly all the green bottles have indeed fallen, but they were never supposed to be on the holy thrones anyway.
My young son who attended the school in vrindavan had a dream where Srila Prabhupada was trying to get onto his throne but was unable as there were too many american kids sitting on it. He turned to my son and just said, "What have I done"?
Radha and Krishna are a sweet loving and divine couple. Loving consciousness is their message. By focusing on the good we become sweet. By focusing on the bad we become sour. I say, focus on the sweet and good. It will all work out fine ...in the end. Haribol!
0 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
iskcon truth or silence, November 19, 2000
Reviewer: A reader
the iskcon movement is about truth and kindness. Simple words as a chant can be powerful tools is achieving goals. This book illustrates an organization grown from fear,drugs and theives. To produce a gentler world is not easy but to work with worst of society and create perfection. But it does happen --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
sour grapes, February 24, 2000
Reviewer: Tim Mullen (see more about me) from San Diego,Ca. United States of America .It is sad to me to see the woesome tale of the author and her experience with the Hare Krishna movement,especially with so much time invested.What is even more upsetting is that after all that time in the movement and with the knowledge that in this day and age we are surrounded by hypocrisy and people with a cheating mentality,the author didn't strive to work for,and be a shining beacon of the good people involved in administration.Instead,it seems prevalent that these days everyone has resorted to becoming a complainer.Anyone with any information at all in regards to the essence of what Srila Prabhupada was bringing to America knows that these problems are to be expected in the world we live in today.It goes on everywhere. It's all about Lord Krishna,pure love of God,and it is unforgiveable of this woman in my opinion to scare people with this nonsensical work of self pity.There is no reason on this earth that such a beautiful and timeless practice of honoring God and His followers, what to speak of His ambassadors cannot be an "organized"effort.There will always be and there have always been the bad apples in every facet of human society and it will never change the truth.I suggest you, and anyone you can get to go with you,go to a Hare Krishna temple for a feast and rejoice that one of those living angels that give "tours" or try and "convert" have given their time and energy for your own spiritual advancement.Of course that is if you are interested or receptive enough to see through the fact that in any path you take,some of the people in the past, and probably the future too,will not be up to par due to their own inner demons. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
great example of what a true seeker should NOT do, July 2, 1999
Reviewer: A reader from TX
This is a great book for teaching by example what one should NOT do if they wish to see Lord Krishna's smiling face behind His material nature's bewildering veil. A word of advice to any true seeker-which the author could not follow due to whatever excuses she makes here- is never quit, never quit, never, never, never quit!. :) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
An example of those who follow and those who don't., June 10, 1999
Reviewer: A reader from USA
This book is an account of what happens when those who claim to follow the world's oldest scriptures (the Veda's) are actually acting to the contrary. I am sure there are many good Hare Krishna and other Hindu devotees who are sincere, but in all religions there seem to be a group of people who are hypocrites. No religion should be condemmed because of these people, or all religions would be victims. The book tells about those who are good and strict devotees who don't strive to do sinful things and also accounts those who don't exemplify a real Hare Krishna and are not following the Vedic scripture, but just claim to be. This is account that could be applied to all religious paths and their followers. It draws a picture of both sides of a coin and looks at what scholars call the "world's oldest religion" and what other people call a "cult". --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Moving story but not insightful, January 8, 1999
Reviewer: A reader from Oakland, California
The book narrates a moving story which shows from a personal point of view how difficult it is not to conform to mainstream culture. But it is not insightful about the larger Vaishnava movement in America or in India. For that read Klostermaier's "Hindu and Christian in Vrindavan" or his newer "A Short Introduction to Hinduism." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Clearly a Masterful Retelling of Challenging Times, December 25, 1998
Reviewer: Gati-devi Moore
Nori Muster's book, Betrayal of The Spirit, can help other people to understand their own journey better. Throughout, she has acknowledged what happened when certain souls took free rein with C & M, control and manipulation, and the high prices paid by the many when these abuses took place. The fact that she was able to grow in relationship with her father during this time is a tribute to them both, and those parts of her story make the reading well worth the price of the book. For anyone who ever wonders about life in ANY heirarchal spiritual organization, PLEASE read this book. You will gain information to help you keep both your eyes and hearts open for the rest of your days. Whilst some people will do darn near anything in the name of adoration and their own glorification, we also learn about the deep essential goodness which other souls will always support. Thank you, Ms. Muster, for doing this world a favor and bringing this book to life. The seeds which you have planted will reap a strong harvest on the side of Truth for long, long time to come. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
A disillusioned Krishna member's recollection, December 14, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from Tempe, AZ
Nori J. Muster joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) - the Hare Krishnas - in 1978. She lived in the Krishnas' western world headquarters in Los Angeles and worked for 10 years as a public relations secretary and editor of the organization's newspaper, the ISKCON World Review.
Her book, Betrayal of the Spirit, discusses international drug smuggling, arms caches, airport fundraising, child abuse, and assassinations within the mysterious group, as well as the dynamics that forced most of the grou's original members to leave.
Muster's book is about the public relations nightmare of the decade following Founder Swami Prabhupada's death. Disillusioned over continuing internal strife, in 1988 Muster left the world of saris, brass cymbals and institutional male chauvinism to come back into mainstream American life.
Her story reads like a non-fiction suspense novel while she shows how an organization can quickly fall into dishonesty, deceit and hypocrisy. Her story is intensely personal, touching - and a great read.
Publisher's Weekly called it "nothing less than mesmerizing." I enjoyed reading it.
A gripping page-turner, December 9, 1998 Reviewer: A reader from Santa Rosa CA
Ms. Muster's book is a compelling read. Her personal accounts of life inside the Hare Krishna movement draw us in, leaving us wanting more. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Cult followers wake up., December 6, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from Los Angeles, California
This well written book of life in a cult should be read by anyone contemplating joining any organization. Beware all naive "true believers"! This book is must reading for all people seeking the freedom to evolve to their highest potential without being manipulated or lied to by their leaders. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
This book is a facinating look at the Krishna movement., December 5, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from Tucson, AZ
Betrayal of the Spirit was a riveting, well written look at the Krishna movement. I enjoyed the way the author wove the history of the movement with her own personal experience as a Krishna. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Krishna movement. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Accurate portrayal of the Hare Krishna cult in crisis, December 5, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from Canada
An unusual insider account of the Hare Krishna cult by someone who survived the experience. Muster, initially naive, finds herself at the center of a maelstrom as the organization falls into disarray and corruption after the death of its founder, an elderly holy man from India. The author credits her father with helping her grow through the experience, soul intact. A strong, well-documented book, and the author can be forgiven for a bit of self-indulgence. If you want to know about the Hare Krishnas, this book is a must! --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
7 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
A boring overdone, self-pitying story, July 31, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from Australia
This book is lousy and boring. It absolutely pours into you with self pity. I would not reco- mmend this book to anybody. What a joke... I mean those Krishna's have helped the world. And all this lady does is complain, complain. Definetly not a book for those interested in elightment. Infact this book not only bored me but made my day worse. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Excellent insider testimonial of the Hare Krishna people., May 2, 1997
Reviewer: A reader
Nori's book at times brought tears and at others, buried rage, because I lived it too. She speaks the truth about the lies and corruption that tore away at a spiritual movement when the founder passed away. Only time will tell if the truth and inner purity of this ancient yoga system will be reborn --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Another Devotees Opinion
I am a practacing devotee of the Hare Krishna movement, and have been so for the past six years or so. I would just like to say that I can relate to a lot of things that have been described in this account. These things indeed happened in the past and I have personaly experienced a lot of the situations described by the author. I have experienced this for myself practicaly. However, there have been many people who have described this book as an unbiased inside account of what the Hare Krishna movement is all about. Well I would just like to say that I have been a member of this movement for a similar amount of time as the author and I must say that this account is far from balanced account.
I personally sympathize with the author of this book, and I am upset that she was treated in this way. These things should simply not be going on in the movement. But I must say that I have too experienced these negative attitudes of some devotees in the movement. But what about the sincere genuine devotees who are nothing like this. What about the positive side, the actual real side of what the movement is all about. For example, Nelson Mandella has praised the Hare Krishna Food For Life effort in Africa. What about the devotees who are selfless and sincere. This book does not serve justice for them or the actual essence of the movement. I feel hurt when I read this book because it only shows a negative highly biased side of the movement as do many anti-cult books have done in the past, which simply focus on the horror stories which happened in the past. Sure these things happened but there will sadly always be bad apples in any organisation. I find it highly un-inteligent that someone can judge the whole society based on the activities of a small percentage of members. I heard the other day that one Christian Priest in America would engage in beating young girls as they where tied up in order to discipline them. Would you condemn the whole of Christianity by this individuals behaviour? Would you condem the whole of Islam because of the September the 11th atrosities? Of course not, but I have found people doing the same by condeming this movement due to the behaviour of certain criminals which have nothing to do with and completely contradict the whole Vaisnava philosophy.
I as a practicing member of this movement I would just like to say that I feel very sad and hurt that people in this day and age are condeming this movement because of some of the negative incidents that have happened in the past and some of the problems that are occuring at the present time. Surely there are problems in the movement, and maybe this book will help address them, but I find it unbelievable that inteligent people write off the whole society, while having no real knowledge of what the movement is all about. I am refering to people who have read this book and have concluded that this movement is some sort of evil sick cult. I find this very ignorant.
This movement is a genuine spiritual culture which goes back thousands of years and I think that modern society will surely benefit by embracing it instead of moving further and further down the road of materialism, which im sure is not the right direcion.
A portrait of mounting corruption and its concealment., January 12, 2005
Reviewer: Gordon Neufeld (Calgary, Alberta)
This well-written book provides a good account of how a religious organization can become increasingly corrupt yet seek to conceal and deny this corruption at every turn. Muster recounts her own role in this deception. For much of her time in ISKCON, she was an editor and writer for a sect newspaper that tried to balance journalism with its purpose to put a positive spin on whatever was happening within the organization. Finally, the evidence of corrupt behavior became too great to ignore, and when Muster attempted to publish interviews and stories that mildly touched upon controversial events, she was thwarted by the cult authorities. Eventually, Muster had no choice but to leave the group. In the author's view, ISKCON's problems began with the death of the supreme guru, Srila Prabhupada, in 1977. This resulted in the devolution of authority to eleven "zonal gurus" who lacked the charisma and Vedic scholarship of the cult's founder. Inevitably, some of these gurus went completely overboard, spurred on by the cult's practice of worshipping -- in effect, deifying -- them. The new introduction to the book, written later than the original introduction by Larry Shinn, implies that the author no longer categorically rejects the mind control/manipulation model that Shinn seems so eager to discard. While this book offers a good overview of the decline of ISKCON in America, it does not provide a lot of insight into the lifestyle of ordinary members of ISKCON, such as those who went to airports tirelessly for years to raise money for the cult. I found myself wanting to know more about the private thoughts and feelings of the person Nori Muster and not just about the series of scandals that swept through the cult in the 1980s.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
not happy with the criticism, July 3, 1999
Reviewer: A reader
I think the author's disatisfaction is understandable, but if she is so unhappy with ISKCON, why doesn't she work to improve it? What good does complaining do? Why air out our dirty laundry for any fool or rascal to see? What good will that do to help our movement? I've been a full time member over 23 years, and overall I've had a good experience. ISKCON is like a hospitable. Fools and rascals will come and go, but some do become spiritually healthy and are therefore eternally grateful, despite the faults that are present within ISKCON and, by-the-way, everywhere else in the world. Those who corrupt ISKCON will eventually hang themselves with their own rope. And don't forget - they are a product of the surrounding materialistic culture - not ISKCON. Don't lump us in with them. There still are some very pious souls within the movement, working for its good. I think Nori should come back and help.
