One thing that is always welcome is comments being left by others, both negative and positive some make me think or re-look at my statements.

However although I was not surprised by one feedback made for me it highlights a small but vital point that within ISKCON there is an inability to listen to any negative comments.

There is a dismissal of individuals feeling and a denial of their experience based on our own feelings, thoughts and experience. This can is some cases have quite a negative effect not only on the individual’s perspective on ISKCON but also how they then relate to devotees. It also develops a fear and denial culture which ultimately proves counter productive and destructive.

I have myself found myself in such a position and get over time have realised that this is part of the purification process; thankfully Krishna provided me with an expert Spiritual Master and senior devotees who understanding my nature helped direct my steps and patiently waited whilst I worked through things.

This has not stopped me writing a statement to help the local centre whose manager was being sued; this statement I am lead to believe helped in the case being dropped. Nor has it stopped me recommending others to go, seeing beyond my own feelings and sense of injustice.

I was fortunate in as much as although senior management dismissed my feelings and thought those who actually had my wellbeing at heart and remain my ever well-wishers did not; this made a big difference and helped me eventually reconcile my feelings.

My Guru Maharaja reminds us that it is only in Krishna Consciousness that we are truly for real with ourselves, we are little trained or interested in this and so things at the beginning are difficult, offences will be made and problems will be encountered.

We need to develop this within ISKCON rather than the protective denial of individual feelings, thoughts and emotions; responding to individual needs, tolerating offences whilst developing understanding of the suffering each individual has within the material world. Rather than imposing our own feelings or perspective on others.