Dr. Edwin Bryant - Finding Krishna

Summary

The speaker reflects on their spiritual journey in the late 70s, beginning with a vague Buddhist inclination and a deep prayer for existential guidance. They recount their unexpected arrival in Vrindavan, India, where they were deeply moved by the devotion of local practitioners. Despite initial cultural and aesthetic jarring, the speaker found themselves drawn to the Bhakti tradition, particularly Krishna consciousness, and its teachings, which they credit for setting them on a clear spiritual path, even as they navigated institutional challenges and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker reminisces about the 1960s and 1970s when people were more committed to spiritual practices like moving into ashrams, which contrasts with the modern, more consumer-driven approach to spirituality.
• 🏡 The speaker notes a shift from full-time commitment to ashrams to a more casual, lay practitioner approach at home, suggesting a commodification and absorption into consumer culture.
• 🧘‍♂️ Despite the changes, the speaker believes that genuine spiritual seekers can still find what they are looking for, even if it's not as prominent as in the past.
• 🚂 The speaker describes a journey to India, initially with vague spiritual intentions, and the unexpected experiences that led to a deeper spiritual awakening.
• 🌞 The vividness and intensity of the spiritual practices in India, such as the use of deities and colors, initially felt jarring to the speaker, highlighting the cultural and aesthetic differences.
• 🚌 The speaker recounts a pivotal moment of boarding a bus to Vrindavan without any clear intention, suggesting a sense of being led by a higher power or destiny.
• 🙏 The speaker was deeply moved by the devotion and surrender of the devotees in Vrindavan, which attracted him more than the theological aspects initially.
• 📚 The speaker acknowledges the influence of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's books in providing a clear and authentic spiritual tradition, despite some cultural biases in the teachings.
• 🌐 The speaker reflects on the importance of sincerity and humility in spiritual pursuits, recognizing that true spiritual growth requires surrender and grace.
• 🌌 The speaker discusses the concept of theism and the belief in a higher intelligence behind the order of the universe, which has been a consistent belief throughout his spiritual journey.
• 🌱 The speaker's journey from being a skeptic to embracing a spiritual path shows a transformation that was driven by a deep internal sincerity and a desire for existential guidance.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial perception of spiritual practices in the West?

The speaker felt that spiritual practices in the West were not as intense or committed as they were in the 1960s. He mentioned that people were moving into ashrams full-time during that period, but now it's more about lay practitioners at home, which he believes has become more commodified and absorbed into consumer culture.

Why did the speaker feel the need to go to India?

The speaker felt the need to go to India to seek a more authentic and intense spiritual experience that he believed was lacking in the West. He wanted to put together his own spiritual journey and find a higher level of commitment and practice.

What was the speaker's initial reaction to the visual and auditory aspects of the spiritual practices he encountered in India?

The speaker found the vividness of the deities, colors, and the loudspeakers playing music to be a bit jarring at first. He was not used to the aesthetic of the spiritual practices in India, which was very different from what he had experienced in the West.

How did the speaker end up in Vrindavan?

The speaker ended up in Vrindavan after getting off a train and boarding a bus without any clear intention or knowledge of where it was going. He described this as a mysterious and possibly mystical experience, as he had no recollection of deciding to get on the bus.

What was the speaker's initial impression of the Krishna devotees in Vrindavan?

The speaker was initially attracted to the Krishna devotees by their intensity, conviction, and happiness. He saw them as completely and utterly immersed in their spiritual practice, which he found compelling and attractive.

How did the speaker's perception of the Krishna tradition change over time?

The speaker's perception of the Krishna tradition evolved from being initially unattracted and skeptical to becoming deeply involved and committed. He was drawn to the devotees' sincerity and the intensity of their practice, which he found to be what he was seeking.

What was the speaker's experience with the Iscon movement and how did it influence his spiritual journey?

The speaker's experience with the Iscon movement was mixed. He appreciated the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the authenticity of the Krishna bhakti tradition but also acknowledged the corruption and institutionalization that he observed within the movement. Despite these issues, he still considers Prabhupada to be one of his gurus.

How did the speaker's understanding of bhakti yoga and surrender evolve during his time in India?

The speaker's understanding of bhakti yoga and surrender deepened during his time in India. He came to appreciate the total and utter humility and helplessness required in bhakti, and he saw this in the devotees he met. This experience helped him to understand the importance of grace and the need for sincere prayer.

What were the speaker's thoughts on the role of reason in his spiritual journey?

The speaker believed that reason was a guide but not the ultimate arbitrator of his spiritual journey. He understood that reason alone could not provide him with the spiritual fulfillment he was seeking, and he was prepared to bypass reason in pursuit of a deeper spiritual experience.

How did the speaker's experience in India shape his views on theism and the existence of a higher intelligence?

The speaker's experience in India reinforced his belief in theism and the existence of a higher intelligence. He saw the order in the universe as evidence of an intelligent designer and felt that this belief was more satisfying than alternatives such as eternalism or self-assembly.