Date Posted:07:42 Author: ketch - 19 Sep 2001 Subject: Re: The Books of Srila Prabhupada In reply to:
Bill - 19 Sep 2001
's message, "Re: The Books of Srila Prabhupada" on 07:37
An Indian friend of mine told me that the Hare Krishna's are regarded with some suspicion by most Hindu's as they seem to employ "hard sell" tactics at times, and because of the apparent affluence of some of their leaders.
I first came across them when I was about 13 or 14 and was stopped in the street by one of their evangelists. The Hare Krishna "salesman" gave me a supposedly free record and a few books by A.C. Bhaktivedanta. Being young and naive I accepted them without realising that I was then going to be asked strongly for a donation. I felt rather intimidated by the Hare Krishna "salesman" and ended up handing over what little money I had. I have watched them perform this trick in the street several times since, and they seem to target young people and use quite aggressive techniques to extract donations.
Having said that I did visit one of their temples in Nepal, and there was no pressure put on me to make any contribution to their expenses. The monastic who seemed to be in charge was very friendly and helpful.
I have to mention the recent news reports of former Beatle George Harrison. When threatened by a knife weilding intruder at his home, Mr Harrison tried to protect himself by shouting "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna" at the attacker. Unfortunately however Lord Krishna's attention seems to have been elsewhere at the time, and the man stabbed Mr Harrison in the chest.
