Krishna West, Howard Resnick, and the Possible Future of Gaudiya Vaishnavism

Abstract

The article "Krishna West, Howard Resnick, and the Possible Future of Gaudiya Vaishnavism" by Cyril Wohrer (Chandrashekhara Acharya Dasa) explores the tension between tradition and innovation within contemporary Hinduism, focusing on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the Krishna West project. Spearheaded by Howard Resnick (Hridayananda Goswami), a long-standing ISKCON leader and Harvard-educated scholar, Krishna West aims to present Bhakti-yoga to Western audiences by de-emphasizing non-essential Indian cultural elements like dress, cuisine, and music, arguing for a more culturally adaptable approach.

The article traces Resnick's background within ISKCON, his critique of the "Indianization" of the movement, and the mission statement of Krishna West, which seeks to make bhakti-yoga relevant and enjoyable for Westerners without compromising its core spiritual principles. It highlights the project's practical implementation, including female leadership in some centers, and analyzes the mixed reactions from the ISKCON community, ranging from strong support, particularly from Western women, to virulent opposition. The author discusses the concept of "cultural hybridity" in ISKCON's existing culture and draws parallels with historical Christian missionary efforts to adapt to local cultures. The article concludes by suggesting that the resistance to Krishna West stems from identity destabilization and a perceived loss of control among long-standing ISKCON leadership, whose self-identity has been intertwined with the existing hybrid "Indian" cultural paradigm.