International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001
_______________________________________________
Featured Group Report

Hare Krishna: news articles 1990
 
ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1990

May/June

Krishna Temple Sales Blocked (p. 10) The Supreme Court has blocked the court-ordered sales of five Hare Krishna temples, giving the sect a chance to appeal a $5-million judgment against it. The case, in which a California jury awarded former Krishna member Robin George and her family $32.5 million in damages for emotional distress, has attracted wide interest in the religious community for its large penalty. On appeal, the 1983 award was reduced to $2.9 million, which has risen to more than $5 million with interest. 

In 1974, Miss George, still a minor, visited a Hare Krishna Temple and, according to court documents, soon followed the group's advice and left home to live permanently with the group. 

The National Council of Churches, the World Hindu Association of North America, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, and the National Association of Evangelicals have filed friend of the court briefs supporting the Krishnas and asking that the Supreme Court hear the case. Hindu leaders say the original trial in effect passed judgment on their religion and falsely portrayed their scriptures.

A state judge last month ordered that five Krishna temples already placed under court supervision, including the religion's headquarters in Los Angeles, be sold and the proceeds paid to the Georges. The Krishnas asked the court for a stay to save their religion from "destruction." Since then, the Krishnas have held a round-the-clock vigil in front of the National Archives, and on April I they marched through Washington advocating religious freedom.

Lawyers for the Georges argued that "there is no reliable evidence in the record to support [the Krishna's] allegation concerning the financial hardships which will befall them if the stay is not granted." Washington Times, 4/20/90, 136. [The Washington Times is controlled by Unification Church companies.]

Ad Claims Persecution

A "Campaign to Save Religious Freedom in America" ad in the March 30 Washington Post claims that a court order compelling the International Society for Consciousness (ISKCON) to sell property to pay damages to an ex-member represents Persecution of Hinduism. "How would you feel if a court threatened to close your church because a former member and her mother didn't like your religion," asks the ad, in reference to the court-awarded punitive and compensatory damages to Robin George for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Pressured to Join Krishnas (p. 18) Anton Hoefter, just out of seven years in a Swiss monastery school, tells of his brief experience with a Hare Krishna group in China and of the excessive pressure put on him to join the group. Areopagus, Advent 1989 (Vol. 3, No. 1), 35-37. 

Krishnas Back to Airports (p. 10) A federal judge ruled late last year that the three major airports serving New York – Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark, are “public forums,” much like sidewalks, and therefore venues for free speech.  This means that groups like the Hare Krishnas will be able to resume their airport activities of the 1970s.  The Krishnas plan to use different tactics in the 1990s.  Male members are letting their locks grow out and are doffing their day-glo robes in favor of shirts and trousers.  Exact details are missing, but they’ll reportedly be extolling the virtues of their holy book, the Bhagavad-Gita, rather than putting the direct arm on people for money.  MSP Airport News (Minneapolis-St. Paul), 4/4/90.  

July/August

Krishna Leader Indicted for Murder (p. 8) Three members of the Hare Krishna community in West Virginia, including founder-leader Keith Ham, 54, also known as Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada, were indicted by a federal grand jury last week, accused of conspiring to murder two dissident members of the sect in West Virginia and Los Angeles.

The U. S. Attorney in Wheeling said the government will attempt to seize the group's 4,000 acres of land and residences at its New Vrindaban community in Marshall County, alleging that they were purchased with $10.5 million obtained fraudulently.

The murders include the 1986 slaying of dissident ex-member Stephen Bryant and the 1983 killing of Charles St. Denis. Thomas Drescher is serving a life term for the latter murder.

The government also alleges that Drescher, who faces charges in California for Bryant's murder, was promised $80,000 by Ham to commit the murder and that of another community resident, Terry Sheldon.

The New Vrindaban community has been the subject of several other investigations, leading to the expulsion of the commune by the national leaders of the Hindu sect two years ago, and its leader a year earlier.

One count of the indictment, which followed a two-year investigation, alleges that Ham and three of the community's corporations violated racketeering statutes by investing the $10.5 million received from fundraising scams into property and buildings at their community. The indictment alleges that the accused used the mails fraudulently to solicit money from the public across the nation. They allegedly solicited funds for a school, but failed to tell those contributing that "children were sexually molested" at the school. Los Angeles Times, 6/2/90.

Swami Denies Charges

Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada denied the murder, racketeering , and mail fraud charges recently brought against him and said they were part of a ploy to seize his 4,000 acre commune in West Virginia.  He also said a political figure wanted to use the case against him for personal gain.  He refused to identify the figure, but said he played a prominent role in a federal arson case against Bhaktipada - which ended in acquittal - three years ago.  The Swami also said a coal company that holds mineral rights to much of New Vrindaban wants his devotees off the land so they can mine the coal.  Intelligencer (Wheeling, WVA), 6/7/90,1.

Other Krishna Leader Responds

Kirtinananda Swami also said that an offer he alleges the government made him - by which the charges would be dropped if the New Vrindaban community gave up claim to the land it sits on - probably was connected with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness getting the property. Rabinda Surapa, chairman of the Hare Krishna movement's Governing Board Commission, denied that ISKCON had any part in such a deal, and that the property would not in any case go to ISKCON if seized by the government.

The Governing Board Commission labeled Bhaktipada an embarrassment to the other Hare Krishnas and denied Bhaktipada's allegation that it had threatened him. Rabinda said that it was Bhaktipada who had threatened ISCKCON and other Hare Krishnas in the past. He said he would testify in the federal trial against Bhaktipada if called as a witness. Intelligencer (Wheeling, WVA), 617/90, 1.

Krishnas on the Beach (p. 10) Hare Krishnas are preparing to frequent beaches in north Florida in traditional Krishna dress. Volusia County officials are reportedly less than enthusiastic about the prospect of religious solicitors roving the beach, but acknowledge there is nothing they can do to prevent it. The county ordinance regulating commercial soliciting, such as advertising and timeshare condo peddling, does not contain any reference to religious or non-profit organizations.  Ft. Myers (FL) News Press, 7/13/90,4.  

September/October

 Russia 

Krishnas in Moscow (p. 14) The local leader of the Hare Krishna movement, Sergei Zuyev, says "Our movement has been increasing in number so fast, it is hard to keep up count." He estimated up to 10,000 followers are now among the 300 million Soviet citizens. "Hare Krishna isn't only a religion," he said, but "a philosophy of spiritual happiness and that is what we try to provide.. . Young people are open to what we are trying to teach." Detroit News, 8/19/ 90,4A. 

November/December

Boy George "Saved" by Krishnas (p. 12) Outrageous rocker Boy George has joined the Hare Krishnas, and thanks to them, he reported, he's finally beaten his lifelong addiction to drugs and booze. "I'm happy to be one of them," the 29-year-old singer told a close friend. "The beliefs of the Hare Krishnas have helped me get off drugs and alcohol - and I love their music." 

According to a Los Angeles spokesman for the group, "Boy George chants happily, eats a strict vegetarian diet, stays drug-free, and worships regularly with other Hare Krishna devotees."  His father, Jeremiah O'Dowd, told London's Sunday People newspaper: " The family is absolutely delighted.  George has been through a long, dark tunnel and come out a better person." National Enquirer, 9/11/90,22. 

Renegade Krishna Leader's "Spiritual War" with Critics (p. 14) Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada [formerly Keith Hain], the renegade Hare Krishna leader now under federal indictment for racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder, says the charges make sense only in the context of an ongoing spiritual war between the forces of good and evil. He told a reporter before an audience of devotees that persecution is an index of holiness - and his indictment represents nothing less. 

"Jesus Christ said to expect it... Every real active devotee of God will be persecuted- always has been, always will. That's the way you know whether he's doing his job." He adds, "Remember, not only was Christ crucified, but everyone of his disciples were put to death as well. Still, the message lived on."

Most of their supporters are doing their best to match his confidence. A gray New Vrindaban Construction pickup proudly sports this motto: "Whether he is wrong or right, he's right." 

Some of Bhaktipada's devotees - fewer than 300 remain from more than 600 residents in the mid-1980s - agree with his logic. I see it as a conspiracy" said the leader's gardener, Narasingha. I feel I can trust my own intimate knowledge of the man more than I can trust the rumors and hearsay. 

"The persecution is going on because of envy ... of the success our community has had," said Sankirtan, who heads New Vrindaban's drama department. 

Others believe the indictment is a divine message. "I think [the Lord] Krishna has waited too long to cleanse us," said Jaya Mirari Swami, who is in charge of the community's plumbing and heating systems. "It got real loose around here. You could go into garbage and find remnants where people were eating meat."From "In W.Va. hills a troubled temple to Lord Krishna, by Julia M. Klein. Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/22/90,2A. 

"New Age Goulash"

Ravindra Svarupa, the Philadelphia-based North American chairman of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, said the expelled Bhaktipada was an embarrassment because of his misrepresentation" of the movement, his "messianic complex" and the "apparent criminal activities."

"He was acting in a completely independent and autocratic manner. He felt we had no control over him. Yet we are going to have to take responsibility for all of his actions. We couldn't be put in that position," he said. 

Svarupa refers disdainfully to the religion practiced at New Vrindaban as "New Age goulash." Bhaktipada has replaced traditional Hindu dhotis with monk-like robes, translated the service from Sanskrit to English, and included hymns and references to Jesus Christ. In addition, male devotees at New Vrindaban no longer shave their heads and women are allowed to ascend to the sannyasi, or celibate order, and take the title "swami."The West Virginia Hare Krishna community at New Vrindaban, Palace of Gold - will be the centerpiece of the City of  God in Marshall County, plans to build a $10 million temple, according to leader Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada. He said that the "Cathedral of the Holy Name" - which with 100,000 square feet will be far larger than the community's existing Palace of Gold - will be the centerpiece of the City of God complex the group plans to construct.  The city is to include temples, mosques, synagogues, and living quarters." Charleston (WV) Gazette, 7/23/90.  

 

 
 
       
_____________________________________________ ^
 

International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001
_______________________________________________
Featured Group Report

Hare Krishna: news articles 1990
 
ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1990

May/June

Krishna Temple Sales Blocked (p. 10) The Supreme Court has blocked the court-ordered sales of five Hare Krishna temples, giving the sect a chance to appeal a $5-million judgment against it. The case, in which a California jury awarded former Krishna member Robin George and her family $32.5 million in damages for emotional distress, has attracted wide interest in the religious community for its large penalty. On appeal, the 1983 award was reduced to $2.9 million, which has risen to more than $5 million with interest. 

In 1974, Miss George, still a minor, visited a Hare Krishna Temple and, according to court documents, soon followed the group's advice and left home to live permanently with the group. 

The National Council of Churches, the World Hindu Association of North America, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, and the National Association of Evangelicals have filed friend of the court briefs supporting the Krishnas and asking that the Supreme Court hear the case. Hindu leaders say the original trial in effect passed judgment on their religion and falsely portrayed their scriptures.

A state judge last month ordered that five Krishna temples already placed under court supervision, including the religion's headquarters in Los Angeles, be sold and the proceeds paid to the Georges. The Krishnas asked the court for a stay to save their religion from "destruction." Since then, the Krishnas have held a round-the-clock vigil in front of the National Archives, and on April I they marched through Washington advocating religious freedom.

Lawyers for the Georges argued that "there is no reliable evidence in the record to support [the Krishna's] allegation concerning the financial hardships which will befall them if the stay is not granted." Washington Times, 4/20/90, 136. [The Washington Times is controlled by Unification Church companies.]

Ad Claims Persecution

A "Campaign to Save Religious Freedom in America" ad in the March 30 Washington Post claims that a court order compelling the International Society for Consciousness (ISKCON) to sell property to pay damages to an ex-member represents Persecution of Hinduism. "How would you feel if a court threatened to close your church because a former member and her mother didn't like your religion," asks the ad, in reference to the court-awarded punitive and compensatory damages to Robin George for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Pressured to Join Krishnas (p. 18) Anton Hoefter, just out of seven years in a Swiss monastery school, tells of his brief experience with a Hare Krishna group in China and of the excessive pressure put on him to join the group. Areopagus, Advent 1989 (Vol. 3, No. 1), 35-37. 

Krishnas Back to Airports (p. 10) A federal judge ruled late last year that the three major airports serving New York – Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark, are “public forums,” much like sidewalks, and therefore venues for free speech.  This means that groups like the Hare Krishnas will be able to resume their airport activities of the 1970s.  The Krishnas plan to use different tactics in the 1990s.  Male members are letting their locks grow out and are doffing their day-glo robes in favor of shirts and trousers.  Exact details are missing, but they’ll reportedly be extolling the virtues of their holy book, the Bhagavad-Gita, rather than putting the direct arm on people for money.  MSP Airport News (Minneapolis-St. Paul), 4/4/90.  

July/August

Krishna Leader Indicted for Murder (p. 8) Three members of the Hare Krishna community in West Virginia, including founder-leader Keith Ham, 54, also known as Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada, were indicted by a federal grand jury last week, accused of conspiring to murder two dissident members of the sect in West Virginia and Los Angeles.

The U. S. Attorney in Wheeling said the government will attempt to seize the group's 4,000 acres of land and residences at its New Vrindaban community in Marshall County, alleging that they were purchased with $10.5 million obtained fraudulently.

The murders include the 1986 slaying of dissident ex-member Stephen Bryant and the 1983 killing of Charles St. Denis. Thomas Drescher is serving a life term for the latter murder.

The government also alleges that Drescher, who faces charges in California for Bryant's murder, was promised $80,000 by Ham to commit the murder and that of another community resident, Terry Sheldon.

The New Vrindaban community has been the subject of several other investigations, leading to the expulsion of the commune by the national leaders of the Hindu sect two years ago, and its leader a year earlier.

One count of the indictment, which followed a two-year investigation, alleges that Ham and three of the community's corporations violated racketeering statutes by investing the $10.5 million received from fundraising scams into property and buildings at their community. The indictment alleges that the accused used the mails fraudulently to solicit money from the public across the nation. They allegedly solicited funds for a school, but failed to tell those contributing that "children were sexually molested" at the school. Los Angeles Times, 6/2/90.

Swami Denies Charges

Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada denied the murder, racketeering , and mail fraud charges recently brought against him and said they were part of a ploy to seize his 4,000 acre commune in West Virginia.  He also said a political figure wanted to use the case against him for personal gain.  He refused to identify the figure, but said he played a prominent role in a federal arson case against Bhaktipada - which ended in acquittal - three years ago.  The Swami also said a coal company that holds mineral rights to much of New Vrindaban wants his devotees off the land so they can mine the coal.  Intelligencer (Wheeling, WVA), 6/7/90,1.

Other Krishna Leader Responds

Kirtinananda Swami also said that an offer he alleges the government made him - by which the charges would be dropped if the New Vrindaban community gave up claim to the land it sits on - probably was connected with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness getting the property. Rabinda Surapa, chairman of the Hare Krishna movement's Governing Board Commission, denied that ISKCON had any part in such a deal, and that the property would not in any case go to ISKCON if seized by the government.

The Governing Board Commission labeled Bhaktipada an embarrassment to the other Hare Krishnas and denied Bhaktipada's allegation that it had threatened him. Rabinda said that it was Bhaktipada who had threatened ISCKCON and other Hare Krishnas in the past. He said he would testify in the federal trial against Bhaktipada if called as a witness. Intelligencer (Wheeling, WVA), 617/90, 1.

Krishnas on the Beach (p. 10) Hare Krishnas are preparing to frequent beaches in north Florida in traditional Krishna dress. Volusia County officials are reportedly less than enthusiastic about the prospect of religious solicitors roving the beach, but acknowledge there is nothing they can do to prevent it. The county ordinance regulating commercial soliciting, such as advertising and timeshare condo peddling, does not contain any reference to religious or non-profit organizations.  Ft. Myers (FL) News Press, 7/13/90,4.  

September/October

 Russia 

Krishnas in Moscow (p. 14) The local leader of the Hare Krishna movement, Sergei Zuyev, says "Our movement has been increasing in number so fast, it is hard to keep up count." He estimated up to 10,000 followers are now among the 300 million Soviet citizens. "Hare Krishna isn't only a religion," he said, but "a philosophy of spiritual happiness and that is what we try to provide.. . Young people are open to what we are trying to teach." Detroit News, 8/19/ 90,4A. 

November/December

Boy George "Saved" by Krishnas (p. 12) Outrageous rocker Boy George has joined the Hare Krishnas, and thanks to them, he reported, he's finally beaten his lifelong addiction to drugs and booze. "I'm happy to be one of them," the 29-year-old singer told a close friend. "The beliefs of the Hare Krishnas have helped me get off drugs and alcohol - and I love their music." 

According to a Los Angeles spokesman for the group, "Boy George chants happily, eats a strict vegetarian diet, stays drug-free, and worships regularly with other Hare Krishna devotees."  His father, Jeremiah O'Dowd, told London's Sunday People newspaper: " The family is absolutely delighted.  George has been through a long, dark tunnel and come out a better person." National Enquirer, 9/11/90,22. 

Renegade Krishna Leader's "Spiritual War" with Critics (p. 14) Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada [formerly Keith Hain], the renegade Hare Krishna leader now under federal indictment for racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder, says the charges make sense only in the context of an ongoing spiritual war between the forces of good and evil. He told a reporter before an audience of devotees that persecution is an index of holiness - and his indictment represents nothing less. 

"Jesus Christ said to expect it... Every real active devotee of God will be persecuted- always has been, always will. That's the way you know whether he's doing his job." He adds, "Remember, not only was Christ crucified, but everyone of his disciples were put to death as well. Still, the message lived on."

Most of their supporters are doing their best to match his confidence. A gray New Vrindaban Construction pickup proudly sports this motto: "Whether he is wrong or right, he's right." 

Some of Bhaktipada's devotees - fewer than 300 remain from more than 600 residents in the mid-1980s - agree with his logic. I see it as a conspiracy" said the leader's gardener, Narasingha. I feel I can trust my own intimate knowledge of the man more than I can trust the rumors and hearsay. 

"The persecution is going on because of envy ... of the success our community has had," said Sankirtan, who heads New Vrindaban's drama department. 

Others believe the indictment is a divine message. "I think [the Lord] Krishna has waited too long to cleanse us," said Jaya Mirari Swami, who is in charge of the community's plumbing and heating systems. "It got real loose around here. You could go into garbage and find remnants where people were eating meat."From "In W.Va. hills a troubled temple to Lord Krishna, by Julia M. Klein. Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/22/90,2A. 

"New Age Goulash"

Ravindra Svarupa, the Philadelphia-based North American chairman of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, said the expelled Bhaktipada was an embarrassment because of his misrepresentation" of the movement, his "messianic complex" and the "apparent criminal activities."

"He was acting in a completely independent and autocratic manner. He felt we had no control over him. Yet we are going to have to take responsibility for all of his actions. We couldn't be put in that position," he said. 

Svarupa refers disdainfully to the religion practiced at New Vrindaban as "New Age goulash." Bhaktipada has replaced traditional Hindu dhotis with monk-like robes, translated the service from Sanskrit to English, and included hymns and references to Jesus Christ. In addition, male devotees at New Vrindaban no longer shave their heads and women are allowed to ascend to the sannyasi, or celibate order, and take the title "swami."The West Virginia Hare Krishna community at New Vrindaban, Palace of Gold - will be the centerpiece of the City of  God in Marshall County, plans to build a $10 million temple, according to leader Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada. He said that the "Cathedral of the Holy Name" - which with 100,000 square feet will be far larger than the community's existing Palace of Gold - will be the centerpiece of the City of God complex the group plans to construct.  The city is to include temples, mosques, synagogues, and living quarters." Charleston (WV) Gazette, 7/23/90.  

 

 
 
       
_____________________________________________ ^
 

International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001
_______________________________________________
Featured Group Report

Hare Krishna: news articles 1990
 
ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1990

May/June

Krishna Temple Sales Blocked (p. 10) The Supreme Court has blocked the court-ordered sales of five Hare Krishna temples, giving the sect a chance to appeal a $5-million judgment against it. The case, in which a California jury awarded former Krishna member Robin George and her family $32.5 million in damages for emotional distress, has attracted wide interest in the religious community for its large penalty. On appeal, the 1983 award was reduced to $2.9 million, which has risen to more than $5 million with interest. 

In 1974, Miss George, still a minor, visited a Hare Krishna Temple and, according to court documents, soon followed the group's advice and left home to live permanently with the group. 

The National Council of Churches, the World Hindu Association of North America, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, and the National Association of Evangelicals have filed friend of the court briefs supporting the Krishnas and asking that the Supreme Court hear the case. Hindu leaders say the original trial in effect passed judgment on their religion and falsely portrayed their scriptures.

A state judge last month ordered that five Krishna temples already placed under court supervision, including the religion's headquarters in Los Angeles, be sold and the proceeds paid to the Georges. The Krishnas asked the court for a stay to save their religion from "destruction." Since then, the Krishnas have held a round-the-clock vigil in front of the National Archives, and on April I they marched through Washington advocating religious freedom.

Lawyers for the Georges argued that "there is no reliable evidence in the record to support [the Krishna's] allegation concerning the financial hardships which will befall them if the stay is not granted." Washington Times, 4/20/90, 136. [The Washington Times is controlled by Unification Church companies.]

Ad Claims Persecution

A "Campaign to Save Religious Freedom in America" ad in the March 30 Washington Post claims that a court order compelling the International Society for Consciousness (ISKCON) to sell property to pay damages to an ex-member represents Persecution of Hinduism. "How would you feel if a court threatened to close your church because a former member and her mother didn't like your religion," asks the ad, in reference to the court-awarded punitive and compensatory damages to Robin George for intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Pressured to Join Krishnas (p. 18) Anton Hoefter, just out of seven years in a Swiss monastery school, tells of his brief experience with a Hare Krishna group in China and of the excessive pressure put on him to join the group. Areopagus, Advent 1989 (Vol. 3, No. 1), 35-37. 

Krishnas Back to Airports (p. 10) A federal judge ruled late last year that the three major airports serving New York – Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark, are “public forums,” much like sidewalks, and therefore venues for free speech.  This means that groups like the Hare Krishnas will be able to resume their airport activities of the 1970s.  The Krishnas plan to use different tactics in the 1990s.  Male members are letting their locks grow out and are doffing their day-glo robes in favor of shirts and trousers.  Exact details are missing, but they’ll reportedly be extolling the virtues of their holy book, the Bhagavad-Gita, rather than putting the direct arm on people for money.  MSP Airport News (Minneapolis-St. Paul), 4/4/90.  

July/August

Krishna Leader Indicted for Murder (p. 8) Three members of the Hare Krishna community in West Virginia, including founder-leader Keith Ham, 54, also known as Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada, were indicted by a federal grand jury last week, accused of conspiring to murder two dissident members of the sect in West Virginia and Los Angeles.

The U. S. Attorney in Wheeling said the government will attempt to seize the group's 4,000 acres of land and residences at its New Vrindaban community in Marshall County, alleging that they were purchased with $10.5 million obtained fraudulently.

The murders include the 1986 slaying of dissident ex-member Stephen Bryant and the 1983 killing of Charles St. Denis. Thomas Drescher is serving a life term for the latter murder.

The government also alleges that Drescher, who faces charges in California for Bryant's murder, was promised $80,000 by Ham to commit the murder and that of another community resident, Terry Sheldon.

The New Vrindaban community has been the subject of several other investigations, leading to the expulsion of the commune by the national leaders of the Hindu sect two years ago, and its leader a year earlier.

One count of the indictment, which followed a two-year investigation, alleges that Ham and three of the community's corporations violated racketeering statutes by investing the $10.5 million received from fundraising scams into property and buildings at their community. The indictment alleges that the accused used the mails fraudulently to solicit money from the public across the nation. They allegedly solicited funds for a school, but failed to tell those contributing that "children were sexually molested" at the school. Los Angeles Times, 6/2/90.

Swami Denies Charges

Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada denied the murder, racketeering , and mail fraud charges recently brought against him and said they were part of a ploy to seize his 4,000 acre commune in West Virginia.  He also said a political figure wanted to use the case against him for personal gain.  He refused to identify the figure, but said he played a prominent role in a federal arson case against Bhaktipada - which ended in acquittal - three years ago.  The Swami also said a coal company that holds mineral rights to much of New Vrindaban wants his devotees off the land so they can mine the coal.  Intelligencer (Wheeling, WVA), 6/7/90,1.

Other Krishna Leader Responds

Kirtinananda Swami also said that an offer he alleges the government made him - by which the charges would be dropped if the New Vrindaban community gave up claim to the land it sits on - probably was connected with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness getting the property. Rabinda Surapa, chairman of the Hare Krishna movement's Governing Board Commission, denied that ISKCON had any part in such a deal, and that the property would not in any case go to ISKCON if seized by the government.

The Governing Board Commission labeled Bhaktipada an embarrassment to the other Hare Krishnas and denied Bhaktipada's allegation that it had threatened him. Rabinda said that it was Bhaktipada who had threatened ISCKCON and other Hare Krishnas in the past. He said he would testify in the federal trial against Bhaktipada if called as a witness. Intelligencer (Wheeling, WVA), 617/90, 1.

Krishnas on the Beach (p. 10) Hare Krishnas are preparing to frequent beaches in north Florida in traditional Krishna dress. Volusia County officials are reportedly less than enthusiastic about the prospect of religious solicitors roving the beach, but acknowledge there is nothing they can do to prevent it. The county ordinance regulating commercial soliciting, such as advertising and timeshare condo peddling, does not contain any reference to religious or non-profit organizations.  Ft. Myers (FL) News Press, 7/13/90,4.  

September/October

 Russia 

Krishnas in Moscow (p. 14) The local leader of the Hare Krishna movement, Sergei Zuyev, says "Our movement has been increasing in number so fast, it is hard to keep up count." He estimated up to 10,000 followers are now among the 300 million Soviet citizens. "Hare Krishna isn't only a religion," he said, but "a philosophy of spiritual happiness and that is what we try to provide.. . Young people are open to what we are trying to teach." Detroit News, 8/19/ 90,4A. 

November/December

Boy George "Saved" by Krishnas (p. 12) Outrageous rocker Boy George has joined the Hare Krishnas, and thanks to them, he reported, he's finally beaten his lifelong addiction to drugs and booze. "I'm happy to be one of them," the 29-year-old singer told a close friend. "The beliefs of the Hare Krishnas have helped me get off drugs and alcohol - and I love their music." 

According to a Los Angeles spokesman for the group, "Boy George chants happily, eats a strict vegetarian diet, stays drug-free, and worships regularly with other Hare Krishna devotees."  His father, Jeremiah O'Dowd, told London's Sunday People newspaper: " The family is absolutely delighted.  George has been through a long, dark tunnel and come out a better person." National Enquirer, 9/11/90,22. 

Renegade Krishna Leader's "Spiritual War" with Critics (p. 14) Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada [formerly Keith Hain], the renegade Hare Krishna leader now under federal indictment for racketeering and conspiracy to commit murder, says the charges make sense only in the context of an ongoing spiritual war between the forces of good and evil. He told a reporter before an audience of devotees that persecution is an index of holiness - and his indictment represents nothing less. 

"Jesus Christ said to expect it... Every real active devotee of God will be persecuted- always has been, always will. That's the way you know whether he's doing his job." He adds, "Remember, not only was Christ crucified, but everyone of his disciples were put to death as well. Still, the message lived on."

Most of their supporters are doing their best to match his confidence. A gray New Vrindaban Construction pickup proudly sports this motto: "Whether he is wrong or right, he's right." 

Some of Bhaktipada's devotees - fewer than 300 remain from more than 600 residents in the mid-1980s - agree with his logic. I see it as a conspiracy" said the leader's gardener, Narasingha. I feel I can trust my own intimate knowledge of the man more than I can trust the rumors and hearsay. 

"The persecution is going on because of envy ... of the success our community has had," said Sankirtan, who heads New Vrindaban's drama department. 

Others believe the indictment is a divine message. "I think [the Lord] Krishna has waited too long to cleanse us," said Jaya Mirari Swami, who is in charge of the community's plumbing and heating systems. "It got real loose around here. You could go into garbage and find remnants where people were eating meat."From "In W.Va. hills a troubled temple to Lord Krishna, by Julia M. Klein. Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/22/90,2A. 

"New Age Goulash"

Ravindra Svarupa, the Philadelphia-based North American chairman of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness, said the expelled Bhaktipada was an embarrassment because of his misrepresentation" of the movement, his "messianic complex" and the "apparent criminal activities."

"He was acting in a completely independent and autocratic manner. He felt we had no control over him. Yet we are going to have to take responsibility for all of his actions. We couldn't be put in that position," he said. 

Svarupa refers disdainfully to the religion practiced at New Vrindaban as "New Age goulash." Bhaktipada has replaced traditional Hindu dhotis with monk-like robes, translated the service from Sanskrit to English, and included hymns and references to Jesus Christ. In addition, male devotees at New Vrindaban no longer shave their heads and women are allowed to ascend to the sannyasi, or celibate order, and take the title "swami."The West Virginia Hare Krishna community at New Vrindaban, Palace of Gold - will be the centerpiece of the City of  God in Marshall County, plans to build a $10 million temple, according to leader Kirtinananda Swami Bhaktipada. He said that the "Cathedral of the Holy Name" - which with 100,000 square feet will be far larger than the community's existing Palace of Gold - will be the centerpiece of the City of God complex the group plans to construct.  The city is to include temples, mosques, synagogues, and living quarters." Charleston (WV) Gazette, 7/23/90.  

 

 
 
       
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