Hare Krishna Transformed (The New and Alternative Religions Series) (Paperback)

by E. Rochford (Author)
Key Phrases: devi dasi, world accommodation, jivan mukta, New Vrindaban, Srila Prabhupada, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Longtime Hare Krishna observer Rochford (a professor of sociology and religion at Middlebury College) shows that devotees, formerly known for their public chanting and controversial fund-raising practices, have largely moved out of the temples, taken jobs and established nuclear families. Using survey data and extensive interviews, Rochford investigates the attitudes of the original members' children (some of whom suffered abuse in the early Hare Krishna schools), the changing roles of women, differing modes of affiliation with the organization and the increasing influence of Indian Hindu immigrants in what is formally known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). His findings are generally clear and convincing, and he lets the devotees speak for themselves in frequent quotes. Rochford tends to discuss trends within ISKCON without much consideration for the cultural and political context of the last two decades, and he misses opportunities to draw connections between changes within ISKCON and the larger society; for example, internal debates about the interpretation and authority of scriptures certainly mirror conflicts taking place in mainstream American (and world) religion today. But this story of accommodation within a movement that forged its identity through strict rejection of secular culture provides valuable insight into how new religions evolve.
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Review

”Eloquently written. . . . Highly Recommended.”

- G.R. Thursby, Choice

”Longtime Hare Krishna observer Rochford shows that devotees, formerly known for their public chanting and controversial fundraising practices, have largely moved out of the temples, taken jobs, and established nuclear families. Using survey data and extensive interviews, Rochford investigates the attitudes of the original members' children (some of whom suffered abuse in the early Hare Krishna schools), the changing roles of women, differing modes of affiliation with the organization, and the increasing influence of Indian Hindu immigrants in what is formally known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). His findings are generally clear and convincing, and he lets the devotees speak for themselves in frequent quotes. . . . This story of accommodation within a movement that forged its identity through strict rejection of secular culture provides valuable insight into how new religions evolve.”

- Publishers Weekly

”[Rochford] has constructed solid arguments that constitute a major contribution to his discipline.”

- Journal of the American Academy of Religion

”Burke Rochford is the most notable scholarly interpreter of Krishna Consciousness in America, and Hare Krishna Transformed is the most insightful and informative book written on the organizational evolution of the movement.”

- David G. Bromley, Virginia Commonwealth University

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 285 pages
• Publisher: NYU Press (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814775799
• ISBN-13: 978-0814775790
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,153,926 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Is an religious institution the same as a religion?, November 4, 2007

By	Hector Diego (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

In answer to Linda M. Steven's review of Burke Rochford's Hare Krishna Transformed, I have to wonder if she understands that there is a difference between a religion, or a religious social movement, and its institutional expression. Almost no religious institution lives up to the ideas of the founder/founders and ISKCON is no exception.

I believe the reasons for this are the high ideals of religious scriptures and exemplars, and the actual consciousness of those who claim allegiance to them. To fulfill the original charter of an organization called the International Society for Krishna Consciousness is a tall order. I believe Rochford has shown the heroic efforts of those who tried to fulfill the order, even if they failed. In my experience, most of the devotees of the Hare Krishna religion are very sincere, and they have found the founder's teachings to be more than adequate.

The institution--that's another story.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary insight, June 7, 2007

By	Linda M. Steven "kween" (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Hare Krishna Transformed (The New and Alternative Religions Series) (Hardcover)

In interesting and perceptive look at the political wrangling that has gone on within the movement's leadership over the years. Burke-Rochford speculates with regard to the future direction of ISKCON as a religious institution, and documents the experiences of second generation Hare Krishnas throughout their early school years. This could be a book that outsiders see as evidence of ISKCON's inadequacy as a spiritual movement. My own thoughts were that the evidence presented was exactly as I expected, and that such an open examination can only serve to facilitate a stronger move forward in the right direction.