An Authentic Life 1.1 for pdf - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

ers wanted it. We decided to resign before they arrived.
We smoked a joint together at a sidewalk table
in front of Govinda’s. Then they took me to buy new
clothes. I bought aloha shirts, pants and a Panama
hat. I let my hair and beard grow, but it was still short.
That night, I went to Waikiki. I had steak dinner at the
Sizzler, went to bars, drank beer, and danced.
The next day, I rented an apartment. At Sunday
morning worship, Sudama, Tarun, and I gave our resignation
speeches. I said ISKCON was no longer a viable
preaching vehicle and couldn’t invite people to
temples in good conscience. My first reason for leaving
was corruption that was overlooked or supported
by my guru. The second reason was ISKCON wasn’t
conducive to my spiritual growth and my guru was
holding me back.
I changed clothes, buried my staff, sacred
thread, and robes in a swamp and began a new life. I
stayed in Honolulu busing tables at Govinda’s Restaurant
and making pukka shell necklaces at a devotee’s
home until Swamiji came. I wanted to speak
with him face to face before ending the relationship.
In February 1975, Swamiji arrived. I met with
him in his room and said that if I could go to the Los
Angeles temple, find a wife, and live as a married
man, I’d consider working with ISKCON. He agreed,
but then a devotee told me he changed his mind and I
couldn’t do that. I told Swamiji I wouldn’t go to
ISKCON temples any longer. He said, “You know
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