Vaishnavism 2 - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

capable of being the universal religion thatthe scriptures talked about, that it had thequalities, it had the attributes, of being oneof the great religions, a panacea for allmankind. . . . He was using his own Englishtraining to begin the process ofdisseminating cross-culturally what he feltwas this universal religion. (157-8)I share this vision, and it is what motivatesmy work. Bhaktivinode took it as far as hecould, being a nineteenth century Bengali. Trueindigenization must be done by indigenouspeople. My graduate studies taught me how tointerpret ancient religion for today’s people,and that is what I did with Universalist Radha-Krishnaism.46. Dr. Brooks: . . . The model of religion, inall branches of Hinduism, especially, is avery individual experience. The model is thedevoted individual seeking out a guru. Andthe relationship between the guru and thedevotee is an individual relationship. Peoplehave different personalities and the guruhas to be sensitive about how they can bestbe taken, throughout this life, and achievemokshsa eventually, or further, love forKrishna. What is the best process for eachdisciple? That’s up to the qualified guru. So,in a sense, the institutionalization of bhaktireligion is something that a lot of peopledon’t hook into. (162)I work outside of institutional religion. I seemost organized religion as a blight on spiritual25