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Rating: 
Summary: An eye opening insight into the hidden world of Hare Krishna
Review: Ms. Muster takes us into a world we never see, much the way Jim Bouton once took us behind baseball, and others have taken us into political campaigns, cinema and many other "businesses" that can only be seen from the inside. The true hero of the book, and the constant voice of reason and fairness, is her father. Ms. Muster allows us to travel the twists and turns of a true believer becoming disillusioned, and she lets us lean on her father,s strength during those confusing days just as she did. To my reading, this is the most touching part of the story.
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Summary: A disillusioned Krishna member's recollection
Review: Nori J. Muster joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) - the Hare Krishnas - in 1978. She lived in the Krishnas' western world headquarters in Los Angeles and worked for 10 years as a public relations secretary and editor of the organization's newspaper, the ISKCON World Review. Her book, Betrayal of the Spirit, discusses international drug smuggling, arms caches, airport fundraising, child abuse, and assassinations within the mysterious group, as well as the dynamics that forced most of the grou's original members to leave. Muster's book is about the public relations nightmare of the decade following Founder Swami Prabhupada's death. Disillusioned over continuing internal strife, in 1988 Muster left the world of saris, brass cymbals and institutional male chauvinism to come back into mainstream American life. Her story reads like a non-fiction suspense novel while she shows how an organization can quickly fall into dishonesty, deceit and hypocrisy. Her story is intensely personal, touching - and a great read. Publisher's Weekly called it "nothing less than mesmerizing." I enjoyed reading it. -Paula Hassler, Tempe, Arizona
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Summary: no point missed!
Review: To the unfortunate person whose review is titled "Missing the Point"- i'm afraid it is you, my friend. Hare Krsnas are NOT about spreading the Hindu caste system throught the world , nor are they trying to create some elite class of MALE Brahmins.
Actually, ISKCON founder Srila Prabhuada constantly spoke out against the Hindu caste system- which places people in caste BY BIRTH. Meaning, the son of a Brahmin is automatically considered a Brahmin. Prabhupada practised
genuine Vedic dharma in granting devotees Brahmin initiation based on QUALIFICATION- and to women too!
Youll be surprised to know that the base of Krsna Conscious philosophy is "Aham Brahmasmi"- I AM SPIRIT.
There is no distiction based on temporary bodily distinctions such as sex, race, or even species!
Hence the fact that devotees practice Ahimsa "nonviolence" to ALL living beings.
Yes, i lived in Krsna temple for 2 years and have been a devotee for almost 10. There are inumerable women devotess who are Brahmins, Priests, and temple leaders. And as a male devotee, one of my many services involved cooking and cleaning in the temple. There is no "woman's work" predjudice. We are all spirit-souls serving Sri Krsna. The movement is not perfect- but the philosophy of Vedic culture and the devotion of Srila Prabhupada will inspire the heart of any open minded person!
I just cannot see lies spread about my culture. Please forgive me if i have made any offenses. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!*
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