Justine Payton, a 28-year-old woman, found herself in a dire situation in 2020, quarantined with Covid in a Hare Krishna ashram in Philadelphia. She had devoted years of her life to the movement, working tirelessly and giving up the majority of her earnings to contribute to the community. However, as time passed, she began to realize that the environment she was in had turned emotionally and spiritually abusive. Her mental health deteriorated, and she contemplated taking her own life. It was during this time of isolation that she reached out to her family for help and support.
Raised in an affluent suburb of Chicago, Justine had a strong sense of independence and a thirst for spiritual enlightenment. Her journey led her to the Hare Krishna movement in New Zealand, where she found solace in their practices of meditation, chanting, and community engagement. However, as she became more deeply involved in the movement, she encountered emotional manipulation and control from her spiritual leader, Mangal-arti. Her parents became concerned as they watched their daughter become more dependent on the faith, losing her autonomy and sense of self.
After experiencing a period of isolation due to Covid, Justine was able to critically assess her experiences in the Hare Krishna movement and recognize the abuse she endured. With the support of her family, she filed formal complaints against the leaders of the movement, leading to disciplinary actions being taken against Mangal-arti and Devamrita Swami, another leader. The Mantra Lounge in Philadelphia, where Justine had been a member, was closed in 2021.
Today, Justine is trying to rebuild her life, enrolling in graduate school and focusing on her relationships with her family. While she still finds beauty in religious texts, she no longer practices any religion and is wary of associating with religious institutions. She acknowledges the trauma she endured and the time she lost, but remains resilient in her journey towards healing and self-discovery.
The Hare Krishna movement in the United States has evolved over the years, grappling with issues of abuse and control within its ranks. While it still maintains a following of devoted members, the organization is facing challenges in retaining younger, Western followers who may be interested in yoga and meditation but reluctant to commit to the stringent practices of ISKCON. The movement is working on new training protocols for leaders to avoid the problems that have arisen in the past.
Justine’s story highlights the complexities of seeking spiritual fulfillment within a religious organization and the importance of recognizing and addressing abuse within these communities. Her journey of self-discovery and healing serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of seeking support from loved ones during times of struggle.
