Are you ISKCON?
Many times people ask why are you not in ISKCON, but this is a misunderstanding of what ISKCON really is. Shrila Prabhupada gives the following explanation on this topic.
"Our aim should be to serve Krishna with love and devotion. That is the perfection of life. So, we have established this International Society for Krishna Consciousness to train people in this art of serving Krishna. That is our mission. The society is just a means to an end." (Letter to Karandhara, 1972)
“With reference to the boys holding kirtanas independently, our propaganda should be like that. That people may open different centers of their own, or each and every householder may have his own class at home. Not that everyone is required to join the society; they may take the idea from the society and introduce in their private life.” (Letter to: Rayarama -- Unknown Place Unknown Date)
"Krishna consciousness is not an external imposition or a matter of joining a particular institution. It is the natural position of the living entity to serve Krishna with love." (Lecture, 1975)
"The real aim is to awaken our dormant love for Krishna. The society is meant to facilitate this process, but the focus should always be on developing our personal relationship with Krishna." (Lecture on SB 1.2.6, 1972)
"Simply by associating with the society, if one does not develop his personal Krishna consciousness, then simply being a member has no value." (Letter to Hamsaduta, 1969)
Srila Prabhupada's FINAL ORDER
Prabhupāda: We want cooperation...
How do you think the idea?
11/7/77 Vrindavana
...one should respectone’s spiritual master’s Godbrothersas one respects one’s spiritual master.
CC Adi 1.4.7
So if you simply try to understand what is God by reading scriptures, you cannot achieve. You must approach a guru. Just like a medicalbook: it can be available in the market. If you purchase one medical book and study and you become doctor, that is not possible. You must hear the medical book from a medical man in the college, medical college. Then you will be qualified. And if you say, "Sir, I have read all the medical books. Recognize me as a medicalpractitioner," no, that will be not.