By Shaunaka Rsi dasa
A lecture, given in Iskcon DC, Potomac. What is Iskcon's position in relation to the democratic system of government? Is it true that the brahmanas adopt anarchy, ksatriyas adopt monarchy, vaisyas apply capitalism and sudras follow communism, all systems simultaneously existing? In modern, secular society religion is sometimes regarded as backward looking and the source of conflict and communalism. In this view, as scientific knowledge and technology develop, religion will fade into the past and people will leave behind a superstitious phase of their development. Yet in spite of this assumption religion continues to exert force in the contemporary world. In this talk we will explore one tradition, the Hare Krishna Movement, and its relationship with modernity, including issues of freedom, democracy, individualism, science, and secularism.