Who Is Responsible When Someone Leaves a Spiritual Community: The Individual or the Community?


Question

To what extent is an individual responsible for leaving a spiritual community, and to what extent does the community bear responsibility when its environment or behavior becomes discouraging or exclusionary? How should one understand situations where individuals feel pushed away due to interpersonal conflict, lack of support, or institutional priorities, especially in light of teachings that emphasize both personal responsibility and the role of association?

Answer

H.D. Goswami Profile Picture

There are two levels of moral responsibility. On the one hand, Krishna is a perfect Lord and Judge and He gives all of us exactly what we deserve. He states this many times in the Gita.

On the other hand, it is our serious responsibility to treat everyone with kindness. So the fact that Krishna is controlling does not excuse anyone from mistreating other souls.

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H.D.Goswami