Hare Krishna, all. New poster here!
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and Sri Sri Radha-Krishna!
A little introduction, if you'll indulge me: I've been involved with Krishna consciousness for around six years in an on-and-off capacity. I don't visit a temple regularly, my chanting and devotional service is not consistent (my daily japa has been as high as four and as low as none) and only visit the occasional event, but, at my core, I believe wholeheartedly in Caitanya Vaisnava philosophy and in their lordships Radha-Krishna as svayam-bhagavan.
I am, however, disillusioned somewhat with ISKCON and believe many of their teachings – specifically on women's and gay rights, regulation of sex life and anti-scientific, literal readings of the scriptures – to be hopelessly outdated and based upon HDG Srila Prabhupada's own cultural prejudices and norms.
I have recently become attracted to the teachings of HH BV Tripurari Swami and his attempt to present Vaisnavism in a modern, 21st century way, and feel very much like his Sri Caitanya Sanga is far more on the right path than the silly prejudices of ISKCON. My question is this: Does anyone know of any other "liberal" or "progressive" (i.e. non-fundamentalist) Gaudiya Vaisnava gurus like Tripurari Maharaja, either inside or outside of ISKCON?
I am specifically looking for examples of spiritual masters who don't mandate no sex whatsoever, require a minimum of the rather arbitrary sixteen rounds for initiation, have a more metaphorical view on some aspects of the Bhagavatam, etc.
Thank you in advance for your responses, prabhus.
Your servant,
Bhakta SJ
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