"
Always remember Krishna, and never forget Him!"
-- Srila Prabhupada
Hare Krishna!
I just want to say, I am a dedicated practitioner of Vaishnavism. Specifically, I am a Gaudiya Vaishnavi (or a Krishna devotee; Vaishnava = devotee of Krishna... Vaishnavis are ladies!).
It's so hard for me sometimes to go back to temple. I love my faith, my religion, and I love Krishna. Honestly, even when times have been hard and I've received a lot of backlash from some devotees at temple, others have accepted me with open arms and continue to encourage me to go back to temple for Sunday feasts, even when I haven't come in months.
I have never lost my faith in Krishna, and I know that He is always there for me with open arms. I only need to receive Him and love Him.
It certainly doesn't help with an atheist boyfriend. But I know that God loves Him too, regardless.
I really do not know what is holding me back. I suppose that I could re-order some saris and just go. But there is so much memory there, so much joy and pain that I've gone through. Just imagine coming out to a conservative religious community!
In any case, I have no idea. I just continue to be myself and genuine, listen to kirtan, do my japa of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, and go to temple for festivals. I'm just so happy that even when individuals won't accept me, I know that Krishna Himself will save me from the ocean of birth and death, and be my Dearest Friend.
Oh, and please chant:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare!and be happy!
