I just received and read
two books by Yadunandana Swami.
One is a short journal, presented
in three languages: English, Spanish and
Portuguese. It is very personal and informal,
telling of his pilgrimage to Vrindavana.
It is similar to journals I have written, wherein
he describes his physical illness, and appreciates
attending the Govardhana retreat presented by
Bhurijana Prabhu, Sacinandana Maharaj and
Jagattarini Mataji. He speaks also of
his many interactions with other devotees.
The other book is his Master’s dissertation,
which he wrote for attaining a degree at
a university in Wales. The subject is
sannyasa in ISKCON. He squarely faces
the phenomena of the “checkered history”
of frequent falldowns of sannyasis in ISKCON
and offers advice for how the devotees
may avoid falldown. It is written very objectively,
with an academic style. He writes that it will
mostly be read by members of ISKCON.
He does not have an axe to grind, but presents
the facts, including approximately ten interviews
with sannyasis and ex-sannyasis telling
their personal stories, but presented anonymously
with a change of names. Because of its scholarly
standard, it is a unique book and can be appreciated
by devotees as well as outside scholars. He has done
a substantial service by his in-depth reporting.