This paper presents work to date on a PhD thesis that uses an oral history method to examine spiritual leadership in ISKCON, following the passing of its founder in 1977 up until the late 1980s when a period of leadership reform took... more
This paper presents work to date on a PhD thesis that uses an oral history method to examine spiritual leadership in ISKCON, following the passing of its founder in 1977 up until the late 1980s when a period of leadership reform took place. I note that variations in accounts by key players in this time period have been the most striking observation to date. Rather than view this as problematic for consensus, I am viewing this phenomenon to be indicative of the existence of various narratives. Moreover, the need to excavate these narratives is seen to be necessary if a more nuanced understanding of this complex subject is to be attained. I argue that the subject has been dominated by a master narrative, leading to an incomplete understanding. Narrative analysis is being used to unearth and examine the various narratives.
