Dallas Abused Child Episode + Comments

S Dasi: Abuse and its cover-up thrives in silence. Thank you K Dasi for speaking publicly and saying "this is not right." 

K Dasi: Today I’m extremely grateful to the Lord and feeling emotional at the same time. Today marks 2 years of R's first of three serious hospitalizations in which he almost lost his life due to the abuse he endured at the hands of one of his teachers at the Gurukul in Dallas aka TKG Academy from age 6-8. For the first time in my life I was completely saturated in despair, agony and flooded with guilt seeing my child in so much pain, not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. 

My child was broken and I was left feeling like a total failure as a mother. I still have the hardest time trying to wrapped my head in understanding all of it. Why and how did it go on for so long? Why didn’t anyone in our so-called community of devotees who knew about the abuse -- and knowing how temple management was blackmailing and threatening us -- care to help? 

Pretty much everyone in the "devotee community" abandoned us and instead chose to turn a blind eye because the abuser happens to be a “good devotee.” How dare me demonize a teacher -- is what I was told. We were made to feel like we were just a whiny baby and we were overreacting. Since it was not sexual abuse who cares is the attitude we faced since It was only emotional, mental, and physical abuse.

I used to feel frustrated thinking why couldn’t our family catch a break? Why were we not allowed to talk to anyone -- we were forced to be silenced and be in isolation during our most difficult time. I used to wonder for how long will this nightmare continue? Will my son and family recover? Will I ever find it in my heart to forgive? For the first time I felt myself questioning the supreme Lord with so much anger and hate towards those responsible and those who facilitated, supported and shelter this abuser.

I was hit with the very real sad reality that in all institutions -- including ours -- it feels like is every man for himself. It seems as if no one truly cares when they hear of mistreatment or children being abused …. Unless it directly affects them or it happens to one of their children. This is exactly why child molester Lokanath and others get a pass. Yeah, yeah it was a one time thing lokanath molested a girl some may argue …. Easy to say since it wasn’t your little girl that was molested, or maybe is easy for you because you are not a parent and can’t relate to the pain.

I hope Dallas community leaders, management and school develop a little humility and are able to learn from their mistakes on how they handle our son’s child abuse case. Hopefully they do the right thing in the future when something like this happens again.

I hope next time school management is not too proud and they listen to the parents and the children. I hope the temple / community authorities also listen and help the victims instead of abandoning, intimidating, and threatening them like they did with our family. I’m grateful to the few in the community that didn’t ditch us and reached out during our most darkest of days. We are finally out of that toxic environment and my family can breath again.

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BP: One problem I would like to mention is the extreme peer pressure put on our devotees back in the day to remain celibate, take sannyasa, perform severe austerities. Temple leaders, Iskcon management, others failed in many cases forcing this type of peer pressure in the name of following the principles of Krishna Consciousness. Very few of our Iskcon members escaped without serious falldowns. Though I admire those that remained dedicated they are a select few for sure. 

There is an old saying, strict with yourself, lenient with all others. 

AC Dasi: I'm heartbroken! Y'all went through that and people were dismissive! Y'all won't eat meat in a bid not to harm the lords creatures -- but beating a kid is ok?!? Make it make sense! His birthday is close to mine, I know he's a sensitive soul God bless him. I hope y'all are able to heal and get him some therapy to help cope. Makes me sick, poor baby! 

MD Dasi: This is just awful. I’m so sorry this happened to your family after everything you gave to the community. I’m here if there’s ever anything I can do. Even if it’s just be a listening ear. 

BJ Dasa: Had no idea this is what Your Son had gone through. Shame on those who turn a blind EYE, oh cause the abuser was a known & good devotee, well he should be held accountable more so. ISKCON should be investigated, there should be no next time as we know this TYPE of non sense has been going on WAY back in the DAYS. 

VERY sad & heart breaking. Also that known Pedophiles are welcomed to the Temple. Reason MY FAMILY & I STRAY AWAY from the Temple, there are some good, genuine & good hearted devotees we still keep in touch with. God is within us & all around us. I PRAY Your Son recovers from all the trauma he endured. 

S Dasi: It was not sexual abuse. There are other forms of abuse as well. 

BJ Dasa: I see, Yeah doesn’t matter what TYPE of abuse. None of it should be tolerated. ONLY reason I brought up pedophile is because our Local temple lets them into our Temple & I wouldn’t of known if the good devotees friend didn’t make me aware of this, I also do not support or want to associate with people who hurt children in ANY WAY. 

S Dasi: Which temple is your local temple? 

BJ Dasa: Honolulu.

MC Dasi: It pains me to say that I knew this would happen. In large part, I removed K C IMMEDIATELY -- because I noticed huge red flags Everywhere. 

AP Dasi: Love you, your family and miss you all. 

RS Dasa: Too many stories like this. Way too many. 

SA Dasi: I Love You Hugs! 

SK: I never abandoned you and never will. So very glad you're in a better place. Im always praying for you. You have my eternal unconditional love. I wish that there was something I could have done to make things better. Old me would have done a lot of things but it would have made it worse.

I know things will be much better now! Btw I'm trying to workout going up to see you all this summer. I miss you all. 

AND: I love you and your family so much. I’m so grateful R has recovered somewhat and is healthy and well! You’re in my prayers. 

NJ Dasa: I’m so sorry. Has legal action been brought against the abuser and / or the enablers? Is that something you’re interested in pursuing? 

S Dasi: I was hoping the police could investigate and a prosecution could come out of this also. 

SCL: I am so sorry to hear this. I can’t believe this is still happening. I am glad you are speaking out and talking about this. I know it’s not easy. 

MF Dasi: Oh you know I understand your pain. I’m so sorry to hear all this awful things. My heart is with you and your family. 

KR Dasi: I am so sorry little prabhu and your family had to go through so much by the hand of another “devotee.” 

ANP Dasi: Love you guys so much. Hugs and so much hope for a happy future for you and your beautiful children. You all will always be family to me. 

PAM: Siento muy afortunada de tenerte en mi vida eres GRANDE ALMA BUENA , ERES GUERRERA Y LA MEJOR MAMÁ TE AMO lo haz hecho muy BIEN!!!! 

P Dasi: Very sorry for all the Trauma your child has gone through & You as a parent ... Glad to hear at least some caring Devotees reached out to you at yr difficult dark times. Sending much love to you all. & Good yr out of that toxic situation ... hare Krsna yrs truly.

KB Dasi: Oh no!!! That is TERRIBLE. I’m so sorry that you all had to go through that!!! 

BP Dasa: Wow. I am so sorry to hear this. Dallas will surely sustain a great loss having your family leave. I have so much enjoyed association with you and really admire your hip and creative approach to Krishna consciousness. Are any legal proceedings underway? 

EM: Oh my gawsh! That is so not okay! It's terrible. I'm so sorry you all went through this especially your child. It's saddens me that most religious organizations turn a blind eye to abuse of anyone. Your family is sorely missed by me and many others. 

CM: The red flags were everywhere... I felt you and yours had some heavy things going on, but not at this level. I had to get outta dodge for my own self too. Nearly the entire Dallas community needs an overhaul. 

The Passive Agressive adults running the morning program are like poison in the well. I love Radha Kalachandji no doubt but I also love me and know my worth so I left, as you did. Children are resilient. I know your dear Son will thrive amidst these tribulations. 

Im praying deeply for yall. The saddest part is there should be nothing in our community that they have to survive like this -Again that entire community needs a combing through and a shape up. 

The so called good devotees are like wolves in sheep's clothing and I have Zero shame saying names too. The cocaine loving, alcoholic, prostitute addicted, "good devotee" who said he "Was God" after his last concert tour had me waving bye bye -it was the final red flag that they saw me as a "complainer" just as you said. Wow. Enablers. Please do everything you need to heal fully. Sending hugs and loving prayers.