Why Garuda Das Won’t Participate in ISKCON’s Guru Approval Process | Ep. 195

In this episode, we explore why Garuda Das (Graham Schweig) has chosen not to participate in ISKCON’s guru approval system, often described by some as a “rubber-stamping” process. Through a thoughtful and principled lens, he shares his concerns about institutional authority, tradition, and the deeper meaning of guru within the Gaudiya Vaishnava lineage. Garuda Das, also known as Dr. Graham Schweig, is a longtime practitioner and respected scholar of Bhakti traditions. He is a professor of Religious Studies at Christopher Newport University and holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University, specializing in the religions of India. He is widely known for his translations and commentaries on sacred texts such as the Bhagavad-gita and Bhagavata Purana, combining academic rigor with deep devotional insight. 🔗 Website: https://grahamschweig.com 📚 Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Graham-... This conversation offers a unique perspective at the intersection of faith, scholarship, and institutional practice. Check out the 8th Element Podcast that was referenced at the beginning of the podcast: ‪@8thElementPodcast‬ **************************************************** ▶ LOVE THE PODCAST? -- DONATE HERE: https://fundrazr.com/c2GpR0?ref=ab_aA... ▶ WATCH ON FACEBOOK:   / thelatemorningprogramwithnamarasa   ▶ WATCH ON YOUTUBE:    / @namarasapodcast   ▶ LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD:   / the-late-morning-program-with   ▶ LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... ▶ CONTACT: //Instagram: @namarasapodcast //Email: [email protected] //Website: www.namarasa.show