December 30, 2024

The film version of a book by the same name, “Monkey on a Stick” was released for streaming on December 11, on AMC+ and Amazon Prime. The film was previously released on a limited basis in theaters in Canada and will likely be available in other countries in the future.

The film focuses on the abuse of power and crimes committed in the 1980s by four former ISKCON leaders who were removed from their positions forty years ago. The book and film are part of the “true crime” genre, meaning the film does not attempt to be completely factual nor balanced.

For those not familiar with the history of ISKCON during that era, the film will be especially shocking, because it portrays, in a sensationalized way, crimes that occurred within some ISKCON communities, and were committed by some leaders. It also seeks to shock viewers with gruesome “reenactment scenes” typically reserved for horror films outside the documentary genre.

“It is a sad fact that some leaders in every institution go rogue,” said Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON Minister of Communications. “ISKCON has had its share of those people too. But this film is not a documentary; it doesn’t seek balance or accuracy. The makers of this film–-for whatever reason—chose to completely ignore the extensive steps ISKCON took to correct the abuse and wrongs of the past—even though we worked with the producers to provide balance.”

Anuttama Dasa, upon the invitation of the producer, drove an 18-hour round trip to Canada to be interviewed and provide balance to the story. Yet, not a single word of his extensive interview was included in the film.

Here are some of the facts that were glossed over or ignored in the film:
·  The former leaders featured in the film were expelled from ISKCON, and/or removed from all positions of power decades ago.
·  Their actions were and are contrary to the values of ISKCON and millions of our adherents worldwide.
·  Their deceitful, harmful, and violent acts were, and are, rejected by ISKCON.
·  Hansadutta, aka, Hans Jurgen Kary, a major figure in the film was removed from all positions, including as a GBC member and initiating guru, and was no longer considered a sannyasi as of 1984.
·  Kirtanananda, aka Keith Ham, who features prominently in the film, was expelled from ISKCON in 1987. ISKCON cooperated with law enforcement leading to Ham’s imprisonment.
·  Jayatirtha, aka, James Edward Immel, left ISKCON and was later suspended from his duties as GBC and initiating guru in 1982. He was formally removed in 1983.
·  Ramesvara aka, Robert Grant, resigned from his duties as GBC and initiating guru in ISKCON in 1987. After many years outside the society, Ramesvara das returned to serve in ISKCON, but not as a guru or spiritual leader.

Furthermore, ⁠since the time period portrayed in the film (1970s and 1980s), ISKCON has established safeguards against the misuse of power, including creating:
·  Leadership Misconduct Office, with authority to discipline and remove leaders
·  Disciple Course, mandatory for new disciples, to learn about the limits of authority of leaders
·  ISKCON Resolve, to offer mediation and ombuds services to ISKCON members
·  “Spiritual Leadership Seminar: Being Guru In ISKCON,” to teach spiritual mentors, or gurus, about the proper use of their authority and the potential for abuse
·  Child Protection Office, to support government child protection measures, proactively protect children and communities, and adjudicate alleged abuse within ISKCON
·  Women’s Ministry, to promote opportunities and provide protection for women

Despite the film’s many flaws, and our angst about the way our movement has been misrepresented, there are lessons to be learned. The film’s focus on the misuse and abuse of power by leaders is absolutely relevant in today’s world, including for ISKCON’s global community. The producer himself said in a media interview that “Monkey on a Stick” is not just about Hare Krishnas, it is about the abuse of power and leadership.

To protect our society and our members, we must be vigilant and remember that:
1. No one, including religious leaders and religious organizations, is above the law.
2. Every organization, including ISKCON, needs strong and transparent checks and balances on the authority and power yielded by leaders.
3. To be a member of ISKCON does not mean to be a blind follower. As Srila Prabhupada instructed, his society is meant to create “independently thoughtful” members.

Unfortunately, the film itself fails utterly in presenting a balanced perspective on the events it portrays, and it completely ignores the healthy growth and positive contributions of the ISKCON society. ISKCON today has over 800 temples and centers, and tens of millions of followers worldwide. As a respected Vaishnava tradition, ISKCON is well known for our many positive contributions including massive free vegetarian food distribution, publishing and distribution of hundreds of millions of spiritual literatures, the opening of temples and eco/farm communities worldwide, promoting the academic study of Vaishnavism, and more.

Not every filmmaker will focus on these facts. But as time goes by, more and more sincere people—and journalists—will understand and report on the good that ISKCON brings to the world. It is up to each of us to assure that the good, and the positive, remains the true story of ISKCON.

Kumari Kunti Dasi, NA Communications Co-Director (Toronto)
Madan Gopal Dasa, NA Communications Co-Director (New Jersey)
Anuttama Dasa, Global Communications Minister (Washington, D.C.)

For a .pdf of the statement, click here.