I recently had a conversation about intellectual property and creativity, particularly in the fast-paced and competitive world of content creation. Increasingly, Krishna-conscious creatives are entering this digital arena, seeking to carve out a space for transcendental wisdom in an environment that thrives on virality, influence, and relentless innovation.

However, with that comes an uncomfortable reality: content is currency, and in a space where everything moves at breakneck speed, what happens when someone takes an idea that isn’t theirs?

Does it even matter? As devotees, if an idea is being used to spread Krishna consciousness, should we really be so possessive? Or is this just another symptom of the false ego, a desperate need for validation – proof that we exist, that we matter? At the same time, is truthfulness just some antiquated ideal, or does it have a place in an industry where originality is often just a clever remix of someone else’s work?

So, I started thinking: Where do we draw the line between quoting, borrowing, stealing, and outright lying? And if you’re on the ‘losing end’ of that exchange, how do you navigate it?

The Ethics of Sharing in a Competitive Space

Krishna consciousness thrives on open exchange. Guhyam ākhyāti pṛcchati – revealing one’s mind in confidence – is a fundamental principle of loving exchanges between devotees (Nectar of Instruction, Verse 4). The essence of spiritual relationships is to share our realizations, our insights, and our creative expressions to process our own experiences and uplift others. But what happens when someone takes what you’ve shared in confidence and claims it as their own?

There’s the optimistic view: Well, if it’s being used in Krishna’s service, then isn’t that a win? But then there’s the other side: What does it say about a devotee’s value system if they take credit for someone else’s work?

I asked a legal practitioner, devotee, and close friend, and they told me: “Legally, one cannot copyright an idea, but ethically, such behavior speaks volumes about a devotee’s character. If an idea is used for personal gain, it’s offensive. But if it’s used for preaching, maybe it’s Krishna’s mercy.”

But does good intent justify questionable actions? Does a devotee’s success in reaching a larger audience erase the dishonesty of how they got there?

The act of sharing spiritual insights can be perceived differently across cultures. In some traditions, knowledge is viewed as communal property, freely exchanged to benefit the collective. Conversely, other cultures emphasize individual contributions, valuing personal experiences and insights as unique expressions of one’s spiritual journey. These differing viewpoints can complicate the understanding of ethical appropriation within a diverse devotional community.

Personal Experience: Navigating Ethical Sharing

Reflecting on my own journey, I recall a time when I shared a deeply personal realization in a continuous space of unpacking a particular idea. The devotee I had been confiding in later presented this exact insight in a public forum without acknowledging our prior conversation. This experience left me feeling conflicted – while I was grateful that the realization resonated and could benefit others, I also felt a sense of personal loss and questioned the ethics of the appropriation. This incident highlighted the delicate balance between selfless sharing and the need for respectful acknowledgment within spaces of spiritual community.

Now that I know I have receipts – timestamps, drafts, recordings where I first shared the concept – what now?

In the fast-paced world of secular content creation, visibility is often more powerful than truth. If an individual leverages their reach to claim an idea, the smaller creator’s voice is drowned out. In the eyes of the audience, the one with the bigger platform “owns” the concept, regardless of who originated it.

So, what do you do? Do you call them out? That might lead to being labeled as envious or divisive in devotee circles. Do you let it go? But then, where’s the accountability? Or do you just keep creating, trusting that Krishna sees everything and will open another door?

Does Anything Go? Or Does Truth Still Matter?

In a space where collaboration is becoming the expected progression of digital evolution, the ethics of visibility are being redefined. The future is all about interconnectedcommunity – the new Internet of Things is built on shared creativity, remixing, and repurposing ideas. In this landscape, the question isn’t just who thought of it first, but who can amplify it best.

So, is ethics overrated?

The Krishna consciousness culture tells us otherwise. Truthfulness (satya) is one of the foundational pillars of dharma. The Bhagavad-gītā 16.1-3 lists honesty as a divine quality. And yet, the industry we’re accessing as devotees often rewards those who bend the truth – those who strategically curate, embellish, or outright steal.

But here’s the thing: If we abandon ethics in pursuit of influence, what are we really spreading? Is it Krishna consciousness, or just a polished version of ourselves designed to fit the algorithm?

Practical Scenarios: Ethical and Unethical Sharing

Consider two scenarios:

1. Ethical Sharing: Devotee A shares an insight with Devotee B during a private discussion. Later, Devotee B references this insight in a public class, prefacing it with, “As I learned from Devotee A…” This acknowledgment honors the original contributor and fosters a culture of respect.​

2. Unethical Sharing: Devotee A shares an insight with Devotee B, who then presents it publicly as their own, without providing any reference to Devotee A. This omission can lead to feelings of betrayal and diminishes trust within the community.​

Guidelines for Ethical Sharing

• Seek Permission: Before sharing someone else’s realization, obtain their consent.​
• Provide Attribution: Acknowledge the source when sharing insights inspired by others.​
• Communicate Expectations: Discuss and establish understandings about confidentiality and sharing within your devotional relationships.​

Moving Forward: Can Ethics and Visibility Coexist?

So, if you find yourself in a situation where your Krishna-conscious work has been taken without credit, how do you navigate it?

1. Acknowledge the Reality – Ideas, especially in the digital age, are fluid. While theft is wrong, protecting your work means understanding the landscape.

2. Document Your Work – Keep detailed records of your creative process, including timestamps, drafts, and any relevant messages. Even if you never use them, it’s important to have a paper trail.

3. Call It Out – Strategically. Instead of public confrontation, address the issue privately. If that doesn’t work, let the integrity of your work speak for itself. Build something so powerful that your voice cannot be mistaken, even if others try to mimic it.

4. Focus on the Bigger Picture – Fame fades. Algorithms shift. But the sincerity of Krishna conscious service is timeless. Trust that Krishna sees everything, and no effort in His service goes unnoticed.

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of ISKCON or ISKCON News.