Betrayal of the Spirit

By Nori J. Muster

Book Description

In the aftermath of a spiritual leader's death, what happens when a religious movement loses its way? Nori J. Muster offers an unprecedented insider's perspective on the International Society of Krishna Consciousness during one of its most turbulent periods.

After joining the Hare Krishna movement in 1977, Muster spent a decade at the organization's Los Angeles headquarters, serving as both public relations secretary and newspaper editor. This unique position granted her access to internal documents and behind-the-scenes dynamics that few outsiders ever witness. Her account reveals how the movement struggled to maintain its spiritual foundation while grappling with serious internal challenges.

Drawing from personal experiences, published materials, and organizational records, Muster documents the complex realities that emerged following the founder's passing. She chronicles how institutional problems led to the departure of nearly all original members, while simultaneously exploring her own persistent quest for authentic spiritual meaning within this changing landscape.

This memoir stands apart as both a detailed examination of religious community dynamics and a deeply personal narrative of faith tested by disillusionment. Muster's decade-long journey through organizational upheaval offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how spiritual communities navigate crisis and transformation.

For readers interested in the intersection of personal spirituality and institutional religion, this account provides a rare window into the challenges faced by both individual seekers and religious organizations during periods of profound change.