My Roommate Is Losing Himself to ISKCON—Help!
I am a firm Hindu believer but I’m living in the middle of a cult drama, and I need your advice. My roommate, who used to be a chill, normal believer, has gone full-blown ISKCON fanatic ever since we moved to Pune. Things have spiraled so much that I don’t even recognize him anymore.
Here’s the mess:
- He chants 4–5 hours every day, decided he’ll never marry, and thinks leaving his family to join ISKCON is totally fine. His family is heartbroken, but he doesn’t seem to care.
- He moved out to an ISKCON PG, and when his mom threatened a hunger strike, he pretended to move back by sending her a fake flat agreement—then replaced himself in the flat with a random guy and went back to the PG!
- He’s been caught chanting and reading ISKCON literature during work hours. His manager gave him a final warning, but he seems completely unfazed.
- Despite earning a 12 LPA salary, he’s out on the streets selling ₹100 ISKCON event passes and Bhagavad Gitas. He’s even tried convincing me (and everyone else) that Krishna is superior to Shiva, sparking some heated debates.
- He genuinely believes his devotion absolves him of all responsibilities—towards his job, his family, and even himself. Every time I try to talk to him, it escalates into a fight.
It’s like he’s completely brainwashed, and his life is falling apart. His family is desperate, his workplace is on edge, and I’m stuck in the middle of it all.
What do I do? Is there any way to bring someone back from something like this? Has anyone here dealt with a similar situation?