This study of Gaudiya Vaishnavism in Russia focuses on the transformation of its former followers’ worldviews. Major attention is paid to the ways and trends of these changes and, in particular, to the extent of their resilience in Russian cultural landscape today. The Russian Society for Krishna Consciousness (RSKCON) gradually strengthening its position in Russian religious field, its effects are growing in importance and need to be analyzed with the view to previous scientific works. This article outlines the patterns of identity manifestation and realization by Russian Krishnas. The study conducted in 2018 endorsed literature analysis and qualitative methods — an online questionnaire with both close-end and grid-in questions was used for these ends with a non-probability sampling (n=62). The believers and the former believers narratives were analysed so as to illustrate typical patterns and attitudes. The conclusions are as follows. Eclectic identity is what results from engaging with Krishna practices: converting into Hindu, Bengali culture while abandoning traditional Russian culture. However, despite long-lasting practicing of Gaudiya Vaishnava in both cult and mundane aspects, only a minority of former believers still have faith in Krishna after leaving the community. It is therefore revealed that basic customs and patterns — and identity — acquired in the childhood tend to burgeon after quitting Vaishnavism.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.