Meaning: The quote "Krishna children were taught that in the spiritual world there were no parents, only souls and hence this justified their being kept out of view from others, cloistered in separate buildings and sheltered from the evil material world" by Mary Garden sheds light on a particular aspect of the spiritual upbringing and education of children within the Hare Krishna movement. This quote points to the belief system and practices of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, which has been the subject of both fascination and controversy.

The Hare Krishna movement, founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966, is based on the principles of bhakti yoga, emphasizing devotion to the Hindu deity Krishna. The movement places a strong emphasis on spiritual education and the nurturing of children within its community. However, the approach to raising and educating children within the Hare Krishna movement has been a topic of debate and scrutiny, particularly with regard to the separation of children from their parents and the outside world.

The quote suggests that within the Hare Krishna community, children are taught that in the spiritual realm, there are no conventional parental relationships as understood in the material world. Instead, the emphasis is on the existence of souls and the interconnectedness of all beings at a spiritual level. This belief system serves as a justification for the practice of keeping children secluded from the external world, often residing in separate buildings and being sheltered from what is perceived as the corrupting influences of the material world.

The concept of separating children from the outside world and nurturing them within a spiritually focused environment can be traced back to the traditional practices of monastic and ascetic communities within various religious traditions. In the case of the Hare Krishna movement, this approach is rooted in the belief that by sheltering children from the material world, they can more effectively focus on their spiritual development and cultivate a deep connection to Krishna consciousness.

It is important to note that the practice of separating children from their parents and the outside world has been a point of contention and criticism directed towards the Hare Krishna movement. Critics argue that such practices may infringe upon the rights of children and hinder their social and emotional development. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the potential for psychological and emotional impact on children who grow up in such a sheltered environment.

On the other hand, proponents of the Hare Krishna movement's approach to raising children argue that it is rooted in a genuine desire to provide a spiritually enriching environment for the next generation. They emphasize the importance of instilling strong spiritual values and teachings from a young age, which they believe will ultimately benefit the children as they mature into adulthood.

In recent years, the Hare Krishna movement has made efforts to address some of the criticisms and concerns regarding the upbringing of children within its community. There has been a shift towards incorporating more balanced approaches that allow for both spiritual education and a more integrated engagement with the broader society. Efforts have also been made to provide opportunities for children to interact with their families and the outside world while still maintaining a strong spiritual foundation.

In conclusion, Mary Garden's quote provides insight into the distinctive approach to raising and educating children within the Hare Krishna movement. It reflects the belief in the spiritual nature of existence and the practice of sheltering children from the material world in order to foster their spiritual growth. While this approach has sparked debate and criticism, it is a manifestation of the Hare Krishna movement's commitment to instilling deep spiritual values in the next generation. As the movement continues to evolve, it remains a subject of ongoing discussion and reflection within both the Hare Krishna community and the broader society.