Harikesa exSwami
Harikesa Swami also known as Vishnupad (born Robert Campagnola) was one of the leading disciples of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and a guru within the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (commonly known as 'the Hare Krishnas' or ISKCON).
He personally met the founder of ISKCON, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in Brooklyn, while recording the Prabhupada's music in July 1971. Harikesa Swami was initiated by Prabhupada in New York, July, 1971, and given the name Harikesa dasa.
Problems in 1998 - Harikesa collapsed due to stress on June 2, 1998, at the start of an intercontinental education, general management, and research conference he had organized and was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment. As part of his recovery, a pranic healer named Monika was brought in. Soon, a relationship started between Harikesa and Monika.
Resignation - Shortly after this, feeling unable to continue any relationship with ISKCON, at the request of the Executive Committee, Harikesa Swami submitted his resignation from ISKCON and his guru duties, to ISKCON's Governing Body Commission. His resignation was accepted at the GBC meetings in 1999.
Recording Artist - Harikesa Swami has been producing music that bridges the gap between classical music from Western culture and Eastern Mantra since 1978. Harikesa Swami has produced more than 28 albums (under the group names of Rasa, BLISS, and Sri Hari).
Bibliography
* Varnasrama Manifesto for Social Sanity, 1981,
* The Thirteenth Chapter, 1985
* The Krsna Conscious Handbook, 1986
* Basic Management Book for ISKCON Temples, 1989
* Essential Truths – The Questions and Answers Conference 1989–1994, 1996
* All glories to the Sankirtana devotees, 1996
* On Social Issues, 1998
* Harikesa Swami, The Leadership and Management Seminar, 1998
