I was submersed in an atmosphere filled with light and energy. Children and adults alike were dancing barefoot while chanting prayers to Krishna. The red curtains unveiled the colorfully adorned idols with fresh flowers garlands and incense beside them. Along the walls were grandeur paintings of Krishna interacting with his followers that spanned the entirety of the temple. Smells of Indian food from the nearby restaurant delighted my senses. Children pranced around with roses, allowing each of us to smell its sweet scent. This was a mundane day of worship for the Hare Krishna followers and our class had stepped into the temple amidst a puja.
The Hare Krishna’s differentiate from other religions not simply by the god they worship but also through how they worship—they utilize the stimulation of all senses within their prayers. Devotees believe that you may form a connection with Krishna through spiritual actions, and should practice bhakti-yoga in celebration of love and devotion.
On September 12, 2016 our class traveled to the beautiful Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas. The temple unites all Hare Krishna followers in the Dallas area and creates a stimulating yet comforting atmosphere for all its visitors.
Upon entering the temple, we took of our shoes and was introduced to our guide. Prajapati, our tour guide, lives a humble life in service of Krishna and has devoted his life to the temple and it’s principles. He routinely goes to the Hare Krishna temple and chants the maha-mantra. For the devotees, chanting is the simplest way to attain self-realization because it surpasses all states of consciousness. Immediately, Prajapati began expressing the concepts behind Krishna. He spoke so passionately and with zeal using not only his words but also his eyes, facial expression, and body language. He emphasized that our actions should be driven by offerings for Krishna and not by materialistic or selfish means. Our desires for more—money, power, technology—gives only temporary happiness and satisfaction yet love for Krishna is everlasting. Prajapati exclaimed that Krishna was the all-powerful father of all living beings. Devotees are brothers and sisters alike and Krishna is the ultimate common father that connects all beings. Though I was a bit skeptical about Prajapati’s words, I admired his intense passion and dedication towards Krishna.
The picture I took at the Hare Krishna temple was of one of the numerous paintings displayed in the temple. Krishna is sitting with his devotees while sharing a meal and chatting amongst each other. Prajapati stressed how Krishna enjoys interacting with his devotes as opposed to being simply worshipped. I immediately contrasted this practice to other monotheistic religions where god is worshipped in silence and is viewed as a much higher and purer entity.
Overall, I enjoyed submerging myself in a new culture and was awestricken by the design of the temple and the passion Prajapati and Hare Krishna followers encompass for Krishna.
Krishna amongst his followers