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Sounds, Smells, and Sensations; Hare Krishna Spirituality Oh My

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The Hare Krishna movement originated in the United States in 1966 during a time where Americans, prominently the dissatisfied and youth, were searching for something new. The Hare Krishna movement is one that facilitates the counterculture representation of Americans in the latter half of the 20th Century. For many discontent Americans frustrated by living in a society revolving around materialism and militarism, the Hare Krishna movement was a representation of counterculture that allowed them to transcend into a sense of spiritual, mental, and sensual divinity.

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, an Indian Hindu spiritual leader, was the backbone and forefront of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. After migrating from the holy land of India in 1965 carrying just a trunk of books about Krishna and $7 in change, Prabhupada paved the way for western Hare Krishna ideology. For “It was Prabhupada who conceived ISKCON; it was he who knew what Krishna Consciousness was and how to achieve it; and it was he who had the charismatic authority to draw others into what to all of them was a totally unfamiliar tradition” (Hopkins, 174).  The Hare Krishna movement thatPrabhupada first brought to New York in 1966 expressed a branch of Hinduism which is known as Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Gaudiya Vaishnavism is one of the major traditions within Hinduism which is the essential worship of Vishnu or Krishna. The devotees of the Hare Krishna movement are considered monotheistic, with the belief that Krishna is the one supreme God. As one walks into the main worship area of Dallas’ ISKCON temple they may ask what the golden statues lining the roof of the temple are. These are examples of the millions of demigods of which Krishna can be considered to oversee. The devotees of the temple while following Krishna as the one ultimate God, are followers of the sacred texts of the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavat Purana. Although the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavat Purana are the sacred texts which deem Krishna as the supreme god, I experienced first-hand that there is much more to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness than the just texts.

As you walk into the International Society for Krishna Consciousness temple you are immediately met with an array of sounds, smells, and an overwhelming sense of wonder. The Hare Krishna temple, located right here in the backyard of Dallas, envelopes you in the Hare Krishna sensation. Prajapati, our wonderful guide, continues the work of Prabhupada close to 40 years later and he does it all with a smile bigger than the world. Just as the Hare Krishna branch of Hinduism preaches; repetition was obvious in the temple. From the continuous sightings of barefooted devotees and even their families to the repeated paintings, lions, and demigods, repetition was visibly central to their beliefs. Like its importance in the Hare Krishna movement, the entire visit was a unique sensation of spirituality. The singing of the temple’s founder echoing throughout the hall, the aroma of spiritual incense, and the general spirituality of the temple combined for an incredible experience.

As relatively new to this country, the Hare Krishna movement with its message of devotion, love, and spiritual harmony offers everyone, from its most devoted members to a class of students, the opportunity to seek enlightenment through the teachings of Krishna.

Source: Hopkins, Thomas J. “ISKCON’s Search For Self-Identity: Reflections by a Historian of Religions.” The Hare Krishna Movement: Forty Years of Chant and Change, edited by Graham Dwyer and Richard J. Cole, 2007.

*In this photo collage one can see the amazing depictions within Dallas’ ISKCON temple. Pictured is the Hare Krishna Mantra which devotees chant and sing with repetition and immense emotion. Along with a photo of a shrine dedicated to the founder of the temple and visionary of the Hare Krishna movement, Prabhupada. Also pictured is a notable statement from the temple in respect to Prabhupada. Finally, you will see a painting of Krishna, depicting the famous story of Krishna stealing butter and feeding it to the local monkeys.

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