This past Thursday we had an organized visit to the ISCKON Temple in south Dallas. Located in a very busy area, the building is beautiful stands out amongst its surroundings.

Having such a beautiful building to worship was not always the case for Hare Kirshna devotees. Starting from humble beginnings in New York city during the early 1960’s by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad, the religion has blossomed to have Temple’s across the globe (Cole, The Hare Krishna Movement). The example in Dallas shows how far they have come.

After removing our shoes, we met our guide for the remainder of our time. He was full of energy and immediately trying to make a connection and was eager to begin the tour. We followed him down a short hallway and then he opened the door to the main worship area. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I wasn’t ready for what lay inside.

Your senses are slightly overwhelmed when you first set foot in the room. For such a small space – formerly an indoor basketball court – there is something to see everywhere. The symmetry of the room had been carefully laid out. At the far end is a beautiful alter with important Hare Krishna deities on display. Opposite is a large Garuda deity painted in vibrant red colors. The domed ceiling is artfully painted to mimic the sky and, as you scan from one side to the other, 24 gold figures each posing in a different position, reveal themselves. They are perched atop 21 intricately carved wooden columns, each with three lions, to impart a sense of regality. Between the columns are eight large paintings depicting different stories of Krishna, the Supreme God who oversees all the demigods.

As impressive as this was, the figure which commands the room is a wax sculpture of Pradhupad himself. Sitting crossed legged in an extremely large blue velvet chair probably twelve feet tall, is the image of the man who started the entire movement. Although uncommon, it is oddly in place with its surroundings and you don’t seem to question its presence.

All of this serves as the backdrop to the teachings and information our guide would share over the next hour. He was skillful in teaching about reincarnation, guiding us through a self-discovery tour of questions that revealed the body was merely a vehicle by which your soul would live.

We also learned about teachings on materialism and the three levels of realization. First, and the lowest of the three levels is Prosperity – practicing hoping to have nice things. Next is a stage of spiritual awareness where you know religion will not provide everything. Lastly, Bhakti can be attained where one will act solely out of the love of God.

We discussed many other topics during our time at the Temple. It was an unexpected treat, meeting people I would otherwise never come in contact with and learning about such an interesting religion. An afternoon at the ISCKON Temple should not be missed.