n November 8th, the Hinduism-255 Religion class hosted a guest speaker from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON.) ISKCON is a worldwide religious organization for spreading awareness of God. Pyari Mohan Dasa, the speaker, elaborated on bhakti-yoga, as practiced by India's ancient Vaishnava tradition. I'll highlight briefly some of the points he discussed, and a little bit about the philosophy of Krishna consciousness.

The Program

Pyari Mohan Dasa arrived in traditional Indian Vedic attire -- with dhoti (Indian robes), tilak (Vaishnava markings on the forehead), and beadbag (pouch with chanting beads). He brought a number of booklets, which students were encouraged to take and read. After a forty-five minute talk, he answered some questions by students, about the nature of Krishna consciousness and the lifestyle of devotees. Pyari also chanted the Hare Krishna mantra (see below) with kartalas (cymbals).

The Philosophy

In the ISKCON tradition, Krishna is the name for God. (Krishna is a Sanskrit word meaning "dark blue"; "the all-attractive".) ISKCON is the full-fledged 20th-century representation of the ancient Vaishnava tradition of India. In this tradition of Hinduism, Krishna is recognized as the Supreme Lord, who reciprocates personally in many loving relationships with His devotees. God is seen as an all-loving personality--a person, with feelings, emotions and desires like us. In this, the Vaishnava tradition is rich with accounts of devotional exchanges between God--the Supreme Personality--and His innumerous devotees.
ISKCON, also known as the Hare Krishna Movement, aims at enlivening society with knowledge about the Self, knowledge about God, Krishna, and knowledge of our eternal, spiritual relationship with Krishna. Pyari said, "The purpose of human life is (1) self-realization, (2) God-realization, and (3) understanding our relationship with God." In Krishna consciousness, the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is considered the supreme and easiest method of pleasing God and awakening our dormant relationship with God in this age. The mantra is:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
This mantra is a prayer to God asking Him to engage us in His loving service. Vaishnava devotees chant this prayer to awaken the dormant loving propensities we have to serve & love God.

ISKCON in our area

There are over 350 centers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness around the world. The address to the center closest to Hartford is: ISKCON of East Hartford: 1683 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108. There is a free Sunday Program on bhakti-yoga, every week, from 5:30-8pm. Feel free to bring friends along, there is an informal lecture on the Bhagavad-gita, mantra-meditation and a multi-course vegetarian feast for everyone.

More information

The bhakti-yoga tradition is very complex, yet it is a sublime method of reaching and experiencing God. If you would like more information on ISKCON, bhakti-yoga, transcendental meditation, or what-not, feel free to contact me at mrao@mail.trincoll.edu.

My Bhakti-Yoga site is available for those wishing to learn more.

© Trincoll Journal, 1995.