In the Spirit

ADDRESS: 285 Legion St., Laguna Beach TELEPHONE: (949) 494-5815

DENOMINATION: Hare Krishna YEAR ESTABLISHED: 1981 SERVICE TIMES: Sunday

worship is at 6 p.m. followed by a Sunday feast; daily worship is held

from 5 to 9 a.m. TEMPLE PRESIDENT: Tukaram Das SIZE OF CONGREGATION:

300 MAKEUP OF CONGREGATION: Members come from throughout greater Orange

County. TYPE OF WORSHIP: The worship service is monotheistic -- the

doctrine or belief that there is one God. The congregation practices

devotional service to God through the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra

and reading from the main scripture, the Bhagavad-Gita. Members of the

Hare Krishna movement practice mantra meditation, which is meant to

“relieve the mind of anxieties arising from worldly entanglement.” The

group also practices vegetarianism, which is held through a feast

following the service, because they feel the killing of animals is

equivalent to the killing human beings.

RECENT SERMONS: Tukaram Das has recently talked about the nature of

the soul and its relation to God, as well as the process of

self-realization.

DRESS: Male temple members wear the traditional saffron-colored robes

called dhotis, to signify celibacy. Married male members wear white

dhotis, and all female members wear traditional saris. Those entering the

temple must remove their shoes. CHURCH PROGRAMS: A main scriptural

reading class is held daily at 7:30 a.m. during the morning service.

MISSION STATEMENT: “Reconnect ourselves with our relationship with

God.”

INTERESTING NOTE: An all-you-can eat vegetarian lunch club is held

from noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday for $5.