Serving the city and more

Suzie Harrison

Many know the International Society for Krishna Consciousness for

the meals it serves from its place of worship on Legion Street. Not

everyone is as familiar with the history of the Hare Krishna.

The religion represents the Vedic tradition of ancient India with

its beginnings more than 5,000 years ago.

“It’s based on the ancient Sanskrit religious scriptures. The

Vedic tradition is technically known as Vedas, which represents the

oldest scriptures in the world and the oldest religious tradition,”

explained Tukarama an ordained spiritual mentor.

The Vedic religion teaches the worship of one Supreme God named

Krishna, which means “God” in Sanskrit.

“A monotheist is one who believes God exists as supreme lord and

we exist eternally as his servants,” Tukarama said. “In Vedas

teachings, when the soul becomes purified their original dormant

relationship with God is rejuvenated.”

He explained that when you reach that level one is able to see God

and serve God as a pure soul.

“Everyone is actually a pure spiritual being soul possessed with

spiritual senses to see God with eyes of the soul,” he said.

Besides the scriptures there were also gurus who embodied the

Vedic teachings by their own example and passed the religion on to

their disciples.

Hare Krishnas vow to follow regulated spiritual principles

including not eating meat, fish or eggs. They don’t take intoxicants,

including caffeine nor do they gamble or allow sex outside of

marriage.

In addition, Krishnas chant the names of God for two hours every

day on beads. To them God means all-attractive one.

“We worship God who is the most attractive, goodest, greatest. We

chant the names of God,” Tukarama said.

“When people see us on the street chanting and dancing we chant

the name of God who is our own hero. It gives the greatest benefit

and love to the world by chanting God’s names no matter what

language,” he said.

Krishnas actively serve the community by providing food all over

the area for the homeless. They also have a lunch club at their place

of worship in Laguna where the public can enjoy an inexpensive

vegetarian meal, and every Sunday they have a feast program from 6:30

to 8 p.m. that includes Indian music, a lecture on Vedic philosophy

and a vegetarian meal.

The public is invited to a big regional festival from noon to 3

p.m. on Saturday. All the congregations will be present from Orange

County and they expect about 250 to 300 people, including dignitaries

from India.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is at 285

Legion Street. Information: 494-7029.