Field visit (Cantonese): Spiritual resonance in Hare Krishna
Date: Oct 13 (Sun), 2019
Time: 1.00 p.m.-4.00 p.m.
Address: Flat D, 8/F, So Tao Centre, 11-15 Kwai Sau Rd, Kwai Chung
Quota: 20
*** Remark: the field visit will be conducted in Cantonese
Time: 1.00 p.m.-4.00 p.m.
Address: Flat D, 8/F, So Tao Centre, 11-15 Kwai Sau Rd, Kwai Chung
Quota: 20
*** Remark: the field visit will be conducted in Cantonese
Programme
12.45 p.m. Meet at MTR Kwai Hing Station near exit A
1.00 p.m.-1.30 p.m. Welcome and ppt presentation
1.30 p.m.-2.00 p.m. Q&A session
2.00 p.m.-2.30 p.m. Briefly introduce the principles of sound meditation, practice sound meditation "om"
2.30 p.m.-3.15 p.m. Sitting meditation, Q&A session
3.15 p.m.-3.30 p.m. Observe the rituals of shrine worship, flower offering
3.30 p.m.-4.00 p.m. Q&A session, snacks, group photo
In the trip you will learn about deity worship and the meaning of offering water and flowers to God. The highlights of the visit include a moment when we would chant Hare Krishna in group and attain spiritual resonance when we gently sing “OM” together.
Guidelines
(i) Do not wear shorts, legging, or sleeveless vest.
(ii) Wear socks as you will need to take off your shoes.
(iii) Wear pants that will make you feel comfortable during meditation.
(iv) Do not bring meat (though you may bring drinks).
12.45 p.m. Meet at MTR Kwai Hing Station near exit A
1.00 p.m.-1.30 p.m. Welcome and ppt presentation
1.30 p.m.-2.00 p.m. Q&A session
2.00 p.m.-2.30 p.m. Briefly introduce the principles of sound meditation, practice sound meditation "om"
2.30 p.m.-3.15 p.m. Sitting meditation, Q&A session
3.15 p.m.-3.30 p.m. Observe the rituals of shrine worship, flower offering
3.30 p.m.-4.00 p.m. Q&A session, snacks, group photo
In the trip you will learn about deity worship and the meaning of offering water and flowers to God. The highlights of the visit include a moment when we would chant Hare Krishna in group and attain spiritual resonance when we gently sing “OM” together.
Guidelines
(i) Do not wear shorts, legging, or sleeveless vest.
(ii) Wear socks as you will need to take off your shoes.
(iii) Wear pants that will make you feel comfortable during meditation.
(iv) Do not bring meat (though you may bring drinks).
An introduction
Srila Narayana Maharaja (1921-2010) - photo retrieved from PureBhakti.com
The Krishna Devotion Service Center is operated by a group who followed the Gaudiya Vaishnavism originated in Hindu. Its founder Srila Narayana Maharaja was a disciple of the spiritual teacher Sri Srimad Bhakti Prajnana Kesava Gosvami Maharaja, who was one of the prominent disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada. [1] To know more about the founder, please check “Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja” on the webpage of PureBhakti.com at http://www.purebhakti.com/teachers/srila-gurudeva-mainmenu-93.html
Below are some of the famous quotes by Srila Narayana Maharaja (see Narayana, Swami BV. Bhakti Yoga: Yoga for Peace. Houston: Gaudiya Vedantawritten, 2012):
Below are some of the famous quotes by Srila Narayana Maharaja (see Narayana, Swami BV. Bhakti Yoga: Yoga for Peace. Houston: Gaudiya Vedantawritten, 2012):
There is only one real language in the entire world, and that is the language of love.
I don’t discriminate between Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist. I know thy are all soul within their bodies.
Bhakti Yoga is the transcendental religion of all souls. It is natural for the soul to serve Krishna. Krishan is very charming and beautiful. He is the embodiment of love.
If you are in touch with that love, your love will be happy!
The principles
Most of their members observe four rules in practice—(i) non-violent (avoid fish, meat and egg in food) (ii) no gambling; (iii) no illicit sex, and (iv) no intoxicants or stimulants (e.g. coffee, alcohol), (iii) no illicit sex, and (iv) no drug, alcohol or smoke. In addition, the practitioners shall uphold eight principles below:[2]
- Cultivate spiritual knowledge truthfully and correctly, stay away from anxieties and worries, and cultivate a consciousness of purity, eternity, and blissfulness.
- We are not material bodies but eternal souls which belong to part of Krishna. Therefore, through Krishna our common Father, we all share connections with each other.
- Krishna is eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, everywhere and the most attractive. He is the Father of all beings, the energy that maintains the universe, and the origin of all avataras/incarnations of God.
- Veda is the oldest ancient classic in the world’s history and its essence can be found in Bhagavad-gita which truly documented Krishna’s teachings in words around five thousand years ago. The purpose of learning the knowledge of Veda which is also the purpose of all religions is to provide spiritual knowledge to elevate our life and ultimately cultivate love towards God.
- Through the guidance instructed by the bona fide spiritual teachers such as Srila Narayana Maharaj, we can fully understand the knowledge of self-consciousness. The spiritual teachers are the ones who preserve no personal desires and arduously devote himself to Krishna.
- All our actions in life can be sheltered and offered to Krishna with prayers. In this way Krishna will accept our offerings, bless our offerings, and let us receive purification.
- We live to delight Krishna but not ourselves. This is “Bhakti yoga”—a subject of science related to God.
- In this era of “Kali yuga” (an era of disguises and disputes) we need to possess a divine consciousness. The most effective way is to sing and chant the name of God as stated in the Maha Mantra.
Please also watch the YouTube clip "Muscles will not help you in Krishna consciousness" where Srila Narayana Maharaja explains the importance of spiritual practice.
YouTube clip - Muscles will not help you in Krishna consciousness by PureBhakti.TV
The Maha Mantra
The Great Mantra (or Maha Mantra) composed of Sanskrit is better known as the “Hare Krsna Mantra” frequently chanted by the practitioners of Bhakti yoga. The chanting is a process in which one can receive the pure consciousness of God and dispel the illusion (maya) of this world.[3] “Hare” means the spiritual energy of the Lord, “Krsna” means Krisna the most attractive one, and “Rama” means the source of joy.
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rāma Hare Rāma
Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rāma Hare Rāma
Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
By chanting the mantra, one can purify his body and heart and get rid of anxieties and worries, and attain a mental state of tranquility, harmony from which the joyfulness of life can be realized. The chanting is also a kind of prayer which means, “O, the spiritual power of the Lord (Hare), the most beautiful and attractive (Krishna), the highest enjoyer (Rama), please let me serve you.” As you sincerely concentrate on chanting the sacred name, you shall dispel all obstacles in your body and your heart, enjoy spiritual blissfulness, attain spiritual advancement, and do more good deeds.[4]
A dancing and singing session (photos retrieved from Krishnacenter.org)
How they understand Krishna
Portrait of Krishna (photo retrieved from PureBhakti.com)
The devotees of Bhakti yoga understand Krishna as the First Supreme Human God. The God has no origin as He Himself is the ultimate origin of all things and all beings. In different eras and places, God has different names to cope with different needs of the beings. He was called “Jehovah” (the almighty) in the Bible, “Allah” (the great one) in the Quran, and “Krishna” in Bhagavad-gita. The Sanskrit word “Krishna” means the most attractive. Although the names differ from each other, they are all refereeing to the same Supreme God. Unlike other Hindu deities which are only part of the manifestation of God, Krishna is the ultimate source of all manifestations—the perfect First God. For more information, please read the webpage “Lord Sri Krishna” on PureBhakti.com at http://www.purebhakti.com/teachers/bhakti-yoga-masters/16-lord-sri-krishna.html
The Veda teachings explained that man can be in relationship with God in five different ways:[5]
A devotee understands Lord Krishna as the Supreme enjoyer, and we living beings shall have an eternal relationship with the Lord. And the attainment of eternal relationship with the lord can be explained by the metaphor of satisfying the stomach. All the parts of the body—hands, legs, eyes and so on—are engaged in satisfying the stomach; and all food should be supplied to the stomach so that you can become healthy throughout your entire body. Similarly, all living beings should develop an intimate relationship with the Lord whose joyfulness could maintain a healthy spiritual world.[6]
The Veda teachings explained that man can be in relationship with God in five different ways:[5]
- He may have a passive relationship;
- He may have an active relationship;
- He may be in a friendship;
- He may have the relationship of a parent;
- He may have the relationship of a conjugal lover of the Lord.
A devotee understands Lord Krishna as the Supreme enjoyer, and we living beings shall have an eternal relationship with the Lord. And the attainment of eternal relationship with the lord can be explained by the metaphor of satisfying the stomach. All the parts of the body—hands, legs, eyes and so on—are engaged in satisfying the stomach; and all food should be supplied to the stomach so that you can become healthy throughout your entire body. Similarly, all living beings should develop an intimate relationship with the Lord whose joyfulness could maintain a healthy spiritual world.[6]
Publications distributed by the Krishna Devotion Service Center (photo retrieved from Krishnacenter.org)
The essence of vegetarianism
The devotees explain three important aspects in upholding vegetarianism:[7]
Krishna said, “If any pure-hearted devotee offers Me a leaf, a flower, fruit or water with love and devotion, I will surely accept that gift. O son of Kunti, whatever activities you perform, whatever you eat, whatever you sacrifice and give in charity and whatever austerities you perform, offer them all to Me.”(Bhagavad-gita 9:26-27) The devotees believe that it is clear from this verse that the Lord is not interested in offerings of liquor, meat, fish, or eggs, but simple vegetarian foods prepared with love and devotion.
- Non-violent. In Krishna consciousness, non-violence is one of the four rules. We do not advocate violence on animals, and therefore, devotes and practitioners of Krishna consciousness do not eat fish, meat, seafood, and egg and that the animals would not need to suffer.
- The obstacles to the practice of Krishna consciousness. Devotees do not eat onion and garlic because such is the food at the state of ignorant which hinders the practice of Krishna consciousness.
- The service to Krishna. Offering vegetarian food to Krishna is a kind of service. It will not only purify ourselves, but also enhance our love and devotion towards the Lord Krishna.
Krishna said, “If any pure-hearted devotee offers Me a leaf, a flower, fruit or water with love and devotion, I will surely accept that gift. O son of Kunti, whatever activities you perform, whatever you eat, whatever you sacrifice and give in charity and whatever austerities you perform, offer them all to Me.”(Bhagavad-gita 9:26-27) The devotees believe that it is clear from this verse that the Lord is not interested in offerings of liquor, meat, fish, or eggs, but simple vegetarian foods prepared with love and devotion.
Flowers on the altar (photos retrieved from krishacenter.org)
Some of the practitioners stress that all edible food is produced by the Lord in His own arrangement, and yet, karma is involved in food (even vegetables) as one will need to take the lives of plants to prepare food.[8] To get rid of karma from the food, one could first offer it to Krishna. The offering takes three basic steps: (i) clean all the cooking utensils and your hands before you cook and make sure that the food is clean; (ii) do not taste or eat the food before the offering because the food is prepared for Krishna, and (iii) the food should be first placed on the plates before the portrait of Krishna, and then pray in your heart, and by gratitude ask Krishna to accept your offer, and chant Hare Krishna Mantra three times in heart. Three to five minutes later, you can take your offering back, wash the plates, and enjoy the food.[9]
As Lord Krsna says in Bhagavad-gita (8.16), “From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to my abode never takes birth again.” Karma is accumulated through the endless cycles of reincarnation—life and death—and that, maintaining a vegetarian diet and offering food to the Lord before every meal is a way to get rid of karma, and hence, halt the cycle.
As Lord Krsna says in Bhagavad-gita (8.16), “From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to my abode never takes birth again.” Karma is accumulated through the endless cycles of reincarnation—life and death—and that, maintaining a vegetarian diet and offering food to the Lord before every meal is a way to get rid of karma, and hence, halt the cycle.
A vegetarian meal prepared by the community (photo retrieved from krishnacenter.org)
[1] Translated from “Know about Krishna Devotion Service Center” on krishnacenter.org
[2] Translated from Bhakti Center, Krishna Consciousness Handbook, 13-4.
[3] Melton ed., Encyclopedia of American Religions, 1992.
[4] Translated from Bhakti Center, Krishna Consciousness Handbook, 5.
[5] Chryssides & Wilkins eds., A Reader in New Religious Movement, 83.
[6] Chryssides & Wilkins eds., A Reader in New Religious Movement, 85.
[7] Translated from “The culture of vegetarianism” on krishnacenter.org
[8] Chryssides & Wilkins eds., A Reader in New Religious Movement, 118.
[9] Translated from Bhakti Center, Krishna Consciousness Handbook, 18.
[2] Translated from Bhakti Center, Krishna Consciousness Handbook, 13-4.
[3] Melton ed., Encyclopedia of American Religions, 1992.
[4] Translated from Bhakti Center, Krishna Consciousness Handbook, 5.
[5] Chryssides & Wilkins eds., A Reader in New Religious Movement, 83.
[6] Chryssides & Wilkins eds., A Reader in New Religious Movement, 85.
[7] Translated from “The culture of vegetarianism” on krishnacenter.org
[8] Chryssides & Wilkins eds., A Reader in New Religious Movement, 118.
[9] Translated from Bhakti Center, Krishna Consciousness Handbook, 18.
Suggested further reading
Maharaja, Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Narayan Gosvami. “Lord Sri Krishna,” PureBhakti.com. Available at http://www.purebhakti.com/teachers/bhakti-yoga-masters/16-lord-sri-krishna.html
Swami, A.C. Bhaktivedanta, “Mantra Meditation: On Chanting Hare Krishna.” PureBhakti.com. Available at http://www.purebhakti.com/mission/bhakti-is-love-mainmenu-75/820-mantra-meditation.html
Swami, A.C. Bhaktivedanta, “Mantra Meditation: On Chanting Hare Krishna.” PureBhakti.com. Available at http://www.purebhakti.com/mission/bhakti-is-love-mainmenu-75/820-mantra-meditation.html
Online resource
Pure Bhakti.com website at: http://www.purebhakti.com/
Krishna Devotion Service Center (Hong Kong) website (Chinese version): http://krishnacenter.org/
Krishna Devotion Service Center (Hong Kong) website (Chinese version): http://krishnacenter.org/
References
Chryssides, George D. and Margaret Z. Wilkins eds. A Reader in New Religious Movements. New York: Continuum, 2006.
Melton, J. Gordon ed. Encyclopedia of American Religions (sixth edition). Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research, 1999 [1998].
Sri Vinoda Bihari Bhakti Center. Krishna Consciousness Handbook. Hong Kong: Sri Vinoda Bihari Bhakti Center, 2013. Available at http://krishnacenter.org/book/%E5%A5%8E%E5%B8%AB%E9%82%A3%E7%9F%A5%E8%A6%BA%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8AKrishna%20handbook.pdf
Melton, J. Gordon ed. Encyclopedia of American Religions (sixth edition). Detroit, Mich.: Gale Research, 1999 [1998].
Sri Vinoda Bihari Bhakti Center. Krishna Consciousness Handbook. Hong Kong: Sri Vinoda Bihari Bhakti Center, 2013. Available at http://krishnacenter.org/book/%E5%A5%8E%E5%B8%AB%E9%82%A3%E7%9F%A5%E8%A6%BA%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8AKrishna%20handbook.pdf