In school I sometimes find myself being asked questions about my religion and what it means, what is it’s purpose. It is easy to explain Krishna consciousness away as a sect of Hinduism, but that’s not really what it is - as you note in your article.

I think you are very lucky to have visited Bhaktivedanta Manor, and I wish myself to visit that temple some day. Thank you for being so kind in your article; we are not part of some terrible brainwashing cult, and your article is proof of that. I wish you the best in your further explorations of Krishna consciousness.

Nicely covered artical with all things related to the topic which is on the floor.

All the best.

I felt it was important that people found out what was really behind the Hare Krishna movement. Although I would not define myself as being a Hare Krishna it did annoy me slightly when i was met with comments from individuals such as “oh yeah, the Hare Krishnas are those people that sell books on Oxford St in London and brainwash people”; is that what people really believe?

Although i don’t see myself becoming a overly devout Krishna devotee anytime soon, spending the day at the temple was a truly humbling experience. I really did learn a lot about my faith and i do have a newfound respect for the devotees at the temple.

As you have rightly pointed the aarti or arathi aids in identifying oneself. I have lost myself several times while in aarti. Here is just small clip of aarti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZpAjUBlX-0 for you to enjoy

Just in case you were curious. David Fogg is a friend of mine and e.mailed me about your article and included a copy of his comment.

I thinks I spelt your name incorrectly in my own mail to you earlier, I do apologise, I looked at David’s spelling, (also incorrect).
I’m sure he would appreciate you correcting that if you print his comment.

Please do not feel oblidged to print my comment to you, it was more of a request to allow me to publish your article and a link to this page.
Yours Dwarakadisa

My name is Dwarakadisa das, I am the presenter of the radio programme Nectar of Devotion mentioned by David Fogg. First may I say well done Anjili for your article and how glad I am you had a pleasing experience at Bhaktivedanta Manor.

I hope you don’t mind but I would like to post your article in the news section of the Nectar of Devotion website. I feel you give a valuable insight into the strong connection between Asian’s who have been brought up as Hindu’s and the Westerners now practicing Sanatan Dharma as members of the Hare Krishna movement. Together these communities are finding spritual and social harmony that is most certainly beyond the label of Hindu.

I invite all your readers to do the same as yourself and visit the Manor. The devotees there are most welcoming and able to explain and demonstrate through their lifesyle the essence of of ALL spiritual paths is one of Devotion to God through action and love.

Regards

Dwarakadisa das
www.nectarofdevotion.co.uk

The presenter is a devotee from Bhaktivedanta Manor who lives with his wife and family in Watford named Dwarakadisa das.

And in response to the comment from William Glick that Hare Krishna’s are Hindu’s I suggest he read your article again and take some time to speak to a Krishna devotee. The Krishna’s are definitely NOT Hindu’s despite it seeming so.