In the outskirts of Hillsborough lies a yellow dome-shaped temple called New Goloka, which is the home of Lisa and about 20 other members of the Krishna Consciousness movement. Often referred to as the Hare Krishna movement, Krishna Consciousness is an off-shoot of Hinduism, which was brought to the United States in 1965 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It has continued to spread throughout the United States and worldwide. Devotees of Krishna believe that through serving Krishna and avoiding four evils their souls will transmigrate to a spiritual world after they die. Off-limits are gambling, illicit sex, meat-eating and intoxication. They believe it is necessary to give up these earthly pleasures in order to best free their minds to serve Krishna. Much of their time is spent chanting the holy names of God. "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare." Devotees believe that this mantra contains transcendental sound vibrations. When chanted, it helps to free them from the material world. Lisa, a 25-year-old devotee, first became interested in Krishna Consciousness in high school, when she did a report on the religion. After college, Lisa returned to the movement. She spent a lot of time at the temple in New Orleans, while she worked as a cocktail waitress to pay off her college debt. She said the hours spent at the temple gave her a great sense of peace. As soon as she could, she quit her job and moved into the temple. She moved to New Goloka about a year ago, and will undergo initiation in July. |
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