I follow Hare Krishna philosophy. AMA

[HareKrishna123]

Do you have any questions about the philosophy or anything else? AMA

What is the philosophy? Assuming it can be summarised.

Why can't you eat onions and garlic?

We all have an individual relationship with God, and once we tap into that relationship we'll be happy.

The easiest way to do that is by practicing meditating on a mantra, which quietens the mind and releases anxieties, allowing us to realise our real self.. which is not our body, or mind, but the soul.

Both can affect the mind , making it harder to focus on our central practice of meditation

Were you brought up with it, and if not, when/ how did you decide to convert?

How do you feel about gay people and sex outside of heterosexual marriage?

No, but I was religious growing up in a similar but not some religion, and really wanted to know more and more philosophy. I went away from it in my late teens/20s then got curious again when had kids. Started going to baby groups at the temple and people I met really inspired me to learn more.

Gay people...great, you're attracted to who you're attracted to
Sex outside marriage if everyone involved is single...it's up to the person and as long as they're not hurting anyone go for it
Sex outside marriage if married...not cool

So how did you go from Jesus being the way to what you are now ? ( you mentioned here you were religious sorry if I assumed wrong )

I was brought up Hindu, so it wasn't such a huge leap, though I do have friends who follow Hare Krishna and grew up Christian

Is it the hare Krishna's that have veggie restaurants dotted about the place?
If so do you eat in them & what are they like?

There are quite a few! I love eating in them, delicious food and very clean. Some can be spicy.

Oh I do apologise.

How can you think that Hare Krishna is not Hinduism. Or at least totally based on it?

Do you go to the temple next to Govinda’s Restaurant just off Oxford St? (I love going there)
Di you wear orange / red / pink?

Heavens you were brought up Hindu and now do hare Krishna ? And you describe them as not the same?

(born and bred Indian, Hindu origins, hardcore atheist).

Hinduism is a name for a big collection of beliefs based on a similar collection of texts. You get "Shaivites", "Vaishnavas", etc. Philosophies differ slightly between the different groups.

For example I grew up being told/believing God is a light/energy and we all merge into it when we die. All the Hindu Gods and Goddesses are just stories that show us Gods love in a way our limited mind can understand.

That's different to what I now believe which is that we remain individual souls when we die, and God is also an individual soul.

Does the above answer this? Happy to answer any more questions on it. It's a good question

Sometimes, when in London! I love it there! I don't really pay attention to what colour I'm putting on that day 🙈

There was a Hare Krishna girl on one of the tv dating shows- I forget the name- and she said she shouldn't eat anything prepared by someone not off the faith in case they prepared it with negative thoughts. Is this true for all followers? Does that mean you can't easily eat out day to day?

Has the 'School of light' been built yet as the Hare Krishna from the Watford temple have been collecting money for since at least the 80's.

I remember that show! (unless there has been more than one)

Some people do follow it to that level and some do not. I think it depends on individual circumstances. There have been seasons where I haven't eaten out much as both me and my husband love to cook for each other, and friends love to host. There have been other seasons where it's just been really difficult and not practical to always cook ourselves, and I show gratitude that there are easy ways to get delicious meals at restaurants or ready meals.

Hmmm. Not sure. There is a school at the temple that does a lot of different weekends courses... philosophy, life coaching, yoga, cooking etc.
There are also schools (mainstream) for kids.
None of them are called "school of light" but maybe it was renamed when it opened. 🤔

Thank you for both your responses and your AMA- I live in London and know people of many faiths but I have never knowingly come across anyone following Hare Krishna, so it's been very interesting reading your thread.

Thanks for asking!