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Discussion: What are Hare Krishnas
I have some idea about Hare Krishas, but would like to know who exactly
they are and what do they preach. I had heard about Hare Krishnaa
movements in USA and UK when I was in India, but I just had a faint mental
image of "white foreigners" dressed up in clothes from Vrindawan. I
thought it was sometimes just a fad, and sometimes these people were
interested in the Hindu lifestyle and culture. I thought many of them also
had plans of retiring in an (often their own) ashram in the Himalayan
region. In general, I thought these were nice, peaceful, philosophical
people interested in the heritage of our country. We did have foreigners
visit our house in the Hills who showed interest in the ancient
traditions, culture and knowlede and our family always took delight in
talking to them.
After I came here, I saw people paint a slightly different picture. I
heard names like ISKON. Particularily, in real life as well as on the
net, I heard a lot of negative things about them -- drugs, cult, try to
convert everyone ... etc.
Could somebody please tell more about what the Hare Krishna movement
really is about ? Is there one such movement or are there various such
distinct movements ?
Finally, do they consider themselves "Hindu", or related to "Ancient
Indian Culture" in some ways ?
Thanks,
______________________________________________________________
Rajiv Pant (Betul) http://www.temple.edu/~betul
