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Arnold
Lara MInterested in a Karma Free Diet? Cooking Hare Kris
May 20th 2006 06:16
Isn’t it exciting when Hare Krishnas take over an otherwise ordinary day in the city with their dancing and chanting? If you’re lucky they might even be serving some delicious vegetarian cooking.
Though most people do not realise it, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, more commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement was founded in 1965 by A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhpada. Since then, the Hare Krishna movement has been primarily successful in Western countries, presenting a viable alternative to mainstream religion. Though their belief system differs significantly from the Indian Hinduism that it seems to resemble, it has been highly influential in the West. For example, the concept of Karma is a popular one that has ridden on vehicles such as the Hare Krishna Society and has become incorporated into mainstream thought. So much so that many Christians believe in karma, despite the fact that it contradicts the teachings of Christianity.
Hare Krishnas do not eat meat. The ancient Vedas preach non-violence, and this extends to the slaughter of animals for food. There used to be a parody advertisement on TV where a bunch of butchers go through the city dancing and chanting “iron, iron” instead of “hare, hare” rather sacrilegiously. As part of their promotion of the vegetarian lifestyle, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has produced plenty of literature on the subject. The best thing about these little cookbooks is that they usually give them away free from Hare Krishna centres, restaurants and at demonstrations. The one I picked out is called The Higher Taste- A guide to Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking and a Karma Free Diet. It only has a few actual recipes in it, and these are nothing particularly exciting, nor particularly Indian. There are a lot of common and simple dishes from a variety of nations including Italy, China, Mexico and France.
What is most interesting about these books is the glimpse that they afford into the Hare Krishna belief system. It shows how spiritually engaging the concept of food really is. What you put into your body is considered influential to your total wellbeing, mental and spiritual as well as physical. Thus it raises some pertinent issues about the quality of our diets in this age of genetic modification and growth enhancing drugs. Chapter four is entirely dedicated to an explanation of how diet and vegetarianism also influences Karma.
“We are all part of that eternal pleasure potency, and by the simple act of preparing food for the pleasure of God we can experience transcendental enjoyment.”
Though most people do not realise it, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, more commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement was founded in 1965 by A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhpada. Since then, the Hare Krishna movement has been primarily successful in Western countries, presenting a viable alternative to mainstream religion. Though their belief system differs significantly from the Indian Hinduism that it seems to resemble, it has been highly influential in the West. For example, the concept of Karma is a popular one that has ridden on vehicles such as the Hare Krishna Society and has become incorporated into mainstream thought. So much so that many Christians believe in karma, despite the fact that it contradicts the teachings of Christianity.
http://www.harekrishna.com/
Hare Krishnas do not eat meat. The ancient Vedas preach non-violence, and this extends to the slaughter of animals for food. There used to be a parody advertisement on TV where a bunch of butchers go through the city dancing and chanting “iron, iron” instead of “hare, hare” rather sacrilegiously. As part of their promotion of the vegetarian lifestyle, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness has produced plenty of literature on the subject. The best thing about these little cookbooks is that they usually give them away free from Hare Krishna centres, restaurants and at demonstrations. The one I picked out is called The Higher Taste- A guide to Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking and a Karma Free Diet. It only has a few actual recipes in it, and these are nothing particularly exciting, nor particularly Indian. There are a lot of common and simple dishes from a variety of nations including Italy, China, Mexico and France.
Available through Amazon...
What is most interesting about these books is the glimpse that they afford into the Hare Krishna belief system. It shows how spiritually engaging the concept of food really is. What you put into your body is considered influential to your total wellbeing, mental and spiritual as well as physical. Thus it raises some pertinent issues about the quality of our diets in this age of genetic modification and growth enhancing drugs. Chapter four is entirely dedicated to an explanation of how diet and vegetarianism also influences Karma.
“We are all part of that eternal pleasure potency, and by the simple act of preparing food for the pleasure of God we can experience transcendental enjoyment.”
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Comment by amy
Question: I really liked that butcher ad, but then I'm not a Hare Krishna. Was it offensive?
I'm quite intrigued (and horrified) at the idea that the human race is selling themselves short vis a vis evolution by not eating placenta, full of all that nutritious goodness.
Comment by Shani
I can see how people can incorporate karma into Chistianity now as it has become a lot less rigid, but what I meant was that three or four hundred years ago that would have heretical. Actually the concpet of karma has become a lot less rigid too, which is why it can kind of fit. Its not really about being punished and rewarded for sins in this life or the next - it was considered a soley negative thing, if you don't become more spiritually enlightened you will be trapped forever in a physical body in this world (ie. very bad - esp if you are a poor person in India). It especially supports the Indian caste system as it locates the untouchables and those who have fallen on hard times as inherently sinful. They deserve everything they get.
Mmmm placenta. I should totally post a placenta recipe next!
Comment by Anonymous
Vegetarians are offended by these disgusting people all the time.