Cloudy view of where we were staying.
Have you ever met souls with a better calming effect than that of the sea? Souls that are ever-glowing and excited about life? Souls that sing and dance better than any Beyoncé performance? Well, if you haven’t, than you haven’t been introduced to the International Society For Krishna Consciousness.
I decided to go down to Durban this past weekend to learn more about this movement. My first interaction with the movement was at Wits when I signed up for yoga and from there on my curiosity about the movement just grew. They have a huge temple in Durban and I got the chance to stay there and get a close up of everything the followers of Krishna get up to.
The bus left Wits at around 8:30am on Friday full of students chanting Krishna’s names. The excitement in everyone’s eyes as they sung was the most fascinating part of it all. They exerted genuine happiness.
After an exhausting trip, we finally arrived in Durban at around 5:30pm and were welcomed by everyone at the temple with songs and dancing outside the temple.
Introductory song and dance.
As you walk into the respected temple, barefoot, everyone entering shows respect by kneeling down all the way to the ground. The temple is filled with pictures of Krishna, from when he was a little boy till he was older. There are flowers all over, especially next to the numerous deities of him and other gods. It is very colorful and lively.
View of the temple as you enter.
After having a huge feast and listening to one of the Swami’s (which means Master), we went to rest.
On Saturday morning we went to Eco village in Pietermaritzburg. This was my favorite part of the whole trip. We met with guys from Food for Life, who are also followers of the movement. They feed thousands of people vegetarian food on a daily basis. We got the chance to help them serve food to residents of an informal settlement near the farm where they reside. We also handed out books about Krishna.
Residents enjoying the meal.
Serving food to residents.
We proceeded to the farm were we greeted by very clean and healthy cows. Krishna loved cows, hence his name Gopal which is translated as the one that loves cows. His followers respect cows and take care of them in worship to Krisna. We helped feed the vegetables and fruits that we had brought along.
We then had a tour around the farm followed by a lovely banana leaf lunch. We had fun and games, a talk from the Swami and more singing before we left for Durban. Our last night was spent around a bonfire with lots of singing and dancing, as usual.
Banana leaf lunch
Before we left for Joburg on Sunday morning, after reflections and receipt of amazing gifts, I asked a few people about their experience of the retreat.
Many said that they loved the kirtan (song and dance) and meeting new people. My roommate even said that it was nothing like what she imagined it would be; it exceeded her expectations.
I got a chance to learn more about Krishna and why he is worshipped by many. Many of my questions were answered, although my curiosity grew even more.
I am a regular at the yoga lounge on the Wits campus, where some of the devotees spend most of their days, and their hearts never seize to amaze me. They give selflessly to everyone they come across. There is never a day that passes without someone being brought in just to have lunch or tea. They are so accommodating and share their knowledge freely with whoever they come across. (And oh, they make amazing cakes!)
Devotees on Wits campus
To learn more about this movement, visit http://iskconza.com. If you are at Wits, visit the yoga lounge on the second floor at the Matrix. If you will be around Soweto tomorrow, catch them at Meadowlands Zone 2 Park from 12 till 5pm.
Event happening tomorrow
Bless their hearts.
I am out!
Ramadimetja Rami Makgeru
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