The Encyclopedia of World Religions

260 S Krishnaism in the West

Hawley, Krishna, the Butter Thief (Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1983); Barbara Stoler Miller, ed., Love Song of the Dark Lord: Jayadeva’s Gitagovinda (New York: Columbia University Press, 1997); E. Burke Rochford Jr., Hare Krishna in America (New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1985). Krishnaism in the West The WORSHIP of the Hindu god K RISHNA by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Popularly known as the Hare Krishnas, this form of BHAKTI or DEVOTIONAL ISM was brought to the United States from India in 1965 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (1896–1977). Since then its chanting, dancing devotees in saf fron robes and shaven heads have been a color ful presence on American streets. Although its numbers have never been large, the movement has been controversial because of its attraction to young people. By the 1980s, however, many of the worshippers in its temples in the United States were ethnic Hindus. kundalini A Sanskrit word for “serpent”; in T AN TRISM , the energy of life. People who practice Tant rism envision the energy of life as a coiled serpent that sleeps at the base of the spine. Through Tant ric practices this energy is awakened. It gradually proceeds up the spine through the various CAKRAS or energy centers. As it does, it appropriates the characteristics of these cakras, for example, the dei ties who reside in them. Each appropriation gives the practitioner ever new experiences, insight, and powers. When kundalini reaches the highest of these centers, it unites with the god whose power it is. The result is illumination and blissful release for the worshipper. Kwanzaa A Swahili word that means “first fruits of the harvest.” Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday. African Americans celebrate it for seven days beginning December 26. In 1966 Maulana Ron Karenga, an African-American activist, founded

Some practices once made ISKCON notorious. One was sankirtan, the public chanting of praises to Krishna. Since ISKCON members wear Indian clothing and adopt Indian styles, such as shaved heads for men except for a particular lock of hair, they made a striking appearance chanting in public places in the United States. Another controversial practice was the distribution of free literature about Krishna in public places such as airports. Although laws now limit the public distribution of literature, the movement still publishes a great deal, espe cially writings by its founder, Prabhupada. Members of ISKCON observe a strict diet: They eat no meat and also avoid onions, garlic, and mushrooms. In some parts of the world it has not been easy for them to do so. Perhaps for that reason ISKCON manages restaurants that serve appropriate food. In addition, ISKCON temples generally provide free meals to the public on a daily basis. Other ISKCON activities include programs to ensure the welfare of members’ children (once a topic of public critique), prison ministries, and the maintenance of cow sanctuaries. Although the movement began as a missionary endeavor, its temples have become important spiritual centers for Hindus who have emigrated from India. ISKCON has constructed a major complex in Mayapur, the town in the Indian state of West Bengal where Caitanya was born. It includes a large temple centered on its founder, Prabhupada. Two other sites in India are also important to ISK CON members: Puri, where Caitanya lived, and places in Mathura associated with Krishna. These places are also sacred to Krishna devotees unaffili ated with ISKCON. They draw millions of visitors every year. Further reading: Edwin F. Bryant, ed., Krishna: The Beautiful of God (Srimad Bhagavata Purana, Book X) (New York: Penguin, 2003); J. A. Van Buitenen, ed., Bhagavadgita in the Mahabharata: A Bilingual Edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1981); Edward C. Dimock and Denise Levertov, In Praise of Krishna: Songs from the Bengali (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1981); John Stratton