Hare Krishna | Retratos de Fé

Summary

This video explores the philosophy and practices of the Hare Krishna movement, emphasizing spiritual consciousness and devotion to Krishna. It explains the movement's roots in ancient Vedic culture, its spread to the U.S. and Brazil, and the role of spiritual teachers in guiding followers. The teachings highlight key principles such as reincarnation, the oneness of God, the importance of non-violence, and the practice of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. Followers share their personal experiences, stressing the importance of purity, service, and spiritual growth to attain connection with the divine.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Hare Krishna movement is based on ancient Vedic traditions from India, focusing on the teachings and culture outlined in the Vedas, which are sacred scriptures of Hinduism.
• 😀 Krishna, a key name for God in this tradition, represents the Supreme Being who is all-attractive and possesses superlative qualities capable of drawing all living entities to Him.
• 😀 The movement emphasizes the eternal nature of the soul, which is not born and does not die but moves from one body to another, akin to changing clothes.
• 😀 The movement teaches that all living beings are spiritual entities, and our true identity is not our material body but the eternal soul.
• 😀 Followers of the Hare Krishna movement believe in the practice of reincarnation, where the soul transitions into different bodies, depending on its past karmic actions.
• 😀 God, or Krishna, is described as a personal being, the source of all creation, and the cause of all causes, and devotees are considered fragments of this divine entity.
• 😀 The philosophy behind the movement holds that God is one, although He has multiple names and forms depending on cultural context and regional language.
• 😀 The movement's practices include strict principles like non-violence (no eating of meat, fish, or eggs), avoiding intoxication, refraining from gambling, and maintaining celibacy for spiritual purity.
• 😀 The concept of 'Bhakti Yoga' (devotion) is central, with practitioners engaging in chanting the Maha-mantra (Hare Krishna mantra) as a way to connect with God and purify the soul.
• 😀 The movement advocates for a teacher-disciple relationship, where spiritual knowledge is passed down from an authentic spiritual master, and the disciple asks sincere questions to learn the Absolute Truth.
• 😀 Devotees follow various life paths, such as celibate monks (renunciates), family life, or community service, depending on their spiritual vocation and preferences, with each role fulfilling a divine purpose.

Q & A

What is the origin of the Hare Krishna movement?

The Hare Krishna movement originated in India, rooted in the Vedic tradition. It was introduced to the West in 1965 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who traveled from India to New York to spread the teachings of Krishna consciousness.

What is the significance of the name 'Krishna' in the Hare Krishna movement?

In the Vedic tradition, Krishna is one of the many names for God, meaning 'the all-attractive one.' It signifies a divine person who possesses superlative qualities capable of attracting all living entities.

How does the Hare Krishna movement view the nature of the soul?

The Hare Krishna movement believes in the eternal nature of the soul. The soul is never born nor does it die. It simply changes bodies, similar to how we change clothes, and continues its journey through different lifetimes.

What is the Hare Krishna movement's stance on the concept of God?

The movement teaches that there is only one God, but God can manifest in many forms and be known by different names across cultures and languages. Krishna is a specific name for God in this tradition, representing the supreme personality of Godhead.

What is the importance of devotional service in the Hare Krishna tradition?

Devotional service, or bhakti, is central to the Hare Krishna movement. Practitioners engage in various forms of worship, including chanting mantras, meditation, and living a life of discipline and devotion, all aimed at developing a deeper connection with Krishna.

What are the different life paths followed by practitioners in the Hare Krishna movement?

There are four main life paths in the movement: the Brahmachari (celibate student and monk), the Grihastha (householder and family life), the Vanaprastha (a person transitioning away from family life), and the Sannyasi (a fully renounced monk).

How does the Hare Krishna movement view reincarnation?

Reincarnation is a key belief in the Hare Krishna movement. It teaches that the soul is eternal and undergoes cycles of birth and death, each time taking on a new body, based on past karmas and the soul’s spiritual development.

Why is chanting the Hare Krishna mantra considered important in this tradition?

Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is believed to purify the heart and mind, helping the devotee focus on Krishna and connect spiritually. It is considered the most effective method of spiritual practice in the current age (Kali Yuga).

What dietary principles does the Hare Krishna movement follow?

The movement follows a vegetarian diet, avoiding meat, fish, and eggs, as part of a principle of non-violence. They also avoid intoxicants, including coffee and alcohol, as these hinder spiritual progress.

How does the Hare Krishna movement view the role of a spiritual teacher (guru)?

In the Hare Krishna tradition, the role of a spiritual teacher (guru) is central. Devotees are encouraged to approach a guru with humility and dedication to learn the teachings of Krishna consciousness, which are transmitted through a disciplic succession of teachers.