FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why is Krishna blue?
Simply because He wants to be. There is nothing particularly symbolic about it, although in Vedic culture the color blue is considered the color of beauty and love, youth and supreme attractiveness. Still, as the Supreme Person, Krishna is completely independent and can choose to appear in any color He chooses. He has chosen to be the color of beauty tinged with the hue of blue clouds.

2. Why do you chant in public?
For the spiritual upliftment of the world. The vibration of the Hare Krishna mantra has a purifying effect on the consciousness of anyone who hears it. Therefore we chant in public to give others an opportunity to come in contact with this beneficial mantra.

3. How can I donate or contribute to the temple?
There are many ways to contribute. You can sponsor new dresses for the Deities, donate flowers, fruit, vegetables, or grains for the offerings, bring some jewelry suitable for the Deities, sponsor a festival feast, or simply give money in the donation box. You can also donate your time (but please always call ahead to discuss possible ways you can help). To learn how to contribute by mail, to discuss the details of your donation, or to volunteer for service at the temple, please go to Ways to Give.

4. Are you vegans or vegetarians?
We are lacto -vegetarians, meaning that along with eating vegetables, fruit, grains, and beans we also use milk products and honey. We abstain from meat, fish, eggs, garlic, onions, coffee, and black tea.

5. Can I participate in your activities?
Yes! The temple does not only facilitate the monks and nuns who spend their full time devoted to the worship of Krishna but enables everyone interested in spiritual life to participate with us and to progress toward authentic self-realization. We invite you to attend any of our daily programs.

6. Is Krishna consciousness part of Hinduism?
The word Hinduism does not refer to a specific religion; it is a catch-all term that includes the many spiritual and cultural traditions of India. The common thread in anything coming under the umbrella of "Hinduism" is its roots in the Vedas. The Vedas are a vast body of work with many branches and sub-branches, but they have an overarching ultimate goal: that people simutaneously realize themselves as pure spirit souls and as eternal loving servants of Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So Krishna consciousness is at the core of all the spiritual paths rooted in the Vedas. As such it is the highest Vedic path and at the heart of Hinduism.

7. Why do you dress like that?
Simplicity and tradition. The clothes we wear are the uniform of a Krishna devotee and are traditionally worn in India. But it is not necessary to wear Indian dress to worship Krishna.

8. Is Krishna consciousness a religion?
No, not in the sense of being a sectarian belief or simply something you do on a Saturday or Sunday. Krishna consciousness is a complete way of life. It is a religion according to the original denotation of the Latin word religare, "to reconnect." This is also the meaning of the word yoga. The practice of Krishna consciousness is known in Sanskrit as bhakti-yoga. So since Krishna consciousness is about trying to reestablish one's lost relationship with God by practicing the yoga of devotion (bhakti), in that sense it is a religion.

9. Do you have a restaurant?
Yes. Our Govindas Vegetarian Restaurant serves a variety of dishes both Indian and Western, including soups, salads, vegetable stews, breads, as well as homemade ice cream and pralines.

Hours:
Monday through Friday: 11:00-19:00
Saturday: 12:00-19:00

Sunday: closed

Address:
Fridhemsgatan 22
112 40 Stockholm
(T-station: Fridhemsplan)
Tel: +46-8-654 90 04
Fax: +46-8-650 88 13
Email: lokanatha@hotmail.com

10. Why do you worship idols?
Because we are usually incapable, with our material eyes, of perceiving spirit, God mercifully appears before us as the Deity. The particular shape a Deity takes is not something concocted in someone's mind – an idol – but is carved according to the directions in the Vedas. When the carving is complete, God is invited to descend into the Deity form so that His devotees can lovingly offer Him service. Devotees who, with proper understanding and faith, worship the Deity according to the standard methods described in the Vedas feel God's personal presence and mercy.

More questions?

http://www.harekrishnastockholm.com/

(in Swedish)