In 2016 I wrote an article in The Dispatch about “Finding contentment in unexpected places.” In that article I wrote about the Mennonite community in Saskatchewan, Canada and the Amish community. In addition I have watched Harrison Ford’s thriller movie, “Witness,” where the Amish community was a major part of the film.
After that I wrote about two more smaller communities while visiting Texas. One was Bahai community, and the other was “Two birds church.” In all these communities, I found people are basically simple, compassionate and are very happy in their own life, which we all strive for.
Obviously, peace and happiness in life are the most important thing compared to money and power. “Contentment is the greatest wealth,” Lord Buddha said.
This time during our university spring break, we (three members of my family) visited new Iskcon Talavana temple community in Carriere, Mississippi. What a place – it’s like out of the world with an absolute serendipity.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) is a very well known community around the world, which was founded by Bengali Guru, Swami Pravupada (actual name, Abhay Charan De), originally from Kolkata, India in 1966. He has been considered an outstanding philosophical, spiritual and religious teacher from India, who spread the “Hare Krishna” mantra.
Sree Krishna has been considered the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in Hinduism — an historical person in the Indian epic story of Mahabharat who appeared on this earth 5,000 years ago.
While living in West Virginia from 2001 to 2004, we went to the U.S. Isckon community, popularly known as Golden Temple or New Vrindavan, established in 1968. Financial backing came from The Beatles (especially George Harrison) and later by Alfred B. Ford, grandson of Henry Ford. Currently there are more than 800 centers around the world, and it has millions of followers.
During our spring break, we were thinking of going somewhere and my daughter Wrishija came up with a plan to visit Iskcon temple in Carriere, which is a 3.5 hour drive from Columbus. The place is in a remote area in a natural environment. She booked the guest house situated inside the temple premises. Inside the guest house is like 5-stars however outside doesn’t match. The rate of $100 per night includes three lacto-vegetarian meals. For the guests, it’s not mandatory to join their everyday events or ritual practices, but we joined every event. Lord Krishna is our God too.
We stayed for three nights and met many Krishna devotees. A few people I should mention. Interestingly every devotee is called either Pravuji or Mataji.
Pravuji Dr. Jagdish Somani, a 81-year-old internist, who has donated all his savings to build a new temple and other infrastructures, is a man with an unparalleled wisdom.
Mataji Kalia, who was an Iskcon devotee from her motherland Guayana migrated to the USA and joined Carriere temple. She is still a very energetic, dedicated lady for people welfare including outside guests. The sweet lady who should be contacted in case anyone wants to visit this temple is Ms. Danakeli Dasi. They have a nice and detailed website too.
During the initiation the Iskcon devotees have to vow certain rules and regulations such as consuming a lact-vegetarian diet and complete abstinence from meat, fish and eggs; no drugs and alcohol and even no onions and garlics. In addition, no illicit sexual activity and relationships outside of marriage.
Once again, I would like to appreciate the constitutional policy of freedom in every aspect of human life.
Jiben Roy, a native of Bangladesh, teaches chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences at Mississippi University for Women. He writes occasional column in the Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
Jiben Roy, a native of Bangladesh, teaches chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences at Mississippi University for Women. His email address is [email protected].
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
