What is the name of the Hare Krishna clothing. Clothing and sacred objects in Vedic culture. The traditional question about traditional dress ...

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The philosophy that has come down to us from time immemorial does not remain a speculative exercise, but takes on concrete external forms.

The sages of the past have developed special types of clothing, talismans and adornments that help those who are serious about spiritual practice to walk this path.

The most common questions about the appearance and etiquette of Vaishnavas are answered by His Holiness Bhakti Vigyan Goswami Maharaj.

"Srila Prabhupada was dressed as a resident of Vrindavan. He was wearing a kanthi-mala (neck beads) and a simple cotton dhoti, he also had a japa-mala (rosary) and an old chadar or shawl. His skin was golden in color, his head was shaved. the back is a sikha, and the forehead is adorned with a white Vaishnava tilaka. He wore white pointed shoes, a fairly common shoe among sadhus in India. Who in New York has ever met a person who looked like this Vaisnava? He may have been the first sannyasi. a Vaishnava in this city who did not compromise on his appearance. Of course, New Yorkers are used to not paying much attention to the strange appearance of visitors. "

(Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, Volume 2, Page 7)

1. Why wear a pouch around your neck? What's in it?

This bag contains prayer beads. The Vedas recommend that a person constantly purify his sound space, purify his speech. Since ancient times, one of the common methods of purifying speech has been the repetition of sacred mantras. There are several ways to recite mantras. Sometimes they are read in front of the sacred fire, sometimes they are sung in front of the sacred images, and sometimes they are simply repeated quietly. For the latter method, a rosary is used. The main mantra in the Vedas is the maha-mantra, consisting of sixteen words: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare \\ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. The rosary itself consists of 108 beads. The sacred number "108" in Vedic culture represents infinity, or eternal existence. The thread on which the beads are strung symbolizes the invisible all-pervading Spirit, on whom the whole universe rests, and the knots between the beads are unmanifest forms of matter, or subtle elements of creation. Rosary beads are made from different materials; we usually use rosaries from the sacred tulasi tree, sanctum basilicum. There is also a rosary made from lotus seeds or neem tree. They are worn in a bag to keep them clean.

2. The sign, or pattern that we see on your forehead - what is it?

This pattern is called tilak. Tilak consists of two lines, a space between them and a small pattern at the bottom. Two lines, according to the word "Padma Purana", symbolize the creative and destructive principles of the universe, and the space between them - the supporting energy of goodness, divine energy. The small pattern at the bottom is in the shape of a petal and symbolizes the sacred tulasi tree. Tilak means striving upward, the desire to make your life meaningful. Tilak is placed not only on the forehead. In the Vasudeva Upanishad, one of the Vedic scriptures, there are twelve important places on the human body where this sign should be placed. These twelve locations correspond to specific areas of the universe. The Vedas say that the microcosm is built in the image and likeness of the macrocosm. Therefore, the twelve parts on our body, on which the tilak is placed, energetically correlate our body with the entire universe and help it to come into harmony with the surrounding world.

3. Traditional question about traditional dress ...

The Vedas advise people to be practical. Therefore, nowadays not all followers of the Vedas wear traditional clothes; most of them wear ordinary clothes, which are more practical in our climatic conditions. However, priests in temples and monks must wear dhoti, white or saffron pieces of cloth, specially wrapped around the waist. The meaning of these clothes is to remind the person himself and the people who see him about his seriousness in relation to spiritual practice, to remind him of how he should behave in accordance with the accepted dignity. White robes are worn by family people, while saffron robes are worn by monks and unmarried students. They are actually very comfortable clothes. It does not require much maintenance and looks very beautiful if you learn how to wear it correctly. Usually clothing in the material world is a kind of declaration of one's intentions or one's attitude to the world. And clothes of this kind set a person up to be polite and generous in relations with others.

4. Why is saree so popular? What kind of jewelry do women wear?

Sari is mentioned in all Vedic scriptures. It seems that this is the oldest women's clothing on Earth, and it has come down to us in its original form. Sari is not only loved by followers of the Vedas. Nowadays, even famous fashion designers create unique sarees, the cost of which in Parisian salons can reach tens of thousands of dollars. There is a huge variety of saree. There are also many different styles of how to wear a sari, and if a woman knows how to wear a sari, then perhaps there is no more majestic and beautiful picture in the material world.

Along with the sari, there are dozens of traditional Vedic women's outfits. Gopi dress and Punjabi are especially popular in the West today.

In addition to the usual female jewelry such as earrings, bracelets, etc., women wear a red dot on their forehead called bindi. Also, by tradition, married women decorate the parting on their heads with red paint - this is a sign of her loyalty to her husband - it is believed that in this way a woman brings good luck and prosperity to the family.

5. Why do we need wooden beads around the neck and why are they folded in three rows?

This is a kind of amulet. Beads are made from some sacred tree: tulasi, sandalwood, amalaki, etc.

The beads, firstly, protect our throat. The throat is very important. With the help of the throat we speak, with the help of the throat we breathe in air, with the help of the throat we put food inside, with the help of the throat we drink, and the beads from the sacred tree purify everything that enters us and that which leaves our breath and our speech. This is a kind of barrier against bad influence. Secondly, this is an outward sign of belonging to the Vaishnava movement, followers of Vishnu, who recognize the omnipresent Vishnu as God, the Supreme Lord. Three-row beads means that a person has a spiritual teacher.

6. Are there other protective symbols, objects?

There are amulets called kavachs. They are small metal cones that contain secret mantras. These mantras are either written on tiny pieces of paper, or embedded “virtually” in the form of sound. Kavachi come in many forms and for different purposes. Some protect from enemies, others from the unfavorable influence of stars and planets, etc.

Another important external attribute is the sacred thread. This is not a talisman, but a sign that a person builds his life on the basis of the scriptures, tries to live according to the laws of God. The sacred cord can only be worn after the initiation received from the spiritual master. On the bas-reliefs of ancient Indian temples, this sacred thread can be seen on all saints, demigods and even on God Himself. Traditionally, in Vedic culture, the ceremony of presenting the sacred thread marked the second birth of a person. Tying the sacred cord around the thumb of the right hand in a special way, a person repeats to himself the special mantras given to him by his spiritual teacher. This is an ancient tradition, but it is still alive today.

The health sections of the Vedas say that God gave us hands to eat. People have stopped eating with their hands just because their hands are usually dirty. In accordance with Vedic hygiene, you should wash your hands very often. After eating, hands should be rinsed with water at least sixteen times.

Ayurveda states that the digestion process starts from the moment the hand touches food. Touching food gives a certain signal to the body, sets it up for digestion, so eating with your hands is good for your health. Of course, this is not a strict principle. If you come to a society where it is customary to eat with a spoon or fork, you must follow the laws of this society.

8. Many people wear a pigtail on the back of their heads. What is it called and why is it?

This pigtail is called shikha. A lock of hair covers the most important part of the body - the "fontanelle", in Sanskrit called "brahma-randra", the crown, the place where the cranial bones converge. In an infant, this place is soft, it does not overgrow for a long time, therefore it is considered the weakest and most vulnerable place in the human body. Those who have attained perfection in mystic yoga leave the body precisely through the brahmarandra, punching this hole with their yogic power and thus transferring to the higher planets. Hair has been compared to a kind of energy “antennae” that, on the one hand, attract and collect energy, and on the other hand, protect us energetically. This is the role of hair. Therefore, a lock of hair left on the brahma-randra protects this sensitive part of the human body from some unwanted external influences.

Often men leave nothing on their head except for this strand of hair. This mainly applies to those who have adopted a monastic lifestyle. They do it so as not to attract the opposite sex. If a person does not want to attract the opposite sex, then he shaves everything off as a sign of humility and renunciation, but he leaves this lock of hair in order to protect a vital part of the body.

Hare Krishnas exist among us. They ride the subway and by car, go to the hospital and the store, stand at bus stops, buy plasters in pharmacies, visit exhibitions and even (!) Go to work. But there are signs by which you will always determine that in front of you is a carefully (or not carefully) disguised Hare Krishna

Pouch in right hand. A small bag made of fabrics of various colors is put on the right hand, leaving the index finger free. An attentive passer-by will even see that the hand in this bag is moving - trying to remain unnoticed, the Hare Krishna, nevertheless, fingering the rosary.

Counter in the right hand. For a more thorough conspiracy, some Hare Krishnas do not take bags on the road, reciting a mantra on a counter - a simple device that allows you to count the number of mantras recited by pressing a button. The counter is almost invisible from the outside.

Lip movement. Oh, these Hare Krishnas are always muttering something under their breath. They are chanting the mantra. It is difficult to say for what reason meditation is done on the street right on the go: someone did not have enough time to complete this meditation in the morning, and someone simply cannot just go without repeating the Name of God, to which they are very attached.

Kanthimala on the neck. It is a small wooden bead made from the sacred Tulasi tree that protects the wearer. There are one, two and three rows.

Shikha in men. It's such a small ponytail on the top of the head. It allows you to keep energy in the upper chakras and focus your thoughts on God.

Tilaka. Some Vaishnavas walk down the street with tilaka, an adornment that is applied with white clay to the forehead and body. Tilaka consists of two parallel lines (symbolizing the foot of Krishna), connected at the bottom by a Tulasi petal. Tilaka in the amount of 13 pieces is applied to the forehead (and bridge of the nose) and body along with special mantras with clay taken from a sacred place. By applying tilaka, a person seems to be saying that his body belongs to the Lord. Tilaka also protects the Vaishnava and allows him to think more of God during the day.

Dhoti and Sari. Well, this is already quite an easy option, when it is as easy as shelling pears to understand that you have a Krishnaite in front of you. Dhoti and sari are not just traditional Indian clothing. It is also a spiritual garment, since it is not sewn and does not convey the karma of a stranger. Such clothing also attunes the Vaishnava to a more exalted mood.

Long skirt or dress for women. Many women who practice Krishna Consciousness dress beautifully in long dresses, neat hairstyles and elegant makeup. They are sure that you need to be beautiful, first of all, for God. However, beauty should be modest and real, and clothes should emphasize this beauty, and not flaunt some parts of the female body.

Bright clothes. Many Vaishnavas dress brightly - orange and yellow are quite popular with Hare Krishnas. The color of positive and joy from serving God.

A stack of books in hands. Most likely, this is a Vaishnava who distributes books. In this way he serves his Master, whose whole work of life is to spread Vedic knowledge on Earth.

The Vaishnava appearance is very dear to Lord Gauranga.

In his letter to Damodara (dated 10/13/1967), Srila Prabhupada said that in his opinion, clean-shaven grhastha and brahmacari in Vaishnava robes, they look like angels with Vaikuntha.

Through spiritual dress, we can remember that we are following the philosophy of Krsna consciousness. Such clothing helps to develop the right mindset, to remember our original essence. We develop a taste for serving Srila Prabhupada and the devotees.When we dress dhotior sari to the city, we immediately feel responsible for our behavior, we try to behave like a devotee.

Srila Prabhupada says that the police officer is recognized by everyone by his uniform. Similarly, people recognize the devotees of Krsna by their Vaishnava dress. Often, ordinary people, when they see a devotee in "uniform", start to ask questions. In this way, Vaisnava dress preaches.We are from ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada and the Vedic culture, so we must look right.

Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami once said that when we walk down the street in Vaishnava clothes, everyone naturally looks at us. How we behave, what we do. We immediately start pretending to be serious, not looking at shop windows, behaving decently, etc. Because everyone is looking at us. But when we want to be thought of us that we are the same as everyone else, then we dress like nondevotees, and then no one pays attention to us, and we can calmly look at windows, signs, go shopping, behave like this is characteristic of nondevotees. Then we begin to love what nondevotees love. But Vaishnava dress keeps us from this and that is why it is so important to us.

The purpose of ordinary clothing is to attract the opposite sex, while spiritual clothing helps to raise our consciousness to a higher level.

Wearing karmic clothes for no particular reason in itself develops a low level of consciousness.

Indradyumna Swami

Karmic clothing is associated with a certain way of life, which is based on lust and envy. Therefore, it is better to wear spiritual clothing. It is especially important to wear Vaishnava clothing in the temple, on nama-hatte and other preaching programs.

In one of his letters about wearing non-Vaishnava clothes, Srila Prabhupada said the following:

“Coat, trousers, tie, etc. brahmacari and grhastha can be worn because they are not sannyasi... In the temple, you must dress like brahmacaribut in order not to look ridiculous in the eyes of others, outside the temple you can dress like the ideal aristocratic Americans. So there is no objection. But tilaka and shikha should always be, and there can be no compromises. "

Srila Prabhupada's Letter to Brahmananda 10/06/1968

Real life stories of Vaishnavas

(All stories are written in the first person to prevent the use of real names)

1. We, as usually happens on Sunday evening, the whole family drove to the grocery store after the church. Each of us wore Vaishnava dress. A respectable man in a formal suit was walking to our meeting. He told us Hare Krsna. Then, at the cash register, a woman cashier, seeing us, stood up, and looking at us in surprise, said with admiration: "Lord, you have such beautiful clothes!"

2. Arriving with harinams, I looked at myself in the mirror and thought: "So go to the store or change?" Deciding not to change, I left the house. An elderly couple approached me in the store. They said that they had recently moved from another city, and their son had been looking for "Krishna's people" for a long time. They were very happy to find us.

Spring is the dirtiest time of the year. All the dirt accumulated during the winter accumulates in puddles on the asphalt. This is gasoline, and motor oils, and salt, and reagents, which in huge quantities this year fell on the sidewalks and roads of large cities. Once in the stomach, this poisonous solution causes dogs to vomit and upset stools. This disgusting mixture splashes onto dogs' fur and skin, causing ulcers to develop on their paws and muzzle. What to do, how to protect your pet? You can't do without an easy one ...

https: //www.site/journal/124980

Experts from Imperial College London are working with representatives of the fashion industry to create a new fabric that can be grown in tea tanks. The leather-like material is lightweight and strong enough to make shirts, jackets, dresses and even shoes. The new tissue is grown from green tea, sugar, and several other nutrients. Acetobacter bacteria are placed in the tank, capable of synthesizing ...

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Chandratapa. The house, the roof of which is made of flowers, and the walls are made of reeds and decorated with flowers, is called a vesma. Decorations Krishna Yellow clothes Krishna are called Nigamashobhana. His crown, adorned with precious stones, is Ratnapara, the stone on its crest is Chamara-damari, the crown ... Dadhisara. Yashoshvini is the youngest, she is bright, her name is also Havikhsara. They both dress in scarlet clothes... Energetic grandfather Krishna my mother's name is Sumukha. His beard is long, like a seashell, and his body color is purple ...

https: //www.site/religion/12084

Bhagavatism - the ancient monotheistic tradition of worship Krishna... The meaning and methods of repeating the Mantra "Hare Krishna»Consists of the names of God in Sanskrit in the vocative case: Hare, Krishna and Rama: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Haare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama ... mantra, man comes into contact with God in His entirety. According to Krishna theology, in the name Krishna present myself Krishna with all its attributes, in the name Rama - all the avatars, in the name Hara (which represents ...

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There will be a small thunderstorm or even a hurricane. However, the basis of everything, including us, is divine and the Consciousness of God ( Krishna) slumbers in everyone's heart. Therefore, when we begin to associate with pure devotees, it awakens in the same way as when ... God knows what it means to love God. And the Christian religion, although to a lesser extent than that of Consciousness Krishna, is unique in this context, because it provides tremendous opportunities for understanding God and the manifestation of your love, and this is confirmed ...

https: //www.site/religion/15577

Meal. Rukmini excitedly asked him, “What happened? Why did you interrupt lunch so unexpectedly and run out into the street? Krishna answered: - I felt that one of my students needs help, his whole being attracted me. Residents ... stood defenseless and prayed. Rukmini asked in surprise, “Why did you come back half way and not come to his aid? Krishna answered: - At first, when he stood defenseless in front of the people who threatened him, all of Being came to his defense, but when he ...

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Amount. Taurus is unlikely to pursue fashion novelties, but rather prefer the classics. They have excellent taste. clothing with many small details will not impress them, but the outfit should always have a memorable detail, be it an applique ... jewelry, sometimes even antique. Aquarius Aquarius loves originality and often comes up with a choice clothes with a bit of extravagance. They can deservedly claim to be the most original people who like to shock ...

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clothing can be dangerous. This truth is known to everyone who is used to dressing up and following fashion trends. Well, if we love to look spectacular so much, we need to learn .... Try to buy cotton panties - the body breathes better in them. Avoid nylon. Choose the most comfortable underwear. And thongs can sometimes be worn in the evening clothes... High heels and platforms There is a known case when Naomi Campbell fell right on the catwalk during the show of the Vivienne Westwood collection: she was wearing ...

July 11th, 2016

1. Pouch in right hand. A small bag made of fabrics of various colors is put on the right hand, leaving the index finger free. An attentive passer-by will even see that the hand in this bag is moving - trying to remain unnoticed, the Hare Krishna, nevertheless, fingering the rosary.

2. A stack of books in hands. Most likely, this is a Vaishnava who distributes books. In this way he serves his Master, whose whole work of life is to spread Vedic knowledge on Earth.

3. Lip movement. Oh, these Hare Krishnas are always muttering something under their breath. They are chanting the mantra. It is difficult to say for what reason meditation is done on the street right on the go: someone did not have enough time to complete this meditation in the morning, and someone simply cannot just go without repeating the Name of God, to which they are very attached.

4. Kanthimala on the neck. It is a small wooden bead made from the sacred Tulasi tree that protects the wearer. There are one, two and three rows.

5. Shikha in men. It's such a small ponytail on the top of the head. It allows you to keep energy in the upper chakras and focus your thoughts on God.

6. Tilaka. Some Vaishnavas walk down the street with tilaka, an adornment that is applied with white clay to the forehead and body. Tilaka consists of two parallel lines (symbolizing the foot of Krishna), connected at the bottom by a Tulasi petal. Tilaka in the amount of 13 pieces is applied to the forehead (and bridge of the nose) and body along with special mantras with clay taken from a sacred place. By applying tilaka, a person seems to be saying that his body belongs to the Lord. Tilaka also protects the Vaishnava and allows him to think more of God during the day.

7. Dhoti and Sari. Well, this is already quite an easy option, when it is as easy as shelling pears to understand that you have a Krishnaite in front of you. Dhoti and sari are not just traditional Indian clothing. It is also a spiritual garment, since it is not sewn and does not convey the karma of a stranger. Such clothing also attunes the Vaishnava to a more exalted mood.

8. Long skirt or dress for women. Many women who practice Krishna Consciousness dress beautifully in long dresses, neat hairstyles and elegant makeup. They are sure that you need to be beautiful, first of all, for God. However, beauty should be modest and real, and clothes should emphasize this beauty, and not flaunt some parts of the female body.

9. Bright clothes. Many Vaishnavas dress brightly - orange and yellow are quite popular among Hare Krishnas. The color of positive and joy from serving God.

10. Counter in the right hand. For a more thorough conspiracy, some Hare Krishnas do not take bags on the road, reciting a mantra on a counter - a simple device that allows you to count the number of mantras recited by pressing a button. The counter is almost invisible from the outside.