Blog

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Maybe you’ve thought about trying out meditation yoga in Melbourne, but don’t exactly know what it is or what the benefits are. That’s okay, as there are several misconceptions on the combination of meditation and yoga, and you would be forgiven for not having a clear understanding of its many benefits.  At Hare Krishna Melbourne, we always welcome new people to try out meditation yoga as it is a great way to improve your physical and mental well-being and can help you manage any troubles you are currently facing. If you have been searching for a different way to settle your mind, release some tension, and find an inner peace and genuine happiness from within that has so far eluded you, then consider trying out meditation yoga, a key aspect of bhakti yoga the next time you are in Melbourne.  What is Meditation Yoga?  Many people think that yoga is purely a physical exercise—but this ancient spiritual practice also engages your mind in meaningful ways. Yoga is a form of meditation combining body and mind and can be seriously beneficial to anyone who has been looking for an alternative way of looking inward and forming a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.  The physical side of meditation yoga involves body postures, also known as “asanas”. These are the different types of poses that you make with your body to build awareness between yourself and your surroundings. These poses aren’t just to help you stretch your muscles. They are essential for engaging your mind and creating focus, benefitting you long term. That focus is then channelled into the meditative side of yoga. In a typical meditation yoga class, the physical exercises are either followed by or run alongside a series of mental exercises. This could include breathing techniques, repeating sacred mantras, visualisations, and guided meditation. By forming this union between your consciousness and the universe, you will harness a clarity and energy that can be hard to discover in our day to day lives.  The Benefits of Meditation Yoga Meditation yoga builds mindfulness, connection, and unity within ourselves. Practising it brings about many benefits, and we would like to share some of our favourites with you.  Good for Your Mental Health  Many people find meditation yoga to improve their overall mood and mental well-being. The practice requires you to block out any outside noise and strip your thoughts back to simpler, more serene patterns. More importantly, it keeps you in the present, without hankering for the future or lamenting about the past. It is simultaneously relaxing and illuminating, allowing you to discover a sense of clarity that can easily be lost in the busyness of modern society.  Can Help with Insomnia  Another benefit of practising meditation yoga can lead to a decrease in feelings of stress, anxiety, and lower moods. All of these emotional states can have a negative impact on our sleep quality, so managing them through yoga will help you rest better in the nighttime.  Easy For Everyone  No matter your age or health, there will be a form of meditation yoga that works for you. The practice is all about focusing and not going so fast in our lives every single moment of the day. It’s a universal lesson that everyone should pay attention to, and meditation yoga is the ideal platform to try slowing things down. You don’t need to pull off every pose perfectly—you just need to look inside yourself and focus on breaking down your thoughts and not allowing them to pursue distractive habits or patterns.  Meditation Yoga at Hare Krishna Melbourne  If you would like to try out meditation yoga for yourself in a safe, supportive, and welcoming space, then we would love to see you at our Sunday Kirtan. Entry is completely free, and you will get to experience the benefits of practising meditation yoga. If you have any questions, be sure to contact us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Melbourne, like the rest of Australia, has been impacted by the significant rise in the cost of living in the past couple of years. There are many reasons for this, many of them related to the pandemic, but the simple truth is, Melbourne has become more expensive to live in impacting the daily lives of millions.  As followers of the Hare Krishna faith, we believe it is our mission to provide food and support for the people of Melbourne at all times. For decades, our Food For Life Melbourne program has been fulfilling this mission – providing free or low-cost meals to anyone in need.   The Rising Cost of Living in Melbourne  Following the global lift in restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living has risen dramatically. The Australian Bureau of Statistics uses a metric called the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which aggregates common cost of living expenses such as rent, mortgage, groceries, transport, health, amenities, and more.  According to their latest CPI data, Melbourne saw its overall cost of living increase by 6.9% between 2022 and 2023. This is noticeably higher than 4.0% in 2021-22 and only 1.4% from 2020-21.  Living in Melbourne (and indeed anywhere) has become a lot more expensive over the last 12 months, and this financial pressure is being felt by many. The Melbourne Hare Krishna temple wants to do whatever possible to ease some of this pressure. For years, our Food For Life program has helped provide free and low-cost meals to the people of Melbourne, and it continues to offer support to this city during this cost of living crisis.  Hare Krishna Melbourne’s Response  When Hare Krishna’s founder Srila Prabhupada visited Melbourne in the early 1970s, he proclaimed: “Let every hungry man in Melbourne come and eat”. Since then, our Food For Life Melbourne program was created to fulfil those words and provide affordable and/or free meals to the people of this city.  Food For Life Melbourne  Food For Life Melbourne distributes free and low-cost meals throughout Melbourne. We were there during the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, we stood up during the peak of the pandemic lockdown years, and we are here now to help Melbourne residents from all backgrounds navigate these cost-of-living challenges.  Our Food For Life Kitchen distributes free meals at our Temple in Albert Park – three times a day, seven days a week. No matter who you are, we welcome you to our Temple for a free breakfast, lunch, or dinner whenever you need it.  We also distribute free meals every Sunday at the South Melbourne Market, thanks to the kind support of the City of Port Phillip. You can find these meals after 5 pm, at the corner of Cecil and Coventry streets.  Please note: all of our Food For Life meals are vegetarian, but may contain dairy, nuts and/or gluten. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please ask our cooks to find which of our items is suitable for you.  Crossways Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant  Many of our Food For Life meals are cooked at Crossways Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD. For the past forty years, they have been providing low-cost, all-you-can-eat vegetarian and vegan meals for anyone who walks through their doors.  Crossways is open from Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am-8 pm. If you are ever in need of some delicious affordable vegan and vegetarian food while you are in the centre of Melbourne, then we highly recommend you pay us a visit.  Donate to Food For Life Melbourne  Hare Krishna Melbourne is here to help anyone who is struggling with the current cost of living challenges in Melbourne. Food For Life Melbourne is a volunteer-run program, meaning we rely on the generous donations of others to continue our mission of feeding the hungry in this city. As such, we would greatly appreciate any support you are able to provide.  Please feel free to donate to Food For Life Melbourne, and if you are ever in need of a free or affordable meal, then please seek out our support. 

Bhakti yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes devotion, love, and surrender to a higher power. One of the key components of Bhakti yoga is the use of mantras. Mantras are sacred sounds or phrases that are repeated as a form of meditation. In this blog, we’ll delve into the role of mantra in Bhakti yoga and how it can help you connect to the divine. What is a Mantra? A mantra is a word, phrase, or sound that is repeated to help focus the mind and promote inner peace and ultimately connect to the divine. Mantras are used in many spiritual traditions and have been used for thousands of years as a tool for meditation and spiritual growth. The most popular mantra used by those who follow the Hare Krishna faith is the Maha mantra. The Role of Mantra in Bhakti Yoga In Bhakti yoga, mantras are used as a tool to cultivate inner devotion and connect to the divine. The repetition of a mantra can help quiet the mind and bring the practitioner into a state of deep concentration. This can be especially helpful for those who find it difficult to control the mind and meditate. By repeating a mantra, the practitioner is able to direct their attention towards the divine and away from overwhelming thoughts and distractions. This can lead to a sense of inner peace, calm and connection to the higher self. The repetition of a mantra can also help the practitioner cultivate feelings of love and devotion, which are principal aspects of Bhakti yoga. Choosing a Mantra There are many mantras that can be used in Bhakti yoga which have been outlined in the sacred yoga texts. Some common Bhakti yoga mantras include “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya (I offer my respects to the Divine ), “Hare Krishna” (Glory to Krishna), and “Om ” (Peace). When choosing a mantra to chant, it is important to consider your intention and what you hope to achieve through its repetition. You may choose a mantra that is associated with a specific deity, or one that represents a particular aspect of the divine that you wish to connect with. Using Mantra in Your Practice Once you have chosen a mantra, you can begin incorporating it into your Bhakti yoga practice. Mantras can be repeated silently or out loud and can be chanted for a specific amount of time or for as long as you wish. It can be helpful to choose a quiet and comfortable place to repeat your mantra, and to close your eyes and focus on the sound vibration, using the breath as a supportive tool to silence the mind. As you repeat the mantra, allow any thoughts or distractions to drift away and focus your attention on the sound of the mantra. Incorporating mantra into your Bhakti yoga practice can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth and connection to the divine. By repeating a mantra, you can cultivate devotion, love, and inner peace, and simultaneously deepen your connection to your higher self and the divine. Alternatives to Using a Mantra In Bhakti Yoga, if for some reason you are not comfortable with using a mantra, you can use other tools to cultivate devotion and connect to the divine. Some alternative tools include: Chanting of holy scriptures: Chanting verses from religious scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, or the Srimad Bhagavatam can help cultivate devotion and connect to the divine. Singing devotional songs: Singing devotional songs in the form of bhajans or kirtans can be an effective way to connect to the divine and evoke feelings of love and devotion. Visualization: Visualizing a deity or an aspect of the divine can help cultivate feelings of devotion and bring the practitioner closer to a higher power. Prayer: Regular prayer can be a powerful tool for expressing devotion and connecting to a higher power. Service: Engaging in selfless service, such as volunteering or helping others, can also be a way to cultivate devotion and connect to a higher power. Each individual is unique, and the tool that works best for one person may not work for another. What to Use Instead of a Mantra Bhakti Yoga is a path of devotion and surrender to a higher divine power that doesn’t entail you to be tied to a specific religion. If you are not religious, you can still practice Bhakti Yoga and connect to a higher power or any aspect of the philosophy and lifestyle that resonates with you. Here are some suggestions: Nature: You can cultivate devotion towards nature and connect to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Humanity: You can practice Bhakti Yoga towards humanity and cultivate feelings of love and compassion towards others. Personal Values: You can practice Bhakti Yoga towards your personal values and beliefs, such as kindness, honesty, or justice. Inner Self: You can practice Bhakti Yoga towards your own inner self and cultivate feelings of love and compassion towards yourself. In each of these examples, you can use tools such as visualisation, meditation, or service to cultivate feelings of devotion and connect to the object of your devotion. The key is to find something that resonates with you and that you feel a strong connection to. Remember, Bhakti Yoga is about surrendering to the divine power, which is  greater than ourselves and cultivating love and devotion, regardless of what that something is. Practice Using Mantra in Bhakti Yoga The use of mantra in Bhakti yoga is a pivotal aspect of the devotional path. By using a mantra, or a mantra alternative, that resonates with you and incorporating it into your practice, you can cultivate feelings of love and devotion, and deepen your connection to the divine. To learn more about Bhakti yoga, check out some of our other resources for Bhakti yoga beginners: The Four Principles to Beginning Bhakti Yoga 3 Benefits of Learning Bhakti Yoga for Beginners Bhakti Yoga For Beginners Your Guide To Our Free Weekend ‘Love

Food For Life has been providing Melbourne communities with free and affordable vegetarian meals so that anyone  in need of food can access it at any one of our distribution locations. This mission began in the early 1970s when Hare Krishna founder Srila Prabhupada stated  “let every hungry man in Melbourne come and eat”. Since then, our Food For Life volunteers, chefs, and donors have graciously offered their time, money, and energy to help feed the hungry and needy of Melbourne. Food For Life is for everyone, regardless of your religious, cultural, or even dietary background. If you live in Melbourne and  are in need of a free or affordable nutritious meal,  you can find it at the Hare Krishna Melbourne temple  on any day of the week. Who Can Enjoy Food For Life? In short:  Food For Life has its roots in Hare Krishna culture, but it is a globally reaching movement that seeks to address poverty, hunger, and injustice in multiple cities around the world. It does this through environmentally-friendly means that completely avoids any cruelty towards animals and promotes a vegetarian diet without compromising the supply of   daily meals to a large number of people. Food For Life Melbourne opens its doors to whoever is in need of our services. Our goal is to feed the hungry people of Melbourne – not to convert anyone to the Hare Krishna faith. No matter your background, we welcome you to make use of our Food For Life program. Where Does The Food For Life Money Go? Food For Life is a charitable cause, and therefore, we must adhere to the strict regulations of auditing that Australia conducts for its not-for-profit organisations. For this reason, you can have the peace of mind that any donations you make to Food For Life Melbourne – or to any of our centres around Australia – is going towards providing more resources to cook and distribute meals to the needy and homeless. It’s also worth mentioning that every donation you make towards  Food For Life Melbourne is tax deductible. The Hare Krishna Melbourne Food For Life Program Hare Krishna Melbourne’s Food For Life program provides free and affordable meals to the people of Melbourne, three times a day, seven days a week, from our temple in Albert Park. We welcome everyone  to come enjoy our free community breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. In addition to this, we also distribute meals every Sunday from 5pm at the South Melbourne Market. You can also visit Crossways Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurant n Melbourne’s CBD, which provides low-cost, bottomless vegetarian meals to whoever is in need.. Our mission of feeding the hungry people of Melbourne and fostering a strong sense of community grows  every year. No matter which of our Food For Life distribution centres you visit in Melbourne, know that you will be made to feel welcomed and that your needs will be met, regardless of your background,religion or culture. Donate to Food For Life Melbourne Food For Life Melbourne is supported by the generous donations of people from all around Australia. If you would like to help this important cause, then please feel free to donate any amount you are willing to via our donations page.

Food for Life is a global initiative of the Hare Krishna movement which stands as the largest vegetarian food distribution program worldwide. With a presence in over 60 countries, it embodies the ethos of Vaishnava charity, offering meals to millions daily.  At Hare Krishna Melbourne, inspired by their founder Srila Prabhupada’s vision, Food for Life has been a pillar of our community support since the 1970s. Since then, providing vegan and vegetarian meals to the needy and homeless, their efforts extend from their Albert Park Temple to Melbourne’s CBD. They are renowned for their unwavering commitment to alleviating hunger and fostering a sense of belonging in times of need and crisis. How did Food For Life Begin?  Hare Krishna’s Food for Life (FFL) is the world’s largest vegetarian food program and operates in over 60 countries, embodying Vaishnava traditions of charity and the distribution of pure, healthy, and nutritious food to those who need it the most. Celebrated globally, Food For Life is a modern revival of ancient hospitality and equality values. Founded on the vision of Srila Prabhupada, Hare Krishna’s Founder, Food For Life began with his 1972 declaration that no one should go hungry within ten miles of an Hare Krishna temple. This sparked Hare Krishna’s global network of free food services, including restaurants and mobile distribution. In the decades since, Food For Life has had a significant impact in multiple countries around the world. Hare Krishna temples globally, including the one in Melbourne, have worked hard to uphold that original promise by providing nutritious meals to the homeless and vulnerable.  The Impact Food For Life Has Had Worldwide  Food For Life has made a profound impact on communities all over the globe over the past 50 years.  Notably, in India, Food For Life collaborates with the government on the ‘Mid-day Meal’ scheme, serving over 1.2 million school children nutritious lunches which has been crucial for keeping impoverished children in school.  Additionally, Food For Life is active in disaster relief, providing food and hope during crises such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fighting hunger and supporting education. “…I would walk the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it.” – Steve Jobs Food For Life and Steve Jobs  Steve Jobs, the late founder of Apple, once recalled how Food For Life helped him during his time as a poor college student. Shortly after dropping out of Reed College as a young man, Jobs would walk up to 7 miles (11.2 kms) every Sunday night to enjoy a meal at the Hare Krishna temple. Because of those meals, he was able to keep himself fed during a difficult period of his life with the rest, as they say, being history.  Food For Life in Ukraine  Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Food For Life has distributed over 2.3 million meals to refugees, displaced people, and other vulnerable groups who have been affected by this conflict in cities all around the country. This monumental effort has helped thousands of people remain fed during these unprecedented times in their lives, and the bravery of the FFL volunteers speaks to their unwavering commitment to the mission.  Food For Life in Africa  In Chad, where hunger is rising at an alarming rate, Food For Life aims to provide 15,000 free nutritious meals each and every day. This way, the people of Chad have access to food that is often so scarce for them. After the 1997 Mozambique floods, Food For Life volunteers braved the waters and ferried over vegan stews to villages that had been cut off from major supply chains. These are just some of the ways in which we have provided hunger relief to the people of Africa.  Food For Life Melbourne  Hare Krishna Melbourne’s Food for Life program has been a cornerstone in feeding Melbourne’s needy and homeless. Embracing Prabhupada’s vision, “Let every hungry man in Melbourne come and eat,” volunteers have tirelessly provided an average of 7000 vegan and vegetarian meals a week throughout Greater Melbourne. This organisation has become synonymous with compassion and community support, distributing thousands of free and low-cost meals weekly. Our efforts notably extended to critical times, like the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, highlighting their commitment to aid in crises. Food for Life’s kitchen in Albert Park Temple offers free meals thrice daily, every day, to anyone who needs a delicious, nutritious meal. Similarly, Crossways Restaurant in the city provides affordable, all-you-can-eat meals to the community. Sundays see a collaboration with the City of Port Phillip and South Melbourne Market, offering free meals at South Melbourne Market from 5 pm. This enduring effort by Food for Life Melbourne not only addresses hunger but also fosters a sense of community and belonging, offering a haven of care and sustenance for those in need. Their presence signifies more than just food provision; it’s a beacon of hope and solidarity in Melbourne. Donate to Food For Life Melbourne  Food For Life Melbourne continues on the generous support of donations. If you are willing and able, any donation to Food For Life Melbourne helps our team of volunteers provide free and low-cost meals to those in this city who need it the most.  Donate Now

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text] On behalf of the Hare Krishna Movement (ISKCON) here in Melbourne, I would like to pay tribute to our dear friend Father Bob Maguire. Father Bob was a great advocate of Interfaith connections and support and this is where I first met him in my role as Faith Community Council of Victoria member and eventually Chairperson. We instantly connected with deep philosophical discussions on various spiritual topics and especially the most important deeply philosophical discussions on the AFL, as we were both Collingwood supporters, and how the ‘Woods would fare in each season. While Parish priest in South Melbourne, he supported so many souls who were struggling with life’s hardships and especially young people whom he gave facility to arrange a youth interfaith space; a space to share beliefs and commonalities. On several occasions Father Bob asked our local Hare Krishnas to attend a Mass at his church with our chanting, much to the surprise of the congregation and then to top it of he would insist that I give the sermon. When he left the South Melbourne Parish and started the Father Bob Foundation we were practically neighbours in Albert Park and over the years we assisted each other in food distribution to the needy in our immediate region of Victoria. He would attend our yearly Janmastami celebrations, (Lord Krishna’s Birthday) as our special guest of honour. Personally, Father Bob was an inspiration, in my mind he epitomised a true follower of Lord Jesus, serving the needy, the homeless and the fallen in the humblest way. He was my friend and I will miss him. God bless you Father Bob. Your servant and friend, Bhakta dasa. ISKCON Australasia Communications Director. [/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npFsjZSXb-c”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Vedic yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical movements, focused breathing, and meditation to help the practitioner increase their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. There are four main types of vedic yoga: Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. The latter of which is commonly practiced by Hare Krishna devotees in Melbourne and worldwide. One of the key differences between practicing Bhakti Yoga vs other vedic yogas is the focus of devotion towards the divine, Krsna. Bhakti Yoga is the yoga of love and devotion, which is why it is common for Hare Krishna practitioners to chant the mahā mantra while they practice yoga. Bhakti Yoga is a more mindful yoga, focusing on self-reflection, mindfulness and ultimately self-realization and can be practiced by anyone, even those who do not wish to direct that mindfulness towards their relationship with Krishna. There are several benefits of practicing any of the Vedic Yoga systems. Over time, practitioners will be able to experience physical, mental, and spiritual benefits that can be achieved by practicing these traditional forms of yoga. Physical Benefits Regular practice of vedic yoga can improve flexibility and strength, increase energy and stamina, and improve balance and coordination. It is also beneficial for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The physical postures in the Vedic yoga system, known as asanas, are designed to keep the physical body strong and flexible in preparation for meditation practice. The postures also massage and stimulate the internal organs and glands, which can help to improve overall health and well-being. Mental Benefits Regular practice of vedic yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, improve overall mood and well-being, and increase self-awareness and self-acceptance. The breathing exercises, known as pranayama, can also help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Spiritual Benefits Vedic yoga also offers spiritual benefits in addition to the spiritual and mental benefits. The practice of Vedic Yoga encourages self-reflection and self-awareness, which further helps individuals connect to their inner selves and find inner peace and calm. It also fosters a deeper connection to others and an understanding of the self and the world. Self-Improvement Vedic yoga can also be used as a tool for self-improvement. The practice of self-reflection and self-awareness that is encouraged in Vedic yoga can help individuals identify and overcome limiting beliefs, attitudes and behaviours, and cultivate positive habits and qualities. Additionally, the spiritual practices of Vedic yoga can help individuals connect to a higher power and find purpose and meaning in life. Free Vedic Yoga Classes One of the best parts of learning Vedic Yoga, particularly Bhakti Yoga, is the ability to practice alongside like-minded people. Our Melbourne temple hosts free Bhakti Yoga sessions each week, which is a great chance to join in and learn for free.  Joining one of our free Bhakti Yoga events allows you to begin Bhakti Yoga in a way that is:  Cost-effective Convenient Community Focused Among practitioners of all levels Get Involved in Practicing Vedic Yoga The practice of Vedic yoga offers a wide range of physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. It is a holistic practice that can be used to improve overall health and well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and find inner peace and self-awareness. If you’re looking to improve your physical and mental well-being, and find a deeper understanding of yourself and the world, consider giving Vedic yoga a try. Our Melbourne temple regularly holds free Sunday night feasts with a delicious vegetarian dinner, bhakti yoga class and kirtan practice, which is open to everyone in the Melbourne community. If you’d like to learn more about our free Sunday night events, get in touch, or join us each Sunday at 197 Danks St, Albert Park VIC 3206.

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text] The Spiritual Practice of Bhakti Yoga Bhakti Yoga is a spiritual practice of yoga; meaning that learning how to to become a practitioner requires more than just physical practice. Truly undertaking the practice of bhakti yoga requires beginners to immerse themselves in the practice and philosophy of Bhakti yoga. The Hare Krishna Melbourne community is all about sharing knowledge, and is always happy to help newcomers learn more about bhakti yoga and the vedic lifestyle. In fact, many of the activities we hold that align with a vedic lifestyle are open to anyone interested in coming along! To begin learning how to practice bhakti yoga and maintain a vedic lifestyle, there are four principles you should start with: association, books, chanting, and diet. Bettering Yourself Through Association Associating yourself with practitioners of bhakti yoga will help you begin to learn everything you need to know. It’s important to surround yourself with likeminded people, participating in activities that will help you learn to embrace your inner harmony. The Hare Krishna Melbourne Temple hosts a large number of activities throughout the year that can help you learn more about our practices and philosophies. Some of the Hare Krishna events you can participate in include: Free Sunday feasts – each Sunday you can find members of our temple and other guests attending our event with free vegetarian food for all. Attendees find these a great way to meditate together and discuss philosophy with one another. Coming along to these evenings is a great way to learn from our members. Temple festivals – with over twenty major festivals throughout the year, there’s always an event on the horizon. Our temple festivals are an opportunity to participate in chanting, dancing, and feasting with us, and learn more about our deities and practices from our devotees. Kirtan Sundays – if coming along to our Sunday feast seems too daunting to begin with, why not come along to our Sunday Kirtan sessions? These sessions are great for bhakti yoga beginners and are hosted at our temple from 7:30pm – 9:30pm each Sunday. Understanding Bhakti Yoga Through Books One of the best ways to learn in life is through books. We have many books in our online store that can help bhakti yoga beginners piece together understanding of their new practice. When you look at the books in our online store, you’ll find that most of them are incredibly affordable – this is because the money raised from selling books to share our knowledge goes straight back into producing more books to share. Some of the books that will help you on your journey to understanding the practice and philosophy of bhakti yoga include: Bhagavad Gita – this book is the best source for yoga and vedic lifestyle, and is one of the most recommended books for anyone new to yoga, vedic lifestyle, and Hare Krishna practices. Bhagavad Gita: 365 Reflections for Daily Mindfulness – this book takes all of the key insights from the Bhagavad Gita and turns it into small reflections that help you fully comprehend the practices and philosophies. Chant and Be Happy – this book explores more about mantra meditation and how it helps us to gain inner harmony. This book is particularly popular as it includes conversations with two of the most well-known practitioners of mantra meditation – John Lennon and George Harrison. Bhakti Yoga and Chanting Chanting is one of the key practices in bhakti yoga, and is practiced to help you connect more with your own inner peace, the rest of the world around you, and a higher power. The chant most commonly known is the Maha Mantra, which is closely associated with the Hare Krishna practitioners. The chant goes: “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare” Chanting the Maha Mantra is a form of meditation that helps to clear our minds. Many devotees practice the mantra 108 times, 16 times a day. This helps us to focus on our connection with ourselves, the world, and – for Hare Krishna practitioners in particular – Krishna. To learn more about the Maha Mantra, read our blog “Why Chant Hare Krishna?”. Spiritual Health and Diet One part of beginning to practice bhakti yoga that you might overlook is diet. Karma free vegetarian food is a key to maintaining spiritual health. If you aren’t currently a vegetarian, moving to a vegetarian diet only needs a few lifestyle changes in order to fully embrace the delicious and karma free food you’re missing out on! If you want to know more about about vegetarian, karma free, and non-violent food, you can learn more by: Reading our blogs on “Health is Wealth: Reverting to Vegetarianism” and “Care for Cows: Why Hare Krishnas Believe in Non-violent Dairy” Coming along to our free Sunday feasts at the Hare Krishna Melbourne Temple. Thee] meals are karma free, and you can talk with other attendees about any questions you may have. How to Get Involved in Bhakti Yoga in Melbourne If you can’t tell, our biggest tip to learning all about bhakti yoga and vedic lifestyle is to get involved as much as you can with the community. The best way to learn is by finding a group of practitioners who are willing to teach, discuss, and guide you along the way. Our free Sunday night feast, bhakti yoga, and kirtan events are open to everyone in the Melbourne community, and are a great way to find new friends along like minded people. If you’d like to learn more feel free to get in touch, or join us each Sunday at 197 Danks St, Albert park VIC 3206.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text] The choice to opt out of any and all animal based products is a difficult decision for many but one that is becoming increasingly popular. Vegan cuisine is food that is free from all animal products. Where vegetarianism is definitively meatless, the presence of animal byproducts like dairy, eggs, and gelatin, may still be consumed. Veganism takes it one step further and cuts out all of those products. People choose to eat a vegan diet for a huge variety of reasons. Personal beliefs around ethics, religion, and health have all contributed to the expansion of the vegan movement in recent years. So why should you cater your next event with vegan cuisine? It’s Delicious To many the idea of eating something without meat, cheese, or eggs is a very new idea. When you take those things away, many people think that food would just be a bowl of boiled vegetables. But vegan food and cooking is anything but bland. In fact, because vegans do not have access to the stock standard types of food they often have to think outside the box. Veganism has produced many creative foods that keep people coming back for more. Many of your favourite dishes can be made vegan so you will never really go without options or variety either. It’s Memorable Vegan catering options have a way of making a lasting impression. By catering your event with vegan food, you will have guests talking excitedly about how good the food is and how surprising it is. Vegan cooking has made leaps and bounds in the past 20 years. Food science and exploration has found ways to make some truly incredible offerings and staples. Veganism draws on cooking principles from all over the world to create textures that dazzle the senses and flavours that keep you coming back for more. By choosing vegan catering it shows to people that you are not afraid to stay a step ahead and that you are more than capable of fostering inclusivity. Good, exciting, and delicious food keeps people happy and coming back for more. It’s Planet Conscious The meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gases and climate change, and veganism stands in opposition to that. Plant based food only contributes to about 30% of food production’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. By offering catered vegan options at your event you are telling your guests that you care about the planet and the future. It’s Good For Everyone Vegan cuisine has the inbuilt advantage of being suitable for a huge range of dietary requirements. Vegetarian, lactose free, egg allergies are just some of the ways that vegan catering options will ensure that your guests can eat. More than that, our team at Hare Krishna pride ourselves on making sure that everyone is catered to. Veganism and vegetarianism is just the start – if anyone has any other intolerances or tastes we will make sure there is something delicious, fulfilling, and special for them as well. We believe that everybody should have access to food that tastes good and makes them feel good, and vegan food is where that begins. Vegan Catering Options: More Than Just Veggies Veganism isn’t necessarily a choice that everyone abides by, but it is a cuisine that everyone can enjoy. No matter your audience, vegan food will ensure people are well fed with good food. Vegan food is delicious, and due to the free-from nature of it, people work extra hard to make sure that vegan food is just as satisfying. By choosing  vegan catering options you will not only be providing good food you will be giving your guests something to talk about. Vegan food is a delicious alternative to animal byproducts that people can feel good about eating. If you want good and exciting vegan catering for your next event then get in touch with our team at Hare Krishna today. Our friendly team can guide you through our amazing range of catering options and will ensure a great experience at your next event.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]