From monk to punk?

 

"Increasing Frequency" is a YouTube channel registered in Italy. It features a spiritual seeker named Vladimir, who seems to be a Russian living in that country. Most of his channel is about his peregrinations in India, however. The videos above are actually quite interesting and could be used as a complement to Ray Cappo´s book "From Punk to Monk" (reviewed by me elsewhere on this blog). 

Vlad goes to Mathura, Vrindavan and Govardhan Hill in Uttar Pradesh, places intimately associated with the life of Krishna (at least according to Hindu mythology). The devotion of the multi-ethnic group of Hare Krishna pilgrims contrasts rather starkly with the poverty and dirt of the two towns. Vladimir volunteers for "seva" (selfless service) in the kitchen of an ISKCON-related ashram which feeds the poor and hungry with sacred food (prasad). I admit that only the vego pasta looked appetizing to my tender tastes. He also has to clean the rooms and do other basic chores. The idea is that hard work for the benefit of others (including other devotees) will declutch you and make you more receptive to spirituality. 

Maybe it works, who knows? After all, the local ISKCON community does seem to be thriving. I admit, though, that most of the Indian chaos shown in these clips would probably make me go nuts! Or at least be very, very bewildering. But then, I´m an industralization-modernization guy, so there´s that, I suppose. 

Even so, this piece of ethnography could nevertheless be of some interest to those studying the Hare Krishna movement and how it interfaces with the Indian realities "on the ground".