Monday, September 6, 2010

"ISKCON MISSISSIPPI"

IMG_5101
Statue of ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in the temple at New Talavan, Carriere, MS

Faust, Faust IV
Embryo, Rache
James Blackshaw, All is Falling
Neu!, Neu! '86

I went out to partake in the weekly feast at the Hare Krishna temple at New Talavan outside of Carriere, MS this weekend under the auspices of writing a story that won't appear in print for a couple of months, so I won't ruin it for you, but suffice to say the experience was a thorough pleasure. I've always enjoyed pleasant dealings with ISKCON devotees in the past despite what reservations I might have about their religious organization. It's not entirely directed at them; I have reservations any time religious and organization are in the same room. The vegetarian fare was amazing - like really, I've had Hare Krishna feasts before that were kinda bland but this was explosive. Bitter melon cooked just right will cure what ails you.

IMG_5147
As will panir (fresh cheese) made from that morning's milk from cows that are lovingly treated by quiet men with a religious calling to do so. Seriously, its one of the freshest cooked things I've ever eaten.

IMG_5065
One of those quiet men.

My photos can be found here, but there was a real photographer in tow and hers plus my more focused observations will appear when the article appears. I was hoping to find a t-shirt simply emblazoned "ISKCON MISSISSIPPI" but this was the closest thing.

IMG_5135

But I really don't wish to mire the experience with kitsch redcutionism. It is a truly lovely place run by lovely people.

IMG_5086
IMG_5075
IMG_5094
Three temple views, outside and in.

I usually go Kraut/prog/fusion on the soundtracks for trips like these, I find sonic excess (if you have to call it that) opens up my head on the dull expanse of highway the way a good conversation with a passenger does, but really, nothing in my arsenal can hold its own with the mid-day arati, where devotees gather to honor the deities and chant and play tabla and ring bells and put their hands in a flame and by the end, make a thunderous noise. Video will be posted once it's processed. For my out-music nerd readers, tabla and a harmonium sit waiting for eager ecstatic hands.

IMG_5096IMG_5097
I was tempted.


IMG_5066

2 comments:

  1. prabuphahda seems to be getting younger with the passgage of time (and he's sprouted a rainbow!) whereas the po' long-suffering nazarene on the wall remains a changeless thirty-three

    --km

    ReplyDelete
  2. That sounds really interesting and delicious. I'd love to photograph that place sometime (and try their food). Looking forward to the article.

    ReplyDelete