A Portrait of Devotion: Introduction

Introduction

Symbolism and iconography have been exercised by all the religions of the world, from Hinduism to Christianity. Used to convey representations of religious ideas and events, the symbolic aspect of religion is considered by some scholars of psychology and mythology as the main characteristic of religious devotion.

The symbol is the real, comprehensible representation of the holy in a tangible form. Whether through ceremonial objects or sociological practices, the intangible becomes the tangible; the elusive becomes the lucid; and spiritual consciousness takes life in the form of rituals, observances and effigies.

At New Vrindaban, a Hare Krishna community in Moundsville, West Virginia, the motto is "God is Everywhere." The community's whole existence is to serve Lord Krishna, and each devotee worships the Lord through his or her own daily actions. Once enlightenment is reached, devotees do not believe they will become God, but will reach pure devotion to God through selfless worship to Krishna's many forms, as well as ultimately find transcendence. From fertilizing the land to reading the Vedic scriptures the residents of New Vrindaban devote their lives to the Lord. All the work that they do is performed to serve and worship Lord Krishna, not the material world.

The practice of meditation serves as an act of symbolism as devotees show their love for Krishna through chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and praying on the "jappa," a type of prayer bead. Through music, dance, stories, rituals and images, the devotees dedicate their lives to Lord Krishna. They reveal their faith through more than just inanimate figures, but by giving life to the many forms of God.

Our experiences while studying the New Vrindaban community led us to "A Portrait of Devotion." In this photo illustration, we students at The Global Leadership Center at Ohio University, capture some of the most significant iconography of the Hare Krishna faith at New Vrindaban. The illustration walks through worship inside the temple, outside on the land, and at the Palace of Gold dedicated to guru and founder, His Devine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Our intent is to allow the viewer to visualize not mere snapshots of New Vrindaban, but to provide a better understanding of the Hare Krishna faith as practiced in the community. By attaching a visual image, we have painted a portrait of their devotion.

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