Every
Wednesday at noon, students and faculty are drawn to Student Center when it
smells of bean curry and sweet rice aromas. They dish out a mere $3 to taste
religious group Hare Krishna’s offerings to their Lord, and wash down the
savory meal with mint iced tea mixed with lemonade.
Followers of Hare
Krishna, a religion inspired by an ancient mantra composed in Sanskrit, believe
that one has an eternal soul, not a body, and that Krishna is an omniscient
seed-giving holy deity that delivers gratitude for food.
The weekly luncheon
provides an alternative choice for vegetarians on campus, in addition to
fostering a stronger community spirit.
“Vegetarians get
together and eat,” said Kevin Smith, a liaison for the eatery. “We offer our
food on our altar, cooked under strict rules, like no tasting before it is
offered, and distribute the blessings. We call this spiritualized food
prasadam, or mercy.”
While fans of the luncheons
appreciate this weekly event, few understand why Hare Krishna followers cook
all morning to deliver such a delicious, yet inexpensive, meal.
“We are a missionary
organization distributing the science of self-realization,” Smith said. “[And
because] the self-soul is a servant of God, we are also distributing God realization. Our founder thought
it was very important to introduce this spiritual knowledge available to the
educated class of people, as there are no such courses offered. Being a Hare Krishna [and] recognizing my
eternal position as a servant of God is the most fulfilling activity in my
life.”
While the usual crowd
of Hare Krishna devotees are graduate students and Student Center junkies, some
are long-time fans of the Hare Krishna movement. Gerald Currinncione, a patron
since 1995 and a statistics professor at San Diego State University, met Smith
when he worked at UCSD and has known Smith for about 12 years. As a vegetarian,
Currinncione was naturally interested.
“People here feel a
bond toward one another,” he said. “This is an alternative … people are more
international.”
Because the low-priced
food is popular for staff and students, nearby restaurants find it hard
competition.
“We’re a non-profit, or
as I joke sometimes, never-a-profit,” Smith said. “The infrastructure is
already there at the temple so renting [a place to make the food] and other
expenses are already incurred. This has caused other vendors to complain,
rightfully.”
Whether attendees of
Hare Krishna’s Wednesday lunches are students looking for a cheap bite to eat,
vegetarians honing in on a tasty meatless option or patrons fascinated by the
Hare Krishna religion, they can all agree that food quality at that price is
hard to beat.
“The food is a giant amazing plate that is orgasmic
and the desserts are amazing,” Sixth College senior Lisa Bendelstein said. “And
for the price, the food is healthier and tastier than other foods on campus.”
