Fun at Holi Festival

I had a great time at the Holi festival at the Krishna temple in Spanish Fork. Although I was unsure of the history and symbolism of the event, I agreed to go with my friends. Because the traffic was so slow getting there, I was afraid that we would miss the climax of the event. In fact, 2 miles away from the temple people had parked their cars and were walking. Hundreds of students were making a pilgrimage of sorts to the beautiful temple. We were lucky to find a close parking spot.

The organizers estimate that 10,000 people attended the event and were able to learn about the meaning of Holi and about the Krishna beliefs. Temple priest Caru Das explained to excited students and others the story of Holika, an evil witch with an immunity to fire who burned children. One day, she tried to burn Prahlad, who prayed to the Lord Vishnu. She was surprised as she walked into the fire that the child didn't burn. In fact, instead of burning the child the evil witch was burned herself.

To remember this event, a large bonfire was created with a fake Holika perched on top. Once the fire was lit, the throwing of colors began. Even though I could hardly breathe, the throwing of colors was a lot of fun.

I am glad that I attended and learned more about a new religious tradition. It was also a great opportunity to meet new students from Utah Valley. I will attend next year, and hope to find other interesting opportunities in this area to learn about other religions.

A great article about the event can be found at http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/260752/17/.

More information about the Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple can be found at utahkrishnas.com.

Religious Profile: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Hare Krishnas)

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded in 1966 and has grown to include a worldwide congregation of 10,000 temple devotees and 250,000 congregational devotees. The society, better known as the Hare Krishna movement, maintains centers, communities, schools and restaurants around the world.

The Hare Krishna movement is monotheistic and non-sectarian and seeks to promote societal welfare by promoting spirituality and awareness of Krishna (God), along with bringing members together in a simpler, more natural way of life.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the movement, set forth these seven aims for the society:

1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
5. To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.
7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.

Find more information at the ISKCON Web site at www.iskcon.com. For information on the Krishna temple in Spanish Fork, visit www.utahkrishnas.com.

(Information taken from www.iskcon.com. Image courtesy of www.utahkrishnas.com.)

Religion Benefits Students

I have been thinking lately about the benefits that a religious lifestyle brings to me as a student. I don't just receive personal spiritual benefits from my religious participation, I receive social, emotional, and intellectual benefits as well.

As a college student, I live away from my family. My religious group serves as a supplement to family relationships and provides support in many areas of my life. I develop relationships that are deeply meaningful and provide a source of help in times of need. I can turn to my religious leaders for support and guidance when necessary.

The lifestyle transition that students face as they move away from home is significant and often difficult. This difficulty can be eased by meaningful involvement with a religious group. It can be hard to find and become established in such an organization, and I think that resources to assist students in this process are necessary.

The Beginning

We are excited to get started on the very first Interfaith Student Association blog.

Our goals are to promote not only religious tolerance, but also friendship among members of different religions, and to provide members of the same religion the opportunity to find and befriend one another.

ISA is dedicated to promoting mutual understanding, religious liberty, and service to each other through social events and interfaith prayer services. Through this blog, we will keep you updated on ISA activities and relevant issues.

Everyone is invited to participate in our discussions. We also appreciate any questions, ideas, or suggestions you may have, so please feel free to comment!

New Plans for 2008 (Press Release)

The Interfaith Student Association at Utah Valley University has announced its student officers and initiatives for 2008.

The new officers, Curtis Jensen, president, and Hillary Kirkman, vice president, were named by an executive committee in February.

"I am impressed by the enthusiasm and hard work that the new officers are showing towards the membership of the Interfaith Student Association," Chaplain Linda P. Walton of the committee said. "There are many students that are interested in safely investigating various faiths and our officers are dedicated to helping them in the process."

The group is also pleased to announce a new center for worship and prayer to be located on the fifth floor of the new UVU library, created with the integral help of UVU President William Sederberg and library director Michael Freeman.

“It will be a quiet place, similar to ones found in airports and other busy places, for individuals and small groups to pray, meditate, read or just clear their minds," Walton said.

Since 1996 the Interfaith Student Association has worked to provide a safe forum where students can learn about other religions in accordance with its motto, “From tolerance to love.” It is funded by an interfaith base of religious groups and promotes fundraising for religious education and service activities, including the Food and Care Coalition.

The association also maintains a Web site at www.utahvalleyinterfaith.org, which features easily accessible information on world religions and local congregations, along with a calendar of interfaith events along the Wasatch Front.

Information on the Interfaith Student Association can also be found on the Facebook group. Jensen also has a president's blog which addresses interfaith issues: http://studentpresident-uvu-interfaith.blogspot.com.