Stories: Hare Krishna (AUS) 2013 — Francesco Vicenzi Photography

The Hare Krishna movement was founded in New York only in 1966. Since then ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) grew steadily andtoday it stretches across 400 centers worldwide, including 60 farm communities, 50 schools and 90 restaurants.

Many of us would associate the Hare Krishna religion with serving budget vegetarian meals outside of universities or at music festivals, or chanting in the streets and selling books. It is only after spending time in their temple in North Sydney and the farm New Gokula in Millfield (NSW), one discovers a deeply spiritual way of life and a relaxed detachment from the fast flowing modern existence that so many of us live.Along with traditional Indian and Sri Lankan members, a considerable number of young Australian, European and American followers have made the radical choice of giving up their material life for one of devotion, meditation and study.They embrace strict vegetarianism as well as a no alcohol or drugs policy and they dedicate their whole life to the cause: there’s no part time. In return they have strong community bonds and they travel the world from temple to temple, stocking up with music and spirituality, seamlessly chanting the Krisnha’s mantra.

"Australian Hare Krishna" has been shot during May 2013 in Sydney as part of the Magnum Workshop, a main event of Head On Festival | Francesco Vicenzi 2013

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