Students Gather Like Blown Leaves To Sing Praises To Lord

This article, "Students Gather Like Blown Leaves To Sing Praises To Lord," was published in The Republican-courier, February 1, 1972, in Findlay, Ohio.

By KENNETH D. NORDIN 
The Christian Science Monitor

One of the groups most visible to the public eye is the Hare Krishna movement, which follows the teachings of Indian mystic A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. From their temples, located in nearly 20 cities across the country, members venture forth daily on missionary pilgrimages. 

SAFFRON ROBED, with shaven heads and painted faces, they present a strange image to Western eyes. Chanting and dancing wherever they go, they hand out sweet rolls and literature to curious passersby. 

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare... 

Their chant, they explain to their listeners, is a purifying process whereby they achieve "God-consciousness." Chanting and other spiritual devotions free the mind of materialistic pleasures, they say. 

Converts to the group are generally college-educated youths with strong religious backgrounds. Whether their new faith is just a passing fad or more permanent is still an open question.