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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the music like?
Here are some live recordings from Krishnafest:

Sri Yasoda – Roar Sound Hare Krishna ⇓

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Sri Yasoda – Roar Sound Jaya Jagadisa ⇓

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Sri Yasoda – Ayodhya Bhasi Rama ⇓

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Who are the Hare Krishnas?
“Hare Krishna” is the popular name for what is known as Krishna consciousness or (Gaudiya) Vaisnavism. The Vaisnava tradition is based on teachings dating back at least 5000 years. Long before the origin of Buddhism, Judaism, or Christianity. It teaches the art, science and culture of Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion). Vaisnavism is the world’s oldest spiritual tradition still being practiced today.

Is “Hare Krishna” a religion?
Krishna consciousness is a scientific yoga practice and not a religion.

Religion is defined as belief in a superhuman controlling power. Practitioners of Krishna consciousness do not “believe” in anything. Just like the practice of physical yoga exercises give benefits such as increased strength and flexibility, the practice of Krishna consciousness gradually gives direct experience of the complete cosmic whole that we are part of.

In ordinary science one is asked to theoretically accept a hypothesis and rationally experiment to verify its validity. Krishna consciousness is exactly the same: we theoretically accept Krishna as the supreme consciousness and experiment to determine the validity of that statement. You will never find dogmatic, unfounded, sentimental, blind, or fanatical belief at Krishna Fest.

The system of experimentation has a number of welcome side-effects:

  • profound feelings of happiness and satisfaction
  • reduced ecological footprint
  • increased moral and ethical standard
  • better ability to take control of one’s life

Will there be weird and wonderful rituals and esoteric teachings?
No weird rituals just mantra meditation, which you are either free to join in with or to just sit back and listen to. We are well aware of the extremely varied backgrounds of the people that come to Krishnafest. We therefore work hard to cater for a wide spectrum of knowledge. From the beginner who knows absolutely nothing about the Krishna knowledge, to the expert who just finished a PhD in the subject, there is something for everyone. If something does not make sense, or appears kind of weird, please ask. There is a reasonable explanation for everything.

Are you some kind of cult?
Cults will generally repress discussion, employ mental manipulation and condemn critical thinking. We like people who present critical questions and doubts, those are symptoms of intelligence. Independent, clear-minded evaluation is strongly encouraged at Krishnafest.

Furthermore, cults are usually the brainchild of some recent so-called teacher. The bhakti yoga tradition, by contrast, also has an unbroken disciplic succession of teachers that stretches back over 5000 years.

Why are you so happy, do you use drugs?
Practitioners of Krishna consciousness don’t use any kind of drugs, not even coffee. The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra gives such a higher taste that the questionable benefits derived from any drug pale in comparison.

Is there a dress code?
There is no specific dress code. We just ask that guests dress tidily, with your unique flair of course. Don’t be surprised to see some of the staff dressed in the traditional dhoti and sari garments of ancient India.

Can we bring kids?
Yes, if they are over 12 years old.

Krishnafest

$5 @ 5pm every Sunday ($8 after 5:30pm)

Sunday 1 August topic:
The Biggest Event of Your Life… Your upcoming death

We will be examining modern western society’s attitude toward death and comparing it to the attitude of a number of other cultures. We will explore what death actually is and develop an awareness of the reality of our impending death. And we will conclude with some handy Vedic tips on how to use life to escape death. Light hearted fun for the whole family.. with a serious undertone.

Krishnafest is a unique night out. Come experience mantra chants with vibrant world music and hear the stimulating spiritual knowledge of ancient India. Relax over a super tasty vegan dinner with a diverse range of thoughtful people. Krishnafest is a great way to end the week and start a new one spiritually recharged.

5:00 - 5:30pm live music – kirtan
5:30 - 6:00pm Krishna philosophy
6:00 - 6:45pm live music – kirtan
6:45 - 8:00pm vegan all-you-can-eat dinner
8:00 - 9:00pm live music – kirtan

The Krishnafest experience
Krishna Fest at Gaura Yoga is pretty cool. The atmosphere is comfortable, friendly and non-threatening. Feel free to ask any question. You may be surprised to get profoundly satisfying answers to questions you never thought answerable. Or, if you are just curious, that’s okay too. Don’t be shy; many first time adventurers come to Krishnafest every week.

Here are some reviews from people who have come:

I come to the fantastic Krishnafest extravaganza every Sunday night. I wouldn’t miss it! The people are so kind and friendly, and I’ve made such wonderful friends there. For only $5 you get a wonderful feast of live music, dancing, excellent presentations which tickle the fancy of the intelligent mind, and last but not least, the meanest, greenest Vegan dinner and delicious dessert to top the night off! It’s the best thing you can do with your Sunday night!
- Ben (25) Environmental Sci. Student, Vic Uni

A perfect way to spend a Sunday evening, rounding off the weekend and kick starting the week. The variety of kirtan, presenters, presentations and wholesome meals all contribute to the unique flavours that each week brings. Meeting more friendly faces and with something valuable to ponder, I always leave feeling re-charged.
- Emma (26) Graphic Designer

Would you like to know more?
The Krishna literature teaches that we are not our external material body; nor are we the endlessly restless mind. Instead, we are a spiritual being of pure consciousness. The nature of pure consciousness is to be continuously happy. However, our consciousness is currently masked by the mind and body. Just like dust covering a mirror. All activities at Krishnafest help to gradually wipe the dust off the mirror and reveal the true happiness that lies beneath. Try it, see for yourself and taste the bliss.

Sample Krishnafest talks
We explore a massive variety of relevant topics in our philosophy talks – from honouring our personal potential to spiritualising relationships to sacred activism and ecology.

You can watch and listen to some of the past talks at Krishnafest here: