Whatever Happened to the Hare Krishnas? TV Show 2013

Compass, a program broadcast on Sundays on Australian national television broadcast this program in July of 2013 documenting the disappearance of the Hare Krishnas in Australia.

As we start a new series that looks back at some of the radical religious and social movements that swept through Australia in recent time and we start with the story of the Hare Krishnas and their impact here.

The Hare Krishnas were young, full of energy – and fuelled with a vision of a new type of spiritual life. A lot of people joined the Hare Krishnas because they were seeking truths, they were soul-searching and they were seeking for something deeper.

Hare Krishna philosophy, Hare Krishna food, Hare Krishna clothing. There was no world outside Hare Krishna. That was all we knew. We were meant to be chosen children actually. Because to be born into a Hare Krishna situation was considered to be a blessing.

It was a disciplined life on the commune. The day began at 3.30am with chanting.

It was a six day school. We did academia every day from 9 till about 1. Had lunch and then went to the river. It was a lot of fun.

We all lived in the ashram. Back in that time we had fields and fields and fields of flowers. So every day we would pick them, gather them and make the garlands for the deities. I can remember very clearly the music, the songs, and from the moment I got there I really didn’t ever want to leave.

So who were the Hare Krishnas, and where are they now?

Find out more about “What Happened to the Hare Krishnas?“