Learning about a new culture is usually not as easy as driving to Spanish Fork, Utah. Remarkably, I was able to explore and experience the Lotus Temple among the rural landscape. While many in Utah are familiar with seeing a temple on a hill, this building was a temple with a definitely different flavor. The unique architecture was designed by an English woman, Vaibhavi, who wanted to create a welcome and sacred space where she and her husband could share their love of God and their desire to worship in their own special way.
For my final project I focused on the Krishna faith, by immersing myself with their culture and religion.
Unlike Latter-day Saint temples, the Lotus Temple functioned more like a Church building where anyone could come inside and many activities were held throughout the week. The only requirement was that the visitors remove their shoes as they entered. In the upstairs area they have an altar where they have representations of the Krishna (their word for God or deity) so that they can remember all that they have been given. They are called Radha-Krishna, they represent the male and female aspects of God. They do not "worship" these as idols per se, but it is a sacred reminder for what they believe.
All the animals were gathering to present their gifts to Krishna and the peacock felt sad because he had not brought anything to give. Krishna said that the peacock's humility and love of heart was all that was needed. The peacock still felt sad so Krishna asked for one of its beautiful tail feathers and said that he would wear it as a symbol of the peacock's love.
Each Sunday, the temple hosts a "Love Feast" and guests and devotees are invited to join in the singing and celebration. As devotees enter the altar area they bow down on the ground to show their respect, love and reverence.
The holy man blessed and prepared an offering at the altar in the temple. Part of the ritual was to present gifts that represent each of the four elements. To represent air and fire, incense is burned. Flowers are placed throughout the temple to represent the earth, and water is sprinkled along the altar and over the patrons at one point in the worship service.
Yoga is taught and practiced in the Lotus Temple, their goal is to strengthen the Spirit through meditation.
This is Vaibhavi, or Vai who is the designer and caretaker of the Lotus Temple. She was a very gracious host who invited guests to ask questions. She has been involved with Hare Krishna for over 40 years. She is originally from England and she met her American husband in Singapore. They came to Spanish Fork because of an opportunity to purchase a radio station and they found the location perfect for building a temple.
Gonzalo, or Gonzo is one of the workers at the Lotus Temple. He is originally from Peru and grew up in a household where his mother was a practicing Hare Krishna and his father was a Catholic. He said that he was led to Utah and loves living here.
