Monks from the Hare Krishna Movement have become a familiar presence in Liverpool’s city centre, distributing religious texts and promoting their spiritual teachings. This initiative highlights a deep connection between the city and the movement, rooted in the legacy of George Harrison, a member of The Beatles, who played a significant role in introducing Hare Krishna to the UK back in the 1970s.
On bustling streets such as Lord Street, Church Street, and Clayton Square, these monks, dressed in distinct orange robes, engage with passers-by, sharing their philosophy and encouraging community interaction. Some may wonder why these devotees have chosen Liverpool, which is over 5,000 miles from the movement’s headquarters in West Bengal, India. The answer lies in Harrison’s influential connection to the group, which flourished during a time of cultural exploration and spiritual curiosity in the UK.
George Harrison’s Lasting Impact
The cultural backdrop of the 1960s hippie movement saw a surge of interest in Indian spirituality. In 1967, The Beatles traveled to Rishikesh to explore these themes, but it was Harrison who sustained his interest, leading to significant contributions to the Hare Krishna community. In 1970, he collaborated with the monks to produce the Radha Krishna Temple album, which reached the top ten in record sales that year. His generosity continued when he financed the publication of Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a key text outlining the movement’s teachings.
The culmination of Harrison’s support came in 1972 when he purchased Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, which remains a central hub for the monks today. Reflecting on this connection, Adam Buday, a monk who goes by the spiritual name Antaranga, expressed how a comment from a local woman struck a chord with him. She asked, “What did you do for Liverpool?” This prompted Buday and his fellow monks to bring their gratitude back to the city where they felt a strong sense of belonging.
Sharing Spiritual Practices and Community Values
For Buday, the mission extends beyond mere outreach; it is about sharing the transformative experiences that come from a spiritual lifestyle. He noted, “It’s a very ancient way of living which encapsulates social and spiritual lifestyle choices.” The monks aim to promote a sense of balance in society through community engagement, vegetarianism, and spiritual wellbeing. In a world where many people feel overwhelmed, Buday believes that their practices offer a path to inner peace and happiness.
Buday’s journey into the Hare Krishna faith began at the age of 16 when he read The Bhagavad Gita. He was captivated by its teachings, which prompted him to reflect on deeper questions about life. After pursuing a career in psychology, he eventually decided to dedicate himself fully to monastic life. Now at 33, Buday has spent a decade living as a monk, embracing a simple lifestyle focused on spiritual growth.
He described monk life as a commitment to simplicity, stating, “It’s a very dedicated life where all the unnecessary things in life go to the side.” This lifestyle allows monks to concentrate on their spiritual duties and communal responsibilities. In doing so, they aim to inspire others to seek happiness from within rather than through external pursuits.
The presence of Hare Krishna monks in Liverpool serves as a reminder of the cultural and spiritual exchanges that have shaped the city’s identity. Through their outreach, they hope to continue building a bridge between their ancient traditions and the modern world, inviting people to explore the potential of spiritual wellness in their lives.
