Krishnaites make an impression of otherworldly people. In some sense, they are, because the main aim for them is to reach Krishna's transcendental worlds and they don't care much about the events of the material world. But when the national war began it was not possible to stay aside for Krishna devotees. I had an opportunity to observe it with my own eyes when I came to the ISKCON temple in Lviv to join the "Food for life" program. I don't know which factor was prevalent – their religious experience or the fact that Lviv is rear in comparison with other cities– but people in the temple werecalm and concentrated – no emotional small talks, no accusations, no panic. Devotees mobilized to help peopleat least on three different fronts.
First of all, they intensify the "Food for Life" program, which was established back in 70’s and aimed to supply hot meals for people in need in hot spots all over the world. Unfortunately, Ukraine is the world's largest one right now. So, Vaishnavas feed people on the railway station, on block posts, and on the border with Poland.
Lviv Vaishnavas also distribute humanitarian help from Poland to other cities of Ukraine. It naturally happened that Lviv is the main transportation and products distribution hub in Ukraine now. Kyiv urgently needs food and it is still possible to transfer vans with humanitarian help there.What we unfortunately cannot say about Mariupol, where russians ignore the rules of green corridors. Kyivan temple on Zoryanyi avenue has not been abandoned, there are still people there.
The third field of activity is to help their brothers and sisters Vaishnavas to reach the border. Male-drivers bring people to the border passing them to female-drivers there.
Temple is overcrowded. People slept on the second floor right on the ground. But this space is not enough for all refugees, so the decision to allow people to stay in the altar hall was taken.
Life is extremely dynamic at the temple these days. The atmosphere is quite fussy but not chaotic. Everyone knows his place. Devotees don't forget about their main aim - worship to God, to Lord Krishna. Kirtan goes its way and one can hear the sweet sound of bhajans during the day. And, as Balachandra Das said, there is strict solidarity among people - everybody knows who is the aggressor and what are they fighting for.
I’ve been here in 2019, before all that COVID stuff. In 2022 I noticed how much Lviv Vaishnavas have done for the temple. Step by step devotees make improvements in the God’s house - the altar wall and ceiling was installed, much other stuff was provided. We just hope that it is only the beginning and Vaishnavas proceed to dress up the temple as well as all of us will proceed to upgrade Ukraine in the nearest future.
