He wants to be blue; his personal choice. Personality and individuality is beyond the realm of logic.

A person spends his life-savings on collecting used stamps. May give explanations, but explanations of the heart cannot be understood in terms of logic.

A Boy falls in love with girl. Can he give logical reasons why he loves her? Others can give logical reasons why he shouldn’t love her! In realm of feelings, that often degrade us - cause they are material.

So it is below level of logic, but in spiritual world, what is not logical is above the level of logic. So we can go beyond the realm of logic both ways!

Dark complexions have their stereotypes in this world, but Krsna is not a form of this world.

Through logic we can come to the conclusion of the existence of God. But can’t take us beyond to His personality. For that we depend on revelation (scripture). From scripture we understand Krsna chooses whatever he feels is best for reciprocating love with his devotees.

First of all they are non-different. Worshiping either – go back to spiritual world. So no need to create a storm in a tea-cup.

Secondly, they are in different moods. Vishnu is God at the office and Krsna is God at home. So Krsna has a much more intimate side to him – has parents, plays with friends, etc.

In scriptures that talk about universal administration there is more description of Vishnu because he is God at work. Just like if there is burglary the police station is called, not the policeman’s home. Whichever incarnations come – whether it is Ram or Krishna – the appeal first goes to Vishnu. After that, depending on the situation and schedule, a form manifests. To external vision it appears Vishnu is the source of all incarnations, because appeal made to him, and then the designated form appears but the very word avatar means one who already exists and just descends. So all incarnations exist eternally in the spiritual world.

Thirdly, the Srimad Bhagavatam says Krsnas tu bhagavan svayam - that of all forms, the original is Krsna or the complete personality of Godhead. Krsna manifests 64 qualities of God; Vishnu manifests 60.

It is sacred clay. Now imagine yourself as a pious Christian going to Bethlehem. Jesus Christ actually walked, sat, and lived there. Isn’t it natural to bow, or sprinkle some of that holy dust on your head, or take a stone as a momento? So pilgrims to Vrindavan, the birthplace of Krishna, do the same thing. They take that clay as a momento, and as a daily reminder - mark their bodies with V-marks, which (1) stands for Vishnu or Krishna, (2) indicates the body as a temple and that we are caretakers of the temple that belongs to Vishnu, and (3) ornaments the place of the 3rd eye or ajna chakra (energy center).

Meditation beads. On each bead the mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare is chanted. The bag keeps the beads from touching the floor – reminding us that because the beads are used in meditation they are to treated with reverence.

This ‘laying down’ on the floor is a way to offer respects. Humbling ourselves in this way opens our heart to having a spiritual experience. Whatever you feel comfortable doing to increase humility is the principle behind prostrating. It could be just having a reverential appreciative grateful mindset.

Donations. We work hard to care for our community on all levels – physical, emotional, and spiritual. We never ask for money but get more than we need.

The women come every day to volunteer. They make flower garlands (necklaces), cook, organize, counsel, etc. In India it is the culture to tie up family responsibilities like making sure all the children are in stable situations before joining the ashram.

Yes. The founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, shared ancient Hindu culture with the world from 1965 to 1977. He opened up 108 non-profit centers or temples. He let his followers be innovative and creative in their sharing of the culture. This continues today, where there is now an emphasis on developing communities by going into people’s homes and conducting satsang (singing mantras together, soul-stirring discussions, and potluck meals) rather than brief interactions on the street or in the airport.

They are accepting and supportive. Regular communication by phone and email. Also visiting them whenever I can and letting them do the same!

I teach and introduce people to India through vegetarian cooking classes, meditation workshops, demonstrations, seminars, classes, and literature. Due to the popularity of yoga and the large influx of immigrants there is a curiosity in anything Indian.

It would not be possible to give an exact number because followers are of different levels of dedication – internally and externally. Even if we take those who are dedicated externally (taken vows and strictly following principles), there is no database to keep track of them because we see each other as family. But there are over 400 established temples, farm communities, and restaurants where followers gather.