oldchakra.com

The Wrong Meaning for "Gauranga"
By Dhira-lalita dasa

Hare Krishna,

I was reading the Daily Mail yesterday. There is a page for questions, where people write in and ask a question, and others write in with answers. One question yesterday was "On the M6 near Manchester, the word Gauranga has been daubed on a bridge. What is the origin and meaning of this word?"

A person has written in with this answer: "FURTHER to a previous answer pointing out that Gauranga or Gouranga is a Hare Krishna chant meaning be happy. I have no doubt this is correct. However, I think the message on the motorway bridge may have another answer. There is a computer game called grand theft auto, in which the aim is to steal cars and to commit as many crimes as possible. On many of the levels there are rows of Krishna followers walking about. If you manage to run them all over at once, the word Gowranga [sic] appears on the screen and a bonus score is given. I think this may be the meaning of the graffiti, the artist not knowing he has given a peace message by mistake. Before people start writing in to complain about this game, I would just like to clarify that it is sold with an 18 certificate."

Hare Krishna!

Your servant,
Dhira-lalita dasa

© CHAKRA 7 March 2002