Eco Valley or New Vraja Dham? Competing Emic Interpretations of the Hungarian Krishna Valley

One of the reasons for spread Western Hare Krishna movement is that it offers several alternatives practice religion: devotees can be full-fledged members church in congregations located complex urban or simple rural contexts. An example latter Valley, where approximately 130 Krishna-devotees live austere lives. My paper presents interpretations this settlement concentrating on (multiple) internal (emic) views: On one hand, I will show how leadership contextualizes and interprets Valley they wish inhabitants to conceptualize it. other also what means its ordinary those living there attach When was gathering material current paper, flux. The has always favored following a sustainable lifestyle but—due part strengthening Hungarian eco-village movement—it at time conceptualization as an gained momentum. This heyday Eco Foundation, which strengthen aspect communication ecological became paramount, drowning out all interpretations. Not village welcomed change response some began emphasize interpretation sacred place. In present these two processes relationship between them through lens community.