Visitors are asked to remove their shoes and their judgments before joining the weekly spiritual circle of the Krsna-bhakti club.

The group meets every Wednesday in the Multicultural Center in the basement of the Union. Newcomers and regulars take off their shoes for relaxation and focus on meditation and their judgments for an open discussion about spirituality.

The club's origin is rooted in an ancient Indian culture that seeks to illuminate a universal truth, not confirm any one religion's belief.

Each week from 5 to 7 p.m., members gather to hold an open discussion about issues of spirituality. Last week's conversation attempted to search for answers to the question, "What is the ultimate drug?"

Jason Tomczak, a fisheries and wildlife senior and first-time visitor to the group, said he came to try the meditation and for help in searching for a path to follow spiritually.

"I'm having a hard time walking the path in this modern world," he said. "I try not to be too idealistic. I hope when I leave here, things will be more on track in that regard."

Tomczak partnered with Cintia Collazos, a Lansing Community College nursing student and regular visitor to the group, to discuss why people are drawn to organized religion as well as why drugs appeal to humans.

After a few minutes of quiet discussion, Collazos and Tomczak brought their similar conclusions to the whole group.

"Our society worships comfort and security," Tomczak said. "We insulate ourselves from the world; we ride around in air-conditioned cars. We're almost living in a cage. Our behavior is not natural.

"We're trying to compensate for that by going to false gods of the flesh."

The group ends its weekly meeting with a chanting of "Hare Krishna" and a drum-beating before a vegetarian dinner.

"I'm trying to focus on finding balance in my life," Collazos said. "These meetings, quiet moments and deeper discussion help me focus."