Kartika Special: Krishna never leaves Vrindavan: Madhavananda Das To wrap up our most enriching "Celebrating Kartika" series discussing Krishna's Vraja Lila, we are honored to welcome Madhavananda Das who will share with us about Krishna's eternal residence in Vrindavan and into the minds of all His devotees. About Madhavananda Das Madhavananda Das is the managing editor of Gopal Jiu Publications and Sri Krishna Kathamrita magazine and the popular email journal Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu. He is also the director of GORA, the Gaudiya Odia Research Association which is a branch of the BRC, Bhaktivedanta Research Center. Madhavananda joined ISKCON in Los Angeles in 1982. He moved to Orissa in 1993 where he has been living since. He was instructed by his spiritual master Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja to render his lectures into publications. He is the author and editor of numerous books and articles; and has contributed to Journal of Vaishnava Studies and Back to Godhead Magazine. Aside from his publishing work, Madhavananda travels worldwide giving seminars and classes. He has a special interest in researching esoteric Gaudiya topics and subjects about Lord Jagannath as well as the culture and sacred places of Orissa. His work can be seen at www.gopaljiu.org or on Facebook at Madhavananda Das.
Akrūra’s Arrival in Vṛndāvana/ Akrūra’s Return Journey and His Vision of Viṣṇuloka Within the Yamunā River (SB 10.38-39) by Devamrita Swami About Devamrita Swami Devamrita Swami is an educator, author, and monk in the Krishna bhakti tradition. For over forty years, he has been traveling the world sharing the teachings and lifestyle of bhakti-yoga. With a unique ability to analyze modern problems through the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad-Bhagavatam (essential Vedic texts), he challenges audiences to understand that the quest for genuine personal and social upliftment is rooted in precise and comprehensive knowledge. Adept at applying this spiritual science, he encourages others to enter the laboratory and perform the Krishna experiment, which enables us to fully realize our nonmaterial identity and ultimate connection. While meeting and relishing the diversity of global humanity, he has also established urban and rural sanctuaries for the spiritually inquisitive, especially in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
Killing the Keśī Demon and Vyomāsura (SB 10.37)- Sutapa Das GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 29 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Sutapa Das on the Chapter 37th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Sutapa Das A visionary and natural born leader with razor-sharp intelligence and cast-iron principles. These are some of the qualities that mark out Sutapa as truly a ‘chip off the old block’ and the mastermind behind the School of Bhakti. Born in the suburbs of London, Sutapa was a talented cricket player growing up and was even picked for trials to play at County level. But destiny took him on a different course when at the age of sixteen, he was given a Bhagavad Gita by a Hare Krishna monk. The search for spiritual bliss took hold of him and never let go. After graduating from UCL in information management over 2 decades ago, he spent six months travelling in India and then swiftly joined the Bhaktivedanta Manor temple afterwards. Donning the saffron robes of a monk, he became one of the pioneers in modernising and raising the standards of the Bhaktivedanta Manor monastery and is now one of the strongest leaders in the UK Vaishnava |(followers of Krishna) community. His main motivation behind these achievements is to help people find Krishna, find themselves and find their purpose in spirituality. Over the last ten years, he has also established himself as a prolific author of contemporary Krishna conscious literature. Aside from being the head of School of Bhakti, Sutapa also teaches various courses in the School and is particularly fond of delving into the sacred scriptures. One of Sutapa’s great inspirations in life is the great Vaishnava Saint and poet, Sri Narottama Das Thakur who mentions in a famous poem, that “To serve in the association and live in the association of devotees – that is my only desire!” Many would appreciate this sentiment, but Sutapa has made it his reality.
Kaṁsa Sends Akrūra for Kṛṣṇa (SB 10.36)- Madhumati Devi Dasi GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 28 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Madhumati Devi Dasi on the Chapter 36th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Madhumati Devi Dasi She joined in Ireland in 1981 while looking for the absolute truth. Since then by the mercy of the vaishnavas still around doing some seva or other. Living in Alachua for last 25 years.
The Gopīs’ Feelings of Separation (SB 10.35)- Amarendra Dasa GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 27 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Amarendra Dasa on the Chapter 35th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Amarendra Dasa Amarendra Dasa academically holds a double Masters’ degree from the US, one in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts and the other in Business Administration from the state of Minnesota. He, at the age of 28, is a globe-trotting inspirational speaker, who has travelled over 100 cities in various continents, giving talks on big questions about life such as Science, religion, culture and meditation. His soul stirring and spiritually nourishing discourses on theology, philosophy and the ancient wisdom texts of the east are viral on social platforms such as Youtube and facebook. In his early days as a student he was trained up by HH Bhakti Swarup Damodar Maharaj who was a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada and the global Director for the Bhakti Vedanta Institute. Pursuing his systematic spiritual study deeper with time, Amarendra completed his Bhakti Shastri study from mayapur at the age of 19 and since then has been invited and has participated in numerous inter-religious faith conferences and at scientific symposiums with talks at world class universities such as MIT and Harvard. Being a diksha disciple of His Holiness Rādhā Govinda Maharaj, Amarendra prabhu aspires to serve Srimad Bhagavatam far and wide to bring in pleasure and satisfaction to the hearts of the vaishnavas worldwide.
Vidyādhara Liberated and the Demon Śaṅkhacūḍa Killed (SB 10.34)- Govinda Priya Dasi GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 26 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Govinda Priya Devi Dasi on the Chapters 34th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Govinda Priya Govinda Priya Devi Dasi, originally from Mumbai, is a disciple of Radhanath Swami. She previously served in New Vrindaban where she founded the Gopal’s Garden school and was a member of the congregational development team. She currently lives with her family in California where she organizes local festivals along with Vaishnavi study groups and retreats. She has been the Vaishnavi Ministry’s North American leader since 2018.
Kṛṣṇa Returns to the Gopīs/ Description of the Rāsa Dance (SB 10:32-33)- Hari Parshad Das GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 25 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Hari Parshad Das on the Chapters 32nd and 33rd of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Hari Parshad Das Hari Parshad Dasa is a disciple of Radha Govinda Das Goswami, and joined ISKCON in 2002. He was born in a Gauda-sarasvata brahmana family in Mumbai. His father and grandfather are both devotees of Sri Sri Rukmini Vitthala of Pandharpur. Hari Parshad Dasa learned Sanskrit in the traditional way in his childhood and was taught the Laghu-siddhanta-kaumudi of Pandita Varadaraja. Between 2002 to 2007 he served as a book distributor, and organised programs and seminars for ISKCON youth in Juhu. He has also written Sanskrit verses in the Citra-kavya style. In 2007 Hari Parshad Dasa was appointed assistant editor of Gopal Jiu Publications. Hari Parshad Dasa is an accomplished Sanskrit scholar, having studied the Astadhyayi, the complete four thousand sutras by Panini and completing a translation with commentary of Bhakitvinode Thakura’s Manah-siksa in 2015. He currently compiles a fortnightly e-magazine called “Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu” where he regularly contributes fresh translations and articles. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Technology, graduating with distinction from the Manipal University in 2012. He is married with a son. Hari Parshad Dasa has been a member of the Sastric Advisory Council since 2016.
Kṛṣṇa’s Hiding from the Gopīs/ Songs by the Gopīs (SB 10:30-31)- Hari Parshad Das GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 24 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Hari Parshad Das on the Chapters 30th and 31st of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Hari Parshad Das Hari Parshad Dasa is a disciple of Radha Govinda Das Goswami, and joined ISKCON in 2002. He was born in a Gauda-sarasvata brahmana family in Mumbai. His father and grandfather are both devotees of Sri Sri Rukmini Vitthala of Pandharpur. Hari Parshad Dasa learned Sanskrit in the traditional way in his childhood and was taught the Laghu-siddhanta-kaumudi of Pandita Varadaraja. Between 2002 to 2007 he served as a book distributor, and organised programs and seminars for ISKCON youth in Juhu. He has also written Sanskrit verses in the Citra-kavya style. In 2007 Hari Parshad Dasa was appointed assistant editor of Gopal Jiu Publications. Hari Parshad Dasa is an accomplished Sanskrit scholar, having studied the Astadhyayi, the complete four thousand sutras by Panini and completing a translation with commentary of Bhakitvinode Thakura’s Manah-siksa in 2015. He currently compiles a fortnightly e-magazine called “Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu” where he regularly contributes fresh translations and articles. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Technology, graduating with distinction from the Manipal University in 2012. He is married with a son. Hari Parshad Dasa has been a member of the Sastric Advisory Council since 2016.
The Rāsa Dance: Introduction (SB 10:29): Hari Parshad Das GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 23 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Hari Parshad Das on the Chapter 29th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Hari Parshad Das Hari Parshad Dasa is a disciple of Radha Govinda Das Goswami, and joined ISKCON in 2002. He was born in a Gauda-sarasvata brahmana family in Mumbai. His father and grandfather are both devotees of Sri Sri Rukmini Vitthala of Pandharpur. Hari Parshad Dasa learned Sanskrit in the traditional way in his childhood and was taught the Laghu-siddhanta-kaumudi of Pandita Varadaraja. Between 2002 to 2007 he served as a book distributor, and organised programs and seminars for ISKCON youth in Juhu. He has also written Sanskrit verses in the Citra-kavya style. In 2007 Hari Parshad Dasa was appointed assistant editor of Gopal Jiu Publications. Hari Parshad Dasa is an accomplished Sanskrit scholar, having studied the Astadhyayi, the complete four thousand sutras by Panini and completing a translation with commentary of Bhakitvinode Thakura’s Manah-siksa in 2015. He currently compiles a fortnightly e-magazine called “Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu” where he regularly contributes fresh translations and articles. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Technology, graduating with distinction from the Manipal University in 2012. He is married with a son. Hari Parshad Dasa has been a member of the Sastric Advisory Council since 2016.
GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 22 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Shankaranand Das on the Chapter 28th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Shankaranand Das Shankaranand Das was introduced to Krsna Consciousness in 1992 and got initiated by HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj in the year 1995 at ISKCON Chowpaty, Mumbai. He served as a full time devotee at ISKCON Chowpatty temple in various capacities as a Preacher, Pujari and Management Team Member. He has conducted several management trainings and served as faculty member of MGM Management School facilitating seminars on Business Ethics, Time Management, Self Management and Stress Management. From 2004 he served in ISKCON New Vrindavan as Congregation Development Manager. He co-founded the Gopals Garden homeschool Co-oP in New Vrindavan. He has studied occult sciences like Astrology and Vastu (the science of home building ) and helped many people use these sciences in the most practical way in their lives. Shankaranand Das serves a board member of Dham Seva Inc, incorporated to fulfill the vision of Srila Prabhupada for New Vrindavan. Currently he resides in Sacramento with his wife and two children serving as a board member for ISKCON Sacramento and actively preaching the vedic philosophy.
GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 21 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Prabhupada Priya on the Chapter 27th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Prabhupada Priya Devi Dasi After receiving a BA in Human Ecology in 1991, Prabhupada Priya Devi Dasi traveled the world on an academic fellowship during which time she met ISKCON devotees. She became a full-time devotee in 1992, joining the ashram at London Soho Street temple. After several years of distributing books and leading a women’s traveling sankirtan party in the UK, she married and moved to India, spending 10 years in Vrindavan and another 9 years in Mayapur, raising her two daughters, teaching at Sri Mayapur International School, distributing books, and writing. She is author of Rising Above it All: Higher Consciousness, Happier Life, an introductory book aimed at outreach preaching. In 2018, she returned to the USA and currently resides at Krishna House in Gainesville, Florida, where she serves as Educational Director. She is a certified Bhakti Shastri teacher, a Bhaktivaibhava graduate, and is currently enrolled in the Bhaktivedanta course with VIHE. She recently graduated from the GBC College for Zonal Supervisor Training.
krishna lila
SB 10:24-25
GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together.
Our Day 19 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Gopal Krishna Goswami on the Chapters 24 and 25th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book.
About Gopal Krishna Goswami
After visiting the ISKCON temple in Montreal, Canada in September of 1967, Gopal Krishna Goswami yearned to meet a Vaishnava guru and got the opportunity to meet Srila Prabhupada there in 1968. Gopal Krishna Goswami, originally from Delhi, India had a religious background and had great respect for sadhus or saints. The combination of his family background and his search for spiritual life led him to Srila Prabhupada and he accepted initiation from him in early 1969. Gopal Krishna Goswami has served as personal secretary to Srila Prabhupada at various times.
After graduating from Delhi University in 1964, Gopal Krishna Goswami studied business management in France under a French government scholarship. He also studied for some time at Sorbonne University in Paris. While pursuing business management at McGill University in Montreal, Gopal Krishna Goswami began contributing to ISKCON by financially assisting the Montreal temple. In December of 1974 he was made a GBC member by Srila Prabhupada and then transferred to India where he initially headed projects in Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, Hyderabad, Madras, Mayapur and Kanpur. His GBC responsibilities extended to other parts of Southeast Asia as well. Entrusted by Srila Prabhupada to visit the former Soviet Union in 1976 and 1977, Gopal Krishna Goswami acted as representative of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust to promote the placement of Srila Prabhupada’s books at fairs and in libraries. He was very well received, as were the books he was presenting. Gopal Krishna Goswami has served extensively in BBT (as chairman and trustee) in India, arranging for translation of Srila Prabhupada’s books into various regional languages and their distribution far and wide. He continues to encourage BBT book distribution in his zones, especially in India.
In 1981 Gopal Krishna Goswami took sannyasa initiation and began to extend his travels to spread Krishna consciousness more widely in parts of the USA, Canada and eventually in parts of Africa. Currently he is GBC of over thirty temples around the world and serves as an initiating spiritual master, with disciples in Russia, America, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Gopal Krishna Goswami played a leading role in inspiring and completing several large ISKCON temples, such as the Glory of India temple in New Delhi in 1998 (inaugurated by then Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee), ISKCON Pune (inaugurated by the President of India Pranab Mukherjee) and the Radha Bankebihari temple in Nairobi.
SB 10:23 - Radhika Nagara Das
GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together.
Our Day 18 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Radhika Nagara Das on the Chapter 23rd of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book.
About Radhika Nagara Das
Rädhikä Nägara Das met the devotees in England while on a journey to India and began practicing Krishna consciousness in 1995. He joined the Scottish Yatra to become a brahmacari in 1996 and served there as sankirtana leader and a member of the Board of directors. The Scottish Yatra was one of the leading temples in book distribution around the world.
In 2008, he moved to Mayapur, where he has been teaching and co- ordinating Bhakti-çästré, Bhaktivaibhava, and Bhaktivedanta courses at the Mayapur Institute. He was a member of the Mayapur Institute Board of Directors until 2020. Before Covid, He spent a few months a year traveling and preaching in Europe and the Middle East. He started the Spanish branch of the Mayapur TV in 2021.
SB 10:22- Bhakti Vijnana Swami
GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together.
Our Day 17 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Bhakti Vijnana Swami on the Chapter 22nd of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book.
About Bhakti Vijnana Swami
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami was born in Tashkent, former Soviet Union. He took to spiritual life in 1980, during a difficult time during the communist era in the former Soviet Union, when the National Security forces were harassing any type of spiritual practitioner. Despite these obstacles, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami—a scientist, a Moscow State University graduate and postgraduate student at Institute of Molecular Biology—decided to experiment with the Hare Krishna mantra. To his great happiness, it moved him profoundly. He is a disciple of Radhanath Swami and resides primarily in Moscow, Russia, working tirelessly towards the building of a monumental temple there. He travels widely throughout Russia sharing Krishna Consciousness.
Since 1997 Bhakti Vijnana Goswami has acted as a member of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission and since 2005 has served as one of the initiating gurus of ISKCON. His zonal responsibilities include Georgia (CIS) and Israel. He serves as co-zonal secretary for Eastern and Western Siberia, Northwest CIS, Ural Region, Moscow, Southern, Central Region, CIS, Golden Ring, Armenia, Far East and also co-GBC for North and South Korea.
On July 1, 2010 the Council for Public Awards of the Russian Federation awarded Bhakti Vijnana Goswami a medal “for professional and business reputation” third degree, “for his contribution in strengthening Russian-Indian friendly relations, and for his contribution to the popularization of the spiritual-cultural literary heritage of India.”
SB 10:21 - Guruprasad Swami
GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 16 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Guru Prasad Swami on the Chapter 21st of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book.
About Guru Prasad Swami Guru Prasad Swami was born in the USA and studied nuclear physics at Purdue University. After becoming disenchanted with science he transferred to the University of Texas where he made contact with the Hare Krishna movement; but it was later, during his military service in Panama when this encounter with ISKCON changed his life dramatically.
Upon concluding his military service Guru Prasad Swami joined a pioneering group of Krishna devotees in Central America stationed in San José, Costa Rica. He attended the 1976 Mayapur-Vrindavan festival and was initiated by Srila Prabhupada there. He received sannyasa initiation in Rio de Janiero in Brazil in 1982. Guru Prasad Swami’s early contribution in ISKCON Costa Rica centered on administrative services and distributing BBT publications beginning in 1975 in the USA and from 1976-1978 in Central America. He became the temple president of Costa Rica temple in 1978, and then began traveling around Latin America, opening new temples, establishing worship centers and collaborating in diverse administrative services. In 1987 he became a member of the GBC with zonal assignments in the Tucson area of Arizona, and Mexico. He is co-zonal secretary for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, Trinidad, Tobago and Venezuela. Interested in the essential role that communication plays in ISKCON’s progress and in the lives of individuals associated with it, Guru Prasad Swami seeks to assist devotees cooperate in harmony, personally and collectively, through clear and open communication. His web site is http://gpswami.org/english/index-en.html and is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
(SB 10:20) -
Atul Krishna Das GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 15 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Atul Krishna Das on the Chapter 20 of the 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Atul Krishna Das Atul Krishna Das joined ISKCON's Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir in 1985 and served as a book distributor and fundraiser in in Australia for 12 years. He subsequently preached in Bangladesh for 4 years, under the personal guidance of his mantra guru Sriman Prabhavisnu Das, during which time he learnt fluent Bengali. Prabhu has resided in Sri Dhama Mayapur for more than 20 years, where he teaches sastra in both English & Bengali mediums. He currently serves as the Chairman of the ISKCON Board of Examinations, which sets standards for sastric study courses in ISKCON, and is an Executive Member of the Ministry of Education.
(SB 10:19)-
Bhakti Marga Swami GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 14 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Bhakti Marga Swami on the Chapter 19th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book. About Bhakti Marga Swami Bhaktimarga Swami was born on October 5, 1952. His first major encounter with devotees was in Toronto, at the college campus where he studied fine arts. He invited them to his apartment for an overnight stay, and without delay he gave up bad habits, went to the temple, and never left. He was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1973. Bhaktimarga Swami served ISKCON as Bhakta leader, Sankirtan leader, director of devotional plays, and from 1985-1995 he was the temple president in Toronto, where he took his vows of sannyasa in 1984. He is an instructor in bhakti-yoga, mantra meditation, kirtan, and interactive dance. Widely known for his passion for the performing arts, he has taken an active role in writing and directing morality theatrical productions that are presented all over the world. Productions scripted and directed by him are as follows: The Jagannatha Story, Demon, Dhruva, Three Lives of Bharat, Ramayana, Krishna the Eighth Boy, Marichi, God Is, Gods and Demons, Grandsire, Vamana, The Gita, Chaitanya’s Verses, Lonely People, The Witness, Brother I Need You, Pancha Tattva, Canto Ten, Rolling the Dice, and Kunti and Karna. He has also directed such ISKCON Classics as “The Boatman,” “Big Fish, Little Fish,” and “The Age of Kali.” He achieved the remarkable feat of walking across Canada four times, beginning with his first walk in 1996, detailed in the National Film Board of Canada documentary “The Longest Road.” His pedestrian pastimes include trekking across Ireland, the Fiji Islands, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, Israel and the United States. He began his fourth cross-Canada trek in the autumn of 2011. Bhaktimarga Swami began his GBC duties in the early 2000s—first as a GBC candidate, then as acting GBC, then as a full voting member. Presently he serves as the GBC for Canada and Cuba. He also has two GBC committee assignments: ISKCON’s constitution and VANDE Creative Arts. Bhaktimarga Swami feels strongly about informing the general ISKCON community about the GBC’s various committees, projects, issues, and the members’ job descriptions. Regarding the GBC’s relationship with ISKCON members and others, Bhaktimarga Swami thinks that because many of the GBC members have mixed roles as gurus and administrators, there is too much multitasking resulting in a lack of empowerment. Upon being asked how he thought we could best improve upon that, he replied that we needed to bring in and train new men and women to replace the gurus as GBCs. Maharaja also remarked that the GBC’s apparent quietness was detrimental to its reputation and needed to be dispelled. Bhaktimarga Swami’s base of operations is still in Toronto, Canada. You can hear more about him from his daily blog: www.thewalkingmonk.org.
SB 10:18: Badrinarayan Swami
GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together.
Our Day 13 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Badrinarayan Swami on the Chapter 18th of 10th canto of SB/Krishna book.
About Badrinarayan Swami
Badrinarayan Swami is an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada, the Founder/Acharya of ISKCON (the International Society for Krishna Consciousness). Born in 1952, he met Srila Prabhupada in 1969, moved into the Laguna Beach temple as a full-time monk in 1970, and took his initiation vows in 1971.
He was the temple president of the ISKCON temple in Ann Arbor, Michigan from 1973 through 1977 and of the San Diego temple from 1978 until 1993. He has been serving as a member of ISKCON’s international governing body (GBC) since 1987. Badrinarayan Swami has served as the chairman of ISKCON’s international GBC and is a member of ISKCON’s North American GBC executive committee. He is the author and co-author of several GBC position papers and serves as a member of a number of the GBC’s strategic and steering committees. Badrinarayan Swami was awarded the sannyasa order in 2014 and became an ISKCON diksha guru in 2020.
SB 10:16-17:Subduing Kāliya/ Extinguishing the Forest Fire: Romapada Swami
GBC SPT brings to you an exciting series on "Krishna Lila in Vrindavan" with an intention of celebrating Kartika and enriching our Krishna consciousness together. Our Day 12 Srimad Bhagavatam class will be presented by Romapada Swami on the Chapters 16-17 of the 10th canto of SB/Krishna book.
About Romapada Swami
1969, while attending the State University of Buffalo, Romapada Swami met his eternal spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. Romapada Swami entered a crowded auditorium, where Srila Prabhupada and the poet, Allen Ginsberg, were chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Although Romapada Swami was unable to understand Srila Prabhupada’s lecture due to his thick and unfamiliar Bengali accent, this experience left a deep impression on his heart. Shortly thereafter, he received his first Back to Godhead magazine from his dear Godbrother, His Grace Bhurijana Prabhu, who was studying at the same university. Reading an article by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was a powerful, consciousness-uplifting experience. Romapada Swami was spontaneously and intuitively attracted. Romapada Swami had read seven different versions of the Bhagavad Gita, none of which were easy for him to understand. However, upon reading Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita As It Is, he was finally able to comprehend the true essence of the sacred text. He felt an intense sense of appreciation for Srila Prabhupada and the sacrifices he made to bring bhakti yoga (the practice of devotional service) to the Western world in order to deliver souls like himself from rampant materialism.
Romapada Swami joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and moved into a temple. Although he was admitted into medical school, Romapada Swami gave up any pursuit of the career
In July of 1971, Romapada Swami received his first initiation (harinama diksa) from his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. He later received his second initiation (brahmana diksa) in the summer of 1972. Romapada Swami spent many years in the New York temple and served as the temple president and congregational chanting (sankirtana) leader. For years, Romapada Swami was fully dedicated to book distribution. He would arrange to have various book distribution events, provide books and sanctified food (prasadam), acquire necessary permits, and coordinate the overall efforts.
In 1983, Romapada Swami accepted sannyasa, the renounced order of life. He traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, sharing Krishna consciousness. In 1985, Romapada Swami became an official initiating spiritual teacher within ISKCON. Aside from traveling extensively throughout the world teaching bhakti yoga, Romapada Swami also served as a General Body Commissioner (GBC) for many temples within ISKCON. Despite his intense travels and managerial duties, Romapada Swami has nurtured the devotional lives of receptive souls for decades. Through his careful cultivation, there are robust spiritual communities in several major American cities, Guyana, India, and China. He attracts a diverse set of individuals to the bhakti yoga practice and lifestyle.