Within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a question often arises for the devotee—how does one balance family life with dedicated service to the movement? Gaura Narayana Das stands as a testament to transcending this challenge. A former brahmachari, he has seamlessly transitioned into the roles of a family man and a pioneering business owner. His brainchild, Fly Sacred, represents not only a travel agency but also a bridge connecting spirituality, commerce, and community support within the ISKCON sphere.
On Tuesday, October 17, Gopi Gita Schomaker, aka Mother Gopi Gita, Founder of Leadership Parenting, presented a western song, bhakti mantras and Leadership Parenting to a full concert hall at the Portland House of Music. This was the culmination of many months of internal work. A live band with drums, two guitars, keyboard, trumpets and more, accompanied the performance. Gopi Gita is a leader in ISKCON, coaches parents and educators internationally, and has served children directly in the classroom for over 20 years.
San Antonio, Texas, often renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty, is also home to a thriving and dynamic ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) community that is making waves in the world of spirituality and the arts. Led by the dedicated couple Bhagavan Narada Das and his wife Naradi Lila Devi Dasi, this community is fostering spiritual growth, artistic expression, and unity through a series of initiatives that have garnered attention far beyond the Lone Star State.
On September 26, ISKCON devotee Kunti Devi Dasi, representative of ISKCON Rio de Janeiro to the inter-religious movement since 2020, took a public oath as a counselor of COMPIR-RIO (the Municipal Council for the Promotion of Religious Freedom of the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro).
YouTube has recently bestowed Bhuvanasundari Radha Devi Dasi with the coveted Silver Button Award for her channel, "Krishna's Cuisine," which she began in May 2020. The social media honor is for YouTube creators who have reached the milestone of 100,000 subscribers, a feat only achieved by 0.28% of all YouTube channels.
Nityananda Dasa (Artyom Hvans) offers exceptional courses on the art of chanting shlokas and mantras through his online learning platform, "Sanskrit Sense." He has tutored more than 3,000 students from 90 countries and has also created a special course on the pronunciation of all ISKCON standard chants and prayers.
Amidst the rich revelations of spiritual literature, some works possess a transcendental charm that captivates both the heart and mind, leaving an indelible mark on those who encounter them. The Mahabharata is one such text, and Sankirtana Das (Andy Fraenkel, an ardent seeker, storyteller, and devoted disciple of Srila Prabhupada has distilled the essence of the Indian epic into a series of creative endeavors. One of those offerings, his award-winning book, "Mahabharata The Eternal Quest: India's Ancient Epic" is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its publication.
In a world driven by specialization, some individuals break the mold, embracing multiple passions and roles to enrich their lives and communities. Damodara Katha Das, a spirited soul residing at the Gita Nagari Eco Farm, is a remarkable example of such a modern-day Renaissance man. With an intriguing journey and a tapestry of talents, he has seamlessly blended traditional spiritual practices with diverse skills, embodying a multifaceted life dedicated to service and devotion.
ISKCON Prison Ministry, an initiative of the BBT (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust) Mail Order Department in Los Angeles, has been a spiritual lifeline providing spiritual support and guidance to incarcerated people for five decades.