Unlock the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth during a seminar where ancient teaching will meet modern relevance.
The seminar, titled "Gita Wisdom Spoken by Sri Krishna, the Emperor of Sweetness", will take place at the start of Gita Week from August 20 to Krishna Ashtami on August 26, at the Hare Krishna Temple, Chatsworth.
The facilitators will be Nrsimhananda Dasa and Madri Dasi.
Nrsimhananda Dasa is a prominent figure in the Hare Krishna movement, having dedicated his life to the teachings and mission of His Divine Grace
AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His journey into the world of Krishna consciousness began in 1985, and since then he has been practicing and promoting the science and culture of the Hare Krishna movement.
With a profound sense of service and devotion, Nrsimhananda Dasa has been actively involved in various areas of Srila Prabhupada's mission. He has served in roles such as temple commander, vice president, restaurant manager, and temple president, showcasing his versatile skills and dedication to the cause.
In his pursuit of spiritual knowledge, Nrsimhananda Dasa spent over six years studying philosophy in India, immersing himself in the profound wisdom contained in the Vedas. His appreciation for Srila Prabhupada's teachings led him to organise numerous Maha Harinamas, promoting mass distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books and prasadam, touching the lives of countless individuals and inspiring them in their devotional service.
As the founder of the Chaitanya Life Academy, Nrsimhananda Dasa has been instrumental in conducting structured courses based on various aspects of the Vedas. These courses have inspired many individuals in their spiritual journey and deepened their understanding of Krishna consciousness.
He has taken this educational endeavour beyond South Africa, conducting courses in places like Nairobi, Hong Kong, Mauritius, and various parts of India, including Mayapur and Vrindavan.
Aside from his spiritual endeavours, Nrsimhananda Dasa is an accomplished academic, having graduated from the University of Witwatersrand with an honors degree in BSc computer science. His commitment to education and training is evident through the Chaitanya Life Academy, where he and his wife, Madri Dasi, are devoted to imparting spiritual knowledge and guiding others on their paths of self-discovery.
With over three decades of full-time monastic life and service, Nrsimhananda Dasa's contributions to ISKCON, particularly in Hillbrow, Lenasia, and Midrand, have been significant. He played a pivotal role in establishing ISKCON centers in Lenasia and Midrand, furthering the reach of Krishna consciousness in those regions.
Nrsimhananda Dasa's life and work stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and his profound commitment to spreading the wisdom of Krishna consciousness to the world. His impact on the lives of countless individuals, both locally and internationally, is a reflection of his selfless service and love for the spiritual path he follows.
Madri Dasi is a follower of Srila Prabhupada's teachings, whose spiritual journey began in 1983 when she stumbled upon the book "Chant and be Happy." This encounter sparked an interest in Krishna consciousness, leading her to become a follower of the path laid out by Srila Prabhupada.
In 1987, Madri made a commitment to her spiritual journey by embracing a monastic lifestyle and joining the Sri Sri Radhanath Temple. There, she dedicated
herself as a full-time book distributor, tirelessly spreading the wisdom of Srila Prabhupada's teachings. Her weekdays were spent selling books on the streets of Durban from 10am to 6pm, while her weekends were devoted to door-to-door book distribution in various areas.
At the request of her spiritual master, Madri relocated to the Yeoville preaching center, where she continued her passionate work of book distribution. Subsequently, she joined the Muldersdrift temple where she engaged in deity worship and continued her daily book distribution activities. During this period, she initiated a prison preaching program in a maximum security prison during apartheid, touching the lives of 160 prisoners who became sincere followers of Srila Prabhupada's teachings.
Madri's dedication and service expanded as she served as a fundraiser for many years, preaching and cultivating donors to support the growth of the Krishna consciousness movement. Her journey led her to spend several months each year studying scriptures in the sacred city of Vrindavan, accompanied by her husband.
Together with her husband, Nrsimhananda Dasa, Madri played a pivotal role in establishing ISKCON centers, notably ISKCON Lenasia and later ISKCON Midrand.
Madri's commitment to education and fostering the growth of Krishna consciousness led her to serve as a lecturer in the Bhaktivedanta College Of Education And Culture. During this time, she developed a comprehensive syllabus for junior members, ensuring that the wisdom of Srila Prabhupada's teachings is passed on to the next generation.
Currently, Madri Dasi runs her own successful business as a holistic health practitioner. She specialises in full-body analysis using bio-resonance machines, and she is also a certified nutritional therapist and kinesiologist.
The seminar will run from August 20 to 23 at the Hare Krishna Temple at 50 Bhaktivedanta Swami Circle, Unit 5, Chatsworth from 6.30pm to 8pm; and on August 24 and 25 from 4pm to 7.30pm. Dinner will be served daily. Eight percent attendance qualifies for a certificate of the overview of the Bhagavad-Gita.
To book a place, call Balaram dasa on 082 877 0753.