Namamrta Program in Midrand, Johanessburg, South Africa

Recently Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture [BCEC] facilitated another enlivening Namamrta program in Midrand, Johanessburg, South Africa. A group of devotees wishing to associate with each other for mutual spiritual upliftment gathered despite very low temperatures and focused on improving their Japa. In Bhagavad-gita Sri Krishna explains, "The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me." [Bg 10.9] Indeed I can say as co-facilitator that we were all feeling great bliss from engaging in this sublime process. Immersing oneself in such devotional activity in the association of sincere devotees gives one complete satisfaction. The attendees were completely oblivious of the world cup events or any other need.

Biraj Naidoo attended the course and said,"This course is extremely beneficial and is the changing point in my life."

Their Lordships Sri Sri Gauracandra are the presiding Deities [cast in brass and painted] at the house where this program was held. These Lordships have survived a house fire last year on Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa-puja night, where the entire house and its possessions were turned to ashes - including granite shelves. They have been expertly restored after the fire and continue to bestow Their mercy on us all.

Above: a happy group of devotees who attended together with co-facilitator HG Nrsimhananda Prabhu seen here far right of top row. Shereen who attended said, "I really enjoyed everything. I am an aspiring neophyte but the language used was easy to understand. I was kept captivated and did not even notice the hours and days go by. The prasadam was also sumptuous." Priya said, "I feel completely spiritually motivated by the dynamic facilitation and indept knowledge." Pariksa said, "This program left me with a greater appreciation for Srila Prabhupada and the Holy names." Saridiya rasa devi dasi said, "No words can do justice to the brilliance, knowledge, spiritual intensity, sincerity and professionalism in which the program was offered....."

As simple post-people of the divine message of the parampara we can take no credit. Rather we offer our deepfelt gratitude to all the Vaisnavas who have touched our lives in various ways either by accepting us as your students, by making available your audio lectures, by inspirational blogs and articles or by personal friendship and example.

Should you feel inspired to hold a similar program in your country or area please read more about us in the last journal http://bhaktivedantacollegeofeducationandcu.blogspot.com/
and contact a director near you or write to us at head office and we shall try to help facilitate you.