By Atma Tattva Das
This year, ISKCON Turkiye hosted Bhakti Camp, attracting over a hundred devotees from Europe and the Middle East to a forest retreat near Istanbul. The camp provided an opportunity for spiritual growth and community engagement. Led by Zonal Supervisor Nrsimha Krishna Das, the theme was “Stronger Together,” which emphasized unity and collaboration among participants. Nrsimha Krishna noted that the event was organized with the involvement of various departments, contributing to its smooth operation.
The camp’s history has been one of steady growth and adaptation. From its early days as a small, local gathering, it has become an international celebration of Krishna consciousness. This year, the team adopted a new organizational approach, delegating tasks across different departments. Nrsimha Krishna’s decision to distribute responsibilities helped cultivate a strong sense of teamwork. “When I saw the devotees working together, cooperating, it made me so happy,” he said.
Set in a secluded forest hotel, the camp provided a peaceful environment away from Istanbul’s bustling city life. One of the hotel’s meeting rooms was transformed into a temple, hosting morning mangal arati, daily seminars, and evening kirtans. “In that place, it became Vrindavan for a week,” Nrsimha Krishna noted, describing the immersive atmosphere that allowed devotees to feel a deep connection with their spiritual practice.
Seminars and classes led by senior leaders, including Sivarama Swami, Bhaktipada Goswami, Manjari Devi Dasi, and Radha Govinda Das, provided key spiritual teachings throughout the camp. Sivarama Swami’s classes emphasized the significance of following the spiritual master, aligning with the camp’s theme of unity. “Sivarama Swami’s classes…were about the importance of the spiritual master and following his orders. And this was a very good match with the theme of being ‘Stronger Together,’” Nrsimha Krishna explained.
Bhaktipada Goswami expanded on the importance of humility in devotional life, adding depth to the camp’s teachings. At the same time, Radha Govinda’s seminars on Bhagavad Gita 4.34 reinforced humility and the disciple’s approach to the guru. Manjari also gave enlightening seminars on Krishna’s beauty and held four private sanga sessions for the ladies, fostering an intimate space for deep spiritual discussion and connection. “It was excellent, and it connected to Sivarama Swami’s classes as well,” Nrsimha Krishna added.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/bhakti-camp-near-istanbul-inspires-unity-and-devotion/
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