By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
In response to increasing interest in Krishna consciousness and the challenges of accommodating newcomers, ISKCON’s New Raman Reti Temple in Alachua has established a dedicated residential program for men. The new eight-bedroom facility offers structured guidance, education, and a nurturing environment for spiritual growth.
Temple President Mukhya Devi Dasi said, “For years, we fielded calls from people who wanted to learn about Krishna consciousness by living at the temple and following the spiritual program. We would try taking new people and giving them a place in our men’s ashram, but practically every time, the effort failed. New people need a lot of guidance, education, and encouragement, a dedicated program just for them. We didn’t have that and realized we couldn’t be effective without it.”
However, with the onset of the pandemic, the volume of inquiries surged, prompting Mukhya Devi Dasi to explore the possibility of establishing a dedicated facility and finding devotees who could dedicate themselves to the program. Pran Govinda Das, a longtime member of the Alachua devotee community and a sannyasa candidate, stepped forward to lead this initiative.
Mukhya Devi Dasi said, “We contracted with a builder to construct an eight-bedroom house with a nice kitchen and front room for holding classes. Set at the back of our property between a forested area and open fields, it is a sublime setting perfect for sadhana and study.”
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/inside-the-brahmachari-ashram-experience-at-iskcon-alachua/
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