By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
ISKCON Somerset, located in New Jersey, USA, is rapidly developing into a prominent spiritual and cultural center under the leadership of Gopi Kantha Krishna Das. What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving congregation, marked by its commitment to Krishna consciousness, active community outreach, and structured devotional programs.
Sharing his inspiration, Gopi Kantha Krishna Das recalled, “The Bhakti Vriksha modules highlight three pillars: Nama Amrita, which emphasizes chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra; Passage for Discussion, covering foundational topics like Karma (Action), Jiva (Soul), Paramatma (Super Soul), Kala (time) and Prakriti (material nature); and, most striking to me, Preaching Is the Essence, which emphasizes the importance of sharing this knowledge with everyone. This third pillar, ‘Preaching is the essence,’ inspired me to start preaching.” With no congregation at hand and a strong desire to serve, he began his journey by preaching to his own family. “I printed all the Bhakti Vriksha materials in Telugu and started classes with my parents and brothers from India—on Skype.”
Gopi Kantha Krishna Das’s first outreach in 2011 led to seven Namahatta centers in his home region in India. From afar, he arranged facilities and guided hundreds toward Krishna consciousness, all while preparing for his next mission in the United States.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-somerset-cultivating-krishna-consciousness-through-community-and-consistency/
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