By Atma Tattva Das
In Zambia’s vibrant landscape, amidst the bustling cities and serene countryside, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has cultivated deep roots, fostering spiritual growth and sporadic community engagement for over four decades. ISKCON Zambia’s journey reflects not just a spiritual effort but a tapestry of challenges, triumphs, and a vision for a harmonious society.
The seeds of ISKCON’s presence in Zambia were sown over 40 years ago when devotees led by Bahmananda embarked on extensive preaching safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. This pioneering effort laid the foundation for a spiritual movement that would resonate across generations. Jaygovind Das, the current project leader and temple president of ISKCON Zambia, reflected on this journey in a recent interview with ISKCON News, “The devotees faced numerous challenges in those early days, from logistical hurdles to cultural barriers, but their conviction and dedication to spreading spiritual wisdom inspire us to be resilient.”
Under Jaygovind’s leadership, ISKCON Zambia has witnessed significant growth and transformation. The establishment of the ISKCON Temple in Lusaka stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of devotees and the growing interest in spiritual teachings. Jaygovind recounted, “Managing a growing community and temple comes with its own set of challenges. We had to find innovative ways to sustain ourselves financially while remaining true to Srila Prabhupada’s mission and our spiritual principles.”
One of the pivotal outreach programs that have garnered acclaim is the annual Ratha Yatra festival, celebrating Lord Jagannath’s chariot procession. Jaygovind shared insights into its inception and evolution, “The Ratha Yatra is not just a religious event but a celebration of unity and diversity. In the early days, we had to be resourceful. We built the chariot ourselves, reminiscent of our humble beginnings, where we used makeshift items for such processions.” He recalled with a chuckle, “Once, we even used my daughter’s dolls to represent the deities until proper deities could be brought to Zambia.”
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-zambia-nurturing-spiritual-growth-amidst-challenges/
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