Vaishnavas C.A.R.E. is hosting a webinar titled “Well-Meaning Words Gone Wrong: What NOT to Say to a Grieving Devotee” to help devotees offer compassionate support during times of loss. Led by Sangita Devi Dasi (ACBSP), an experienced hospice nurse and grief counselor, the session will explore common mistakes in offering condolences and provide practical strategies for sensitive communication. The webinar takes place on Saturday, March 1, with live translations in multiple languages.
In times of grief, words can be a source of comfort—or unintended pain. Many well-meaning devotees struggle to find the right thing to say when a fellow devotee is grieving. Common phrases like “It’s all part of Krsna’s plan” or “Prabhu, we’re not these bodies” may come from a place of good intentions but can sometimes feel dismissive or hurtful to those in deep sorrow.
To help the international devotee community navigate these sensitive moments with greater awareness and empathy, the webinar “Well-Meaning Words Gone Wrong: What NOT to Say to a Grieving Devotee.,” will equip attendees with practical insights and compassionate communication strategies when supporting those experiencing loss.
Expert Guidance from an Experienced Facilitator
Sangita Devi Dasi, the founder of Vaishnavas C.A.R.E., will facilitate the webinar. With over 30 years of experience as a hospice nurse, certified grief counselor, and grief educator, she has dedicated her life to guiding ISKCON communities in providing compassionate end-of-life and bereavement support.
Sangita Devi Dasi leading a seminar in Philadelphia.
Webinar Details
The webinar will be on Saturday, March 1st, 10:00–11:30 AM EST (New York) | 8:30–10:00 PM IST (India), with translations available in Russian, Portuguese, and Spanish. To register for the seminar, click here.
What Participants Will Learn
During this 90-minute session, attendees will explore key aspects of supporting grieving devotees with compassion and understanding. The session will highlight common mistakes people make when offering condolences and explain why certain well-intentioned phrases may come across as dismissive. Attendees will learn how to approach difficult conversations with sensitivity, ensuring that their words provide comfort rather than distress.
Additionally, the session will delve into practical wisdom gathered from Sangita Mataji’s decades of experience in end-of-life care and grief support. Through real-life examples and expert insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to offer meaningful and effective support to fellow devotees experiencing loss.
A Transformative Learning Opportunity
This webinar draws from the “Art of Caring for Vaishnavas” course, offering a condensed yet impactful learning experience for all devotees. By attending, participants will develop a deeper understanding of grief and the importance of sensitive, thoughtful communication.
“Grief is a deeply personal experience, and how we respond to it can either uplift or unintentionally alienate grieving devotees. This webinar is a vital step toward fostering a culture of true compassion and understanding in our devotee communities,” comments Taravali Devi Dasi, President of Vaishnavas C.A.R.E. International.
With limited spaces available, early registration is encouraged. Whether you are a long-time devotee or someone new to providing grief support, this session promises to be an invaluable resource in fostering a more compassionate and caring community.
For more information, visit their website here.
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