By Sita Rama Lakshmana Das
On 20th June 2018, ISKCON Perth organized a corporate outreach program at an engineering company named Downer Edi Limited based locally. The program was well attended (25 people) including company’s senior leadership and management. It was led by the visiting guest speaker, mentor and life style coach His Grace Gokuleshvara Das from ISKCON Juhu, India.
Australians or colloquially known as Aussies, are known for their laid back, easy going and predisposed to be friendly attitude even in the grim circumstances. According to the most recent census conducted by Australian Bureau of Statistics 33% or one third of Aussies do not affiliate to any religion or God. But none of the above wide spread and pre conceived generalizations seem to effect the audience in connecting with Krishna conscious philosophy. The group of attendees was comprised of wide spectrum of people from mid 20s to early 50s with different ethnic backgrounds.
Gokuleshvara Prabhu took the audience to a journey down Krishna’s lane. His lucid and cheerful delivery connected to the jolly side of the audience. His strength to harmonize the wisdom form Vedic era to enhance the modern lifestyle really appealed to the audience. The topic “Art of mind Control and Stress Management” also touched a chord with the attendees. The group appreciated the details of mechanics behind stress and anxiety in day-to-day lives. Speaker also touched on the connection between mind, intelligence, sense and ultimately soul. And how soul should ultimately be in control not the mind. At the point when soul was mentioned, it was interesting to witness skeptical look on a few faces as if it was the first they heard of this phenomenon. But, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna, Gokuleshvara Prabhu was able to convey this message through his intelligent analogies. It was evident in the questions and answers session that a seed of Krishna consciousness was planted in that group.
The feedback from the audience was encouraging. A request for revisit validated the effectiveness of outreach initiative in Perth. For, years I was hesitant and skeptical about the receptiveness of corporate sector in Western Australia to Krishna Consciousness philosophy. My doubt finally evaporated like a cloud in sunny sky of warm summer. Although it was a winter morning but I could feel the warmth of Krishna’s love in my heart and that of others present there. I would like to extend my heartiest and sincerest gratitude to HG Gokuleshvera Prabhu to take the challenge and giving it a go to preach to a foreign Western audience and deliver the message of Krishna consciousness to the corporate sector of WA.
Furthermore, Gokuleshavara Prabhu also encouraged our Sunday school students and Devi group to lead and conduct a Harinam sankirtan through the streets of Central Business District here in Perth on the afternoon of Sunday the 24th June 2018. The event was attended by 20 students between the ages of 4 to 15years of age, teachers of Sunday school, parents and HG Gokuleshvara Das. The young ones dressed in vaishnava attire and decorated with garlands put on a splendid show of Vedic culture and etiquettes. Of course, the sound of Mahamantra “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare” was the crown jewel of this event. It was a happy site to witness our future leaders taking Prabhupada’s mission in the streets of Australia. The group also sang three songs glorifying Srila Prabhupada, Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda.
Along the way Gokuleshvara prabhu and other members engaged and connected with the public. There were a few who decided to join the singing and dancing as a result. All in all it was the first event conducted by the children of Sunday school in public and a big boost to the confidence of participants. Srila prabhupada also quoted in his letter dated June 20 1972, ” If we are able to make a whole generation of our children into fine Krishna conscious preachers, that will be the glory of our movement”. Based on this statement I could affirmatively state that the children under the care of ISKCON Perth’s Sunday School has taken the first step in preaching the glories of holy name to this country’s western part. Undoubtedly it is the beginning of the glorious future that these children of Krishna behold in this part of the world. Once again I would like to extend my gratitude to HG Gokuleshvara Das for joining in and encouraging the children here at Perth Yatra.
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