(Automatically translated from Russian) On the eve of a higher spiritual status of the new Russian sannyasi spoke about his life choices and shared his vision for the development of the Vaishnava community
Dedication ceremony in sannyasi highest ordained in Vedic spiritual tradition, passed on the Azov Sea coast on June 29 as part of Vaishnava Festival “Pritilakshanam”, which was attended by at least 500 Vaishnava from different parts of Russia. Regular, already the fifth sannyasi became famous Russian Vaishnava spiritual leader Society for Krishna Consciousness Vivasvan das.
Sannyasa ceremony was the culmination of the festival. The Sannyas order was given to Vivasvan Prabhu by HH Bhaktivigyana Goswami. At the same time were also present the spiritual teacher of Vivasvan, Sriman Prabhavisnu Prabhu, HH Bhakti Ananta Krishna Goswami and other spiritual leaders. Their blessings to the new sannyasi were sent by HH Indradyumna Swami. The rite was held disciples Chaitanya Chandra Charan Prabhu Das Devakinandanoy-and-Giriraja prasadam-das (both of Almaty), who have been trained by the best Pujari Vaishnava world.
We heartily congratulate Keshava Swami Bhakti Bhagavatamritam. And take this opportunity appealed to him with questions.
Dear Maharaja, where do you start your spiritual path?
I was born in 1967 in Zelenokumsk Stavropol Territory. Mom worked at a local school for 47 years. His father worked as a mechanic on the farm. Now parents in retirement.
I grew up in an atmosphere of love. Relationships in the family were always very warm. I also have an older sister and a younger brother. Prior to entry into the spiritual life, I graduated at the time high school, he enrolled in Rostov VTUZ specialty design engineer. With 13 years helping his father work on the combine during the summer school holidays until the end of school. Father taught me a sense of responsibility and activity is not for the sake of the fruit. In fact, he gave me the basics of dharma, and I am very grateful to him for that and more.
After high school I worked at Rostselmash Rostov-on-Don, first in the assembly shop, and then in the design office of the plant. In parallel, he studied at the Institute. Although his parents were willing to provide me a student, I did not want to hang them on the neck, so the work made it possible independence. While awakened in me a great desire to help people. I think that is a quality I inherited from my mother. So I searched the knowledge of the perfect lifestyle that would help people break free from suffering.
God answered my feelings. Once in Rostov, it was in February 1990, I bought Srila Prabhupada’s books in a bookshop in the market. Having read Prabhupada’s books, I was shocked depth knowledge and understand that this is exactly what you need me and other people. Later I met a Vaishnava. I joined ISKCON (Society for Krishna Consciousness - Ed.) When I was 22 years old. Though I was very successful students, but at the time I realized that it’s just not my purpose - to work as an engineer. Being resolute in nature, I still devoted himself to teaching and preaching the spiritual that I think is very necessary to society. I have never had their own family. But never over the past 24 years I have not regretted that it took such a decision. I was looking for knowledge and lifestyle that could help all people. Reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, I was convinced that they contain exactly what I was looking for, and I wanted to share his discovery with these other people.
What is the sannyas order use for you?
Renounced status, that is sannyas - this is my new stage in the spiritual life, and not far from the finish line. This is necessary in order to expand his ministry and deepen their Krishna consciousness. Sannyasis are very popular not only within the Vaishnava community, but also in civil society as a whole. If we talk about the Vaishnava community, the sannyasi serve to realize the vision of Srila Prabhupada in spreading spiritual knowledge to humanity, business associations and Vaishnava Vaishnava community development, and the need for personal assistance and followers, especially the leaders. But this implies, and value for the society, because it is in dire need of spiritual leaders whose words do not disagree with the way of life and example.
What, in your opinion, people now take Vaishnava?
I think that is much better than 10 years ago. Of course, some caution is maintained.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Vaishnava movement?
Strengths that, in general, different nationalities Vaishnava world feel the same family of Srila Prabhupada. Visiting any spiritual center in the world you can feel at home there, feeling the attention, friendliness and care Vaishnavas. This is particularly surprising in today’s world of tension and disunity. There are also a lot of really sincere and holy men, purity which inspires and gives hope for the future. And, of course, the identity of Srila Prabhupada, under whose auspices is Vaisnava community - this is the most significant advantage of inhaling in us all fresh and new energy, and also in the company of other people.
The weakness is that we as a community have not yet developed fully - because of fuzziness in understanding the traditions, lack of a healthy social structure of society, and as a result, due to some fragmentation Vaishnava rather weak child care, etc. Now we have a few really mature and competent leaders. Often we do not see a common goal and strategy development community. Also lacks examples Vaishnava realizing spiritual knowledge in their practical life, have deep spiritual taste and showing an example of a healthy balance of its internal development and external activity in society. But I am sure that with time the situation will change. ISKCON - a community of people, which is invisibly present Lord Krishna. ISKCON has been developing for half a century, and the fact that he successfully overcomes obstacles, expanding, developing and attracts many people, once again proves the reality of the Lord’s attention. Leaders will and should increase.
What should be changed in the Vaishnava community to better people’s perception of the followers of this tradition?
When people see a healthy community Vaishnava with deep spiritual and social ties, pure culture and tradition, they are naturally attracted Krishna consciousness. Therefore healthy Vaishnava community - is of paramount importance.
What activities new sannyasis intends to do in the near future?
I will try to inspire the Vaishnava cooperation and joint construction of the Vaishnava community and, of course, I will try to participate in preaching interested. I also plan to continue to study Srila Prabhupada’s books to the most friendly way to represent Krishna consciousness.
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