By Mandakini devi dasi
Preaching Krishna Consciousness in a largely atheistic, impersonal and demigod worshiping society who shun organised religion is a special skill. Devotees in the province of Taiwan are yielding positive results with a well- established and easily digestible approach.
The pioneers in this field have determined that success will surely reach the inner core of the population with the regular distribution of lunch boxes, spiritual books and Harinama. However, particularly by offering Hatha-yoga classes, the devotees experience a high success rate and respectful reciprocation with the people. Divya Purusha dasa also makes tangible devotional inroads in this area by offering popular courses on Astrology twice a year.
Several yoga classes each week take place at the largest Iskcon centre in the country, which is located in Taichung. The practice is followed by melodious call and response Hare Krishna mantra meditation. Many participants move on to more involvement in spiritual life.
Presiding Deities Sri Sri Gaura Nitai oversee a group of enthusiastic devotees in a large, well-maintained fourth floor area of an office building which includes an impressive restaurant space.
The highlight of our trip to Taiwan was the visit to the local prison to minister to the convicts. One of the devotees, Payee (who spent a month at New Govardhana one year ago) works in the hospital there dispensing medicine.
Six hundred shaven-headed, grey-clad men filed into a huge auditorium and listened intently as dynamic temple president Jahnava devi dasi expertly delivered her very wise system of preaching, ‘in like a needle and out like a plough’. She was accompanied by Niranjana Maharajah and local devotees who soon had the inmates clapping and chanting.
Taiwanese devotees are most kind and welcoming and are always keen to hear philosophical discourses from overseas visitors.
Taiwan temple authorities are considering a group tour for at least 10 devotees to visit New Govardhana in the not too distant future. We look forward to their spirited association and offer them a very warm welcome.
Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=18805
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