Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted a special day of sharing, reflections and expressions of gratitude for key devotees who joined the Temple full-time between 1978 – 1986. The event was a prelude to the reunion at Branston Hall sponsored by Srila Prabhupada disciple Amita das.
The morning session included a reunion with long lost friends, darshan of their Lordships in the Temple room, Guru Puja and kirtan, followed by a feast served by Srila Prabhupada disciples. With the Temple management facilitating including the Devotee Care Office (DCO), it was a very joyful and heart-warming experience for all.
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The afternoon session was an opportunity for the Manor’s wider community to hear about the experiences of the “1978 – 1986 devotees”. Key speakers including Sivaram Swami, Akhandadhi das and Visakha dasi who all spoke with honesty and humility, which was most welcomed.
Devotees shared many personal experiences, helping and enabling the younger devotees to appreciate, empathise and indeed embrace their experiences. Overall the occasion was considered a great success.
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The aim of the event was to:
– Appreciating, valuing and acknowledging these devotees’ efforts in laying foundations of Bhaktivedanta Manor as we know it today.
– The value of anchoring and focusing on the Srila Prabhupada’s books and teachings
– Enabling the feeling of being cared for and offering a sense of belonging to the Manor for those who may feel disconnected.
– Using the opportunity to glorify devotees and celebrate their past contributions.
– Celebrating successes, lessons learnt from mitigating and navigating through challenges by creating opportunities.
– Learning from how these devotees upheld faith over the years.
The Devotee Care Office was very encouraged by the whole-hearted support offered by the Temple management and indeed by all the teams.
Vaishnava Seva (devotee care) was very dear to Srila Prabhupada. It was one of the three cardinal principles given by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
“My dear daughter Nirmala, Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letter dated 11-3-76 and it is very nice how you are appreciating. It is also nice that you are caring for the devotees. They have left everything for me, so they should be treated as sons and daughters. I hope that this meets you in good health. Your ever well-wisher, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami”
Letter to: Nirmala — March 21, 1976
