ISKCONyouth.com

1. Hrishikesh Das A.

2. 10/07/89

5. Lets see….the story of my life starts out in Montreal Canada. I was raised right by the temple there, and I recall from an early age my parents doing devotional service. I never understood it, and I still am trying to in this age of kali Yuga. At the age of 8, I moved to denver Colorado, where I live today. I have been actively going to the temple since, even though I go to public school.

6. I have many hopes and aspirations. I am going to CU Boulder to graduate in sociology and something else I haven’t decided yet.. I wish to have a good education, be an actor as a hobby, and hopefully have a family. I want to work in a clinic helping people with my sociology degree, because I believe that everyone has their fair share of problems, yet they have to realize they are not alone. ‘

7. My interests include existential philosophy, religion, science, reading, writing, learning, psychology, sociology, food (especially Mexican Prasad!), cultures, mythology, hanging out with friends. Traveling, hiking, exercising, and so much more. I am skilled at anything I put my mind to and interest me, for a man with passion is more productive than a hundred merely interested.

8. I found out about the tour through my father and some other devotees talking about it.

9. I would like to come to this tour to associate with fellow people who have been exposed to or are affiliated with Krishna consciousness. Traveling is also one of my favorite hobbies, and I think a Mexico and Guatemala road trip would allow me to engage in meaningful conversation with all the devotees and make new friends. I love to learn about any religion and perspective, so I would love to participate in this voyage.

10. While I do not consider myself religious, I am spiritual. I really enjoy the spiritual atmosphere filled with people raised in this beautiful culture. I don’t mind chanting and sharing insights, as we did last time I went to Mexico. Kirtan in Mexico City was awesome, and it was great to share our culture with other natives as well as with eachother.

11. Krishna plays a dual ambiguous role in my life. One part of me sees the infinite power and mercy he has, and the other part of me questions why he put us here. I understand karma and everything, but why did he create life in the first place if living is synonymous to suffering? Anyways, either way, I normally think and question the point of life scientifically, religiously, philosophically, morally, and spiritually. The way I see things, Krishna encompasses all of these things, for he instilled man with the ability to question.

12. I think that I can apply my career as a social worker and spread Krishna consciousness by helping people. I can participate in and create organizations such as food for life to help people eventually drop their material desires and suffering, and see that there is a higher purpose in life.

13. I feel that ISKCON is a growing but struggling society. I appreciate the programs, prasad, and most important of all the deities. However, I personally believe that any religion with an organizational front becomes in danger of being corrupted by politics. Rather than spreading Krishna’s name and glories, I noticed that there is always someone trying to attain power. I think that Krishna should be more personal, and not so conventional so as we’re trying to sell people this method of belief.

14. If ISKCON disappeared tomorrow, I don’t know what I would do. I would actually be at peace due to the fact that I already believe a true devotee only needs faith and devotion in his heart. However, the feeling of community would be diminished, and there would be great social pain involved. I wouldn’t be able to relate to anyone, eat prasadam, and I’m sure I would be a lot more ignorant because I wouldn’t have the association of pure devotees and gurus.

15. I think that my temple should be doing more of exactly what Manu Dasa and helpers are doing in Alachua. I believe there is a problem in properly educating the youth in Krishna Consciousness. I would like there to be more trips and activities for youth outside the temple.

16. I would like to get more involved, and actually spend more time giving back to the community which has already given me so much. I would like to do more devotional service, and have more free time with a guru who understands the struggles of the material world.

17. I like the fact that I have a passion to learn, have great friends, and that I am always willing to help people.

18. I would like to be less judgmental, cynical, and sometimes lazy.

19. Coming on this bus tour would mean a lot to me because it would be an enlightening experience comprised of good association, sight seeing, spirituality, and food.

20. Naikatma Das –Temple President

Sudarshan Das - Govinda’s manager

Jagajanini Devi Dasi - Temple President’s wife