Devotional Performing Arts Ashram In Bay Area

July 10, 2003

Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Jayatah!

Respected Vaisnavas and Vaisnavis, All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Please accept our dandavat pranams.

We are pleased to inform you that by the mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga a new Devotional Performing Arts Ashram has just been opened in the Bay Area by second generation gurukuli girls. We have secured a two-bedroom house that is presently accommodating five ladies: Prema Mayi dasi, Manjari dasi E., Manjari dasi K., Manjulali dasi, and Bhaktin Sheila. Regrettably, the space is not large enough to facilitate many who would otherwise be able to join us; however, we hope to set the groundwork for a more permanent ideal situation in which girls and women can cultivate their bhakti in a safe and nurturing environment and become bold, powerful spokeswomen for Mahaprabhu's Nam-Sankirtan mission, thus making Srila Prabhupada proud.

We are committed to working towards strengthening Mahaprabhu's family as well as its role and significance in society. As catalysts for this revolutionary undertaking we hope to create a support network and open communication between the Vaisnava Youth, all of our extended Vaisnava family and the public at large. Our vision is to effect a positive integration of bhakti yoga into the present mainstream through presenting various devotional arts and building genuine relationships.

Some of our current projects include: regular Sat-Sanga programs and hosting guest speakers; teaching, preparing and promoting devotional arts such as painting, music, dance and drama through events and workshops; publishing informative materials and writing grant proposals; developing our web site and public relations by connecting with local communities. We have many exciting ideas and venues for exploration. Presently much of our time is spent working nine to five jobs to cover maintenance expenses as we continue towards our goal of full-time involvement; however, the rapid success of this project can quickly manifest with the support and blessings of friends and well-wishers who share this vision.

We pray that we may be able to please Sri Hari-Guru and Vaisnava in these endeavors and look forward to hearing from you. For those who would like to be involved, receive more information, or are interested in helping either through collaborations, donations or other resources, we invite you to contact us at: (510) 597-1588, or via e mail: manjaridevi@ or premamayidasi@

Yours, in the service of sri sri guru and gauranga

Prema Mayi dasi, Manjari dasi, Manjari dasi, Manjulali dasi, Bhaktin Sheila

H.K.Y. Hare Krishna Youth Inc.

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