World Religion Students Visit New Remuna Dham

July 12, 2003

"Can you explain the word Hare Krsna?" Mark, a world religion student asked as I was guiding a group of twenty bright open minded students through the temple explaining them about Hare Krsna Movement. James William Windland (we know him as Larry) is the director of ENCOUNTER- a world religion center. Every year Larry brings to the temple groups of seekers of religion and introduce them to Vaishnavism.

Similarly, on January 7th, he brought a group of world religion students. I explained them the roots of vaishnavism and how the Hare Krishna movement is related to a bonafide lineage. The students were curious and were shooting questions at me as we walked around inside the temple. New remuna Dham has beautiful original paintings on Krishna and Sri Chaitanya lila. In the lower level of the temple are dioramas depicting reincarnation. The students were amazed to see and learn so much about eastern religion in a building which looks like a western church. I introduced them to Srila Prabhupada's murti and later took thenm to Srila Prabhupada's quarter. While explaining how Srila Prabhupada came to the West and started ISKCON, the students were curious to get biography of Srila Prabhupada. Mother Purnamasi handed out small printed cards to everyone on which the Hare Krsna mahamantra was written and asked them to chant along with her.

As we came to the main floor of the temple to attend the twelve o' clock arati, I offered them to have small copies of Srila Prabhupada's books from our display table. Bhakta Kunal, Bhakta Lakshmana and Kanai Krsna Prabhu led kirtan as the noon arati started. Kirtan started to roar. Dharma Prana Prabhu joined the kirtan with his everlasting enthusiasm and added few melodies. Students were ecstatic at the participation. Soon after we led them to Govinda's Dining hall where they had a sumptuous meal. They browsed through our boutique and bought gifts for their dear ones. As they were living the building, I handed out to all copies of our wonderful newsletter. I am sure, the visit to New Remuna Dham will keep an indelible impression in their mind.