Spiritual Mentorship System – Interview with Vamsivata Dasa.
Here is an interview with Vamsivata dasa who is in Murli Manohara dasa’s mentee group. Recently, he took second initiation from HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami. He has also taken on the responsibility as Assistant Head Pujari at ISKCON-London.
Bhava Bhakti devi dasi: Hare Krishna Prabhu! First of all congratulations on your second initiation. So … how does it feel?
Vamsivata dasa: Now I feel like a completely different person. The initiation itself was so ecstatic and I felt cleansed of so many layers of false ego that were weighing on me. I also feel a sense of ‘completeness’ now, as though everything is right finally, like finding at last the much needed piece of a jigsaw puzzle.
Q: Sounds amazing. Like you really felt a transformation after taking this important step. And also you have accepted another important step of being Assistant Head Pujari. Seems like Krishna really has your hands full ! But what exactly does it mean to be an ‘Assistant Head Pujari?’
A: Along with the Head Pujari, I help ensure the smooth running of the department. I see to it that we have the main ingredients and spices for the cooks stocked in the pujari. I’m the go-to person if any ingredients are missing or if someone has a query in regards to the pujari, their service, etc. Keeping an eye open on pujari standards is also always necessary to ensure that quality service to the Deities is maintained. I sometimes correct and educate where necessary. At other times, I go to the Head Pujari and discuss with him how to deal with the situation. Our stance is to encourage devotees in their service, therefore we try to deal with devotees is an individual way, based on considerations of etiquette, etc. It is never a one-size-fits-all scenario.
At the moment I arrange the daily rota for bathing trays service as well as Srila Prabhupada wake-up and dressing service. When new devotees come into the fold, I ensure they get trained either by myself or some other well-trained devotee. I also try to engage devotees in cleaning and tidying services – not an easy task! Most of the time, I myself undertake the task of cleaning and tidying up areas such as Deities’ jewelry drawers, Deifies’ outfit room and paraphernalia cupboards. And when the Head Pujari is away for a few months at a time, this means I take on his responsibilities as well.
Q: Sounds like a lot of responsibility to me ! So what is your favourite service in the Deity department?
A: I really like assisting, in the background, pujari’s in their dressing of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara, in the form of flower garlands, flower jewelry, flower accessories etc. Such opportunities don’t always arise, but when it does, it’s like the spiritual world. In the spiritual realm, it is never a case of ‘Me and Krishna only’. It is always about serving those who serve Krishna. And it is a really wonderful mood to have.
Q: Sounds lovely for sure. On your path in Krishna Consciousness, you have taken shelter of the Mentorship System at 1SKCON London?
A: It feels I have really been able to grow up as a Spiritual Mentorship System person and devotee, knowing that I am under the shelter of someone I can trust and who deals with me on a personal level. One of the things I am most grateful for is that my mentor gave me space to grow internally and cultivate my faith in the process, whilst at the same time nudging me forward, encouraging me to take the next step. In this way, whatever decisions I’ve taken in my spiritual life were based on my own personal conviction rather than peer pressure that can sometimes be there in spiritual circles.
Q: Well that is the environment that we try to cultivate in the Mentorship System, a friend, philosopher and guide, someone who has treaded the path before you and is able to show you the way towards progression. Just wondering what was the first temple you visited?
A: ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple, believe it or not! I was around two years old at the time, so I don’t have a memory of that.
Q: Wow really? Just wondering how did you first find out about ISKCON?
A: I first found out about ISKCON through my grandparents who were part of the ISKCON temple congregation in Mauritius. Everyday at 4.30 am they would have a full mangalarati of their Deities Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar. I, being 5 years old at the time, would – hearing my grandad singing – wake up and crawl to the Deity room. I vividly remember going through the Krishna Book for children – which is beautifully illustrated – with my grandfather and he told me that Krishna is God, and I asked, ‘what is God?’ !! And from then on, he would take me to the temple for the weekly Sunday Feast program and I would attend the Sunday gurukula (something quite similar to Sunday school).
Q: Well thank you for your time. You have taken on great responsibility at an early age. I am sure Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara will be with you all the way as you progress in your spiritual life.
Source: https://is.gd/vvx6kL