2018 YEAR IN REVIEW
A YEAR OF GROWTH, STRENGTHENING, AND TRANSFORMATION The Bhakti Center exists to provide a spiritual home for an ever growing number of New Yorkers. Over this past year, our management, staff, and wider family applied themselves with increased determination to their spiritual practices (sadhana); invested in relationships with one another (sanga), and offered countless hours in heartfelt service (seva). The results are evident in the smiles that decorate the hundreds of faces that move up and down our staircases each day. 2018 has seen unprecedented growth in attendance for all of our programs—most notably for kirtan, yoga and wisdom classes. Our community groups continue to be a bedrock of nourishment and have even sprouted up beyond Manhattan to homes in Brooklyn and New Jersey. With funds raised last year, we have upgraded long-neglected areas of the building like the reception and the back of the temple room. With the help of our community of friends and supporters, this year’s fundraising efforts have brought us closer than ever to paying off our mortgage— assuring the offering of the building in service for generations to come. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to you and request that you continue to join hands with us to help the Bhakti Center fulfill its highest potential. It’s our firm belief that the path of progress shown by our teachers holds the key to true inner transformation, and our intention is that together we may continue to experience it and share it with New York City and the entire world. Gratefully in service, Virabhadra Rama das Executive Director
2 / A Y E AR O F G R O W T H, ST R E N GT H E N I N G, A N D T RA NS FO R M AT I O N
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Executive Director...................................................................02 2018 at a Glance.........................................................................................04–05 CHAPTER 1: GROWTH.............................................................................06–07
A Home for Kirtan in New York City...............................................08–09
Divya’s Kitchen...............................................................................10–11
Community Groups..............................................................................12
Volunteers and Service........................................................................13
Yoga......................................................................................................14 Meditation.............................................................................................15 Fundraisers.....................................................................................16–17
Monthly Finances...........................................................................18–19
New Staff and Management..........................................................20–21
CHAPTER 2: BUILDING STRENGTH......................................................22–23
Core Spiritual Practices..................................................................24–25
Learning and Growing Together....................................................26–27
Caring for our Building........................................................................28
Our New Library....................................................................................29
Reception and Hospitality.............................................................30–31
CHAPTER 3: MOVING FORWARD..........................................................32–33
Planting Seeds of Bhakti all over the City....................................34–35
Social Initiatives.............................................................................36–37
Our Hope .............................................................................................38
Board of Directors................................................................................39
From our Heart to Yours................................................................40–41
TA B L E O F CON T EN TS / 3
Awarded
BEST Healthy Restaurant in Manhattan and Tri-State area According to Open Table
2018 AT A GLANCE
17,000
MEALS SERVED
—250 plates a week!
5,400+ NEW YORKERS AT OUR KIRTANS THIS YEAR
3,000
TOTAL PROGRAMS THIS YEAR —Over 60 programs a week!
264 4 / 2018 AT A G LAN CE
community group members
$261.5K Collected this year from our fundraising (compared to $147.5K last year)
4,623
FIRST TIME VISITORS
That’s 135 new guests each week!
40,000 people in total have come through our doors this year! *Data collected through our reception department and check-in system 2 0 1 8 AT A G LAN C E / 5
A YEAR OF GROWTH 6 / A Y E AR O F G R O W T H
MOST MONTHS OF THE YEAR, THE BHAKTI CENTER IS BUZZING WITH ACTIVITY. As a community we can be so
absorbed in service that it can be challenging to ‘look back down the mountain’ and see our overall progress and expansion. However, the astonishing statistics gathered over the last year are clear. We are certainly growing, not just in numbers, but in the communal appetite for the teachings and practice of bhakti yoga.
Jaya Jagannath, Jahnavi Harrison, Yousseff Benbrahim, and a guest musician at Tuesday Night Kirtan.
a year of growth / 7
5,400+
NEW YORKERS AT OUR KIRTANS IN 2018 Kirtan is the beating heart of the Bhakti Center and continues to be one of our most loved offerings.
8 / A HO ME FO R KIRTA N I N N E W YOR K CI TY
A HOME FOR KIRTAN IN NEW YORK CITY 2018 HAS SEEN FRESH ENERGY and a
notable rise in attendance at all of our regular kirtan events. Thursday Night Kirtan, which has now been running for 7 years straight, has grown to become a staple of the Bhakti Center programming. In late 2017 we began to check in our guests, enabling us to see that attendance averages at 130+ people each week.
By September 2018 we felt it was time to launch another weekly kirtan. ‘Tuesday Night Kirtan: Guided Music Meditation’ was an instant success, starting out with 60+ attendees each week and remaining steady. The two kirtan evenings are distinctly different—one offers a traditional temple experience of ‘Dynamic Krishna Devotion’ and the other a more meditative, concert style AVERAGE ATTENDANCE AT THURSDAY NIGHT KIRTAN
experience,curated and guided for someone who may be a first-timer. Earlier in the year we began holding a monthly ‘Kirtan Camp’ and in the spring hosted our first dedicated Kirtan Retreat. All programs sell out quickly, and yoga studios around the city have also requested kirtan training for their students.
“I had such a mesmerizing experience at the sound meditation at the Bhakti Center! There’s no feeling comparable to a room full of voices chanting and singing in unison...I truly felt so happy and peaceful—something that is rarely felt in a big city like NYC! I will definitely be coming back for more!” —Jenny, NYU student
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a home for kirtan in new york city / 9
70,000
PEOPLE SERVED THIS YEAR AT DIVYA’S KITCHEN IT’S BEEN AN AMAZING YEAR FOR DIVYA’S KITCHEN
with rave reviews, high profile catering engagements, and a steady stream of guests, 7 days a week. People hear about Divya’s in many different ways, not least by the popularity of her cookbook How To Eat for What You Feel, published in April 2017. The book has recently been submitted for its 4th printing, and has received steady publicity in mainstream media, blogs, and TV features.
1 0 / DIV YA’ S KITC HE N
AN AWARD WINNING YEAR BEST HEALTHY RESTAURANT IN MANHATTAN March: Open Table
10 BEST OVERALL RESTAURANTS IN MANHATTAN July: Open Table
TOP 50 VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN AMERICA October: USA Today
“
Divya’s Kitchen just might be the healthiest restaurant in New York—but don’t let that deter you. The food is still flavorful and inventive, without the bland healthiness of other vegetarian, kale only restaurants. [... ] there’s nothing fast or casual about the decor or the experience at Divya’s Kitchen. Expect to spend a full evening tucked inside this restaurant, where you can be free to channel your inner clean eating yogi.” —New York Observer
an award winning year / 1 1
264 MEMBERS
in our community groups AS OUR PROGRAMMING GROWS, SO DOES OUR COMMUNITY. 2017 saw 16 total community groups
serving 161 group members, and in 2018 we had 27 total groups serving 264 group members.
This means we had MORE GROUPS RUNNING THAN EVER , both within the building and in people’s homes. Couples and families in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey offered to host groups in their homes and keep members connected to a nourishing sanga.
1 2 / CO MMUNITY G R OU PS
66% of community group members continue on and take another group or more after their first experience.
35% of Beginning Bhakti community group members find the Bhakti Center through community groups.
Susan Hu and Karuna Gauranga das greet guests arriving to the Pearl Festival. Such celebrations offer many opportunities for volunteers to get involved.
12,000+ HOURS OF SEVA With so many new programs and the launch of our new reception, we’ve relied heavily on our DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS to keep things running smoothly. MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER HAVE STEPPED IN
as front desk receptionists, hospitality greeters, and production assistants. We’ve also had several professionals offer pro bono services to guide the growth of our staff and organizational development.
S EVA / 1 3
YOGA Expanding offerings in classes, retreats, and trainings In 2018, our yoga studio improved in all areas. In addition to seeing OUR REGULAR ATTENDANCE IN CLASSES CLIMB STEADILY , we began to offer substantial trainings to help our students develop a holistic practice. Our 100-hour Advanced Asana and Storytelling Training, 100-hour Ayurveda Training, and 25-hour Kirtan Training for Yoga Teachers launched this past year. In December we also launched our first-ever 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program at the Govardhan Ecovillage in India.
ATTENDANCE DOUBLED IN 2018!
1 4 / yoga
Our teacher Vrindavan, who specializes in guiding Yoga Nidra. (below) Jahnavi, who teaches Sound Meditation.
MEDITATION
a brand new offering The Bhakti Center had few meditation classes in 2017, but IN 2018 THE DEPARTMENT EXPANDED to include a diverse selection of classes and new teachers. EACH WEEK FEATURES FOUR DIFFERENT SESSIONS ,
2017
2017
2012
2012
14.2 percent of American adults say they meditated within the past year, a 3x increase from 2012, according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.
focusing respectively on sound, mantra, stress relief, and breathing. Introductory workshops were given throughout the year so beginners could get a taste of the weekly classes. We also offer regular sound baths, in partnership with Divya’s Kitchen. With meditation ever-rising in popularity, we aim to provide classes and experiences that are accessible, relevant, and rooted in authentic tradition.
meditation / 1 5
FUNDRAISERS Over $261,500 raised this year WE WANT THE BHAKTI CENTER TO REMAIN A SPIRITUAL HOME FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
With that goal in mind, this year we decided to pay off our mortgage once and for all. With your generous help, we are almost there.
We hosted TWO SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISERS this year—one in the summer at Joe Carini Carpets and another in the fall at the Bhakti Center, at which you helped us RAISE OVER $261K –$114K more than in 2017! $300k $250k
$261.5K
$200k $150k
$147.5K
$100k $50k 0
2018
1 6 / fundraisers
2017
The gratitude we feel toward our community of supporters is immense. We can now anticipate completing mortgage payments by early 2019. This means that the Bhakti Center will save thousands of dollars each month, which will open up tremendous opportunities for hiring more staff and improving our program spaces and offerings.
fundraisers / 1 7
MOVING TOWARD FINANCIAL STABILITY
$330,000
$300,000
$270,000
$240,000
THE BHAKTI CENTER CONTINUES TO EXPAND due to the incredible
$210,000
dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors and inspiring community members. With your support, we see no limit to what’s possible.
$180,000
$150,000
$120,000
$90,000
Under the care of Vice President Sundarnath Das, we have seen the Bhakti Center move towards financial stability over the years by increasing our revenue base and being vigilant in how finances are utilized day in and day out.
$60,000
$30,000
IN 2018 WE PAYED OVER $200K toward
our mortgage principle, saving us over $33K in interest payments. Paying the remaining $60K BALANCE ON OUR MORTGAGE now will mean the Bhakti Center saves thousands of dollars more in interest. It will also free up our monthly operating budget, which will allow us to hire more staff and improve our program spaces and offerings to the community.
$60K to go to complete our mortgage payments” 150000 $71.8K EXPENSES
120000 $54.1K EXPENSES
90000
60000
$71.7K
$34K
INCOME
EXPENSES
$57.1K INCOME
30000
$34.2K INCOME
0
2016
2017
2018
Bhakti Center’s growth over the past 3 years 1 8 / FINANC IAL STAB I LI TY
AVERAGE MONTHLY FINANCES
$80,000
$70,000
$60,000
IN 2018 Merchandise $1,175
Production $2,175
Programs $3,108
Risk Management Fund $2,500
Rent $14,328
Yoga Studio $14,043
$40,000
Building Repairs & Improvements $9,583
Salaries $14,413
$30,000 Donations $39,039
Mortgage and Interest $24,217
$10,000
0
Utilities $5,117
Supplies $8,155
$50,000
$20,000
Admin Expenses $5,596
AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME
$71,694
AVERAGE MONTHLY EXPENSES
$71,758
average monthly finances / 1 9
NEW STAFF MEMBERS 2017 and 2018 have seen some wonderful additions to our family of Bhakti Center residents:
Jahnavi Harrison
Jaya Jagannath
Kevin Tobar
Meditation, Communications, Kirtan Outreach April 2018 – London, England
Wisdom and Kirtan November 2017 – Chicago, IL
Production, Yoga, Kirtan May 2018 – New York, NY
Youssef Benbrahim
Kishor Gopal
Jaya Chaitanya (JC)
Kirtan, Production, Yoga March 2018 – Jacksonville, FL
Kirtan, Production, Culture December 2017 – Gainesville, FL
Outreach and Communications September 2018 – Los Angeles, CA
2 0 / new staff members
Dhyana Prema Rasa
Karuna Gauranga
Sundarnath
Programming Designer
Hospitality Director
Vice President
Karuna Nimai
Doyal Gauranga
Virabhadra Ram
Development Director
Operations Director
Executive Director
STEPPING INTO NEW LEADERSHIP Organizational developement
THIS YEAR WE CONDUCTED IMPORTANT RESTRUCTURING
of our organization, bringing new leaders in and redistributing responsibilities. The result has been a much stronger team dynamic and greater clarity and effectiveness in fulfilling the Bhakti Center’s purpose. stepping into new leadership / 2 1
2 2 / BUILDING STRE N GT H
BUILDING STRENGTH Stabilizing and nurturing our spiritual practices, community and building building strength / 2 3
CORE SPIRITUAL PRACTICES Devoting energy towards what matters most 2018 has been a year of building strength and striving to center our lives around SADHANA (spiritual practice), SANGA (spiritual relationships) and SEVA (selfless service). We have increased the opportunities to engage in chanting, meditation, and hearing from sacred texts, understanding that if we give our energy to these practices, we will feel the result in all areas of our lives. Our building residents have reinvigorated their attendance at our daily morning program, and both existing programs like Bhagavat Sravana, as well as new additions like bi-weekly Sacred Dialogs, have been met with enthusiasm by our community. The number of special gatherings and festivals tailored to meet the needs of our dedicated bhakti practitioners has grown, reflecting the collective depth of many of our members. We have also been recognizing the need to facilitate the children in our community, and are proud to be working hard to serve them better, most notably with our ‘Krishna Kids Sanga’. 2 4 / core spiritual PRACT I CE S
The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me. — BHAGAVAD GITA 10.9
CO R E S P I R I T UA L P RACT IC ES / 2 5
“In the community groups at the Bhakti Center, I can be honest about my experiences—the positive and the difficult—in a supportive environment. ...There, I check in each week and reaffirm spiritual goals with like-minded people.” —Jeanine
LEARNING & GROWING TOGETHER A dynamic year for community groups In order to offer genuine, heartfelt support to our community, the Bhakti Center has poured energy into the Community Groups, which provide intimate settings where people can CONNECT, GROW, AND APPLY sacred teachings to their lives. Wisdom and education go handin-hand with practical application, so as we build our programming in bhakti teachings, we want to make sure that each person has a network of personal care and support. In 2018 we conducted a community-wide survey to hear from our members on how to best structure our groups. We also developed a training process for group leaders to equip them with the proper tools and guidelines. Lastly, we launched a new strand of community groups called ‘Deepening Bhakti’, to cater to committed bhakti practitioners who would like to dive deeper into their faith.
26 / Learning & growing together
“ My spiritual path has become more
structured, focused, and defined by being in the company of like-minded individuals. I feel very inspired and have a sense of connectedness. I am so grateful for these groups.” —Johanna
L earning & growing together / 2 7
CARING FOR OUR BUILDING IN THE CULTURE OF BHAKTI, EVERYTHING IS TREATED WITH UTMOST RESPECT and care, being mindful of its connection with
divinity. We see our building as sacred: a place for life-giving service and spiritual transformation. With this in mind, we put a great deal of energy toward building renovations this year. A tireless team led by Radha Madhava devi gave two floors a muchneeded face-lift—repainting and adding ornamental details on the ceilings and window frames. Sound-proofing the temple room windows has significantly reduced traffic noise, helping the temple become more of a meditative oasis than ever. This year the rooftop received extensive care from the Sacred Ecology team, who planted beds of flowers, herbs, and vegetables, creating a bountiful garden with an incredible view. Our constant improvements are made possible only by the kindness and support of our thoughtful community members.
The Bhakti Center rooftop hosts many events, including weddings and festivals
2 8 / C AR ING FO R OU R B U I LDI N G
The library offers a peaceful space to read, study and connect.
OUR NEW LIBRARY
A sacred space for study and inspiration
We are thrilled to have finally completed the first stage of our vision for a beautiful library in the building. It primarily showcases the complete works of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, whose life and teachings are the HEART AND SOUL of the Bhakti Center. It was important to us to create A QUIET SPACE FOR STUDY , as well as honoring the mammoth contribution these books have made to the field of spiritual literature. It’s especially poignant that many of the books were translated and written just around the corner, at 26 2nd Avenue, more than 50 years ago.
our new library / 2 9
WELCOME HOME!
Bringing the spirit of hospitality to our center
THE MOST DRAMATIC CHANGE made
to our building this year was our transformation of the building exterior and reception. The old exterior was industrial and sparse, and we lacked a reception area. In 2017 we began to implement a greeting program to help guests feel more welcome. In 2018 we created a sleek and beautiful front desk area, manned by a friendly receptionist SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 9AM-9PM. The difference has been striking, and we are excited to make more improvements in 2019.
3 0 / welcome home !
AN OUTER TRANSFORMATION
Before
After
One of the most satisfying aspects is connecting with guests and visitors as they embark on their spiritual paths. Our team serves as the initial point of contact for these visitors and we are all devoted to upholding the mission of Bhakti Center. It is enriching and rewarding to enthusiastically welcome others, answer their questions, engage them in meaningful conversation, and be a part of their journey of self-transformation.� —Geetanjali, Receptionist an outer transformation / 3 1
MOVING FORWARD What to look forward to in 2019
3 2 / moving FO R WA R D
Over the last year we have seen the three vital ingredients of sadhana, sanga and seva act in powerful ways in the lives of our community members. In 2019, we aim to refine the ways in which we combine these ingredients; to both continue to experience their power together, and to deliver them beyond our building walls, to the city at large.
moving FORWARD / 3 3
3 4 / PLANTING SEEDS OF B H A KT I
PLANTING SEEDS OF BHAKTI ALL OVER THE CITY Kirtan, Wisdom, and Education As we experience the dynamic power of devotion in our own lives, we are excited to SHARE IT BEYOND OUR BUILDING WALLS. In 2018 we tested the waters in different ways, partnering with organizations like the Rubin Museum, NYU, and multiple yoga studios to bring kirtan, wisdom programs, and other offerings further afield. Future partnerships in 2019 include a monthly kirtan residency headed by Gaura Vani at the United Palace of Spiritual Arts, a dynamic new citywide meditation program starting in April, and increasing educational visits and school events for local schools and colleges. Another 2018 milestone was the launch of BHAKTI CENTER BOOK TABLES , spearheaded by Jaya Chaitanya. We trialed various set-ups, at locations like the World Trade Center and Washington Square Park, and will relaunch with a fresh presentation in Spring 2019 to deliver spiritual wisdom in a head-turning, contemporary package. We also invited our community to take kirtan to the streets this year—one of the most dynamic outings featured OVER 100 PARTICIPANTS, singing and dancing through the East Village. We are excited to bring this vibrant energy to the city more frequently next year, especially with the support of the amazing musicians in our community.
planting seeds of bhakti / 3 5
SOCIAL INITIATIVES Care and compassion in action In 2018, both InSpirit and the Sacred Ecology Forum found strong footing with regular monthly programs at the Bhakti Center. These events offer an OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND DISCUSS DIVERSE TOPICS within the fields of spiritual ecology and end-of-life care, and attract a variety of guests. This year each group also hosted several special events. In June, the Sacred Ecology Forum brought together leading experts in the field of religion and ecology, including Dr. David Haberman (Indiana University), Dr. John Grim and Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker (Yale University), for a conference entitled ‘Sustainability from the Inside Out’, to discuss the link between HINDU TRADITIONS AND CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS. Over a hundred guests attended to hear the insightful presentations and discussion. This year the InSpirit team has partnered with specialists in the FIELDS OF PALLIATIVE CARE and end-of-life services, including Dr. Joseph Sacco and professor Jeanne Denney, to offer special sessions on this critical chapter of life. Our social initiatives are very important to us, and in 2019 we are excited to launch further community service programs. We plan to bring bhakti-related offerings to LOCAL PRISONS and host monthly workshops that utilize yoga as a
SUPPORT FOR THOSE RECOVERING FROM ADDICTION.
View from the Bhakti Center rooftop
3 6 / SO C IAL INITIAT I VE S
Gardening at a seva weekend upstate at Super Soul Farm
EVENTS HOSTED IN 2018 InSpirit presents
INSPIRIT: END-OF-LIFE CARE SERVICES
SACRED ECOLOGY FORUM S O C I A L I NI T IAT IVES / 3 7
OUR HOPE Looking to the future, we strive to make each decision, design every program, and take every step with one single aim in mind: SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION. The three pillars of spiritual transformation are SADHANA (spiritual practice), SANGA (spiritual relationships) and SEVA (selfless service). The Bhakti Center’s programs and experiences are designed to take us on a journey that leads to personal spiritual growth and inspires us to develop our own spiritual practice. Community groups help to forge personal relationships that sustain that practice and carry us through life’s inevitable ups and downs. By experiencing genuine connection with like minded seekers, and grounded in our spiritual understanding and practice, we naturally look to give back to God and community through selfless service. In 2019, the Bhakti Center is planning programming with more intention to give us the experiences and tools we need to TAKE OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE TO THE NEXT LEVEL. The community continues to grow because of personal and collective dedication to living spiritual life. Together we are helping to transform the world.
3 8 / our hope
The Bhakti Center is based on the foundational teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and continues to be guided and inspired by his disciple, His Holiness Radhanath Swami, along with our dedicated board of directors.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Vaisesika das
Sundarnath das
Brahma Tirtha das
Yasoda Dulal das
Vijaya Govinda das
H.H. Radhanath Swami
Rukmini devi dasi
Virabhadra Ram das board of directors / 3 9
FROM OUR HEART
Thank you for an amazing year!
RESIDENTS AND STAFF AT OUR 2018 END-OF-YEAR HOLIDAY PARTY 4 0 / FR O M O UR HE A RTS TO YOU RS
TS TO YOURS:
T H A NK YO U FO R A N A M A ZI NG Y EAR / 4 1
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IF YOU ARE INSPIRED TO HELP US TAKE OUR OFFERINGS TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN 2019: • Join in and volunteer your services: info@bhakticenter.org • Become a monthly donor: bhakticenter.org/support Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. @bhakticenter
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@bhakticenter
Bhakti Center, 25 First Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10003 | Phone: 212-533-4842 Photography: Tatiana Kiseleva, Aaron Diamond and Brajaraja das | Content and writing: Jahnavi Harrison Design and layout: Rukmini Poddar | Editing: Anna Cooperberg | Supervision: Doyal Gauranga and Virabhadra
