A JOURNEY
OF SELF–TRANSFORMATION
RELATIONSHIPS / WISDOM / SPIRITUAL PRACTICE / LIFESTYLE / SELFLESS SERVICE
DIVYA’S KITCHEN listed among
5O
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in America According to OpenTable
OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS
2,200
Copies of spiritual literature distributed this year
200
PEOPLE WEEKLY IN OUR KIRTANS —That’s 10,000 total attendance last year!
3 / OU R Y E AR I N NUM BERS
60 PROGRAMS EACH WEEK —That’s over 3,000 a year!
500
people in community groups
—Over the last 5 years!
TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Year in Numbers................................................................................................................02 Who We Are……………………………………………………………………….......................04 Our Values................................................................................................................................05 Letter from the Executive Director....................................................................................06–07 CHAPTER 1: A JOURNEY OF SELF-TRANSFORMATION…….....................………..…..08 Our Programs……………………………………………………………...........……....09 Roya’s Bhakti Journey……………………................................…………………..10–11 Kirtan……………………………………………………………..................……….12–13 Madhava Puri’s Bhakti Journey……………………………………………....…….14-15 Yoga………………………………….............................……………………………16-17 Susan’s Bhakti Journey…………………………………..…………………………18-19 Wisdom……………………………………………………..……………………………20 Meditation………………………………………………….........……………………….21 Jamuna Jaya’s Bhakti Journey………………………………….........……………22-23 Ayurveda………………………………………………….............................................24 Marma………………………………...............………………………………………….25 Eddie’s Bhakti Journey………………………..................…………………………26-27 CHAPTER 2: INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE…………….....……………………………28-29 Our New Studios……………………………………….................…………………30-31 A Boutique with Purpose………………………………………….......................…32-33 Inspired in Spiritual Transformation…………...………………………………...……34 Community Groups……………………………….........................……………………35 Devotion in Motion…………………………………………………....................….36-37 Fundraisers………………………………………………………………..................38-39 Finances…………………........................................................................…………40-41 CHAPTER 3: OUR JOURNEY FORWARD……………………………………..…………….42 Our Hope……….......................................................................……………....………43 Words from our Community…………………………………….............................…..44 Board of Directors………….......................................…………………………………45
TAB LE OF CONT ENTS / 3
WE ARE MORE THAN a yoga studio a cultural center a temple a meditation school a wellness center
WE ARE YOUR SPIRITUAL HOME a place for spiritual education and personal transformation
WHY ARE WE HERE We exist to present Bhakti in a relevant, accessible, and transformative way to the people of New York City and beyond. 4 / W HO W E A RE
OUR VALUES The core mood and attitude behind all that we do
BRANCHING OUT to include everyone with non-judgemental compassion and thoughtfulness
BOUND TOGETHER in a mood of cooperation, shared love and care
FIRMLY ROOTED in our values and ancient tradition
our values / 5
YOUR SPIRITUAL HOME Life can easily distract us from what’s most important, leaving us feeling busy, but often unfulfilled. Bhakti, the yoga of devotion, is a way of life focused on reaching our highest potential in love and service based on the values and wisdom of the yoga tradition. We believe that these are meant to bring us to the highest level in our spiritual practice, selfless service, relationships and lifestyle. In order for us to experience true inner fulfillment, we must consciously engage with these key areas of life at the highest level. Therefore, at the Bhakti Center we have designed our programming so that you may integrate the values and wisdom of Bhakti yoga into every aspect of your life. Our hope is that you will experience the greatest gift of inner fulfillment and be inspired to share that gift with the world.
Gratefully in service, Vira Tansey Executive Director
6 / LE TTE R F ROM THE EXECUTI V E D I R ECTOR
SELFLESS SERVICE
RELATIONSHIPS
WISDOM
LIFESTYLE SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
The Bhakti Center began with the simple idea that spirituality is meant to be more than a part of someone’s life; it’s a way of life. / 7
STEP INTO A JOURNEY OF SELF– TRANSFORMATION WE PRODUCE OVER 3,000 PROGRAMS EACH YEAR, and each is designed to help you reach your highest potential, step by step.
8 / A JOU RNEY OF SELF- TRA NS FOR MAT I O N
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP No matter where you are in your life, you will have an opportunity to move forward in SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, WISDOM, SELFLESS SERVICE, RELATIONSHIPS, AND LIFESTYLE. Our events and workshops are designed to help you advance in these key life areas and if you are inspired to go deeper, the next steps in SELF-TRANSFORMATION are available through our groups, courses, trainings and retreats.
RELATIONSHIPS
LIFESTYLE
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
WISDOM
SELFLESS SERVICE
take your next ste p / 9
FINDING MY WAY THROUGH BHAKTI “I moved from confusion to clarity. I walked through these doors not knowing what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. This path and community has removed the dust from the mirrors of my eyes so I can truly see. I feel safe to claim my power and gifts and encouraged to help others do the same.” –Roya P.
STEP 1: Roya discovers Bhakti Center community groups through an unsuspecting e-mail
STEP 2: RELATIONSHIPS & WISDOM
She begins to read and discuss the Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual books within her community group.
STEP 3: WISDOM, RELATIONSHIPS AND LIFESTYLE Encouraged by Dhyana Masla, Roya signs up for yoga teacher training.
STEP 4: WISDOM
Through her training, a desire is ignited to study and live by the principles of Ayurveda.
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STEP 5: WISDOM AND LIFESTYLE
Roya furthers her study with Dhyana by completing her 100-hour Ayurveda training.
ROYA’S BHAKTI JOURNEY
STEP 6: SELFLESS SERVICE
She is invited to teach an ayurveda workshop and now shares what she’s learned in service to others.
Roya’s B ha kti J ourney / 1 1
transforming consciousness through sacred sound In a world of increasing distraction, it is becoming harder and harder to practice meditation and cultivate inner focus. For thousands of years, as a remedy for our restless minds, the simple process of devotional singing of divine mantras has been prescribed to facilitate inner connection that is easy and available for everyone in the practice of Kirtan.
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KIRTAN IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO because we experience time and again the transformative power of coming together with sincere and open hearts to connect to God, ourselves, and each other through the power of mantra and devotional song. To encourage everyone to take up this simple SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, we’ve launched a school of kirtan that offers classes on learning traditional instruments, foundational philosophy on the meaning of the practice, and kirtan groups to connect with fellow kirtan practitioners. This year we celebrated the ONE-YEAR anniversary of our Tuesday Night Kirtan and watched our Thursday Night Kirtan approach its 10-YEAR anniversary. We’re inspired to see the crowds of people who come for our weekly programs and the number of people who fly in from all over the country to take our kirtan trainings.
KIRTAN SCHOOL EXPERIENCES TO INSPIRE
• Tuesday Night Kirtan • Thursay Night Kirtan COURSES THAT PROVIDE DEEPER WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
• Intro to Kirtan Workshops • Advanced Rhthym and Melody training • Level 1, 2, and 3 Mrdanga courses • Kartal and Rhythm workshops TRAINING TO TRANSFORM ONE’S LIFESTYLE AND SELFLESSLY SERVE IN THE WORLD
• Foundations of Kirtan training • 100-Hour Kirtan training
The final day of our Foundations of Kirtan training
KIRTAN / 1 3
FINDING MY WAY THROUGH BHAKTI “My relationships continue to grow and I feel the constant support of my Godbrothers and sisters and the Bhakti Center community. Any time I can make it into the city and visit my spiritual home, it fills me with joy. There so many debts I feel I can never repay. I can only hope to give back to God my efforts. I aspire to be and live fully in service to Him.” –Madhava Puri
STEP 1:
Attends a yoga workshop at the Bhakti Center hosted by Bhagavat Life
STEP 2: RELATIONSHIPS
Takes a tour of the temple with senior educator, Kaustubha, and becomes intrigued about bhakti. Begins to read spiritual literature by Srila Prabhuada.
STEP 3: RELATIONSHIPS, SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, AND WISDOM
Signs up for a one-day retreat with Raghunath and Radhanath Swami and has a life-changing experience which inspires him to take on the practice of Bhakti.
STEP 4: SELFLESS SERVICE
Attends the Bhakti Immersion retreat at Pumpkin Hollow, brings his saxophone, and reveals his incredible musical talent.
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STEP 5: RELATIONSHIPS AND WISDOM Steadily attends Bhagavad Gita study group on Long Island with teacher Joshua Greene
MADHAVA PURI’S BHAKTI JOURNEY
STEP 6: SELFLESS SERVICE
Falls in love with washing pots for our public festivals (he’s literally the first person to sign up), and now Madhava Puri continues to be a part of our community.
madhava puri’s bhakti journey / 1 5
Living Yoga Yoga means to connect, and every day, our teachers strive to live in integrity with the WISDOM and LIFESTYLE of Yoga, with the purpose of helping others connect to their true spiritual selves, the divine, and to all living beings through SELFLESS SERVICE.
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YOGA SCHOOL OUR AIM IS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT that awakens the inner potential of each person who enters our studio. This all starts with our dedicated faculty of teachers who genuinely apply themselves to the path of Yoga, positively transform their lives through the process, and make that experience available to every seeker who enters into the space.
Above: Kishor Chandra represents the Bhakti Center at the United Nations, during the International Day of Yoga. EXPERIENCES TO INSPIRE
• Yoga classes • Yoga and Dinner COURSES THAT PROVIDE DEEPER WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
• Monthly Yoga workshops DEEPENING RELATIONSHIPS, WISDOM AND TRANSFORMING LIFESTYLE
•Yoga retreats TRAINING ONE TO TRANSFORM THEIR LIFESTYLE AND SELFLESSLY SERVE IN THE WORLD
• Yoga Teacher Training • Advanced Yoga Teacher Training • Yoga Mentorship program yo ga / 1 7
FINDING MY WAY THROUGH BHAKTI The journey into Bhakti has brought such positive transformation and spiritual depth to my life. I had always been looking for a community to explore the deeper meaning of life with. Before finding the Bhakti Center, my life seemed to be segmented: I was confused and never found a community that I truly belonged to. Bhakti Center gave me a community of like-minded seekers based on authentic spiritual teachings and helped me to discover my true purpose in life –Susan H.
STEP 1: Susan begins Yoga Teacher Training at the Bhakti Center
STEP 2: SELFLESS SERVICE
Begins teaching community yoga classes and eventually becomes a Yoga Teacher Training mentor herself.
STEP 4: SELFLESS SERVICE
Becomes a part of our hospitality team and engages her time (and smile) in service.
STEP 3: RELATIONSHIPS
Starts attending weekly community groups and developing personal relationships.
STEP 5: RELATIONSHIPS, SELFLESS SERVICE, AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Goes on an India pilgrimage and has a transformational experience
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STEP 6: WISDOM
Deepens her spiritual education with Ayurveda 100-hour training and Yoga Nidra Training
SUSAN’S BHAKTI JOURNEY
STEP 7: SELFLESS SERVICE Now serves on our staff as the programming manager, helping to run the place she calls home.
susan ’s B H AKT I J OURNEY / 1 9
WISDOM We believe that the answer to living a truly fulfilled life are found in ancient wisdom texts, and we recognize that most people in New York City and the world need a little help in making those teachings relevant and dynamic to their everyday life. In 2020 we will offer practical wisdom through SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION COURSES which aim to inspire a life of deeper spiritual awareness. A LIFE OF SPIRITUAL AWARENESS MEANS: 1. Embracing the idea that happiness arises through SELFLESS SERVICE. 2. Keeping a PEACEFUL MIND through life’s ups and downs 3. Perceiving how we can DEEPEN OUR UNDERSTANDING through every experience. 4. Seeing how every living being is intrinsically CONNECTED AND SACRED
2 0 / wisdom
MEDITATION SCHOOL TRANSFORM YOUR INNER WORLD Under the seasoned guidance of one of the most authentic yogis and meditation teachers around, Yogi Charu, Bhakti Center offers a variety of meditation experiences that incorporate ancient techniques of breath, stillness, mantra, and sacred sound. Our Meditation Studio exists to help one transform their LIFESTYLE from inside out through time-tested meditation techniques.
EXPERIENCES TO INSPIRE
• Daily classes COURSES THAT PROVIDE DEEPER WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
• Immersions • Yoga Nidra Training TRAINING ONE TO TRANSFORM THEIR LIFESTYLE AND SELFLESSLY SERVE
• Meditation Teacher Training Yogi Charu is the master teacher of Savitri Yoga Shal (Savi Yoga). He inspires students from all over the world through retreats, private classes and virtual meditation classes.
JUST AS A LAMP IN A WINDLESS PLACE DOES NOT FLICKER, SO THE DISCIPLINED MIND OF A YOGI REMAINS STEADY IN MEDITATION ON THE SELF. BHAGAVAD GITA 6.19
M EDITAT ION / 2 1
FINDING MY WAY THROUGH BHAKTI “When the Community Groups expanded, I was asked to facilitate one of the groups. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. These times of reading, chanting, discussing, laughing, and sometimes crying, together have brought me so much joy. The support of these relationships and learning from the texts have propelled me forward in my spiritual life.” –Jamuna Jaya
STEP 1:
While attending her advanced Yoga teacher training at Yogamaya, Jamuna meets teachers from the Bhakti Center.
STEP 2:
By their invitation, she becomes inspired to set foot into the Bhakti Center —and quickly realizes she’s found her home.
STEP 3: WISDOM
Begins attending weekly Bhakti 101 classes given by Kaustubha.
STEP 4: RELATIONSHIPS, WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Takes a leap of faith and goes on a transformative pilgrimage to India with Kaustubha and Radhanath Swami
STEP 5: WISDOM
After coming back from India, Jamuna steadily attends Gita discussions with Ghanashyam for two years straight.
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STEP 6: RELATIONSHIPS Joins an all-women community group with Rasika Gopi and discovers her love for reading, sharing, and building community.
JAMUNA JAYA’S BHAKTI JOURNEY
STEP 8: SPIRITUAL PRACTICE AND SELFLESS SERVICE
Jamuna expresses her purpose in service to others by teaching yoga classes and leading community groups steadily.
STEP 7: SELFLESS SERVICE
Eventually begins to facilitate her own groups each semester; her laugh (and cookies) create and nourish community.
J amuna J aya’s B H AKT I J OURNEY / 2 3
AYURVEDA: THE SCIENCE OF LIFE BHAKTI TEACHES US THAT IN ORDER TO OFFER OUR BEST SELVES in service to others, we need a harmonious balance between body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda, Yoga’s sister science, is a 5,000-year old system of natural healing rooted in the ancient culture of India. It guides us not only towards vibrant physical and mental health, but also to a deeper connection to our spiritual nature. It offers us a body of WISDOM designed to help us stay vital while realizing our full human potential. Dedicated to maintaining the spiritual integrity of Ayurveda, the Bhakti Center’s School of Ayurveda offers education in the medical and LIFESTYLE science which serves to help one live life in alignment with nature in order to awaken their highest potential in SELFLESS SERVICE to others.
EXPERIENCES TO INSPIRE
• Intro to Ayurveda • Workshops • Veda Life: Integrated lifestyle class • Intro to Marma Therapy • Marma Healing Dojo COURSES THAT PROVIDE DEEPER WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE
• Veda Life: Integrated Lifestyle Course DEEPENING RELATIONSHIPS, WISDOM AND TRANSFORMING LIFESTYLE
• Elemental Being Retreat TRAINING ONE TO TRANSFORM THEIR LIFESTYLE AND SELFLESSLY SERVE IN THE WORLD
100-Hour Marma Training 100-Hour Veda Life: Integrated Lifestyle Training 100-Hour Ayurveda Training
2 4 / ayurveda : TH E SCI ENCE O F LI F E
MARMA Healing for each other and the world MARMA THERAPY IS MORE THAN BODYWORK— it’s one of the world’s most powerful stress-eliminating Ayurvedic sciences. The opportunity to heal is available to anyone and everyone. Our vision is to equip our community members with the tools and wisdom to share the transformative experience of wellness and lifestyle and begin to heal the city of New York one person at a time. This past spring our Executive Director, Vira Tansey, led our first Marma and Ayurvedic lifestyle training. The offering was so well-received that it was offered a second time in the fall, and we now have a team of trained Marma specialists who have found their call to service in offering their healing services to our community and beyond.
April 2019 100-Hour Marma Training graduating class
June 2019 “Refresh” event offered a mini wellness experience to over 500 New Yorkers
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FINDING MY WAY THROUGH BHAKTI “As a native New Yorker born and raised in this concrete jungle, having my guard up felt necessary to maneuver an unforgiving and volatile environment. The Bhakti Center has given me the strength and confidence to come back to my true self and to, brick by brick, break down the protective walls I created. Bhakti Center has equipped me with the tools I need to look inward for my happiness instead of outward. It has allowed me to feel that it is ok to be vulnerable. Words can not express what the Bhakti Center has done for my life and for my spiritual evolution.” –Eddie J.
STEP 1: Eddie’s partner, Missy, comes to the Bhakti Center regularly (you know where this is going)
STEP 2: SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Decides to come along for a yoga class and eventually finds his way to Thursday Night Kirtan.
STEP 4: SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Eddie takes his kirtan learning further and takes our 6-week Mrdanga training
STEP 3: SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Signs up for Kirtan Camp and learns his first kirtan melody.
STEP 5: RELATIONSHIPS, WISDOM, AND LIFESTYLE
Feeling called to take his practice deeper and become an instrument of service to others, Eddie participates in both Yoga Teacher Training and Marma Training.
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EDDIE’S BHAKTI JOURNEY
STEP 6: RELATIONSHIPS AND SELFLESS SERVICE Eddie currently hosts a weekly community group at his home and leads kirtan (when he’s not too shy).
eddie’s B H AKT I J OURNEY / 2 7
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE 28 /
In 2019 we invested in the vision of a thriving community in the heart of New York City by prioritizing our staff and physical building which both make this vision a reality.
INVEST ING FOR OUR FUT URE / 2 9
OUR NEW STUDIOS RENOVATING THE SECOND FLOOR 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 renovating our 2nd floor this year. A tireless team led by Lalita Priya and Radha Madhava transformed the space, making it into a truly calming, intentional environment. Our temple also received a much needed facelift by 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 before.
3 0 / OUR N E W STUD I OS
Bhaktivedanta Research Center New York City inauguration event held in our 2nd floor event space.
Our smaller studio provides an intimate setting for classes, community groups, and trainings.
We owe our upmost gratitude to Radha Madhava devi for her selfless service in helping us renovate the 2nd floor and the entire building over the years. Lalita Priya’s Mom, Michelle, flew up from Australia and together they led the charge in designing, renovating and creating a stunning new space.
OUR NEW ST UDIOS / 3 1
A BOUTIQUE WITH PURPOSE Our daily LIFESTYLE based on spiritual principles is essential to keep us focused, balanced, and healthy, both physically and spiritually. For this reason we’ve opened AMRITA BOUTIQUE to provide essential items that support your efforts to live in harmony with the body, mind, and soul. We provide sacred literature to deepen spiritual WISDOM, Ayurvedic home goods to stock your kitchen with, ethical clothing that supports women artisans in India, meditation beads and Kirtan instruments for your personal SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, and devotional items for you to set up your own home altar for personal worship. It’s all part of our effort to equip each and every member in our community with the resources and tools needed to support their spiritual journey in life. 3 2 / A B OU TI QUE WI TH PURPO S E
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INSPIRED IN SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION THE TRADITION OF BHAKTI RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN ANEW IN LIFE. “Diksa” is a Sanskrit term for the act of beginning our spiritual journey under the guidance of an able teacher. It is the act of committing oneself to daily spiritual practice, and to a life of integrity with key morals and principles. This commitment is ultimately meant to support one in a life of selfless service to God and humanity.
BRAJARANI DEVI DASI
KISHOR CHANDRA DAS
Taking this step of initiation is a commitment to myself as well as to guru. It doesn’t mean that I have everything figured out, that I’ve somehow “arrived”, but rather that I’m committed to the process of learning and of becoming my true and best self. It’s an acknowledgment that I can’t do any of that alone; I need a guide and the help of fellow travelers.
Taking this huge step gave me a person who has become my guiding light toward a deeper reality of love and service to God. I feel that I have taken myself out of the center and placed service to God and humanity in its place. I am humbled to be connected to my teacher Radhanath Swami in a lineage of great saints and yogis. In some ways I feel like my yogic journey has reached an apex, but deep down I know that taking this step is actually the beginning of my journey of spiritual awakening.
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COMMUNITY GROUPS Several years ago Rasika Gopi and small group of ladies came together to connect about their spiritual practice in an intentional way. Those simple connections formed the basis of what has now become a wide network of Community Groups, which facilitate hundreds of people from all types of backgrounds and levels of faith to experience personal transformation by developing genuine RELATIONSHIPS centered around WISDOM and SPIRITUAL PRACTICE. Pictured Left: Rasika Gopi (community groups director) and Lila (community group leader) Community groups / 3 5
DEVOTION IN MOTION Our summer 2019 fundraiser event held at the showroom of Joe Carini’s Carpets in Tribeca.
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ON JUNE 15, OUR COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER TO PLEDGE an unprecedented
level of support to the growth and development of the Bhakti Center. We raised a record amount of $212,142 to renovate our second floor, develop professional office facilities for our staff, and finish the remaining payments on our mortgage. The energy of the room felt electric as hearts opened and a community came together to join hands and unite as family, firmly rooted, bound together, and ready to branch out and share the gift of Bhakti with the world.
DEVOT ION IN M OT ION/ 3 7
FUNDRAISERS WE WANT THE BHAKTI CENTER TO REMAIN A SPIRITUAL HOME for all of New York City for
Above: Our Executive Director, Vira Tansey, giving a fundraising presentation on November 2, 2019
generations to come. We are an ever-expanding family, and it takes each of us to make the Bhakti Center what it is. The success of our fundraising efforts really shows how dedicated our community is to the long term vision of building spiritual community in heart of New York City. We would not be here without the contributions of each donor and volunteer and we are ever grateful for your continued support.
DREAM MADE REALITY: OWNING THE BHAKTI CENTER After years of collective dedicated service by the community, in December 2019 we made the final mortgage payment to own our building outright. Your heartfelt contributions have made 25 First Avenue our permanent home. Now, for generations to come, the people of New York may continue find their spiritual community at Bhakti Center. A copy of our deed commemorating the ownership of our building.
3 8 / fundraisers
fundraisers / 3 9
FINANCIAL STRENGTH The Bhakti Center continues to grow each year and due to the incredible dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and inspiring community members, we see no limit to what’s possible.
We have seen the Bhakti Center move towards financial stability over the years with an increased engagement in our paid programming, steady support from our donors, and a conscious approach to how finances are spent day in and day out.
HIGHLIGHTS: In 2019 we saw an 86% increase in our income from paid programming. From 2016-2019 we payed off our 535K MORTGAGE, saving us 60K in interest payments over that same period.
OUR GROWTH OVER THE YEARS
Primarily due to the efforts of our Finance Director, Sundarnath, we have seen the Bhakti Center become financially sustainable.
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AVERAGE MONTHLY FINANCES IN 2019
average monthly finances / 4 1
OUR JOURNEY FORWARD Our community is dynamic and we are constantly refining how we make the experience of spiritual transformation attractive and accessible to everyone who interacts with us.
4 2 / our JOURNEY FORWA RD
OUR HOPE Everyone is looking for fulfillment and a better experience of life. We believe the ancient wisdom of Bhakti Yoga makes that experience readily available for anyone that genuinely applies themselves to the process. The foundation of spiritual transformation is based in WISDOM, SPIRITUAL PRACTICE, RELATIONSHIPS, LIFESTYLE AND SELFLESS SERVICE. Community groups help us forge personal RELATIONSHIPS which keep us steady on our spiritual journey through life’s inevitable ups and downs. RELATIONSHIPS
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
WISDOM
The SPIRITUAL PRACTICES available in our programs provide the nourishment needed to become strong in spiritual life and make steady progress on the path. Our programs are designed to make the WISDOM of bhakti yoga accessible and inspire us to perceive how the world is always working to deepen our self-knowledge through every experience of life. Spirituality is meant to be more than a part of someone’s life, but a practical LIFESTYLE that supports the awakening of ones full potential.
LIFESTYLE
SELFLESS SERVICE
By experiencing genuine connection with others and becoming grounded in our spiritual life, we naturally look to give back to God and our community through SELFLESS SERVICE.
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 community continues to grow because of each person’s dedication to live spiritually, and because of it, together, we are helping to transform the world. our hope / 4 3
HOW HAS THIS JOURNEY ENRICHED YOUR LIFE? WORDS FROM OUR COMMUNITY I experience the Bhakti Center as a community that celebrates the art of living: uplifting each other and anchoring ourselves in spiritual practice. The Bhakti Center is an oasis of peace in a bustling city. I’m cultivating my spiritual practice, absorbing ancient wisdom, and learning from the teachers I meet—they are some of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known, and their very presence gives me so much energy. This community has transformed my life. –PARASTOU M.
The Bhakti Center has helped me examine who I was, my purpose in life, and what I can do to lead a more enriching life. It has served as an oasis for spiritual fulfillment —especially as I advance in age and observe my shortcomings. It is the compass and anchor in my life. –GEORGE W. I’ve been given a community based on spiritual teachings to something so much bigger than me. I’ve made so many friends at the Bhakti Center who I get to talk about real, deep, important topics with. –SUSAN H.
4 4 / W ORDS FROM OUR COM M UNI TY
This journey has rooted me in community and a deeper understanding of the meaning of life. –ROYA P. My experience at the Bhakti Center has shown me by example, what it means to live a life of purpose and how incredibly fulfilling and beautiful it can be to serve God and others. –CHANDLER R. My journey has been pure sweet magic. My heart has opened in ways I cannot describe. The association of such sweet souls in this harsh city has allowed me to be more fearless and trust God, myself, and others more. – KALEIGH C.
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
Yasoda Dulal
Brahma Tirtha
Sundarnath
Vijaya Govinda
H.H. Radhanath Swami
Rukmini Devi
Virabhadra Ram board of directors / 4 5
4 6 / board of directors
board of directors / 4 7
IF YOU ARE INSPIRED TO TAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL: • • • •
Visit the center: www.bhakticenter.org Join in and volunteer your skills and services: info@bhakticenter.org Become a monthly donor: bhakticenter.org/support Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram: @bhakticenter
Bhakti Center, 25 First Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10003 | Phone: 212-533-4842
Photography: Tatiana Kiseleva | Content and writing: Doyal Gauranga and Virabhadra Ram Design and layout: Rukmini Poddar | Editing: Anna Cooperberg 4 8 / board of directors