Volunteering

INTERVIEW WITH SHUSMITA DEB The Ladies Ashram had a new member, Shusmita Deb, join in August. Bhava Bhakti devi dasi met with her recently to find out a little bit about her. Bhava Bhakti devi dasi: Hare Krishna! So...how long are you going to stay here? Shusmita: I genuinely don’t know. I’m hoping to stay a few months, at least! Q: Why did you want to move into our tiny ashram in the middle of Central London? A: I wanted to fully embrace spiritual life in the ashram. In the ashram, all your activities and duties are directed towards serving Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara and Their devotees. Also, you can learn a lot because it’s a different experience and lifestyle. I wanted to develop as a devotee and take my spiritual life more seriously.

Q: What challenges have you faced so far? A: I found waking up really early for Mangal Arati quite difficult. It took some time to adjust. I joined the ashram a couple of days before Radhastami, therefore there were many services and activities during the day, which made waking up so early even harder! However, with time it became easier. The morning programme, particularly the Mangal Arati, is

beautiful. It’s definitely worth waking up early for. Q: What is the best thing about staying in the ashram? A: The devotees and Their Most Beautiful Lordships, Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. The ashram is one big family. Everyone is really caring, loving and friendly. As soon as I joined the ashram, I received a warm welcome from the residents. Association of devotees is very important for spiritual life. When you’re staying with and serving such advanced devotees, it’s wonderful. Serving Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara is blissful. Their Lordships are so stunningly beautiful. They captivate anyone who takes darshan of Them. They reciprocate with everyone who serves Them. I’m sure everyone agrees that there is just something special about Their Lordships. I feel very grateful and blessed to be staying in the ashram. Gauranga!

DAILY SCHEDULE

ARATI TIMES

04:30 Mangal Arati 05:00 Tulasi Arati 07:00 Deity Greetings 08:00 Dhoopa Arati 12:30 Raj Bhoga Arati 16:15 Dhoopa Arati 19:00 Sundara Arati 21:00 Sayana Arati

These are times when items are offered for the pleasure of Their Lordships.

DARSHAN TIMES

Although Their Lordships’ arati is taking place as normal as part of the Deity worship, please note ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple, at the time of publication, is closed and only open for darshan during Sundays from 4.00pm to 6.00pm and on specific festival days. Please visit www.iskcon.london for the latest information.

CLASS TIMES

07:30 Srimad-Bhagavatam / Caitanya-Caritamrta

At the time of publication, classes in the Temple Room are only taking place in the morning which are available to view via live broadcast. Please visit Bhakti Yoga London, ISKCON-London and London College of Vedic Studies Facebook pages for the latest information on additional online classes, programmes and courses.

ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple 10 Soho Street London W1D 3DL +44 (0)20 7437 3662 info@iskcon.london www.iskcon.london

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