Today’s world is different, far removed from what it was a couple of decades ago. There are so many movements, so many struggles and drives for justice, equality, freedom and health – it can be a bit overwhelming. At Radha Madhav Dham, we use every opportunity we get to enrich the lives of our devotees, helping them carve their spiritual path and to serve the community at large. And, there’s plenty we have been doing to connect us to what’s going on outside our borders:
Mother’s Day
We had a beautiful Mother’s Day at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin. We welcomed many families to our temple and they participated wholeheartedly in the Mother’s Day Celebrations. The children from community expressed their love for their mothers in poems, pictures and videos – it was delightful to see the pure affection of children and gratitude towards their mothers! Celebrating our Divine Mother, Radha Rani, we thanked all the local devotees and families who came in and made this day extra wonderful. The night before Mother’s Day, we held extended chanting, singing kirtans and pads all the way into the night. I can’t imagine a way to have spent a better Mother’s Day!
Nepal Relief Donation Drive
The recent earthquakes in Nepal have galvanized many communities and individuals into action, and Radha Madhav Dham isno exception. Many people came out to donate clothing, shelter items or just donate their time to help. We have many Nepalese refugees living in the Austin area and surrounding cities already, and with the help of the ashram, we were able to coordinate a massive relief drive in partnership with local Nepalese relief organizations. Our prayers are with the people of Nepal.
Summer Youth Camp 2015 at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin
Our summer youth camp is approaching fast. Kids from all over the country come to the ashram to attend the camp, instead of going to soccer camp, sleepaway camp, traveling or playing video games! We have an incredible community of devoted volunteers, teachers and staff who put together a truly memorable experience for children of all ages. This year the camp will be blessed to have 9 preachers from every corner of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, spirited families and blazing campfires, for an incredible two weeks. Summer is a time of great fun and our camp aims to prove that rule many times over. You can see the pictures of last year’s Youth Summer Camp-2014 here.
As a part of Jagadguru Kripaluji Parishat, we’re already part of a mission. As a regular devotee at Radha Madhav Dham, I’m working at a charitable nonprofit. By writing this blog for young Hindus everywhere, I’m taking a stand. Our organization is already donating clothes, building free clinics, feeding the hungry and providing opportunities for the disadvantaged. And there are plans for larger projects: solar panels, recycling programs, adult education classes and many others. As we continue to grow, we’ll need more people to join, more focus for our mission. I have a passion and loving responsibility to my ashram and to my devotee family, to give to them as much as I can and I feel proud that through this mission I can contribute so much more.