Interfaith Gathering with Denmark Christians

Part of the Protestant church in their native country, these young adults had seen the Hare Krishna devotees chanting and dancing on the streets of Denmark, but they had little knowledge of the Hare Krishna culture, and were looking forward to finding out more about the Hare Krishnas.

Accompanied by the priest of the local Protestant church in Hong Kong, Reverend John LeMond, the visiting group from Denmark arrived at the ISKCON HK temple at 10:00 am. After the initial welcome address and introductions by the emcee for the event, Her Grace Sri Radhika devi dasi, the programme started with a 15 minute kirtan where His Grace Prabhava dasa led the chanting of the Hare Krishna MahaMantra. Although initially hesitant, the kirtan was so inviting that gradually the guests began to chant the MahaMantra along with the devotees.

Following this, guests were given an hour long introduction to Vaisnava philosophy and culture. This was in the form of a PowerPoint presentation, given by His Holiness B.V.V. Narasimha Maharaj, a senior sannyasi and disciple of ISKCON's founder-acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

At 11:15 am, refreshments of fennel tea and organic cookies were served to the guests. Everyone enjoyed the cookies and especially the fennel tea, which most of them had never tasted before. During the break, the group had the opportunity to mingle and discuss with other devotees who were present for the programme - Her Grace Bhavatarini devi dasi, Her Grace Vishakha Priya devi dasi & Her Grace Yogini devi dasi.

Also during the break, the group was treated to a cultural performance by Ms. Vinita who performed the traditional Indian classical dance known as "Bharata Natyam". After the dance performance, the guests were invited to try out some of the classical dance steps, which they gamely agreed to. Two volunteers came forward to perform some of the dance steps with Ms. Vinita, to the delight and enjoyment of all.

Then, His Grace Radhacaran dasa explained the significance of wearing the tilak and tulasi neck beads. He further spoke about the typical attire worn by Vaisnavas i.e. dhoti & kurta for men, and sarees for the ladies, and how these garments are practical to use because they are easy to wear & easy to maintain.

At noon, the doors to the altar opened to reveal the beautiful smiling faces of Their Lordships Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, dressed in fine clothes and jewellery, and bestowing their unlimited mercy to all. Arati ceremony was performed which was certainly something very interesting for the visiting group, and they all observed the ceremony with great attention. His Grace Prabhava dasa led the kirtan, and soon all the visitors were singing and dancing together with the devotees to the sound of the MahaMantra, proving that Krishna's name has a direct appeal/effect on the soul, regardless of race & religion.

After the arati ceremony, the group had an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas about what they had seen and heard. Some very intelligent and pertinent questions were raised, which were ably answered by His Holiness B.V.V. Narasimha Maharaj & His Grace Radhacaran dasa.

Before being served lunch, Her Grace Sri Radhika devi dasi thanked the guests for visiting ISKCON & participating in the programme. Reverend John LeMond also thanked ISKCON HK for hosting the group and for extending such a warm welcome to everyone.

Lunch prasadam was served at 1:15 pm. Again the visiting group from Denmark was amazed that vegetarian cuisine could be so delicious and appetizing, not to mention healthy and wholesome. Cooked with lots of love and devotion, the lunch was prepared by Her Grace Radha Priya devi dasi, Her Grace Lalita Sundari devi dasi, Her Grace Radha dasi & Bhaktin Ling. Her Grace Radhakunda devi dasi and His Grace Krishna Nama dasa graciously served the prasadam to everyone.

During lunch, participants were broken up into smaller groups, with one devotee taking care of each group. This gave the devotees an opportunity to further discuss philosophy and exchange views with the guests.

Finally, everyone gathered for a group photograph, which was arranged and taken by His Grace Caturbhuja dasa. Then each guest was given a book on Vaisnava philosophy to take away with them. But of course the biggest thing that the young Christians from Denmark took away with them from this programme is a better understanding of the Hare Krishna movement, and perhaps a little more appreciation for the devotees.

All in all, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna, it was a successful preaching programme for ISKCON HK.