Devotees sharing Krishna Consciousness with the Holistic Lifestyle Community.
Recently, a team of devotees from ISKCON Denmark participated in the country’s largest Body-Mind-Spirit Health Fair, called “Krop-Sind-Ånd Helsemesse.” The popular event, which welcomed 6,000 visitors over its three-day run, was held at Brøndby Hallen in Copenhagen. With an array of 165 exhibitors and over 90 engaging lectures, workshops, and mini-courses, attendees were invited to explore the fields of physical, naturopathic, and spiritual wellness.
Lalitanath Dasa and his team from ISKCON Denmark brought spiritual insights and practices to complement the diverse array of offerings at the fair. ISKCON’s participation added a unique dimension to the dynamic environment of exploration and discovery. According to a recent post about the event, devotees shared small samples of kugleguf-prasadam with everyone who visited their booth, sold 270 bags of kugleguf-prasadam, as well as Srila Prabhupada’s books, vegetarian Krishna-conscious cookbooks, and books on science and intelligent design from a Vedic perspective. Additionally, they shared hundreds of Prabhupada brochures and invitations to the temple.
Lalitanatha Dasa, a dedicated member of ISKCON since 1982, brought a wealth of experience and commitment to the fair. His involvement reflected ISKCON’s broader mission of spiritual outreach and engagement with diverse communities. Speaking about ISKCON Denmark’s participation, Lalitanath highlighted the fair as one of several avenues through which the organization connects with individuals in Copenhagen, Denmark. He noted, “We see spiritual new age fairs like these just as one of several many venues by which one can reach into different sections of the population where one is serving and preaching.” Devotees attend two fairs every year: the Krop-Sind-Ånd Messe event in February and Mystikkens Univers held in November in Østerbrohuset.
While this isn’t ISKCON Denmark’s primary outreach, such events provide valuable opportunities to engage with a diverse audience and share the teachings of Krishna consciousness. Central to ISKCON Denmark’s presence at the fair was the offering of spiritual principles as a foundation for personal development. Lalitanatha underscored the importance of integrating spiritual values into one’s life, emphasizing that “without spiritual principles, there can be no permanent personal development.”
Through lectures and interactive presentations, such as Lalitanatha’s annual talk on reincarnation, ISKCON Denmark endeavors to offer attendees a deeper understanding of their spiritual identity. He described his lecture as a journey into the essence of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, where attendees were guided to realize their spiritual nature and connect with the Supreme Spirit within.
The impact of ISKCON Denmark’s presence extends beyond the confines of the fairgrounds. Lalitanatha acknowledged the positive reception from fair organizers and attendees alike, noting the appreciation for ISKCON’s distinct offering amidst a bustling marketplace of alternative and spiritual practices. Reflecting on the broader objectives of ISKCON Denmark’s participation, Lalitanatha explained, “Our focus was to get in touch with people, give them a favorable impression of devotees, and perhaps encourage them to begin associating with devotees.” While the immediate goal may not be to create devotees directly, ISKCON Denmark sought to establish meaningful connections and inspire individuals on their spiritual journey. As Lalitanatha elaborated on their multifaceted engagement with the fair, it became evident that their presence transcended mere participation – it embodied a commitment to inclusivity and spiritual enrichment.
ISKCON Denmark’s participation in the “Krop-Sind-Ånd Helsemesse” not only enriched the fair’s offerings but also underscored the organization’s dedication to spiritual outreach and community engagement. Through lectures, presentations, and personal interactions, ISKCON Denmark endeavored to sow the seeds of spiritual awakening and offer seekers a pathway to holistic well-being. Amidst the bustling aisles of crystals, healing modalities, and holistic products, the message of spiritual awakening served as a reminder of the timeless wisdom and transformative power of Krishna consciousness.
For regular updates about their programs and preaching initiatives, be sure to follow the Hare Krishna Denmark Facebook page.