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Mindfulness Wednesday at Florida International University (FIU)
Sept. 4
In collaboration with the Bhakti Yoga Club at FIU, SVA hosted the very first ‘Mindfulness Wednesday’ college program. This space invited students to start the school year on the right foot, connected to the divine source and equipped with tools to stay grounded and balanced throughout the semester. We had an asana (poses) class with Radha Dasi, held a japa session, heard a short talk by Viswaroop das and Vasanti dasi, and concluded with a melodious kirtan. Of course, everyone left with a plate of prasadam (blessed food), books, art, and a full heart.
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September Sringar
Weekly
Every day we bathe our Saligram Silas and Giriraj Govardhan (Deity stones), offering them Tulsi leaves and Manjaris. On special days such as Ekadashi, Janmashtami, and other holidays, we bathe them with panchamrita, the five special sacred ingredients: yogurt, honey, milk, ghee, and sugar. In addition, once a week we bathe, dress, and ornament our deities, Sri Sri Radha Ramana Bihari Ji.
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Srimati Caru Candrika Didi at SVA
Sept. 9
The divine feminine is always making its presence felt here at SVA. Caru Candrika Didi, one of the most senior and close female devotees of Srila Narayana Gosvami Maharaja and a world-renowned preacher, made a brief stop in Miami this past month. Wherever she goes, she is always remembering and sharing her sublime experiences with Srila Gurudeva, spreading Krishna’s mercy and the message of service to Sri Radha across the globe.
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Appearance Day of Srimati Radhika
Sept. 11
One of our biggest festivals of the year took place this month: Radharani’s Appearance Day! She is the feminine counterpart of Krishna, the embodiment of His power. In “Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi-Lila” Sri Krishna Himself says:
“I become mad by being controlled by the love of Srimati Radhika. Her love is like my teacher, and I am her dancing pupil.” (CC Adi-Lila, 4.124)
“Although Her love is pure like a mirror, its purity increases at every moment. My sweetness has no room for expansion, yet it shines before that mirror in newer and newer beauty.” (Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi-Lila, 4.140-141)
After the program, Sri Sri Radha Raman Bihari received 108 offerings of food-stuffs lovingly prepared by our cooks. All present honored this prasadam, then danced, chanted, and celebrated the purest embodiment of love—Srimati Radhika.
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Transcendental Book Distribution
Daily
Srila Gurudev Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja once said, “These books are not ordinary—they are transcendental personalities.” Srila Prabhupada emphasized, ‘Books are the basis, preaching is the essence, utility is the principle, and purity is the force’ (February 25, 1977, Mayapur).
At Sacred Vedic Arts, we are privileged to share the grace of our spiritual masters through these sacred texts. Our vibrant community embraces an abundance of books, art, and spiritual sound vibrations, all passed down through an unbroken lineage of self-realized Yogic masters, carrying the timeless essence of the spiritual world.
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Westcare Women’s Shelter
Sept. 18
It was an incredibly sweet visit to Westcare women’s shelter this past month: Offering a beautiful vegetarian meal, kirtan, books for the mothers and coloring books for their children, and sharing Krishna Conscious philosophy with the women there. They are so receptive and grateful every time we come. Some wept in happiness and gratitude.
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Join our Whatsapp group to get involved:
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Sing Out Loud Festival
Sept. 20-23
The Sing Out Loud Festival was a weekend of powerful outreach with the young men of SVA. Filled with, as usual, Harinamas, transcendental book distribution, preaching, and kirtan, the event energized the St. Augustine community with the vibrant spirit of Bhakti.
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Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in the USA
Sept. 23
Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the United States was a pivotal moment in spreading the teachings of bhakti-yoga. At 69, no money but great faith in his Gurudeva (spiritual master) and sacred books, he set out to share Krishna consciousness with the world. His unwavering devotion led millions to the formation of ISKCON and the spread of spiritual wisdom worldwide, a legacy that continues to uplift millions.
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Art of Worship
Sept. 24, 25, 26
The revered Sriman Indupati Prabhu truly embodied the book “Arcana Dipika,” “The Light on Worship,” as he led a 3-day workshop called “Art of Worship,” during his visit to SVA. His profound knowledge and depth of devotion elevated our own practices, while his example-inspired teaching encouraged us to serve with greater attention and intention. His three captivating classes have been streamed—feel free to check them out below.
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Master your Mind with a Monk
Sept. 26
We are excited to announce the launch of the “Master Your Mind with a Monk” series, that began this month at FIU. Over the course of five weeks, this program, led by Haridas brahmachari, explores the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, the most famous ancient sacred text from India, providing practical tools to help the students balance their mind and thrive both academically and personally.
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Bhakti Fest
Sept. 27-29
In the magical desert of California, one of our biggest distribution events of the year took place for the 13th consecutive year: Bhakti Fest at Joshua Tree. Our booth was called the heart of the festival, as many were moved to tears by the books, kirtan, art, and prasadam. A heartfelt thank you to Krishna Mayi Didi and Sivananda Prabhu for hosting us in California.
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Hippocrates Wellness Center & Sprouts
Weekly
During Syamarani Didi’s wellness program at Hippocrates Wellness Retreat Center, her and Vasanti Didi offered Tulsi Manjaris and leaves on to all the food preparations and presented Tulsi Manjaris to their Giriraj Deity. One day, Gaura Krishna das brought about 100 Tulsi Manjaris to Hippocrates, prompting Syamarani Didi to ask the chief chef, Ken, if he knew what they were. He replied, “Yes! We used to use that when we didn’t have wheatgrass” (which is regarded as the top superfood there at Hippocrates). When she offered him some, he happily accepted the first bunch, which was enough for the staff.
Afterward, when she and Vasanti returned to the temple a few weeks later, they gave a box of offered Tulsi Manjaris to Subal Sakha das for him to give to Ken, as he lives near Hippocrates and comes to the temple every Sunday. This gesture allowed their patients to receive prasadam.
In return, Ken spontaneously gifted Subal Sakha boxes of sprouts, which we used for our Sunday feast and our program for the less fortunate. Thus, a sweet exchange was created that we have been continuing weekly ever since.
We invite you to visit our temple for a superfood prasadam experience, featuring local vegetables, fruits, and healthy sprouts.
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Seva Opportunities at SVA
Daily
Our center offers an array of volunteering or seva (service) opportunities. Performed with love, our skills, talents, and personal propensities can be engaged in the service to Krishna, which expands all people and beings everywhere. We offer the engagement of services to our community in the form of cooking spiritual food, making garlands, playing instruments, singing, dancing, handy work, decorating, constructing, and a plethora of other activities. You are welcome to join us in serving the South Florida community through prasadam distribution to the needy and homeless, in programs at local shelters and jails, and in hosting educational and spiritual programs.
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Book of the Month
Delve into the art of Worship with “Arcana Dipika,” “The light that illuminates the Process of Deity Worship”
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Interested in a physical copy? You are welcome to visit our center in the Miami Design District for your personal copy.
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We especially extend our thanks to all of you for supporting and encouraging us, and also participating in our services. You are a great boon to us.
We look forward to bringing you news of exciting developments and initiatives in the upcoming weeks. We hope and pray to keep serving you all with love. We want to hear from you and stay in touch with you.
If you would like to donate to Sacred Vedic Arts, your contribution makes a meaningful difference and we deeply appreciate your generosity. Sacred Vedic Arts is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations to SVA are charitable contributions that can be deducted from federal income tax.
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