September 28th, 2009
Introducing the Devi Ashram
I am currently working toward establishing a unique and exciting new project for ISKCON: the Devi Ashram, an International Vaishnavi Training and Retreat Centre.
Based in the beautiful natural environment of Pandavas Paradise (Paraíso dos Pândavas, Brazil), the Devi Ashram will offer ladies of all ages an opportunity to come and learn or teach all aspects of a Krishna conscious lifestyle, or just relax and read/study Prabhupada’s books in a good devotional atmosphere. The resident students at the ashram will receive training in the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, and learn to cook, give classes, worship deities, preach, play our traditional instruments, lead kirtans, even grow their own vegetables, and more. Those who come for reading retreats will be free to participate in all student activities or simply relax and study Prabhupada’s books. All the ladies at the Devi Ashram will also be able to take advantage of our nature trails and crystal clear water pools and waterfalls.
The infrastructure for the Devi Ashram is already in place. We have the rooms, beds, bathrooms, kitchen, temple room etc. What we need now are the teachers, students and visitors. I will be sending out a more official announcement and invitation for applications soon, but if you happen to be reading this un-official preview and you are interested in spending some time at the Devi Ashram, please contact me! (Carana.Renu.DAS@pamho.net) As an international centre, our main languages will be English, Portuguese and Spanish.
At Pandavas Paradise we are fortunate to have very comfortable temperatures all year round. We are able to cater to individual requirements in terms of study, service, diet, sleeping arrangements etc. – we offer a highly personalized program. We expect that most of our teachers and students will spend somewhere between 1-6 months with us (the maximum stay in Brazil for people from most countries is 6 months) but visitors will be welcome at any time for shorter periods.
So, if you think you might like to apply, visit, get involved, or just want to find out more, please contact me, Carana Renu dasi, at Carana.Renu.DAS@pamho.net or leave a comment below!