Sushree Diwakari Devi of Radha Madhav Dham
The Canadian Hindu Cultural Centre in Grande Prairie will be welcoming Sushree Diwakari Devi of Radha Madhav Dham to daily lectures for a week beginning Sunday, April 6.
Devi is a sanyasi preacher who has lectured extensively throughout Canada, America, New Zealand, and Ireland, and she will be the first speaker to ever come to the Canadian Hindu Cultural Centre.
“This is a brand new temple and this is the first time we are having a speaker come from out of town, or that matter, from anywhere,” said Ratna Roy, a founding member of the Canadian Hindu Cultural Centre.
Roy explained that the temple doesn’t particularly have a priest, which makes the appearance of Devi that much more exciting for the temple, which was inaugurated in July of 2013.
Roy also mentioned how important it is because the temple is likely the only one north of Edmonton.
“Not only is it important for the community of Grande Prairie, but also for the people around the town like in Dawson Creek and higher up,” said Roy.
The lectures will feature beautiful Hindu devotional songs called bhajans, as well as inspirational talks from Diwakari Devi.
“She sings very good bhajans, and she’s bringing a harmonium. She’ll sing the devotional songs, and after that there will be a little time for the audience to talk to her and bring up any speciality questions that anybody may have,” said Roy.
Open to all
While the Hindu community will be lifted with pride from the lectures, Roy was very clear that the lectures would be relatable for people of all religions due to the topics being very general and broad.
“We’re all kind of in the same boat. We want to know how to deal with stress, how to be a better human being, and how can we make life better,” explained Roy.
“That’s exactly what she is going to discuss. I think it’s very helpful and important at the same time for all of us.”
Sushree Diwakari Devi has studied the deepest aspects of the philosophy of Divine Love, Sanskrit scriptures and devotional music of India. Her speeches inspire listeners with devotional love for Radha Krishna, known within Hinduism as the combination of both the feminine as well as the masculine aspects of God.
“She doesn’t have any family. She has renounced everything in order to study (the philosophies). She’s got a lot to offer,” said Roy.
Aside from Sunday’s lecture which begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at noon, each lecture will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 7 to Saturday, April 12.
Sunday’s service will include a lunch, while the weekday services will also include a supper.
The lectures are titled Quest of the Soul, Science of Material Desires, How to Conquer Material Desires, Path of Bhatki, Bliss of the Divine Name, Meditation, and Devotion in Daily Life.
Devi is the Vice President of JKP, Radha Madhav Dham, a large temple and ashram complex located on over 200 acres of scenic land in the Hill Country south of Austin, Texas.
Radha Madhav Dham was founded in 1990 under the name Barsana Dham, and sees over 50,000 people visit per year.
The lectures are free of charge, but donations are accepted and greatly appreciated.
“Everybody is welcome to come and please bring friends and families because it’s an opportunity for everybody to spend time with such a devoted soul.”
For more information on Sushree Diwakari Devi, check out the website www.RadhaMadhavDham.org.