BEGINNING BHAKTI
level 1 community group for those new to bhakti
overview
Beginning Bhakti is the sequel to Intro to Bhakti, and is for those looking to explore the path of Bhakti with a group of like-minded seekers. Over the course of 8 weeks, the group spends time reading primary Bhakti texts and discussing topics such as life’s meaning, purpose, growing through challenges, love, Divinity, and our spiritual identity.
Beginning Bhakti Sat-sanga provides a space for people to explore the path of Bhakti, sharing thoughts and realizations, expressing doubts, asking questions, and finding inspiration and support on the spiritual path. Beginning Bhakti is designed to cover the foundational philosophy of Bhakti-yoga in greater depth, and is a stepping stone to Growing Bhakti.
meeting structure
- introduction and invocation – 10 minutes
- presentation – 20-25 min
- discussion – 25-30 minutes
- check-out – 10 minutes
what you’ll need
- book being discussed for your specific group
- journal and writing utensil (optional)
admission
There is no required fee, but voluntary contributions are welcome. At the Bhakti Center, we strive to keep the costs of our wisdom offerings as accessible as possible for everyone. At the same time, and if you can manage, reciprocity with the teacher is a valued principle in the Vedic tradition. We are here to support your journey. Please contact Vasudeva if you have any questions: [email protected]
groups
Dates: Tuesdays, June 16th – August 11th
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm
Facilitator: Vrinda Gopi & Sankirtan Acharya
Location: Bhakti Center
Book: The Journey Within, Part II
Dates: Tuesdays, July 7th – August 25th
Time: 5:45pm – 7:15pm
Facilitator: Brinda Kumari
Location: Bhakti Center
Book: The Journey Within, Part II
Dates: Mondays, July 13th – September 28th
Time: 6:30pm – 8pm
Facilitator: Maya
Location: Bhakti Center
Book: The Journey Within, Part II
facilitators
Brinda Kumari (Susan Hu) is an E-RYT® 500, YACEP®, and founder of an RYS® 200 based in NYC. Born and raised in Shanghai, she has always been searching for the deeper meaning and purpose of life beyond the body and the mind. After obtaining two master’s degrees in Media and Journalism and working in marketing/communications for over seven years, she listened to her inner calling to become a yoga and meditation teacher. Brinda is initiated into the bhakti tradition of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya as a disciple of HH Radhanath Swami.
Vrinda Gopi is a software engineer born and raised in India with a deep love for sacred spiritual lands. She’s a bhakti enthusiast who finds ways to connect with her true self and spiritual identity through creative endeavors while contributing in small, meaningful ways toward humanity and conscious living.
Sankirtan Acharya was born and raised in the beautiful town of Dehradun near the foothills of the Himalayas, in a Vedic environment. Today he’s cyber security enthusiast with a strong aptitude for people and resource management, and a passion for guiding others toward better ways of living and closer to their true self.
Maya Cabrinha is a kirtaniya, youth educator, and devotional arts facilitator committed to creating spaces of deep connection and transformation through the practice of kirtan. A dedicated practitioner of bhakti yoga, Maya blends traditional mantra meditation with an embodied, heart-centered approach to devotional music under their artist name VisnuMaya.
