Bhakti Teens

Hey there,

You wouldn't imagine how many kids born and raised in bhakti societies are no longer connected. Rules and regs being taught are forced, strict, impractical for their real lives, and confusing. In addition, parents struggle and pray to have their kids interested and motivated spiritually, but don't have a clue how. Fourteen families personally shared with me this year alone with tears saying their kids are suicidal (too much pressure) . I'll never forget those conversations. We turned it around.

As a bhakti kid myself, I know first hand what they may experience. Identity crises, desire of Krishna mixed with real life friendship pressures, and academic pressures and feeling like a total failure. They don't need to be feeling this! 

So 3 years ago, my boys and I set up the Bhakti Leadership Academy -- with powerful youth mentors. 15 students just got their Bhakti Sastri certificates (2 year program) at the Sadhu Sanga. Over 200 have come through the classes. Courses are six months each. They learn contemporary leadership lessons with deep scripture and discuss practical applications in Zoom breakout rooms. 

Here's three responses from the latest batch of assignments. These teens are so amazing -- they deserve the right environment to thrive. Friends, love, a place to question and total practicality. I love love love reading their work. 

Purushottam Gupta (son of Radhika raman prabhu & Amrita Keli devi): "Im looking forward to my day of initiation, when I will chant 16 rounds and get my initiation beads. And the moment when my spiritual master will call out my new name. I also can't wait for when I distribute hundreds of Prabhupada's books to hundreds of people. And of course, the moment I achieve Prema. I've learned to avoid lecturing, one of the empathy blocks. I used to worry about things that were important but not urgent. The vision board has inspired me because it has given me a goal to live up to.

Shruti Chander (daughter of Vyenkata bhatta and Krsangi devi NJ): I was intrinsically motivated when Radhanath Swami, my guru, asked me at the age of 10 to start chanting one round a day. This motivated me to start my spiritual journey." "When we learned about the circle of control, reflected back on how my anxiety about weather was childish and that now, I trust Krishna with my life." I look forward to this entire process of bhakti leading up to entering the spiritual world, being able to serve other devotees and help others. I believe one of the most important qualities in a person is their compassion and empathy." "From the very first class, I had gained new spiritual and emotional skills. "Through this class, I learned about boundaries, and how to become closer to Krishna."

Radha Biswas (daughter of Atulya Devi & Paramarupa das): "l am looking forward to nishta because I want to have total faith in Krishna." "Gopakumar thought that if the servants of Krishna were this glorious, imagine the Lord himself. Krishna ran to hug him and fainted." "I look forward to getting better at chanting and fully loving it. I look forward to when I wilI have full faith in Krishna so I can be confident in life and know Krishna is always there." "The most important thing learned was empathic communication, how to use words and handle arguments better. "I want to get initiated so I can dedicate my life to Krishna." "I would like to know that Krishna is with me and is my best friend regardless of anything that happens to me."

The summer courses are filled up but if your teen is interested go to gopigita.com/bhaktiwork. 

Join the waitlist at gopigita.com/bhakti-course-waitlis