Raas Lila in Lisbon, Portugal

The Hindu community in Portugal welcomed Pujya Bhaishri on 7th July 2008 after a long wait of 10 years.

On 8th and 9th July the residents of Lisbon listened with great enthusiasm to Pujya Bhaishri’s words of wisdom on Raas Leela. The discourses were held at Shri Radha Krishna Mandir from 8.30 pm to 11.30 pm. On both days two youth groups sang a bhajan before the discourses began. In his discourse, Pujya Bhaishri emphasized that the divine Raas between the Gopis and Shri Krishna is not just a dance, but the milan of atma and parmatma. He said that the anand and bliss gained from the Raas should always be present in our minds and hearts.

On 8th July, four temples, Shiv Mandir, Ambaji Mandir, Swaminarayan Mandir and Hare Ram Hare Krishna Mandir were privileged to welcome and listen to Pujya Bhaishri’s talks. He explained the Hindu religion in an extremely scientific manner and gave realistic suggestions of incorporating the teachings of our religion in our daily lives.

On 8th July, a youth session was also held where the youth went for a picnic with Pujya Bhaishri in a beautiful village call Óbidos. It is completely enclosed by lofty medieval walls and is considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal. The youth devotees were pleased to go in the bus with Pujya Bhaishri. A quiz game was organized in which Pujya Bhaishri gave his opinion about different points of views of religion.

Pujya Bhaishri touched the hearts of everyone who heard his beautiful and meaningful words. The children and adults of Portugal were left mesmerized, but with a new sense of meaning in their lives. Pujya Bhaishri’s proficiency in Gujarati, Hindi and English enabled both adults and children understand his words of wisdom. The Hindu Community of Portugal thanked Pujya Bhaishri and awaits his graceful visit again in the near future.