From July 10th to 13th, 2025, this year’s European Retreat with HH Bhakti Vijnana Goswami took place at Simhachalam. Four days filled with kirtan, profound lectures, and vibrant spiritual energy – joined by around 200 of Maharaj’s disciples from all over Europe, many guests from the Indian community who visited over the weekend, and our own devotees. The house was literally filled to the very last corner.
Initiation – A New Beginning in Bhakti Yoga
For ten disciples, this retreat marked a particularly significant moment: they received their initiation – the formal acceptance into the disciplic succession as Srila Prabhupada has established it worldwide.
In our Vaishnava tradition, initiation means much more than a ritual. It is a conscious step into a life dedicated to serving Krishna. With initiation, the disciple not only receives their spiritual name but also the blessing and responsibility to sincerely continue on the path of bhakti. Srila Prabhupada always emphasized that initiation is not merely a formal act but an inner commitment – to genuinely strive for purity, devotion, and spiritual growth.
A Global Event – Even Though Maharaj Could Not Travel
Due to health reasons, HH Bhakti Vijnana Goswami could not come to Simhachalam in person this time. Nevertheless, he was fully present throughout: he joined repeatedly via live video, gave lectures, answered questions – and finally conducted the initiation ceremonies remotely on Sunday.
This moment reminded us again: spiritual connection is not bound by external circumstances. It lives in trust, in the chanting of the holy names, and in the hearts that carry the service forward.
Yagna Under the Open Sky
The yagna ceremony for the initiations was held on Sunday in the newly established mandapa on our large festival meadow next to the temple. Simhachalam’s head pujari, Ramananda Gopal Prabhu, led the yagna, accompanied by kirtan and a joyful, festive atmosphere.
We warmly congratulate all the new disciples – may the path of Krishna consciousness bring you strength, joy, and an ever-deeper connection with Krishna.
If you would like to learn more about Bhakti Yoga and life in community, feel free to visit – Simhachalam is open to all who seek spiritual experiences.
