72 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: n/a
Web address: http://iskconboston.org
Email: vpd.rns@gmail.com
Contact Person:
Vinod Mamdyal
Organization Description:
The purpose is to educate people from all backgrounds, races, and ethnicities on the importance of spiritual life, and how to practice spiritual life. To bring congregation members together for the purpose of teaching a simpler more natural way of life. Members of our congregation seek to center their lives around God. We live by the motto of simple living and high thinking. Our community provides necessary resources for fostering and furthering a God Consciousness way of life. Our community creates a wonderful support system within ISKCON to advance the well-being of society and provide a God Conscious education to everyone. We strive to empower every member to live a happy and satisfied life and feel supported within ISKCON.
Opportunities for Student Involvement:
There are many diverse ways for field education students to engage in their ministry at ISKCON Boston. Depending on one’s interests, they can choose to serve in a number of different capacities. Here is a sample of various projects, tasks, and special initiatives that a student may engage in: Practicing and performing devotional music on traditional Indian instruments such as harmonium, mrdanga drum, and kartala cymbals. Performing prayers and worship. Learning and teaching the Vedic rituals. Studying the various Vedic scriptures and discussing what you learn with the site supervisor and other senior members of the congregation. Engage in theological reflection with experienced spiritual practitioners. Receive guidance from monks. Learn the culinary skills according to Ayurveda and the Vedas. Participate in free vegetarian food distribution to visitors of ISKCON Boston and many other community events. Support the organization of special events and festivals. Practice Bhakti Yoga, including mantra meditation. Depending on the student’s skills, they may be interested in teaching yoga or philosophy. Attend field trips, seminars, and retreats with other youth from the congregation and various colleges and universities. Integrate a spiritual practice including ecology and sustainability. Learn the Bhakti Yoga etiquette and develop its core virtues such as humility and sincerity. Opportunities to meet and interact with worldwide Brahmachari monks, Sanyasi renunciates, Spiritual Masters, and exalted Krishna devotees. Learn management skills by working closely with the temple president and administrators. Develop a daily personal sadhana (spiritual practice) involving mantra meditation, svadhyaya (scriptural study) and seva (devotional service)
Commute/Transportation Information:
Students can take the T train from Harvard Square to Copley Square, and it is a short walk from Copley Square. We are close to the following T stations: Red Line - Harvard Square to Park Street (change to green line) Green Line - From anywhere to Copley Square Orange Line - From anywhere to Back Bay Commuter Train - From anywhere to Back Bay (it’s a short walk from Back Bay) For those who want to drive, it is possible to park at Boston Common Parking Garage, Back Bay Parking Garage, or any metered parking near ISKCON Boston.
Arts of Ministry Competencies Offered:
- Administration and Program Development
- Preaching and Worship
- Public Leadership, Community Organizing, and Planning
- Religious Education and Spiritual Development
Supervision:
As a site supervisor, I make myself very available and accessible to the HDS Field Education students. In addition to our weekly one-hour one-on-one theological reflection sessions, I enjoy mentoring the students to ensure they engage in services and other training programs that interest them and allow them to grow. During our weekly one-hour theological reflection sessions, I prefer that the field education student share what is on their heart, ask questions, and guide the conversation in such a way as to support them. As a Temple President engaging in various managerial and administration tasks, the field education students are welcome to learn these leadership and managerial skills, if they are interested. As a pujari priest, the field ed student is also welcome to learn worship rituals, scriptures, etiquettes, and much more.
Additional Information:
- Number of Students: 1
- Total Compensation: $0
- Type of Compensation: not specified