Hear it From Our community
Our community members share their experiences applying the 10 principles for improving sanga.
A family’s testimony
Reviews of our training
Valuable friendships were born with the devotees with whom we regularly open up this spiritual “honey jar” …
“Learning and practicing the principles of “improving sanga” has opened up a whole new chapter in my spiritual life. The benefits of these guided and structured discussions are manyfold. By practicing my God given ability to think , evaluate and examine what I hear and read deepened my understanding of the words of Srila Prabhupada and the scriptures. This method led to such discoveries about the meaning of Krisna consciousness that remains entirely hidden for a superficial follower like me. While the true meaning of these transcendental words remain closed, I thought it was normal to glide along the surface of Krishna Katha, take a short look in the depth every now and then. How could I expect to develop real taste for hearing and discussing spiritual topics? How could I expect to deepen and nourish true vaisnava friendships and serve with the right attitude? We establish relationships through service, we get realizations by following our sadhana , we strengthen our faith if we take to heart the orders of guru and Krisna . But if we don’t have a deeper understanding why and for whom are we doing it? If we don’t understand the law books of Srila Prabhupada profoundly, I believe we cannot advance substantially in our Krishna consciousness, and our conviction might not withstand the onslaughts of illusion. How it can, if we are unable to discriminate between mirage and fact? By the mercy and generosity of these two vaishnavas, Cintamani dhama and Krishna Dharma prabhus, we have been taught and guided gently , sensitively and expertly to approach Krisna consciousness as it is: a science not as a religion. In the course of practicing this method I gained new enthusiasm and taste to discuss and glorify Krisna and his devotees. Valuable friendships were born with the devotees with whom we regularly open up this spiritual “honey jar”. The greatness of this method is not only that it reveals deeper secrets of the scriptures. Following its etiquette is not some formality. It’s the practice of empathy, attentiveness, sensitivity, consideration and humility in service of the Absolute Truth and his devotees. The discussion’s protective fence is built from love, trust, equal vision, tolerance and acceptance. A highly encouraging and caring atmosphere, what we all are craving for. And the centre of it all is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Isn’t it what the spiritual world is like? For me certainly.”
— Anandamayi dd (Hungary)
“Participating in Improving Sanga has been both enlightening and inspiring …
It has deepened my study of śāstra, teaching me the value of careful investigation rather than rushing to conclusions about Śrīla Prabhupāda’s statements. This Sanga provides an empowering and encouraging community for discussing śāstra. There are no artificial hierarchies in these exchanges—understanding is shared in a gentle and loving spirit. Additionally, the Sanga offers valuable tools, such as the five categories of questions, along with guiding principles that enhance meaningful discussions. Most importantly, everything is firmly rooted in śāstra. Even in moments when one cannot immediately recall a specific reference, this environment fosters a mindset that continually seeks to be grounded in śāstra. With heartfelt gratitude,”
— Namacarya Das (Croatia)
I would highly recommend giving this course a real try …
“The improving Sanga “method” of studying the Gita through guidance of the useful tips and principles has been so eye (and mind) opening. I never realised how much can be unpacked by what we may view as “simple” sentences. Cintamani dd and Krishna Dharma das are such helpful and tolerant guides to unlocking Srila Prabhupad’s books, especially the Bhagavad Gita. I have attended weekly sangas on the BG for over a year and can honestly say that after completing this course I feel I can unpack each word with so much more depth. I would highly recommend giving this course a real try because it can really open up and unlock our abilities to get closer to tasting the nectar inside the honey jar.”
— Saraswati (UK)
“Improving sanga is an amazing initiative for studying Bhagavad gita using 10 principles and the useful tips. …
It’s a step by step method that keeps one captivated while unpacking the true meaning with a deeper understanding. It has certainly given me a new perspective on how to not only study Srila Prabhupada books, but also in our daily dealings to interact with humility and respect. I would highly recommend this initiative to anyone who is looking for spiritual guidance.”
— Jasu (UK)
“I have received so many tools to access ‘the nectar for which I was always anxious’ which is the result of this discussion method …
These tools put us in touch with multi-faceted Krishna in His literary form and have made ‘devotional service joyfully performed’ as Krishna chips away at our sinful reactions as He promised (Bg.18.66). Krishna has been so kind to give me the time and space in my life in time to pursue this. A long-cherished desire fulfilled. Thank you so much.”
— Vrinda dd (Scotland)
“Words fail me to express my deepest sincere gratitude for the course providers selfless IS programme …
This course availed us of the tools to articulate our understanding of the sastra in an attractive manner. Never have I experienced such an intense attraction (hang-on-to-my -seatbelt mode) in my engagement with the BG. I skimmed through (licked the lid/jar of honey) the 10 Principles before but never really grasped the beauty of them. However with the kind guidance and extraordinary patience, of the course providers, (not forgetting your assertive discipline) along with the ‘cherry on top- useful tips’) showed us, the serious sincere learners, how to get the true taste of honey. I am now getting more into enquiring habit of seeking meanings of words/statements from BG & SB readings. I’m already advocating your practice to keen learners. Again thank you for your long hours of exquisite joint team effort in organising such an amazingly wonderful programme for those of us feeling stuck and needing the correct help to unleash the chain to our sastric learning. Looking forward to moving forward in my learning. Haribol! Love & warm thoughts.”
— Jahnukanya dd (UK)