I’m writing from Bogotá, Colombia, on my first-ever visit to South America. They say the Latin temperament is heart-centred, instinctively warm, and deeply relational—fertile ground for Bhakti to take root and flourish. I grew up fairly introverted and forming deep bonds with people was never high on my agenda. In that sense, monasticism seemed like an obvious fit. Ironically, becoming a monk exposed that very tendency as one of my greatest shortcomings—spiritual life was never meant to be a solo expedition. The support, friendship, encouragement, and faith we receive through loving spiritual relationships can propel us to heights we could never reach alone. In the company of inspired spiritualists, we can make quantum leaps. I now count my friendships as my greatest wealth.
Reaching Out, Retreating In
Africa is always a favourite. This July, we went from dancing in the streets of Nairobi to addressing executives in high-rise banks. Everyone is looking for something deeper. From the heat of Mombasa, I travelled to the cool of the Swiss Alps for our annual Bhakti retreat with 300 participants. An eager, thoughtful, and spiritually mature audience creates the space for a deeper dive into the Bhakti teachings. I often feel that I learn as much as I share when I’m there.
I returned to London and spent a few days in Central London with the enthused monks there, who are reaching the hearts of Londoners in a beautiful way. Summer is retreat season, so we spent time in Radhadesh with the Think Gita and Pandava Sena communities. The eager and hungry souls kept us busy from morning to evening with their questions! From there, I made my annual visit to rural New Mayapur—always sweet, homely, and a welcome change of pace.
Then came a 20-hour plane journey via Newark, landing in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The days that followed took me through Trinidad, Guyana, and Colombia—all new territory. We spent time with the local communities, but also ventured beyond them: speaking at universities, meeting government leaders, and connecting with people from every walk of life. Different countries. Different cultures. Different rooms. Yet everywhere, the same human search. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who facilitated and participated in these journeys.
Think Gita Circles
I have to share this opportunity with you. Think Gita Circles offer a space to dive deeper into the Bhagavad-gita with a small group of like-minded people. They provide the structure and support that make inner growth sustainable—through reflection, open dialogue, and steady guidance.
Questions are encouraged. Friendships naturally form. And the Gita’s wisdom begins to show up in your daily life. Each Circle is interactive, guided by a facilitator, and completely free to join. Know someone—a friend, a sibling, anyone who loves meaningful conversations or is curious about ancient wisdom? Share this invite or bring them along.
Next Level Podcast
It was an honour to join author and filmmaker Alex Ferrari, whose podcast features spiritual teachers, scientists, mystics, healers, and thought leaders from around the world. His topics of exploration include spiritual awakening, meditation, near-death experiences (NDEs), ancient wisdom, healing, manifestation, consciousness, and personal growth. We covered a lot of ground in this conversation, and he really kept me on my toes!
Upcoming Travels
My travels through the end of the year are almost entirely long-haul. Over the coming months, I’ll be criss-crossing Europe, Asia, the Far East, Australia, and America. After all that mileage, I’m planning to keep January a little more low-key!
Colombia: 21–24 Aug
UK: 25 Aug–9 Sept
South Africa: 10–22 Sept
Ethiopia: 23–26 Sept
UK: 27 Sept–4 Oct
Hong Kong & Singapore: 4–9 Oct
A Conversation with Guyana’s President
On my trip to Guyana, I had the opportunity to meet the President, H.E. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This was his reflection on his Social Media:
Yesterday, I received a visit from internationally respected spiritual teacher His Holiness S.B. Keshava Swami (Keshava Maharaj).
During our meeting, we discussed the importance of spiritual education in shaping values, character and community life, as well as opportunities for collaboration among organisations, youth groups and schools to advance programmes focused on spiritual and moral development.
I believe spiritual education is important in developing inner strength, managing stress and guiding ethical decision-making. These qualities can contribute to safer schools, stronger families and a more cohesive society.
Soft but Serious
It always fascinates me how truly elevated spiritualists can transcend this world while remaining completely down to earth. Joan Suval, a yoga student who met Srila Prabhupada shortly after his arrival in New York, reflects:
He was serious only when he was chanting or talking about Krishna consciousness. But when he was relating to people, and certainly relating to Guruji, his face would light up. He had a radiance, because he was happy. When Swamiji was happy, it showed.
I always felt about him that he was a deeply serious man, serious about life. He never talked about his past, his personal life. I did ask him once or twice a question here and there, and he waved it away. He said, “Not important, that’s not important,” and then I began to feel it wasn’t important. What was important was what he was doing now.
Life Hack: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
How can we make good decisions in life?
Firstly, try to ensure that your decisions reflect your dreams and not your fears. We often make decisions based on what we fear could go wrong. That may save us from some problem, but it definitely won’t transport us to our full potential. Average decisions are primarily founded upon fears, whereas amazing decisions are based on dreams. We acknowledge fears without being limited and choked by them.
Secondly, don’t just make decisions which will please people in the immediate, but those which will genuinely serve and enrich them in the long run. We look for acceptance, acknowledgement and appreciation, but we should deeply think how we can do the best for them in the bigger picture. Sometimes we have to take bold decisions (which often meet with opposition) that will serve others in a much more valuable way.
Thirdly, there is a temptation to make decisions based on impulse and intuition, but the best decisions also incorporate inspiration and guidance. We have to follow our heart’s calling, but hearing from others can often help us better identify that inner calling. Just like Arjuna, who turned to Krishna for guidance, we have the opportunity to get feedback on our intentions from spiritual books and spiritual friends.
Ask a Swami
If you have any questions you can post them on the WTB “Ask me Anything” forum, and I will be happy to answer!
Thank you Maharaj for sharing all your activities. Please accept my humble obeisances. I like the Think Gita classes very much. The interactive approach in the small class is very personal. The flow of each chapter with the relevant acronyms gives the essence and meaning of that chapter. I am enjoying the Gita even more, the words of Sri Krishna seem to be more closer to the heart than before. Course co-ordinator Audarya Gaurangi is excellent too. I am definitely sharing it with others too. Thank you. Hare Krishna 🙏
Please continue to bring the heart of the mission to the whole world and to every single person with such love, dear Swami; you will never be without smiles, joy, gratitude and flowers!!
Thank you so very much for looking after us all with such patience and love. All the best Maharaj🌎Hare Krishna!!
🌸🌼💮🏵🌐🌳🌀⛩️🚈✈️🕑🌈🌊⭐️