Phew….I never really got a chance to sit down and write while I was on the road.
“I traveled to Dresden, Germany, for the International Vegetarian Congress, a biennial event celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. This congress, held since 1908, was paused only during the World Wars, and it gathers enthusiasts and experts to discuss vegetarianism and its impact.”
“Dresden, a city steeped in culture and renowned for its stunning architecture, provided a perfect backdrop for the congress. Its vibrant history and artistic legacy make it an ideal destination for those passionate about cultural exploration.” I really enjoyed the fact that now that I was in Europe my body was now 5 hours ahead of the actual time, so this made it very easy to rise early in the morning. In fact, the first day I got got up at 4am and walked to the part where I spent the next 2 hours doing mantra meditation amongst the beautiful trees, birds and chipmonks.
It was so nice to just lose myself in that park. Sometimes I would hug a tree and try to feel the presence of the nature spirits around me. I often make a habit of thanking them for the wonderful work they do, despite modern society’s abusive and senseless behavior.
There were about 60 people at my presentation, but more importantly, the team from Supreme Master Television was filming, so this meant so many thousands would get to hear our message. I felt satisfied with the presentation, and many people came up after and thanked me. Whenever this happens, in my mind, I immediately offer this praise to the volunteers in the field who do the actual work. I see myself as their servant and cheerleader.
During the congress, I met leaders of many organizations and some high-profile people in the nutrition movement, like Brenda Davis and Vesanto, who have written many books, including Raw Revolution, in collaboration with my good friend Cherrie Soria from the Living Light Institute (www.rawfoodchef.com)
Brenda and Vesanto are two of the most wonderful women you could ever meet, and I feel blessed and honored to call them my friends. Brenda expressed great interest in our charity work and asked if there could be any opportunities for her son to get involved.
Some other olds friend I reconnected with were Surabh Dulal, Peter McQueen, Dilip Barman, Gerry Coffey, Francisco Martin and John Davis.
All of them have been big advocates of FFL’s work and have helped to raise awareness.
“Barbara Rütting, a prominent figure in Germany and a major attraction at the congress, has been a vocal advocate for vegetarianism and environmental causes. Her involvement underscores the Congress’s influence in promoting sustainable living.”
It was really great to reconnect with a very old Krishna friend named Gaura Lila. I was so happy to see that he was giving a talk on spiritual vegetarianism. If there is one thing that is lacking in many of these health food conferences, it is the spiritual dimension. The fact is that we can never be perfectly healthy and happy without nourishing the soul. That is one reason why I also give a talk called “The Yoga of Eating,” where I explain how we can make eating a spiritual experience and use it to raise our consciousness, regardless of our religious affiliations or prejudices.
“Laila Weber, a promising young leader at just 16, heads a drama group and shows remarkable maturity and intelligence. Her interest in conducting drama courses for children at the Vrindavan FFL project and the Gokulam orphanage highlights her commitment to making a positive impact.” She heads up a drama group and at age 16 has maturity and intelligence way beyond her years. She expressed interest in doing some drama courses with children at the Vrindavan FFL project and the Gokulam orphanage in Sri Lanka.
“Following the congress, I ventured to Prague, Czech Republic, a city rich in history and architectural beauty. This visit offered a glimpse into how Prague has evolved while preserving its cultural heritage.” I had not visited this city since 1995 and was intrigued to see how much it had changed. I was impressed with the architecture and the way that the city has been able to preserve the integrity of the past with the modernization of the way of life.
Check the above picture which shows the famous castle of Lady Madonna in the background looking over the the river.
FAQ
Q: What is the International Vegetarian Congress?
A: The International Vegetarian Congress is a biennial event that gathers experts and enthusiasts to discuss vegetarianism’s impact on health, the environment, and society. It has been held since 1908, with breaks during the World Wars.
Q: Who are some notable figures in the vegetarian movement mentioned in the blog?
A: The blog mentions Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina, authors known for their work on plant-based nutrition, and Barbara Rütting, a German celebrity and advocate for vegetarianism.
Q: What makes Dresden an ideal location for the congress?
A: Dresden is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, providing an inspiring setting for discussions on vegetarianism and sustainable living.
Q: How does the blog describe the atmosphere of the congress?
A: The congress is portrayed as a vibrant gathering of like-minded individuals passionate about vegetarianism, featuring presentations, discussions, and opportunities to connect with leaders in the movement.
Q: What other cities did the author visit during their travels?
A: The author also visited Prague, Czech Republic, noting its historical charm and architectural beauty.
Q: How does the blog highlight the role of young leaders in the vegetarian movement?
A: The blog features Laila Weber, a young leader interested in using drama to engage children in vegetarian and environmental causes, showcasing the movement’s future potential.
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