Vaisnava Vani offers the perspectives of the “Hare Krishnas”, or Gaudiya Vaisnavas, to everyone, through transcendental music, philosophy, and culture. The Hare Krishna movement was founded over 500 years ago by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in India. He led a revolution in devotion and love for Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Modern ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) attracts followers from all walks of life and from allcorners of the globe. 
For many people, their only idea of the Hare Krishnas, is that of clean shaven young men distributing books and singing in the streets clad in saffron robes. Vaisnava Vani seeks to offer the perspective of a young Krishna-devotee student (Bh. Chris Diamond) from SOAS, on this religious tradition. This show will appeal to those who have a keen interest in philosophy, Vedic history, Vedic scriptures, Indian culture, and a desire to learn more about this often misunderstood movement that is part of the oldest culture known to man, Vedic India.

Presented by: Bh. Chris Diamond

Chris is a 2nd year BA Hindi & Music student at SOAS. He was born in South Africa and raised/educated in the United States. Since his early teens he’s had a keen interest in Indian religious as well as artistic traditions. Studying North Indian Classical music (sitar), South Indian classical dance (Bharatnatyam), and East Indian Classical dance (Odissi), from the age of 14, he developed a keen understanding of the way in which peoples religious traditions are expressed through artistic and literary expressions. He believes that by sharing culture and art, a greater understanding between the world’s diverse religious and philosophical traditions is possible.

Since coming to London two years ago, Chris has become more involved with the local ISKCON (Hare Krishna) devotees and has led the SOAS Krishna Consciousness Society this past year. Chris hopes that Vaisnava Vani will show many more people the traditions of Vedic India which he holds so dear.

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