Dine with the Monks at an East Village Monastery

The stereotypical image of a monk is that of complete renunciation of the world, its pleasures and its relationships. While this was the traditional approach to monasticism, the deeper understanding and practice of monasticism lies in complete engagement with the world, but in a wholly selfless fashion. This idea from Bhakti Yoga was the primary inspiration for me, a former strategy consultant and an investment banker on Wall Street, to fuel my willingness to experiment with monastic life in Manhattan while actively engaging my education and skills in the real world.
My experiences led me to discover many fascinating aspects of the fundamental categories that human psychology assumes and ways to effectively engage them for physical, psychological and spiritual integration. My experiments led me to start a non-profit venture called the Bhakti Center which brings together a rich array of talented painters, musicians, yogis, philosophers, performing artists and culinary artists in Manhattan who collaborate to use their talents to uplift human consciousness.
I love to share my spiritual journey with people over a cup of tea and a nice, hot vegetarian meal cooked by monks and eaten in traditional style at the monastery.
Note: 100% of the fee for this experience will be donated to the monastery.
 
ABOUT The Host Rasanath Dasa Monk, Speaker A disciple of the renowned spiritual leader Radhanath Swami, in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, I have been practicing Bhakti Yoga for over 14 years. I have taught eastern philosophy at universities (Cornell University and the University of Albany) as well as in various yoga schools, including the Kripalu Yoga Center. I hold an MBA degree from Cornell University and an engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (Iit). I have worked as an investment banker for Bank of America and a strategy consultant for Deloitte. I am a regular writer for the Huffington Post and have been featured as a TEDx speaker.