Interfaiths: One Moon, Many Phases- A Monk’s Journey of Renunciation and Art

In this episode of the Interfaiths Project, Professor Iqbal Akhtar sits down with Haridas, the secretary of the Sacred Vedic Arts Temple in Miami, for a deep dive into the intersection of personal identity, devotion, and religious transition.


Born into a Jewish family in New York, Haridas shares his candid story of navigating corporate anxiety and spiritual emptiness before discovering the transformative power of Kirtan and Bhakti Yoga. He discusses his transition into the monastic life as a Brahmachari in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, explaining the theology behind his vows of renunciation and the significance of his pink robes (representing saturation in the love of Godhead).


The conversation explores the philosophy of the Sacred Vedic Arts Temple, the concept of the "Kali Yuga" (the current age of quarrel), and how the "bodily conception of life" creates obstacles to human connection. Haridas and Prof. Akhtar also discuss the "Miami Model" of interfaith dialogue, emphasizing how shared lived experiences—such as birth and death—can bridge the gap between diverse communities.


Key Topics Discussed:

• Spiritual Transformation: Moving from a secular Jewish upbringing to becoming a Hindu monk.
• Gaudiya Vaishnavism: Understanding the goal of "God Consciousness" and the practice of chanting.
• The Miami Context: How the Sacred Vedic Arts Temple is using art and devotion to connect with the local community.
• Interfaith Philosophy: Seeing different religions as "one moon, different phases."