Swami Nikhilanand is a Canadian-born Hindu spiritual leader.Dutt, E. 2010. "The Essential Gita - Vaishnav center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. makes Gita accessible to young people". Desi Talk (Cover Story). Giri, Kalyani. Jan 17, 2011. Building Bridges Between World Cultures. The Times of India . He is the spiritual teacher at Radha Madhav Dham "Weekend Course Based on Hinduism". Salaam Namaste Magazine, Vol 1, Issue 7. 2009.) one of the largest Hindu Temple complexes in the Western Hemisphere,"Vedic Foundation Inaugurated at Barsana Dham, Austin". retrieved from: and the largest in North America.Ciment, J. 2001. Encyclopedia of American Immigration. Michigan: M.E. Sharpe. Hylton, H. & Rosie, C. 2006. Insiders' Guide to Austin. The Globe Pequot Press Inc. Mugno, M. & Rafferty, R.R. 1998. Texas Monthly Guidebook to Texas. Gulf Pub. Co.
A sanyasi and disciple of Jagadguruttam Kripalu Maharaj, and a teacher of the worldwide organization Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat"Large attendance at Gita class". April 10–16, 2010. The South Asian Times."What's up in the Mid-Hudson", Sep 13, 2004. The Poughkeepsie Journal, pg. B.3. with his spiritual teacher's blessings, Nikhilanand regularly delivers speeches, workshopsPais, A.J. February 24, 2006. "Giving it up all up". India Abroad. and large family camps throughout the United States. The main aim of his organization, JKP Radha Madhav Dham, is to teach the knowledge of the Hindu scriptures and to teach the practical devotion to God (bhakti yoga).Sharma, N. 2004. "Swami Nikhilanand Talks About The Devotional Philosophy Of The Gita And Upnishads". Lokavani, Retrieved from: http://www.lokvani.com/lokvani/article.php?article_id=1513
Biography Born in Canada and raised a Christian, Nikhilanand is one of many Westerners who has turned to Hinduism in search of answers to spiritual questions.Thomases, D. 2006. Following the Swami: Diaspora, Dialogue, and the Creation of a Hindu Identity in a Queens Community. Insights Journal, 1(1).
Nikhilanand was an outdoor education instructor and wilderness guide working on Vancouver Island in Canada for eight years after high school. He earned enough to work just eight months a year and spend the rest traveling, learning about spiritual matters that had drawn him since childhood. He adopted Hinduism in the Radha Madhav Dham Ashram in Austin, Texas — all before he had traveled to the Indian subcontinent. In 2000, he went to India to meet Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, and entered the ashram. Under the guidance of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, he studied Sanskrit scriptures, meditation and devotional music and was eventually given Sanyasa, or the rank of spiritual teacher and ascetic.
Nikhilanand spends many months every year traveling to cities around America giving week-long "Essentials of Gita" Family Camps which are attended by hundreds of people. The events include speeches, classes, meditation and Sanskrit verses.Arredondo, M. March 1, 2003. "In the Community". Austin American-Statesman.
Nikhilanand was one of the presiding spiritual leaders of the 6th Annual Gita conference in New York in 2008, which brought together eminent scholars and religious leaders from around the world."6th Global Gita Conference". 2008. Retrieved from: http://www.dattapeetham.com/india/tours/2008/usa2008/gita_conference_2008/gita_conference_2008.html He was also one of the presiding members of the Hindu Mandir Executive Conference in 2010Kulkarni, B. 2010. Fifth Annual Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference held in Houston. India Tribune. where he delivered an Inaugural Speech"Inaugural Address: All Religions are Not the Same", retrieved from: http://hmec.vhp-america.org/2010/11/session-1-inaugural-session/15/ and which brought together 90 major Hindu temples and organizations from throughout North America."HSC Attends the Fifth Annual Hindu Mandir Executive Conference", 2010. Retrieved from: http://hindustudentscouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=298:hsc-attends-the-fifth-annual-hindu-mandir-executive-conference&catid=37&Itemid=98 In 2010, he was invited by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (World Hindu Council), Gujarati Samaj of Greater Houston and Hindus of Greater Houston to be the "chief guest" at the National Makar Sankranti day festivities at George Bush Park in Houston and to inaugurate the Mass Surya Namaskara Yajna at the park.Rao, January 22, 2010. "Thousands Celebrate Makar Sankranti At Bush Park". Indo American News. In 2011, Nikhilanand was invited to represent the Hindu religion and give an inaugural address at First Hindu-Jewish-Solidarity-Day in Houston, which was organized by Bridge Houston and Hindus of Greater Houston to bring together influential leaders from both religions.Duke, M.C. Jan 13th 2011. Swami Nikhilanand has a mandir titled the Radha Govinda Dham in Queens NY Local event promotes Hindu-Jewish solidarity. Jewish Herald-Voice.
In 2006, Hamilton College published a scholarly paper in its journal Insights called "Following the Swami: Diaspora, Dialogue, and the Creation of a Hindu Identity in a Queens Community", which documented Nikhilanand's teaching in New York.
He is also a regular, "special guest" speaker at the Hindu Students Council,Special Guest Speaker: Swami Nikhilanand". Friday, April 17, 2009. Retrieved from: http://studentorgs.utexas.edu/hsc/subpages/2009_04_01_archive.html and other Hindu groups such as Hindus of Greater Houston,"Gita Essentials Program". N.D. Retrieved from: http://hindusofhouston.org/pastevent/42-past-events-listing/134-gita-essentials-program American Telugu Association,The 10th ATA Conference & Youth Convention. Retrieved from: http://www.nationwidesignings.com/images/up/2008_Q1_Pages_54_72.pdf World Hindu Council (VHP America)[VHPA (VISHWA HINDU PARISHAD OF AMERICA) CAMP September 1st 2010. ICC NEWSLETTER, 1(4). and to Bhutanese Hindu groups. He regularly speaks at special events at American Hindu temples, such as the anniversary celebration of New York Kali Mandir.
He has been interviewed on several popular TV and radio shows, including ITV Gold and on Radio Salaam Namaste and according to his website, his lecture series called "Essence of the Gita" was broadcast on channel 67 and RCN in New York.
His writings have been published in magazines like Hinduism Today.Nikhilanand, S. 2011. All Religions Are Not the Same. Hinduism Today
References
External links
Nikhilanand's MP3 and Video Lectures Interview with Nikhilanand on ITV. In this interview Nikhilanand speaks about his upbringing, spiritual journey and meeting with Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj Press clippings and video clips of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Gita Family Camps