Host:
Today, a Russian friend has come with me all the way from Moscow.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, yes. He has spoken to me on the telephone many times. Today, it is our good fortune that he has come among us from Russia, from Moscow.
Host:
I will request him to say a few words. (To the visitor) You are requested to tell us something about yourself.
Alexa:
My name is Alexa. I came from Russia. I came to Kolkata. I am enjoying Indian culture, and I want to study Indian languages and Indian religion as well. I like every religion, but Indian religions are very different; they are very peaceful, very calm, and very tender. I like Indian temples—Hindu temples. We have many Hindu temples in Russia, especially Hare Krishna temples. Thank you for the opportunity of having me in your city and in your temple. It is a really good opportunity for me.
Host:
Do you know about Kali? About Mahadev? Have you heard about Goddess Kali?
Alexa:
Yes, I have heard of many Indian gods and demigods, but I have no structured knowledge yet. I am just starting to study because it is very interesting. The Indian Vedas are amazing, though the scriptures are quite difficult. So, I am just beginning my journey.
Host:
How many days are you staying here?
Alexa:
In Kolkata, this is my second day. In India, this is not my first time; I was here about a year ago. I hope to be in India more often. I really enjoy it.
Host:
You have visited Pushkar as well? You have seen the Brahma Temple and the Savitri Temple? Did you go to Pushkar?
Alexa:
Yes, I visited Pushkar twice. I enjoy the local temples, the local people, the sages, and the wise persons there.
Host:
Do you have any idea about the Hindu religion? It is Sanatan Dharma—a very old religion.
Alexa:
Yes, I know. Everyone knows that the Hindu religion is very old; it is the oldest religion in the world. I would like more people in my country to be interested in Indian culture and follow Indian religion. It leads to a peaceful life. I am also a vegetarian. I like vegetarian cuisine, especially Indian cuisine. It is a little bit difficult for me to live in Russia because there isn't much vegetarian cuisine, but in India, I feel at home.
Host:
Have you heard about the Ramayana and the Mahabharata? They are scriptures, like your Bible.
Alexa:
I have heard of the Shrimad Bhagavatam; it is a very popular book in Russia now among the devotees of Lord Krishna. The Bhagavad Gita is also very popular in Russia. I have heard about the Ramayana, but not too much yet.
Host:
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the \"Son of Krishna\"?
Alexa:
I don’t mind that idea. I was born into a Christian family, as is usual in Russia. I have visited Christian temples and still do. I don’t see any contradictions between religions. For me, it is very simple to respect both Jesus Christ and Indian religion. I believe every religion can lead you to God and a connection with the Divine. It depends only on you and how deep your interest is. I am really interested in Hindu Sanatan Dharma. I wish it were more widespread in the world.
Host:
Do you know about Swami Vivekananda or Ramakrishna? Would you be interested in visiting Belur Math and the Ramakrishna Mission with me?
Alexa:
Yes, I have heard something about them. I would like that.
Host (To viewers):
Viewers, you have been listening to a disciple of the Guru. My name is Sanjiv Sen. I have spoken to our Russian friend many times on the phone.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He has come mainly to visit the pilgrimage sites and to meet me. He has heard a lot about me from Sanjiv and has seen my videos, which is why he felt drawn to come here from Moscow.
Host:
Thank you, Alexa.
Alexa:
Thanks for having me in your temple.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He has spoken to me many times from Russia. Today he is here, and it makes me very happy that we could meet directly. While we were singing earlier, he even participated in the Harinam Sankirtan. He has deep faith in Hinduism. He is here for world peace.
Host:
You like world peace?
Alexa:
Yes, I do.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He has come here with the purpose of peace, to visit these holy places.
Host:
We hope the Russia-Ukraine war will stop. You should pray to God for that.
Alexa:
Yes, I hope so too.
Host:
Alright, viewers. Pranam to the Guru.