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Bhanu SvamiHindu Krishna religious leader and preacher
Country:
 Canada |
Content:
- Early Life
- Education
- Introduction to Krishna Consciousness
- Initiation and Spiritual Training
- Missionary Work in Japan
- Relationship with Prabhupada
- Leadership in ISKCON
- Personal Legacy
Early Life
Bhanu Swami was born Bruce Enomoto in 1948 in the gold mining town of Bralorne, British Columbia. His parents, Stephen and Ellen Enomoto, were Japanese immigrants from Hiroshima. Bhanu was the third and youngest child in the family.
Education
After graduating high school, Bhanu attended the University of British Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts History. He then pursued further studies in Japan, where he studied history at Tokyo University.
Introduction to Krishna Consciousness
In 1970, Bhanu encountered the teachings of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada through a group of American disciples in Tokyo. He began regularly chanting Hare Krishna on beads and attending the temple they had established.
Initiation and Spiritual Training
In August 1970, Prabhupada arrived in Tokyo and personally preached to Bhanu. Prabhupada invited him to join him in India, which Bhanu eagerly accepted. He received spiritual initiation as "Bhanu Das" in January 1971 and second initiation as a brahmana in May 1971.
Missionary Work in Japan
Prabhupada sent Bhanu back to Japan to spread Krishna consciousness. He was involved in translating Vaishnava literature from English to Japanese and training new preachers and translators. Bhanu also studied Sanskrit and served as pujari.
Relationship with Prabhupada
During Prabhupada's second visit to Japan in 1972, Bhanu accompanied his spiritual master on preaching programs. Prabhupada praised Bhanu for his Sanskrit pronunciation and instructed him on deity worship and Vaishnava temple rituals.
Leadership in ISKCON
Bhanu Swami is a member of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission since 2002. He oversees ISKCON activities in South India and Japan. He continues to translate medieval Krishnaite theological works from Bengali and Sanskrit into English.
Personal Legacy
Bhanu Swami is known for his deep understanding of Vaishnava scriptures and his dedication to spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. He is a respected spiritual leader within the ISKCON community and beyond.
