GUWAHATI: An Israeli national has embraced the tenets of revered polymath Srimanta Sankardev’s Vaishnavism in Nagaon district, on Tuesday.
Edgar Faingor, 47, a professor at International Buddhist College in Thailand, was initiated into Vaishnavite “Ek Naam Dharma” at Baghargaon Xatra, by Xattradhikar Hiru Prasad Mahanta.
Following the ceremony, he was renamed as Krishna Charan Bhakat.
During the initiation ceremony, Edgar pledged to integrate Shankari arts and crafts into his future endeavours and actively participated in the nam-prasanga, immersing himself in the worship practices of his newfound faith.
According to a local Assamese daily, Edgar’s initiation ceremony was to be conducted by Xatradhikar Debananda Dev Goswami on April 2 at Batadroba Than, but following the latter’s death, the ceremony was shifted to Balisattra.
Born in Moscow, Russia, Edgar’s quest for spiritual fulfilment led him on a journey spanning numerous countries and faiths.
Initially drawn to Buddhism, Edgar delved deep into the teachings of various religions before finding resonance in the philosophy of Mahapurux Srimanta Sankardev.
Edgar’s interest into Vaishnavism stemmed from his chance meeting with a prominent scholar of Srimanta Sankardev’s works, Dr Sanjib Borkakoti.
Under Dr Borkakoti’s guidance and inspired by the English translations of his seminal works on Sankardeva, Edgar expressed his earnest desire to undergo initiation into Vaishnavism.
Reflecting on Edgar’s spiritual journey, Xattradhikar Mahanta said that practical guidance and support will be provided to Edgar, in line with the community’s commitment to nurturing his spiritual growth within the Vaishnavite tradition.
