Brahman priest, Inter-Faith Director
Bhakta Dasa (Rev. Albert Lange): Brahman priest (Melbourne ISKCON Temple), Inter-Faith Director
Born 8 July 1953, Amsterdam Holland, Bhakta dasa migrated with his parents to Australia at age 6.
Brought up a Christian he studied to be a priest in the Missions of New Guinea.
Not finding his spiritual calling in that religious tradition led Bhakta on a spiritual search for many years through other faith traditions while studying at University and later through his working life in the seventies, all the while reading copious philosophical literature.
He sought out Gurus, Swamis, Monks, Nuns and Sadhus and studied under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the T.M. organization, completing many courses under His instruction.
Still feeling incomplete his search continued until reading His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s books, the literature of the Hare Krishna Movement/International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Its philosophy of Vaishnavism/Bhakti Yoga as presented by Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu finally attracted Bhakta’s intellect and heart. Taking formal diksha initiation in 1979 he received the spiritual name Bhakta dasa.
His resume of devotional services within the Hare Krishna Movement for over 35 years include: teaching meditation, giving spiritual discourses and seminars, running restaurants, setting up teaching centres, brahminical/priestly services, chaplaincy and spiritual counseling, to name but a few.
A Brahman priest for the Melbourne ISKCON Temple, he is currently their Inter-Faith Director as well as National Communications Director.
His Inter-Faith service led him to become involved with the Hindu Community Council of Victoria (HCCV), where along with members of various Hindu organizations and Ashrams they try to work on behalf of the Hindu Community in Melbourne with social welfare issues.