Born in the Netherlands.

I was initiated into the Vaishnava Hindu lineage in July 2004 by Swami BV Tripurari. At that time I took five vows by which I try to live. They are showing kindness to other living entities, not taking intoxication, to have an honest livelihood, to have one’s urge for physical and emotional companionship sanctified, and not to hoard money. My Hindu friends all know me by the name Syama Gopala das which was given to me at the time of initiation. “Syama” is the color of a dark rain cloud and in Indian aesthetics, it is the color of intimate love and Krishna represents it. “Gopala” means he who takes care of the cows, and is another name for Krishna. “Das” means servant of and denominates my position.
In February of 2007 I was ordained as a Hindu priest, Brahmin, and studied further under Swami BV Tripurari and his students at Audarya.

I graduated in September 2004 with a major in American Studies and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Groningen. During my studies, I lived in Flagstaff, Arizona for eleven months. Being trained as a Marxist cultural analyst, I tend to see cultural filters everywhere and am fond of comparing them to my home country, the Netherlands (to the annoyance of my fellow travelers).

I’m currently working as a Banker and Insurance advisor for Talent&Pro, which specializes in Operational Consultancy to the international Insurance and Banking markets. I’ve worked in life insurance, pensions and mortgages projects in the Netherlands. I did a management development program and passed several Nibesvv insurance and banking exams.

I like sustainable investing and banking, online marketing, web 2.0 technology, rowing, mountainbiking, yoga and running.

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