How I came to Krishna Consciousness - H.G. Prema Kishori Devi Dasi

H.G Prema Kishori Devi Dasi

Hare Krishna Esteemed Devotees,

Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Jagadguru Srila Prabhupada!

Being raised in India as a Vaishnava, weekend visits to the Perumal Temple was a pure bliss for me.  However, after getting married and moving to America, I deeply missed that familiar rhythm of devotion. But everything changed when my husband’s dear friend, HG Veda Narayanan Das, took us to the Seattle ISKCON's Sunday Feast program for the very first time. That first visit felt like a divine blessing.

My greatest attraction at the temple was the prasadam. Growing up, prasadam had always been a small, sacred serving of something holy. But at ISKCON, it was an entirely new experience—a plateful of hot, tasty meals! Surrounded by the sweetness of the kirtan and the warmth of prasadam, I found myself swaying on my feet in bliss. That one plate of prasadam marked the beginning of a new journey. 

Over the years, as we traveled around the country, we found various temples to attend Sunday Feasts. Finally, in 2010, we arrived at ISKCON Silicon Valley (ISV)— the place we now lovingly call home. It was here that we truly came together as one family, celebrating and serving the Lord alongside this wonderful congregation.

By the mercy of the devotees, my husband and I became involved in various services, while our children began attending Sunday School. Surrounded by caring, loving devotees, engaged in sadhana and service, and nourished by a steady flow of kirtan and prasadam, my desire for devotional service slowly transformed into a steady flame.

Around this time, I also began deeply connecting with Vaisesika Maharaj’s lectures. His simple yet profound guidance on sustaining Krishna consciousness truly resonated with me. I was especially drawn to his practical instructions, such as:

“Don’t overdo. Don’t think that you cannot do.”

“Find your niche.”

“Trust the process.”

“Be methodical, but dispassionate.”

These words gave me great comfort and confidence to make a lifelong commitment to spiritual practice. Over time, I began to see Maharaj as my Guru. It is said that only by the mercy of Guru that we find Krishna—and I sincerely believe this with all my heart.

My Gurudeva did not look at my past, and I am no longer worried about my future. I am focused on my present, which is a gift from Krishna. I consider myself a mercy (prasadam) case. From that one plate of “Sunday Love Feast,” everything began—and I can gratefully say that it has now been almost two decades since I last cooked a Sunday dinner at home!

I humbly beg for your blessings and prayers so I may use this lifetime opportunity to do my best in selfless service to the Guru-parampara and to all the Vaishnavas, with utmost humility.

Thank you!Hare Krishna!

Your humble servant,

Prema Kiśorī-devī Dāsī