How I came to Krishna Consciousness - H.G. Shyam Sundar Das

H.G Shyam Sundar Das

When I was working at a company in Naperville, IL, a colleague once mentioned that the nearby ISKCON temple served free food. Honestly, that was my initial motivation to visit — the thought of a free meal was just too tempting to resist! Months passed, but one Sunday I finally made it to the temple. I stayed for the entire class, which, in hindsight, was probably the first time I ever sat through a spiritual discourse in an assembly of devotees — though I must admit I was mostly inattentive.

When it came time for lunch prasadam, I felt awkward and made a flimsy excuse to leave. I went out to eat at a restaurant instead. I just wasn’t ready yet. That same day, I met a devotee couple at the temple — and to my surprise, they turned out to be our neighbors! They warmly invited us to the local Bhakti Vriksha programs held on Friday evenings. At their home, they welcomed me with delicious prasadam, taught me how to chant the holy names, gifted me japa beads and a bead bag, and even showed me how to wear a dhoti and apply tilak — literally teaching me the ABCs of Krishna consciousness. Their love, patience, and kindness left a lasting impression on me.

I noticed some devotees holding bags over their right hands and softly murmuring something during Bhakti Vrksa program. Out of curiosity, I asked about it. I was told they were chanting — calling out the holy names and humbly begging for service to the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna. Within a couple of weeks, inspired by my spiritual mentor and coinciding with the auspicious occasion of my spiritual master’s Vyasa Puja, I chanted my first full 16 rounds. Since that day, by the mercy and encouragement of the elevated Vaishnavas, I’ve continued to chant regularly.

Gradually, and almost unbelievably, I began following the four regulative principles — something I never imagined I could do. But by the grace of the Lord and the boundless compassion of His devotees, the transformation began.