How I came toKrsna Consciousness - HG Nilamani Krsnachandra Das

My journey toward Krishna consciousness began long before I understood what it truly meant. I grew up in a religious family in India. From childhood, I watched my parents worship at home, make daily offerings, visit temples and holy places, and observe traditional religious practices. Although I was not deeply engaged in reading or chanting at that time, faith and devotion were naturally part of my upbringing.

My first real connection with ISKCON came through my older brother and sister in law. They were living outside India when they came in contact with ISKCON and gradually became serious devotees. Whenever they returned home, they would take our family to holy places such as Jagannath Puri, Mayapur and Vrindavan. These visits opened a new dimension of spirituality for me.

What attracted me most was not one particular activity, but seeing how Krishna consciousness had transformed the lives of my brother and sister in law. I could see that they genuinely cared about the welfare of others without expecting anything in return. They were not simply performing religious rituals; they were trying to share spiritual knowledge and serve others. That quality deeply touched me.

My spiritual practice, however, was far from steady in the beginning. From around 2002–2003 until I moved to the United States in 2016, I would sometimes chant regularly for several months and then stop. I would attend classes or temple festivals, become involved in service, and then again become less active. Yet Krishna kept drawing me back through family, friends, devotees and, ultimately, the mercy of my spiritual master.

Even during those years, I always felt attracted to service. I helped with home programs, setting up and cleaning afterward, and other services. After moving to the United States in 2016, my wife and I began regularly visiting the ISV temple and becoming part of the devotee community. Week after week, month after month, our association became stronger. Hearing devotees realizations, attending classes and engaging in service gradually gave us the confidence and steadiness to continue our devotional path. By Guru Maharaja's mercy, we eventually received initiation in 2020.

One of the greatest gifts of Krishna consciousness has been a change in perspective. Difficulties have not disappeared, but I have learned to see them differently. The knowledge I have received from Srila Prabhupada's teachings and the association of devotees helps me understand that both happiness and difficulty can be accepted as Krishna's arrangement. Instead of asking only, “Why is this happening to me?” I try to ask, “How can I respond to this situation with faith and service?”

For me, Krishna consciousness today means recognizing that we are not truly in control of everything. Our real opportunity is to use whatever abilities, relationships and resources we have in the service of Krishna and His devotees. Serving our family, caring for others, chanting, reading, listening and helping in the temple can all become part of devotional life.

Looking back, I feel deeply grateful for everyone Krishna has placed in my life. I am grateful for my parents, who gave me my first foundation of faith; my older brothers and sister in laws, who introduced me to Krishna consciousness; my wife and son, whose presence and support have been an important part of my journey; and all the devotees whose encouragement, care and association have helped me remain connected to the path. Every person has contributed in some way, sometimes through a conversation, sometimes through service, and sometimes simply by being an example.

I have come to realize that spiritual progress does not always happen in a straight line. There may be times when our practice is strong and other times when we struggle. But sincere association, encouragement and the mercy of Krishna can help us return again and again. We should never feel that a temporary struggle means we have lost our spiritual path.

Above all, I am grateful for the devotees who have guided me along the way. I pray that I may continue receiving their association and Guru Maharaja's mercy, serve sincerely, hear Krishna's name until the end of my life, and pass this spiritual understanding on to the next generation.