How I came toKrsna Consciousness - HG Prana Gopika Devi Dasi

My journey in Krishna consciousness began in childhood in a traditional and devotional family. Both my maternal and paternal grandparents were deeply devoted to Lord Krishna, and I grew up watching them perform beautiful pujas and celebrations, especially during Kartika and Dwadashi. Seeing the Deity of Krishna decorated with flowers, rangoli, and offerings filled my heart with attraction and affection for Him. At home, my mother regularly celebrated Janmashtami with great devotion, preparing Krishna’s favorite offerings and inviting neighbors and friends to join the celebrations. These childhood experiences created a deep impression in my heart. I even carried a schoolbook with a picture of Krishna on it wherever I went, feeling a natural connection to Him. Later, my father and elder brother visited the ISKCON temple in Hyderabad when it was first established, and they brought home the Bhagavad Gita and the Krishna book.

After my marriage, I continued visiting temples and celebrating festivals. However, when I moved to the United States, I initially felt a deep longing for spiritual association. By Krishna’s arrangement, devotees visited our home and invited us to Bhakti Vriksha classes. I attended my first class during a time when I was struggling with fear before my driving test. The class gave me confidence, and the very next day I passed the test successfully. From that moment onward, I felt strongly inspired to continue associating with devotees.

Through the association of devotees, my practice shifted from sentiment to service. I began chanting the Holy Names, studying the scriptures, and engaging in various services, from distributing books to preparing sweets for Mangala Arati. The encouragement of senior devotees was the wind beneath my wings. Eventually, both my husband and I took the step of initiation, committing our lives to the guidance of our spiritual master and completing the Bhakti Shastri course.

My journey in Krishna consciousness has been a gradual and beautiful transformation, made possible by the mercy of Krishna, Guru, and the association of devotees. Along with association, my family has played a very important role in my spiritual journey. I feel that spiritual life becomes stronger when the whole family walks on the same path. Today, even our children are connected to devotional practices. We also try to follow the principles of Krishna consciousness sincerely in our daily lives, including maintaining a devotional lifestyle and honoring only Krishna prasadam. Many people are curious about how we manage such a lifestyle, but I feel that whatever we eat and practice shapes who we become. By Krishna’s grace, we have been able to maintain these practices with happiness.

Looking back, I can see that Krishna’s presence was always there in my life from childhood attraction to temple association and devotional service. Today, Krishna consciousness is the foundation of my life. Whatever happiness I experience is by Krishna’s mercy, and whatever challenges come are opportunities to grow and remember Him more deeply.

The most important lesson I continue to learn is the importance of consistency in devotional practice. By sincerely remembering Krishna, chanting His holy names, and staying connected with devotees, I feel that Krishna lovingly guides and protects us at every step.

Service has also been an important part of our journey. Our family has participated in book distribution and other small services during temple programs and festivals such as Vyasa Puja. These services help us stay connected and grateful.

What helps me maintain steadiness in my spiritual journey is the encouragement and support of my husband, who is very disciplined, patient, and consistent in devotional practices. His steady faith and guidance inspire our whole family. At the same time, devotee association continues to be my greatest source of strength and enthusiasm.

In the coming days, I hope to grow further in my spiritual life by focusing more on attentive chanting, regularly joining reading groups for scriptures like the Srimad Bhagavatam, and staying connected with devotee discussions. Chanting the holy names is especially important because when we chant, we are directly calling out to Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, I want to improve my focus and sincerity in this practice.

I feel deeply grateful for this journey. Krishna consciousness has brought peace, purpose, and unity to our family. With the blessings of Krishna and the association of devotees, I hope to continue progressing on this path and inspiring others along the way. Hare Krishna.