Monday 6 October 2014

My Krishna Realisation Journey So Far....

I was lucky to be born to a mother who could recite Bhagavad Gita by heart since she was 15. But as Spiritual Journey is an individual process of realising Krishna, I had to embark on my own journey. While my early years were spent on adjusting in this material world, I believe Krishna was always at the back of my mind, nudging me gently towards him.

The recession of 2008 was a god-sent opportunity when the automotive sector was badly effected and we went into 3-day week and I had to decide between taking 2 jobs or doing what makes me happy. Luckily I chose the latter and my Krishna-Realisation Journey formally began. 

My first project at ISKCON's Bhaktivedanta Manor in London was a 'Krishna Conscious Children's Book Project' in 24 languages by Mother Urmila. It was a project with a tight 99 day dead-line and involved working with committed volunteers from all over the world. It's successful launch led to an invitation by Sita Rama Das to join him on the 'Ahimsa Milk Project' (www.ahimsamilk.org)

As with any startup, Ahimsa 'slaughter-free' Milk Project was very ambitious and first of its kind in the Western World but with very lean resources. It was fun to do 2.00 AM milk deliveries in NW London, setting up systems, solving logistics problems, negotiating with the farms and much more with a wonderful team. While presently, the project is operationally set, other strategic challenges remains and I even though no longer associated directly in the project,  would be happy to see this project become a template for all dairies across the world during my life-time.

As they say, godliness is next to cleanliness, I was lucky to be given the opportunity to serve in the Radharani Bakery at Manor, every Sunday in cleaning services and it gives me great satisfaction to clean the bakery, kitchen and sitting tea-room for all the Krishna's guests every Sunday.

As consistency in any field comes with knowledge, devotional service is no different. This led me to join the wonderful courses run by College of Vedic Studies at Manor viz., Explore, Gita Life, Bhakti-Life & Bhakti-Shastri.

A life changing event during my Bhakti-Shastri Course gave me an opportunity to live Bhagavad Gita practically. As Gita became my guiding light during the darkest period of my life, I was motivated to join 'College of Vedic Studies' so I can assist it's wonderful team in organising many such courses and Spiritual Retreats more efficiently.

As Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 10.10, "To those who are constantly devoted and worship Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me."

I can clearly see Krishna's hand in every step of my life now and in this wonderful journey, I have made some lovely and caring friends and relationships, which I hope will last more than a life-time.

With Kind Regards,

Pradeep Kabra