Bonds of Love: Girija Devi Dasi.
Girija, a devout Christian, became interested in Krishna consciousness when she learned of Srila Prabhupada’s respect for and openness to all bona fide, sincerely practiced religions.
As I got older I saw my religion declining and felt sorry. I tried Sri Aurobindo’s ashram for a year, then I tried Maharishi, then went to a convent to be a nun, but these weren’t what I was looking for. Then in 1976, when I was 24, I went to the Govardhana-puja festival at the Montreal ISKCON temple. A week later I renounced everything and joined the movement. What first impacted me was the Bhagavad-gita. I found all the answers in that book – answers to who I was, where I would go in my next life, who God is, and how to dedicate myself to Him. It was perfect.
My husband and I wanted to raise our five children in Krishna consciousness, so we moved from farm to farm so they could grow up in a natural environment, in the mode of goodness, and in the association of devotees in a spiritual community. By the mercy of Shri Krishna and Srila Prabhupada it was possible, and our children are beautiful and wonderful devotees. Now I have five devotee grandchildren. It’s rewarding.
I love being a devotee. I stay enthusiastic and inspired by strongly focusing on my goal: to go back home, back to Godhead. I do whatever’s needed to achieve that end. In old age I see myself being blissfully focused on Krishna, and this is all because of Prabhupada and the association of devotees. Anybody who wants God and wants to go back home, back to Godhead, can be inspired and happy by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and his teachings.
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