Sometime ago I was asked by my siksha guru to write about how I came to Krsna Consciousness. I thought it's not that important but after some time I realized that this is actually achievement by grace of devotees, Srila Prabhupada, Gaura Nitai and Krsna I have got an invitation to going home, back home back to godhead. Yes this is real achievement of life to come to Krsna Consciousness and serve under guidance and protection of exalted vaishnavas and finally by the causeless mercy of Guru and Krsna going home back home back to godhead to where we(I) belong.
So it happened like this. It was the early spring of 2002. One of my friends Pran Krsna Prabhu (that time Prakash prabhu) came to me. I knew him for a while we were in same college however we were in different department of studies anyways. He came to me and told me that he has one of his friend, very good, a nice gentlemen and he like me to meet him. Although I wasn't interested at all for the first time because I had aversion towards meeting those people who were not the students of science. Actually I was a foolish person at that time. Even now I am foolish it's just that devotees recognize me that's it. So when I saw him, that gentleman, he was very happy and jubilant seeing me he had a smile on his face and even I had a smile on my face. So he introduced himself and I also introduced myself. Me, that gentlemen and Prakash prabhu we all went to the college ground and sat in sun. Now this gentleman was asking me some questions about science and stuff, well I don't remember anything now. I was only a part of the conversation he was asking about who created the sun and grass. Well with my limited intelligence I gave funny answers and he again had smile on his face and then finally he invited me to Sunday youth program happening at sector 36 B Chandigarh. He told me that there will be very nice program; young boys come to the program. They have dancing and feasting. I said feasting too and I asked do you take some entry fee. He said no, it's free for all young people. I was excited and asked what is in the feast. He said well we have sweets, ice creams juice. I asked do you have burgers, noodles and pasta. He said yes. I was very happy at that time. Finally before we were calling off our small meeting. I noticed something around his neck. Actually I noticed it quite early in my first sight but I wanted to ask that later. So that was neck beads, called kanthi mala, 3 rounds. That was so beautiful that I actually wanted to have that same neck beads 3 rounds around my neck too. You know how it feels you really got something different which others don't have, like to get notice out of the crowd and you really want to get noticed by people. I asked him if I can get one of those he said of course come to our program and you will get. So I though that is something really cool to have. However for next 3-4 weeks that gentleman invited with patience to the program and every time I would have some excuse and I never miss watching that 3 rounds of neck beads which appears to be really very beautiful. I was getting attracted to the beauty of the kanthi mala every time I watch it.
So finally the day came, it was actually Saturday, I decided that I will be going to the program for sure no matter what happens. That gentleman had called me so many times and I respect his invitation and now I must go out of respect and save myself from embarrassment.
Now guess what I was ready to go to program and a news came to me that my uncle had come from Jallandar and he had to go to gurudwara which is one and half hour drive. I said to myself now again I won't be able to go but I was determined to go. Since my uncle is very much respected in our family. So I couldn't say no to him. I asked him that we need to go a little early as I have to reach for a program for sure. I gave my words to that gentleman. So I drove him to the gurudwara at speed of 90 -100 km/hr on my scooter and he was repeatedly saying drive slow but I didn't care. I was much excited to go to program than driving slowly. I was kind of passionate driver. So we cover the journey in less than 45 mins one way and we did all bath, darshan, had some juice over there and straight away landed to the Sector 36 B. I gave my scooter to my uncle and told him take it home I would come at my home don't worry abt that. I reached the lecture hall at 9:50. I still remember HG Nanda Maharaj prabhu was giving class on Time Management. Well I couldn't understand whole lecture but I got some. After the lecture I was looking for that gentleman who had invited me to the program and to my surprise he had shaved his head and wearing a dhoti kurta. Well I asked if everything is alright and he said yes everything is ok. He just a new hair cut. So I asked him, ok from where I can get those neck beads. He told me he will definitely get me those once the program is over and he told there is dancing kirtan and feast after that he will definitely get me that. So I was very happy and smiling. So we had dancing kirtan, and all the time I was laughing seeing funny dance steps and everyone jumping and gyrating around. So finally we had feast. That was also very sumptuous. I still remember on my right HG Rukmini putra prabhu and on left HG Gadadhar prabhu was sitting and both were pouring prasadam in my plate and told me eat as much as you like. I was really happy when all is free and you can eat to your full satisfaction.
Finally the whole program was over and now I was just about to get that beads for which I came to attend the program. Without wasting a minute I asked that gentleman ok now I want those beads so kindly give me those as you told. He and pran krsna prabhu took me to the BBT book stall and we picked up a kanthi mala, particularly the one which could make up 3 rounds. I was so happy that I was laughing while wearing it and that gentleman personally tied it around my neck. I looked myself in the mirror and it appeared very beautiful. So I was about to leave and that gentleman told me. Prabhu, it's actually 20 rupees. It's very nominal. Now guess what. I only had 20 rupees with me which I had asked from my uncle so that I can return to my home by auto or bus. Now returning the kanthi mala was out of question and telling that I don't have money to pay was very embarrassing for me. So I said to myself that I will go by walk so paid him 20 rupees. Now finally I was about to leave and he said one more thing to me. That gentleman told there are 4 regulative principles that one need to follow who wearing kanthi mala. No meat eating, no gambling, no illicit sex and no intoxication, onion, garlic, tea. Well I said but you never told. Now I really didn't want to remove those 3 rounds of beads out of my neck because I really loved them. So I said ok I will follow.
Now I didn't have any money to return home so I started to walk and finally by Krsna's causeless mercy I got a lift up to my home. That was wonderful. A free ride.
When I reached home I declared I have left meat, onion, garlic, tea, no intoxication etc. My mother and sister started to laugh at me and cracking jokes that once you smell the fragrance of meat your mouth would water and you will eat, then I will see about your so called claims. I actually tried to quit meat eating before however that endeavour was futile so my mother and sister was making fun of me. But I was determined that I will not take anything and I will not remove these beautiful 3 rounds of neck beads. For a week my mother couldn't believe that I have left all such things. She once told me that if they had done some magic on me. Yes that was magic of kanthi beads and its transcendental beauty which went deep in my heart that I was able to follow the regulative principles. Of course the mercy of that gentleman, pran krsna prabhu was there too.
So gradually in the care of Caitanaya Prema Prabhu, Mahahari and all other senior vaishanavas I somehow or other remained attached to ISKCON and devotees. It's simply by their causeless mercy that I am still in Krsna Consciousness for which I will be eternally grateful to them.
So I would close here now and did I mention who that gentleman was? He is my Eternal Brother HG Vrajendra Suta Prabhu.
Hare Krsna
Your insignificant servant
Nitai Prema Das
