Now my temple room is painted and set up, my Deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra and Gopal are 'installed' and I am going to start some home program - bhajans, Bhagavad-Gita study and the odd Sunday feast.

I turned to spirituality from an early age in life because my soul was crying out for this connection, from age 10. I've experienced much suffering from the hands of sexual abusers and from my own self harm and I've loathed life.

I've learnt however that nothing matters more than turning life around with compassion, mindfulness, spirituality and gentleness and firmness with self.

I've appreciated spirituality in so many places and forms - awesome worship that makes one leave this world, simple human kindness devoid of creed or belief in anything except the value of kindness.

The gentleness and kindness of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami in bringing the teachings of Lord Caitanya and the Vedas - bhakti yoga to the west continues to inspire me.

He truly lives in his books. In his samadhi tomb in Vrindabin I experienced the nectar and the taste of chanting the Name of Krsna - God. Sharing spiritual experiences and insight with people is something I relish, We can learn from each other always.


In the teachings of Sriman Mahaprabhu, there are 2 principal instructions - developing a taste for the chanting of the Lord's holy names and displaying compassion for the fallen souls. The greatness of a Vaisnava depends on the extent to which he possesses these qualities....All good qualities of a Vaisnava automatically manifest in a Vaisnava who endeavors for these 2 qualities.
Sri Caitanya siksamrta 1:7

In Tasmania where I live there are no other serious Hare Krishnas, and yet there was a temple here in the early 80's. I've never been an ashram resident or temple dwelling devotee. Over the last 20 years of contact with the Hare Krishnas I've seen great changes - the loss of wealth and power with the fall of gurus, theological disputes and the scoiurge of child abuse in some ashram schools. I continue however to see people of commitment, integrity and a desire to realise Srila Prabhupada's love for us and his desire to make a house that the whole world could live in.

Achieving a compassionate, peaceful, loving heart that has an attraction for chanting and hearing the beautiful Name of Krsna is something I challenge myself to do and be, day by day.

I welcome the chance to share your insights and wisdom. Namaste.
Hare Krishna! All glories to Srila Prabhupada, our beloved Founder-Acharaya.