ISKCON New Zealand

Introducing Hare Krishna Families in Auckland

Newcomers to the Hare Krishna movement are often surprised to find the family unit as being an integral, and indeed essential component of our spiritual society. In fact, a compatible married couple, living together in harmony, can, with re-doubled strength, assist each other in spiritual life, whilst still affording a degree of intimacy and companionship.

During our initial steps on the path of Krishna consciousness we learn that we are not these temporary bodies, but we also learn that relationships amongst friends, family, and society are natural, both in the spiritual and material realms. Therefore the practice of Krishna consciousness (bhakti-yoga) does not recommend impersonal negation of the senses, or premature renunciation.

Rather, activities in devotional service to Lord Krishna are so spiritually potent that men and women can easily overcome the lower propensity toward sense gratification, and instead share the pleasure of serving together, and enjoying the journey of progressive Krishna consciousness.

On this page we will introduce some of our Krishna Conscious Families.

...After 2 hours we decided to get married

Krishnendu Dasa is a Kiwi. He has European parents. He was born in New Zealand and grew up in New Zealand. Nikunja-vasini devi dasi is Indian. She has Gujarati parents. She was born in Mozambique and grew up in Zimbabwe before coming to NZ. Devakinandana Dasa is the son of Krsnendu Dasa and Nikunja-vasini devi dasi. He was born in New Zealand and is growing fast.

Krishnendu Dasa - "When I started high school I became vegetarian along with my younger brother and sister. Out of desparation my mum took us all to the Sunday feast at Gopal's restaurant. I was immediately convinced about Krishna consciousness but it wasn't until 1994 that I got initiated.

"I did book distribution and served as the secretary of my Guru Maharaja, His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami for a few of years before starting my service as a teacher at the Hare Krishna School in 2000. From that time I wanted to get married but I had to wait until the temple opening in 2004 before Krishna made the arrangement for me."

Nikunja-vasini devi dasi - "My cousin introduced me to Krishna consciousness by giving me "Your Ever Wellwisher" and Prabhupada's books. My sister, Vaisnavi and I read the books together and became convinced that Prabhupada is a pure devotee and that his instructions are perfect. We started chanting straight away, but because there was not much association we were not so serious about it.

"It is only when we came to New Zealand and met the Nama Hatta devotees that our spiritual life really took off. Gopal Krishna Prabhu especially took us to a few mangal aratis and we were amazed. It was at one of the Nama Hatta programs that Padmasambhava Prabhu introduced me to my husband. He arranged for us to meet and after 2 hours we decided to get married. We both felt that this was Krishna's desire." Soon after getting married I got initiated and began doing Deity worship at the temple."

Devakinandana Dasa - "I was born a few days before Nrsimhadeva's appearance day. I like Nrsimhadeva. When I hear His name or see His picture I roar."
"I am lucky because Guru Maharaja visited me and gave me my name soon after I was born."
"I like kirtan and and I like playing all the musical instruments especially the mridanga."
"Most of the day I run around the house and tire Mummy out."
"My parents love me very much."

Krishnendu, Nikunja-vasini and Devakinandana

Letters From Srila Prabhupada to Disciples About Family Life

Our Krishna is a great family personality. Krishna is never a mendicant, and our ambition is to enter into Krishna's family and to associate with Him personally. So to marry and to become an exemplary householder is the ideal life of Krishna consciousness.
(Prabhupada's Letter - July 10, 1969)

These children are given to us by Krishna, they are Vaishnavas and we must be very careful to protect them. These are not ordinary children, they are Vaikuntha children, and we are very fortunate we can give them chance to advance further in Krishna Consciousness. That is very great responsibility, do not neglect it or be confused. Your duty is very clear.
(Prabhupada's Letter - July 30, 1972)

Read How to Build Strong Krishna Conscious Family 12 Ways

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