"Becoming a spiritual counsellor was never my plan — it was Krishna’s. I only became the instrument in His hands."
1. What inspired you to become a spiritual counsellor and author? How did ISKCON shape your path?
Becoming an author or spiritual counsellor was never something I planned—it happened organically. As I embraced the life of a monk, I naturally began sharing the teachings I had received from my spiritual preceptors. The idea of writing books emerged during the Covid period. That’s when I truly realized that the written word can carry more lasting power than spoken words. If we wish to preserve knowledge, books have always been the most effective medium. We’ve seen how scriptures have carried wisdom across generations for centuries.
So, none of it was a deliberate plan—it was Krishna’s plan. He manifests things at the right time, and I believe this was the time for these things to unfold.
ISKCON has played a foundational role in shaping who I am today. While the seeds of spirituality were planted by my parents in childhood, back then, I worshipped Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. My connection to Krishna came later—when I encountered the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the shift felt natural and spontaneous. Although it wasn't easy at first, my attraction to Krishna soon became the strongest connection in my life. ISKCON gave me the platform to nurture and deepen that devotion over the years.
2. Life feels busier than ever. How can spirituality help people deal with stress and find balance?
Our body and mind are like machines—no machine can run endlessly without breaking down. Just as machines need lubrication to function efficiently, our lives need spiritual practices to stay balanced and effective.
Spirituality acts as that essential lubricant. It aligns our thoughts and body, allowing us to focus better and work more efficiently. When the mind is calm and the thoughts are clear, we can accomplish in a short time what might otherwise take much longer. This inner clarity is a powerful antidote to stress.
3. With so many distractions around us, what’s a simple way to build self-awareness?
The simplest way is to build a strong spiritual foundation—not just to desire it, but to actively prioritize it. Often, people have the desire but fail to take action because they skip the essential middle step: making it a priority.
Once you prioritize, you act. By dedicating even a small part of each day to spiritual practices—chanting the names of God, reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, and Ramayana, worshipping the Lord, and associating with saintly people—you begin to slow down, reflect, and make better life decisions.
These practices help channel our desires in the right direction or give meaning to the pace we already have. When done with discipline, they ground us in reality and make us more mindful of our words and actions.
4. Many young people struggle to connect with spiritual teachings. How do you make them relevant today?
It's all about understanding the needs of the audience. That understanding doesn’t come overnight; it grows through experience and constant interaction. I try to stay aware of what’s happening in their lives—what they’re going through, what they’re seeking.
Once we understand that, we can present timeless wisdom in a way that resonates with them. But even with all that effort, everything ultimately depends on Krishna’s grace. I firmly believe that whatever I speak or do is simply an expression of the mercy of Krishna and my Guru, His Holiness Radhanath Swami. On our own, we have no ability—we’re just instruments trying to serve their will.
5. What’s one big misconception about spirituality you wish more people understood?
The biggest misconception is that all forms of worship are the same and lead to the same result. That’s not true.
If you board a flight to Delhi, you will end up in Delhi—not Bangalore. If you eat a Gulab Jamun, it will not taste like a bitter gourd. Similarly, all worship doesn’t lead to the same destination. If that were the case, people wouldn’t be so particular about choosing the best schools for their children.
Even in service, the same act brings different rewards depending on whom you're serving. Washing dishes at a roadside dhaba is different from washing them in a billionaire’s mansion—the action is the same, but the rewards are vastly different.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna clearly states: “Those who worship demigods go to the demigods, those who worship spirits go to them, and those who worship Me attain Me.” It’s very straightforward. Unfortunately, due to a lack of knowledge and deep-seated misconceptions, many people believe otherwise. Everyone is free to worship according to their heart—but it’s important to understand that the rewards depend on the deity being worshipped.
6. Sticking to a spiritual practice isn’t always easy. Any advice for those who keep falling off track?
The key is association. Surround yourself with devotees who are sincere and consistent in their practice. That association will uplift you, inspire you, and bring you back whenever you stray.
There’s a saying: We are what we associate with. By staying connected to those who are committed to the path, we naturally remain motivated and steady in our own journey.
7. If someone could start with just one spiritual habit, what would you recommend?
Start by associating with devotees of the Lord and listening to them. Hearing is the foundation of spiritual life. Without hearing from authentic sources—especially the Bhagavad Gita and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam—it becomes very difficult to grow spiritually.
Pray to the Lord for the right association. Once that association is there, the journey begins. Spiritual life begins with hearing. If we don’t hear, how will we ever know what to do?
8. If you could visit any spiritual place alone, in search of peace, where would it be and why?
Without a doubt—Vrindavan.
The Puranas say that over time, many holy places will lose their spiritual potency due to the increasing sins in the world. But Vrindavan remains untouched. Devotion still dances there.
It’s Krishna’s home—the land of divine sweetness and unconditional love. For me, there’s no place more spiritually vibrant and alive than Vrindavan.
Bio:
Nityanand Charan Das is a spiritual counsellor, monk, and acclaimed author deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. A devoted member of ISKCON, his journey into spiritual life began organically through years of dedicated service, study, and personal transformation. Known for his relatable approach to ancient wisdom, Nityanand Charan Das is passionate about making spirituality accessible to modern seekers. His books and talks offer practical tools to navigate stress, cultivate mindfulness, and lead a more purposeful life guided by devotion and self-awareness.
Interviewed by: Shrishti Chandra
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
){kind=link}
0 Comments