In 1995, I dropped out of first-year medical school to join an ashram. I was unsatisfied with medicine and felt there was a deeper cause that wasn’t being addressed. I searched — and found a Vedic spiritual practice that made sense. I learned about healing and the nature of the Soul. I realized where the source of our healing lies — and I dove in, fully, for the next seven years.
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My next mentors were my spiritual father (guru) and my spiritual sisters, who “raised me.” They taught me sisterhood, rituals, seva and puja, and shared deep, daily moments of devotion.
Oh, what a powerful, intense time — chanting bhajans with hot milk at night, sewing garlands through the night, preparing festivals, catering feasts, hosting religious leaders and parliamentarians — all while observing strict fasting. I absorbed the Vedic culture and bhakti yoga, living with twelve remarkable women from different races, yet united by a desire to serve the Lord in pure love, with sadhana and daily prayer.
Our sisterhood was exceptional. The closeness we shared was extraordinary. Looking back, I realize how deeply privileged I was to experience this.
From 1995–2001, I stayed in the temple. We were girls and boys from all walks of life — white, Indian, African, often international students of bhakti.
We had sleepovers in each other’s rooms, staying up late chatting, feasting on bananas and caramel, sharing intimate stories. I learned so many practical lessons that now feel priceless: washing our floors daily, sleeping on the floor and putting away mattresses by day, staying clean after using the toilet, devotion and mantras to wake the Lord, awaken our souls, and open our hearts.
Service took on a whole new meaning. We served even those we argued with, and those we loved, constantly working on our hearts to develop pure love for the Lord. We even competed to hang each other’s washing — expressions of service and gratitude.
And the feasts! Out of this world. The bliss and ecstasy we experienced through service and mantra were palpable — pure oxytocin from social connection and friendship. Seva and tapasya (austerity) brought immense joy and quenched a longing for divine connection.
I also learned how to care for my body and home wisely — Vedic principles for staying meaningfully busy, feeling peaceful and grounded, rather than dull or reactive. We learned to cook amazing meals, balancing health and spirituality, exposed to traditional, wholesome recipes.
In 1997, I received initiation from my spiritual master, HH Giriraj Swami, and became Gauri dasi — servant of the Golden-hued Radharani (Beloved of Shri Krishna). I remain guided by Her pure Love and in a service mindset.
Our days began at 4 a.m., the first five hours devoted to deep meditation, prayers, puja, Shastra class, then breakfast before heading to our services.
Now we are scattered around the world. Perhaps some of you are reading this. I cherish each one’s role in my life during that time. We shared something so beautiful, shining our inner diamonds together. I am profoundly grateful for this transformative, life-shaping experience.