Shakti in Seva

An environmental seva leader, Murari Mohini Prabhu, shares how she came to serve in Mayapur and help care for its natural and spiritual heritage. What began with volunteering on waste separation and recycling grew into a broader community effort focused on cleaner streets, tree planting, reuse, environmental education and protecting the sacred landscape.

This conversation explores the challenges of caring for a growing community, working with local residents and authorities, and finding practical ways to put spiritual values into action. Murari Mohini Prabhu also shares her hopes for more sustainable development in Mayapur and encourages young Vaishnavis to seek a supportive environment, care for their well-being, develop their gifts, and use them in service.

Resources:

• Mayapur Clean & Green: https://mayapurcleanandgreen.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clean_green_mayapur/

Chapters

0:00 Welcome and introduction

3:11 Discovering bhakti in Bolivia

5:43 Early connection with nature

9:04 Changes in Mayapur’s environment

15:09 From volunteering to community service

18:30 Building Clean & Green projects

20:45 Tree planting and protecting green spaces

24:04 Recycling, education and reuse

27:30 Funding and community support

30:18 Sustainable development and traditional skills

38:13 Where to find and support the project

43:22 Women’s leadership and service

45:21 Protecting the holy dham

1:05:14 Advice for young Vaishnavis

In this episode of the Shakti in Seva Podcast, Nrtya Kisori talks with Visakha Dasi, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. She is a photographer, author and filmmaker, and she now serves as temple president of Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, UK.

Visakha Dasi describes how she went from an atheist upbringing on Long Island to Krishna consciousness. She tells of meeting Prabhupada in Bombay, where he looked through her book on close-up photography. She also recalls how he sent her to Vrindavan, and the 1974 Rathayatra in San Francisco. Along the way she shares her thoughts on raising children in Krishna consciousness, taking on the temple president role, and leading the Manor through COVID and its growth since. She also speaks about women in leadership, including the guru question, and about the devotees who have inspired her, among them Yamuna Devi and Malati. She closes with her hopes for the future of the movement and the importance of staying close to Prabhupada.

Chapters

0:00 Welcome and guest introduction

2:05 From atheist upbringing to Krishna consciousness

4:53 Meeting Prabhupada in Bombay and the photography book

8:32 Rituals, philosophy and Prabhupada's personality

12:55 Prabhupada sends her to Vrindavan

16:42 The 1974 Rathayatra in San Francisco

22:02 Raising children in Krishna consciousness

25:32 Becoming temple president of Bhaktivedanta Manor

29:32 Leading through COVID and a growing community

33:49 Women in leadership and the guru question

38:48 Inspiring devotees: Yamuna Devi and Malati

42:19 Vision for the future and staying close to Prabhupada

44:29 Gratitude for documenting Prabhupada's life

46:50 Closing reflections on women's contributions

What does it mean to live by Srila Prabhupada’s instructions for more than five decades? Narayani dasi shares how she was a truth-seeking music student and became a pioneering devotee, book distributor, temple pujari, teacher, author, and one of ISKCON’s first Vaishnavi initiating gurus.

From “guru shopping” in Boston to later serving on the streets with Vishnujana Maharaj, Narayani’s journey is a story of surrender, resilience, and doing the needful—even when there was no facility nor support. She shares the six instructions she received at initiation, the letter that confirmed her calling to teach, and why her approach to spiritual life is simple: stay connected to Srila Prabhupada, keep chanting, and never stop preaching.

In this conversation, Narayani discusses:

Her early search for truth and how she found Krishna consciousness

The demanding pace of early devotional service, including her years as the head pujari in Calcutta

Why she believes women’s leadership and formal initiation are essential to Srila Prabhupada’s vision

How she began teaching without waiting for the perfect setup

The difference between diksha and siksha relationships, and how to find a guru whose service resonates with your own

Challenges facing ISKCON today, including sectarianism, pride, and placing form above substance

Her response to difficulty is practical and powerful: be an example, cultivate humility, cooperate with devotees, and let Krishna work in His time. Narayani’s life shows how devotional service can keep going through faith, patience, and a willingness to serve wherever there is need.

A meaningful conversation for devotees, spiritual seekers, and anyone interested in women’s leadership, as well as the future of Srila Prabhupada’s movement, and what spiritual service looks like over a lifetime.

Chapters:

00:18 — Introduction to Narayani Prabhu’s Service and Background

01:52 — Early Days in ISKCON and Initial Inspirations

04:06 — Memories of Srila Prabhupada and Personal Interactions

08:11 — The Role of Women as Gurus and Spiritual Guides

12:00 — Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles in Devotional Life

19:57 — The Importance of Humility, Patience, and Service

29:59 — Inspiration from Srila Prabhupada and the Future of ISKCON

55:04 — Final Words of Encouragement and Dedication to Service

Mental health, child protection, and women’s empowerment are not distractions from bhakti - they are part of how a community becomes truly healthy. Dhanya Gaurangi Devi makes the case for why devotees need to talk openly about the issues many still avoid, and why spiritual life gets stronger, not weaker, when we face them honestly.
Dhanya traces how her work as a traveling kirtaniya and trained counselor grew out of a lifelong curiosity about relationships, family systems, and the ripple effects of divorce, trauma, and intergenerational patterns. She shares why stigma still keeps too many devotees from seeking help, why child safety requires real safeguards instead of denial, and how communities can shift culture from the grassroots up.

You’ll discover:
- Why “spiritual solutions only” can become a barrier to real healing
- How child protection starts with awareness, not avoidance
- A practical, bottom-up way to reduce stigma in everyday conversation
- How to bring Krishna consciousness into therapy without being preachy
- Why relationships themselves can be an offering to Krishna
- What women need in order to thrive in bhakti communities
- How motherhood, kirtan, and mental health work can all be sustained through grace, support, and asking for help

Dhanya also explains why spiritual and relational health are inseparable, especially in communities where people live, raise families, and serve together for decades. She offers a grounded vision for counseling that honors both clinical wisdom and the Bhagavatam’s deeply personal lens on human struggle.

This conversation is especially meaningful if you value faith and mental health, raising children in spiritual communities, supporting women, or building safer, more compassionate spaces for devotees. Honest, practical, and deeply nourishing, this episode is a reminder that Krishna’s hand is often visible in the smallest moments of care, courage, and connection.

Dhanya Gaurangi Devi is a traveling kirtaniya and educator on personal and relationship wellness. She holds a master’s degree in counselor education and a specialist degree in marriage and family therapy, with training in trauma-informed care, perinatal mental health, and couples counseling.

Chapters:
00:00 — Intro
00:18 — Introduction to Dhanya Gaurangi Devi and her work

04:23 — The journey from Latin America to mental health advocacy

08:25 — Challenges faced in implementing mental health support in communities

12:07 — Overcoming stigma around mental health and child protection

16:16 — Integrating Krishna consciousness with therapeutic practices

20:18 — The importance of mutuality and non-hierarchy in counseling

24:21 — The link between emotional health and spiritual growth

28:14 — Empowering women and nurturing future generations

30:42 — Practical steps to foster a culture of care and openness

34:32 — The role of community and leadership in cultural change

38:30 — Balancing personal practice with professional and family life

42:28 — The miraculous nature of service and Krishna’s grace

46:29 — Staying inspired and integrated in multiple roles

50:29 — The internal and invisible work of spiritual development

54:26 — Closing reflections and gratitude

55:03 — Outro

What if the most powerful part of bhakti is not looking the part, but living the essence? Ananga Manjari Prabhu shares the extraordinary story of how Krishna consciousness entered her life at 12, carried her through decades of service, and taught her to offer even the hardest, messiest parts of family life back to Krishna.
She traces the moment a breeze seemed to awaken her soul, the night she first chanted with devotees in Boston, and the unforgettable encouragement she received from Srila Prabhupada himself. From there, this conversation opens into a much bigger vision of bhakti, one that values heart over hierarchy, inward transformation over appearances, and service according to one’s actual gifts.

You'll discover:
- How a childhood hunger for truth led her to Krishna consciousness
- Why Prabhupada’s letter to a 19-year-old Ananga Manjari changed everything
- What she learned serving him personally in India
- How motherhood became her sadhana, not a setback
- Why she believes the movement must make room for different temperaments, cultures, and callings

She also shares a deeply moving realization from the middle of motherhood and austerity: that even washing diapers before dawn can be devotional service when it is offered with love. That insight becomes the heartbeat of the episode, and it reframes bhakti as something far more expansive, practical, and empowering than many people assume.
If you’ve ever felt boxed in by external expectations, struggled to reconcile spiritual ideals with real life, or wondered how to keep your heart alive inside a religious community, this conversation will hit home. Ananga Manjari speaks with rare clarity about protecting bhakti without turning it into control, and about helping others grow like a flower instead of forcing them into a mold.

00:00 Intro
00:18 Introduction to Ananga Manjari Prabhu
02:10 A Spiritual Awakening
06:30 Meeting the Devotees
12:46 Discovering Krishna Consciousness
24:17 Srila Prabhupada’s Blessing
40:11 Srila Prabhupada’s Vision
54:30 Motherhood and Devotion
1:04:14 A Turning Point in Sadhana
1:13:22 Society vs. Institution
1:17:24 Inner Devotion
1:29:55 Mercy in Distress
1:34:25 Outro

A teenage search for absolute truth turned into a lifetime of bhakti, book distribution, women’s empowerment, and fearless service. Pranada dasi shares how one set of books changed everything - and why holding tight to the holy name carried her through illness, heartbreak, and a five-year crisis of faith.

What starts as a story of being drawn to Srila Prabhupada in the 1970s becomes a powerful conversation about what it really takes to stay on the path. Pranada opens up about the early days in Los Angeles, the ecstasy of sankirtan, and the inner confirmations that made her conviction unshakable. Nrtya Kisori guides the conversation with thoughtful questions, while Amrita helps create a space for a deeply personal, reflective exchange.

You’ll discover:

-The moment Pranada found the books that “followed” her across countries and years

-The japa realization that transformed her sense of self forever

-Why she sees anartya-nivritti, struggle, and doubt as part of authentic bhakti

-How illness and trauma deepened her dependence on Krishna rather than weakening it

-The origin of Krishna.com, her writing career, and the long journey behind books like Wise

-Love and The Emergence of Women’s Voices in ISKCON

Pranada also speaks candidly about the need to normalize difficulty in spiritual life, the importance of association, and why women bring personalism, intuition, and relational depth to spiritual leadership. It’s a compelling look at the hidden costs of silence, the power of historical memory, and the role of Vaishnavis in shaping a more compassionate bhakti culture.

If you’re looking for an episode that is both spiritually grounding and unflinchingly honest, this is it. Essential listening for devotees, seekers, writers, and anyone who wants to understand how real faith is forged, tested, and shared.

Resources from Mother Pranada:

Her podcast: The Exploring Bhakti podcast

Krishna.com

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:18 Introduction to Pranada Dasi's Journey

02:53 The Call to Devotion: Early Experiences

10:32 Profound Lessons from Srila Prabhupada

14:00 Navigating Crisis of Faith

21:11 The Transformative Power of the Holy Name

25:26 Sources of Inspiration and the Importance of Association

28:45 Emerging from the Cocoon: Healing Through Relationships

29:30 The Journey of Writing and Sharing Bhakti

36:58 Service through Online Platforms

39:27 Advocating for Gender Harmony in Bhakti

53:38 Unique Qualities of Women in Spiritual Leadership

55:00 The Importance of Personal Connection in Bhakti

01:05:01 Outro

What does it take to stay spiritually steady through grief, responsibility, and real-life pressure? Madhavi Gaurangi Dd shares the practices, scriptures, and women saints that have shaped her bhakti journey - and why the strongest devotees are often the ones who build an unshakable inner life.

Nrtya Kisori Devi leads a thoughtful conversation with Madhavi Gaurangi Devi about growing up drawn to Krishna, finding support in a devotional marriage, building a career in finance, and eventually choosing full-time service and study. From that foundation, the episode opens into a rich discussion of scripture as a living relationship, not just something to read, and the qualities of Vaishnavis like Kunti Devi, Draupadi, Devahuti, Vindhyavali, Sukanya, Janava Devi, Hemalata Thakurani, and Ganga Mata Goswamini.

You’ll discover:

- Why scripture becomes transformative only when it is heard, contemplated, and lived regularly.

- What makes women’s contributions to spiritual communities so essential: nurturing, emotional intelligence, mentorship, and cultural preservation.

- How to distinguish true detachment from false renunciation in household life

- Why honesty, stability, and deep association matter more than temporary inspiration

- How devotion can sustain you through profound loss, uncertainty, and everyday responsibilities

Madhavi also shares how her faith carried her through the heartbreaking loss of a child, and how that experience deepened her conviction that Krishna and the holy words of the tradition are never far away. She offers a clear, grounded vision for the future of bhakti: preserve the core siddhanta, adapt the outreach, and keep the heart of devotion accessible to sincere seekers everywhere.

This episode is for someone who wants a more practical, emotionally intelligent, and philosophically rooted understanding of bhakti, women’s strength, and what it means to build a spiritual life that lasts.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:18 Introduction to Bhakti and Madhavi Gaurangi's Journey

05:27 Professional Background and Transition to Devotional Life

10:16 Developing a Relationship with Scriptures

20:11 Inspiring Women in Vaishnavism

30:11 Unique Strengths of Women in Spiritual Communities

35:21 Personal Dedication and Inspiration in Sadhana

36:52 Finding Strength in Scriptures During Difficult Times

39:56 Learning from Multiple Teachers

43:01 Hope for the Future of Krishna Consciousness

50:50 Understanding Healthy Detachment in Bhakti

01:00:00 Building a Stable Relationship with Krishna

01:03:13 Outro

Craving practical guidance to uplift your spiritual journey and community? Mother Gopi Gita shares transformative insights on empowering women, mentoring youth, and breaking down outdated barriers in ISKCON — all rooted in her 25 years of dedicated service and deep spiritual practice.

Within this episode, you'll discover how embracing vulnerability and confidence can revolutionize the way we foster spiritual communities. Mother Gopi Gita reveals compelling stories of her childhood Mangalarati memories that ignite a passion for service and self-awareness. She discusses the vital role of emotional health, highlighting how making Krishna consciousness relevant to today's youth can inspire genuine devotion in diverse settings.

We break down empowering strategies for women, emphasizing qualities like compassion, empathy, and organizational strength, backed by scriptural insights from the Bhagavad Gita. You'll learn how fostering a safe, inclusive environment enables young devotees to authentically express their faith without fear of judgment or suppression. Mother Gopi Gita shares her vision for creating communities where every voice, especially women's, and every child's unique gifts are celebrated and nurtured, transforming traditional barriers into bridges of opportunity.

Why does this matter? Because authentic spiritual growth occurs when community leaders listen deeply, adapt to modern realities, and prioritize emotional and spiritual well-being — especially for the next generation. If you're passionate about fostering change, supporting young devotees, or simply seeking inspiration to stand in your power, this episode is your call to action.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation that challenges old paradigms and embraces the vibrant potential of women and youth in Bhakti Yoga. This is essential listening for seasoned leaders, new mentors, and anyone committed to a more inclusive, loving spiritual community.

Guest: Mother Gopi Gita is an internationally bestselling author, educator, and spiritual coach dedicated to transforming leadership and family life through Eastern spiritual principles infused with modern relevance.

Uncover practical insights, heartfelt stories, and inspiring callings—because true leadership begins with inside-out empowerment.

Resources from Mother Gopi Gita:

gopigita.com

leadershipteaching.org

leadershipparenting.com

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:18 Introduction to Mother Gopi Gita

02:57 Personal Background and Journey

06:24 Happiest Memories in Devotional Life

09:05 Teachings from Srila Prabhupada

12:00 Inspiration and Mentorship

16:20 Supporting Youth in Their Growth

20:05 Challenges Faced by Youth Today

24:10 Creating Supportive Environments for Youth

26:35 The Power of Empathic Listening

28:04 Addressing Emotional Health in Spiritual Communities

31:18 Misconceptions Impacting Youth in Spiritual Communities

39:43 Experiences of Women in Leadership Roles

42:30 Unique Strengths of Women in Spiritual Communities

45:02 Empowerment and Inner Strength

48:27 Connecting with the World

50:26 Hope for the Next Generation

58:30 Embracing Your Identity

01:01:00 Thoughts on Vaishnavi Diksha Guru

01:12:05 Outro

Unlocking true empowerment—especially for women in the movement—starts with authenticity, education, and actionable compassion. Rambhoru Devi, a senior devotee, spiritual caregiver, and advocate for mental health, shares her transformative journey from skepticism to deeply rooted service, highlighting how women can break through societal and internal barriers to lead with confidence and compassion.

In this heartfelt conversation, Rambhoru Devi recounts how her long pilgrimage with Bhakti Yoga and her encounters with Srila Prabhupada shaped her profound understanding of true devotion and empowerment. She reveals the power of self-education, from mastering scripture to acquiring practical skills, emphasizing that real strength comes from inner authenticity and community support. You'll discover how women can cultivate resilience, develop leadership skills, and foster spaces that nurture genuine connection beyond societal constraints.

We explore practical strategies for women to uplift themselves—whether by leading classes, offering compassionate care, or creating home-based spiritual sanctuaries—and how to activate that same empowerment in others. Rambhoru Devi discusses the importance of cultural shifts within our community, addressing patriarchy, enabling authentic expressions of faith, and building a culture of safety and trust. Her insights challenge us to see every obstacle as an opportunity for growth, urging us to embody bhakti through service, listening, and authentic relationships.

This episode is perfect for devotees eager to deepen their spiritual practice, women seeking to claim their space in the movement, and leaders committed to fostering a culture of genuine care and empowerment. Dive in if you're ready to break barriers, embrace your true self, and become a catalyst for positive change in your community.

Guest Credentials: Rambhoru Devi is a dedicated spiritual caregiver, founder of Karuna Care Association, and a clinical pastoral educator. Her decades of service and advocacy in mental health and devotee care provide a grounded, inspirational perspective on transformational leadership rooted in compassion, authenticity, and spiritual integrity.

Resources from Rambhoru Prabhu:

Karuna Care Association: https://karunacare.iskcon.org

Hearts CPE: https://heartscpe.com

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:18 Introduction to Rambhoru Devi

05:56 First contact with Krishna consciousness

10:22 From devotee care to chaplaincy

15:57 How to embody bhakti through presence

20:47 Compassion, suffering, and unconditional love

24:39 Music, sacred presence, and crisis care

28:15 Building Karuna Care and chaplaincy pathways

33:46 Authentic care, trauma, and leadership

40:50 The meaning of loving exchanges

45:58 Women navigating patriarchy in devotional life

53:58 Women empowerment and spiritual agency

56:48 What still needs to change for women in the movement

58:26 Women, permission, and personal responsibility

1:02:38 Women's empowerment and self-sufficiency

1:04:35 Education, theology, and marketable skills

1:07:55 Making the home a temple

1:11:23 Women in a patriarchal culture

1:12:42 Devotee care and the turn toward chaplaincy

1:18:17 How to embody bhakti through presence

1:23:07 Compassion, suffering, and victim-blaming

1:26:59 Music, presence, and crisis care

1:30:35 Building Karuna Care and training pathways

1:36:06 Authentic care, trauma, and leadership

1:37:23 Outro