Gender

Female

Birthday:

June 28

Name / Initiated name

Rebecca Vinson

Daily number of rounds of Hare Krishna mahamantra.

16

When, where and how did you come into contact with the Hare Krishna Movement?

I was taking a course my first semester of college called "Religion and Meaning of Existence." We were required to write a final paper on what we thought the meaning of existence was. I was studying into shamanism at the public library in Honolulu, HI and saw that the section on "Hinduism" was right next to the section on "Shamanism." I became curious because I was previously interested in studying other religions (my father being an Episcopalian pastor). I browsed several books and a picture fell from one book. It was beautiful, so I kept it and hung it on my wall. Soon after a friend of mine commented that it was Krishna, so I Googled "KRISHNA" and found there was a temple about 15 miles from my home. I visited one day and was told about how one gains a ghost body and I was blown away.. it totally made sense to me. I continued coming back for several weeks, everyday from 1-3pm to have lunch and ask my questions. Without my knowing, I was being given maha-prasadam everyday I was coming those first few weeks! So much mercy.. I became so involved and started doing service in the kitchen with dishes and also volunteering to watch the gift shop and restaurant. I was gradually introduced to the programs, started chanting, reading, doing garland seva, etc.. It's been almost four ecstatic years in association with the devotees and I am still so eager for more!!! Jaya Srila Prabhupada~!

Name the nearest or most frequently Visited ISKCON temple/ centre and name few of the devotees whom you know.

I am currently residing at and serving at the Salt Lake City Krishna Temple under the guidance of Caru das prabhu and Vaibhavi devi dasi mataji. At this temple, I am having close association with Sarvopama das prabhu and Svayam Rasesvari devi dasi mataji.

Please describe yourself so that other like minded devotees can find you.

I wanted to join this site to have more association with devotees around the world. I am very eager to travel and see other temples. In my spare time I like to read Srila Prabhupada's books and practice kirtan. Singing is my favorite thing. I have started cooking very recently, within the past few months, and also would like to learn more in that area. Otherwise, I do a lot of service in the garden here in the Salt Lake City temple. It is very wonderful to see this community coming together to work on something beautiful!

What are your expectations from this community?

I am hoping to come into contact with other devotees so I may be more inspired and encouraged in my advancement in Krishna Consciousness. Also to learn more about being a good Vaisnava and understanding the sastra more in-depth. Life in Kali Yuga is so difficult, so having association with devotees is my only joy!

Describe any specific service you would love to offer to Lord Krishna & His devotees?

Making garlands for the deities is my favorite service, besides kirtan. This temple doesn't have a flower budget and the deities are not installed, so we don't make garlands here. As for the devotees, in any way I am capable of serving, I am always happy to be there and do what I can!