Stephen Knapp, also known by his spiritual name Sri Nandanandana Dasa (Śrī Nandanandana Dāsa), is an American author, spiritual practitioner, researcher, and lecturer on Vedic culture (Sanātana Dharma) and philosophy. He is associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and is a disciple of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Knapp has authored numerous books and articles focused on Vedic traditions, philosophy, and Indian spirituality. His works include The Secret Teachings of the Vedas, Proof of Vedic Culture’s Global Existence, and The Heart of Hinduism. He is the founder of the Vedic Friends Association (VFA) and heads the ISKCON temple in Detroit, Michigan.
In January 2025, the Government of India announced that Knapp would be awarded the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian honor, for his contributions in the field of Literature and Education. The award recognized his efforts in promoting Indian traditions and spiritual heritage globally. He received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 28, 2025.
This article is based on writer Pranjal Joshi’s interview of Stephen Knapp.
1.How would you define yourself?
I was a seeker of spiritual truths who became a full participant in the Vedic traditions. When I first read the Bhagavad-gita, I realized that this is what I was looking for, which had the deeper answers to the questions I had. Thereafter I read many other texts of the Vedic library, which gave me even more insights.
2.Tell us something about your childhood and early life.
I was born and raised a Christian, but I still had questions that were not answered. I remember when I was about 7 years old laying in bed wondering how I got the body I was in. How did I get here? Why was I not born in my neighbor’s, Jack’s body? But that would mean I would also have to have his parents, which may not be such a good thing. But why was this physical body so vulnerable, like if you can’t breathe for five minutes you die? And you have to feed it and then take it to the bathroom. Is this normal? It just did not seem normal to me. Obviously, these were all carry-overs from a previous existence and knowing that I was not this body but the soul within. But I did not have any deep spiritual knowledge at the time, but only later did I find the answers to these questions.
3.When was it that you met your spiritual Master for the first time?
I met my spiritual master, Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami first through his books, first being the Bhagavad-gita, in 1971. Then I personally met him in 1972 in San Diego where I was able to personally listen to his classes.
4.What difference do you find in India of 1970’s and now?
The first time I went to India was in 1987. One example of the difference is in the town of Vrindavana. Back then it was very simple, even the parikrama path was just a sandy path for pedestrians. It was easy to go to the temples and get darshan, not so crowded. And the monkeys left you alone without stealing your glasses. Now the parikrama path is a paved road with all kinds of vehicles traveling on it, from tractors, trucks, even buses. And the temples are often packed with people, shoulder to shoulder. And now you cannot even go to the Krishna Balarama temple without being warry of the monkeys who steal everything, from glasses, bags, phones, shoes, etc. And the traffic through town is horrendous, and they sometimes now block roads so you cannot enter. Yet they are continuing to build more apartment buildings and newer and bigger roads. So, things have changed drastically, and I’ve been told that this is happening in villages all across India.
5.Tell us about your visits to India
As I have been visiting India over the years, there have been great improvements with the infrastructure, like the highways and roads, and the metros in the cities. So this is a great improvement. However, there has been a decline in some ways in the interest in the Vedic traditions, especially as the country seems to becoming more westernized. In some ways the youth is taking an interest in the spirituality within India, and in other ways there is a section that seems less interested. In much of India, it is very rare to see any of the younger women wear traditional clothes, like saris. They need to make sure they do not lose their own heritage that has been given to them by the great sages and rishis of India.
6.What fascinated you most about Indian culture and Vedic scriptures?
The depth of spiritual knowledge and insight that they provide, and the many tools for anyone to reach their highest potential, both spiritually and materially, with the use of such things as the science of Ayurveda, Vastu Shastri, Jyotish, and so on, but especially the spiritual knowledge that anyone can find in the various levels of its spiritual texts.
7.How did you become a writer?
I was always interested in sharing what I learned with others. So, back in 1984 I wanted to start a temple newsletter, which did not exist at the time, even though we had one previously. So I made a prototype, with an interview with the temple president and other information about the temple. I showed it to the devotees and everyone liked it. But at the time, the head treasurer simply said that he was not going to give any money for my project and then laughed at me and said “Good luck, Sri Nandanandana.” So then I realized that if I was going to do something, I would have to do it on my own and not depend on the temple. So, the next Idea I had was to write a home study course. So, I put together a book, with some cassette tapes, and additional information, and then they would take a test, after which they would get a certificate. Or they could simply buy the book by itself. A few people bought the course, but most people just bought the book, which helped guide me toward what works best. So, then in 1987, I formed my own publishing company, printed my book more professionally, and published my book “The Secret Teachings of the Vedas.” Then as that began to sell, especially to bookstores, which was my main goal at the time, I started to write additional books. Then in the mid 90s I got a call from a company who wanted my book, and they were called Amazon. I could not figure out what they were, but sure, if they want my book I can sell it to them. And gradually my book writing and publishing became a cottage industry, which later opened doors of opportunity that I never knew existed.
So, today I’m thankful to Krishna that years ago that treasurer laughed at me and refused to give any money for a temple newsletter because that started me down the avenue which changed everything for me, up to and including winning a few lifetime achievement awards from Indian organizations, and now the Padma Shri award from the government of India for distinguished service to Mother India.
8.Tell us something about your books
My books are like fishing lines, about various topics to try to attract those who are not yet devotees into the Vedic spiritual path. Once some becomes a devotee, they should read Srila Prabhupada’s books. But for preaching purposes, I write books about Krishna consciousness, or various aspects of Vedic teachings, like the Vedic prophecies, etc. or about the history of India, or about recognizing Vedic culture in the various traditions around the world, or about issues that focus on the protection, preservation, promotion for the perpetuation of the Vedic traditions.
9.Which is your favourite book of yours?
That depends on what topic you are discussing. After having written and assembled over 50 books, there are many from which to choose.
10.How was the Padma Shri experience?
That was one of the greatest highlights of my life. The grandeur of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, accepting the award from the president of India, meeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meeting so many qualified people at the event, I was truly impressed. I was very surprised, even shocked when I was told by the Indian Embassy that I had won, but am truly grateful for this recognition after decades of service for India and its Vedic tradition, and in my service to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna, and the whole Gaudiya sampradaya.
11.What keeps you busy the whole day?
I’m still engaged in various projects, such as writing this interview, or other books and articles, though I am getting older and slower, and not as active as I used to be. But I’m also still engaged in serving at the temple in various managerial ways. So, there is still not enough time in the day to do everything I would like.
12.Anything you would like to add from your end.
As I have said, we all need to work in ways to help protect, preserve, promote and perpetuate the Vedic tradition, which is my main mantra in how I focus on what I do. But it is not a one-man job, nor is it something only one organization can do. There is a great need for more unity among various groups to work together in building a deeper foundation for preserving the Vedic tradition and making sure India remains the homeland of a thriving and dynamic Vedic culture so that we always have the freedom to continue our participation in it, and can keep deepening our Krishna consciousness for ourselves and others. It is not enough to simply be Krishna conscious for ourselves, but we must pave the way so that everyone can benefit. This was one of the goals of Srila Prabhupada and it is our mission to continue in that way. That is how we please Srila Prabhupada and our whole sampradaya. And there are many ways and many services that will help do that. All we need to do is to find a niche where we fit in, and then never stop. We fine tune our service along the way, but then as we continue, doors of opportunity will open. Krishna will open those doors for you to make your service more effective.
People call me a scholar, a Swmaiji, a doctor, but all I ever did was simply never give up, and find a way around whatever obstacle came along. That’s the only qualification I have. But somehow it worked. And the same thing can work for anyone. And now I have been given the Padma Shri award from the government of India. The first Prabhupada disciple to have accepted this award. And this was just when I was beginning to think that as I am getting older, I no longer have so much to offer. My preaching is drying up. But now there is a greater level of interest and greater level of outreach in what I do, just by having won this award. So it shows how Krishna can open doors of opportunity for you when you least expect it. But then you have to use it. You cannot take it lightly. That is our duty. Hare Krishna.
Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp)
For more information about Stephen Knapp’s books, articles, photographs and projects, you can visit his website at: http://www.stephen-knapp.com
This article has been written by Premanjana Das (Pranjal Joshi). Feedback can be given to him at pranjal280@gmail.com
Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp) can be contacted at srinandan@aol.com
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116596
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