Blind since birth, Yamuna Jivana Das discovered Krishna consciousness early in life. A deep yearning for understanding and engagement shaped his spiritual path. Despite the challenges of navigating a predominantly sighted world, he immersed himself in devotional service, studying scripture through audio recordings and learning from personal interactions with senior devotees.
“In the beginning, I was just listening to classes and kirtans, and that was it,” he shared. “I always wondered, how can a blind person be engaged more practically?”
This question remained with him as he moved to Sri Vrindavana Dham, where he encountered other blind devotees facing similar struggles. “When we sit together, we discuss Krishna consciousness, but access to books and temple programs—just being able to move around—are challenges,” he said.
Creating Accessible Awakening
Recognizing the need for change, Yamuna Jivana Das took action. Through the Accessible Awakening initiative, he created a Bhagavad Gita study group specifically tailored for blind devotees. The sessions incorporate audio technology and structured discussions that allow participants not only to hear but also actively engage with the teachings.
“We now have the Bhagavad=gita in a digital format with screen-reader compatibility, and we take turns reading verses aloud and discussing them,” he explained. “This allows us to be more independent in our study.”
The idea for Accessible Awakening arose from Yamuna Jivana’s personal experiences and his interactions with other blind devotees. He noticed that many struggled to fully participate in temple activities and wanted to create a space where they could engage in devotional study more meaningfully. Over time, he connected with local devotees in Vrindavana who supported his efforts by providing resources and accessibility tools.
Beyond study groups, Accessible Awakening also extends to improving temple accessibility. Yamuna Jivana has worked with local devotees to enhance physical navigation within Vrindavana, advocating for guided assistance and designated areas where blind devotees can participate in kirtans and lectures without obstruction.
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