By Atma Tattva Das
For over two decades, Vijaya Dasa has been a key figure in promoting Srila Prabhupada’s books worldwide. In January 2024, Vijaya stepped down from his role as the International Minister of Book Distribution, a position he held for 22 years, passing the mantle to Vaisesika Dasa, another revered figure known for his innovative approaches to book distribution. Vijaya leaves behind a legacy of transformative influence that will continue under Vaisesika’s leadership.
Vijaya’s journey into Krishna consciousness began with a profound spiritual experience in his early twenties. Growing up in Los Angeles, he was a typical Southern California youth, but an encounter with Transcendental Meditation marked the start of his spiritual search. “I was visiting a friend who had his television on, and this Yogi was speaking about spiritual things. It sounded a little interesting, so I decided to investigate further,” Vijaya recalled. This experience led him to a yoga center in Los Angeles, where he bought his first mantra and began meditating.
Despite the basic benefits of this meditation, Vijaya felt there was something more. His quest for spiritual knowledge led him to read various books on philosophy, yoga, and different religions. “I was on a search like many youths in the sixties,” he explained. His journey took a dramatic turn when his possessions were stolen in the Bahamas, leading him to embrace a life of detachment and spiritual pursuit. “I had never been so happy in my life because I had nothing. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was going on a spiritual journey and would never return to material life again,” he reflected.
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