BHAKTA DAS PART 7 --- First Encounter with Krishna Consciousness

Bhakta Das Part 7: First Encounter with Srila Prabhupada and Krishna Consciousness Alternate title ideas: 1. The Day Everything Changed: Bhakta Das Meets the Devotees 2. From Newport Beach to the Temple: Bhakta Das Remembers 1969 3. Bhakta Das Part 7: Hare Krishna, Prasadam, and a Life-Changing Calling YouTube summary: In this seventh session, Bhakta Das Prabhu, William Benedict, recalls the turning point of his life: his first encounter with Hare Krishna devotees during Labor Day weekend in 1969. While hitchhiking near Newport Beach with his friend Mark, he meets a devotee whose presence deeply affects him and leads him to a photo of Srila Prabhupada, whom he immediately recognizes inwardly as his spiritual master. Bhakta Das describes learning the Hare Krishna mantra from Durlab Das, visiting the Los Angeles temple on La Cienega Boulevard, experiencing kirtan, incense, Jagannath, prasadam, and the early Sunday Love Feast, and meeting devotees such as Nanda Kumar and Hanuman. He also reflects on the tension between his new spiritual calling and the practical realities of probation, family, work, and school. The conversation continues into his early attempts to surrender fully, his mother’s reaction, his unexpected trip to Alaska for crab-season work, and the intense spiritual struggle of chanting while working on a crab processing ship. The session ends with two powerful dreams involving Krishna and Srila Prabhupada that deepened his faith and confirmed the direction of his life. Suggested YouTube description: Session 7 with Bhakta Das Prabhu, William Benedict, recorded August 26, 2026. In this episode, Bhakta Das shares the story of his first encounter with ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada in 1969: meeting devotees near Newport Beach, receiving the Hare Krishna mantra, visiting the Los Angeles temple, experiencing kirtan and prasadam for the first time, and beginning a life of chanting and surrender. He also recounts the difficult period that followed, including probation, being pushed out of home, working in Alaska, and receiving deep spiritual confirmation through dreams of Krishna and Srila Prabhupada. Topics include: First meeting with Hare Krishna devotees Srila Prabhupada’s photo and spiritual recognition Durlab Das, Nanda Kumar, and Hanuman The Los Angeles temple on La Cienega Boulevard First kirtan, prasadam, and Sunday Love Feast Probation, family conflict, and early chanting Alaska crab-season work and spiritual struggle Dreams of Krishna and Srila Prabhupada