For Amritamani Devi Dasi, life has been about trust—trusting Guru and Krishna, trusting the journey, and, unexpectedly, trusting a go-kart racing at high speeds. But trust isn’t always easy. Her path to Krishna consciousness and self-discovery has been filled with challenges, doubts, and moments of deep reflection. Yet, through it all, she has emerged stronger, more determined, and deeply connected to her spiritual path.

A Search for Meaning in the Face of Doubt

Amritamani’s journey into Krishna consciousness wasn’t straight, but she soon realized it didn’t have to be. Like many, she wondered if she was truly qualified for spiritual life. “You don’t need any qualification for this process,” she said. You just need a desire.”

She found solace in Srila Prabhupada’s vision of inclusivity: “Srila Prabhupada built a house in which the whole world can live,” she said. “Whole world, that’s the emphasis. You come as you are, and you will definitely have a place.”

At first, she questioned whether her passion for go-kart racing fit into her spiritual path. But rather than seeing it as a conflict, she found harmony between the two. Racing required presence, trust, and surrender—qualities essential in bhakti as well. Over time, she embraced both, realizing that Krishna consciousness is about bringing one’s authentic self to the process, not fitting into a rigid mold.

Amritamani Devi Dasi in two worlds—focused and ready before a race, and prepared to serve Sri Sri Nitai Gaura Hari on the altar. Balancing speed and surrender, she finds Krishna in both.

Battling Cancer, COVID, and Loss: Surrendering to Krishna

Her journey took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with cancer. Treatment drained her physically and emotionally, and the independence she cherished felt like it was slipping away. But just as she began to heal, COVID-19 struck, bringing an even greater challenge. “This COVID experience was much worse than my cancer experience,” she admitted. “But it is the biggest blessing in my life.”

At her weakest, she made a vow: “If I make it out alive…I am going to ask Guru Maharaj permission to worship Giriraj Govardhan at home.” When she recovered, she followed through, only to develop a sugar allergy—an ironic twist, considering Giriraj’s love for sweets. “Now here I am, with a sugar allergy, but He’s sitting here saying, ‘Aniyor, Aniyor!'” she laughed.

As she rebuilt her health, she also faced the heartbreak of losing both parents. Her father, once distant from Krishna consciousness, softened in his final days. “Type an email to your Guru Maharaj,” he told her. “Wish him a happy birthday from me…I now leave you in his care.”

Her mother, however, resisted to the end, rejecting Krishna even in her final moments. It was painful, but Amritamani remained steadfast in her duty. “Even though we did not have a good relationship, it was still my duty to take care of her as her daughter,” she said. “This process of Krishna consciousness makes your heart soft…so Krishna can be seated in it.

Amritamani Devi Dasi receives her beloved Giriraj Govardhan Shila from her spiritual master, Bhakti Caitanya Swami.

Lessons from the Track: Racing Through Challenges

While Krishna consciousness transformed her life, go-kart racing remained a core passion. Introduced to the sport by her father as a child, it became a space where she felt free. “When I race, whether I win or not, it’s a very relaxing feeling that de-stresses me,” she said.

Racing, much like spiritual life, requires surrender. She has to trust the mechanics, trust the machine, and, most importantly, trust herself. “I’ve got to trust that kart, and I’ve got to trust myself,” she explained. “The way you take each turn could make the win or the loss.”

At speeds of over 100 km/h, there’s no room for hesitation. “You have to be fully present,” Amritamani said. “Connected with your mind, body, and the moment—just like in bhakti.”

But just as she recovered from illness, another challenge came—her eyesight deteriorated, threatening her ability to race. “There was a time I thought I’d never get back into a kart,” she admitted.

Determined, Amritamani fought her way back. Lap by lap, she trained her body and mind to handle the sport again. Racing became more than just a thrill—it became a metaphor for perseverance. “I think of Krishna at the start line, just waiting for me to take off,” she reflected. “And as long as I keep going, He’s there.”

Overcoming Fears and Finding Her Place

For Amritamani, overcoming obstacles wasn’t just about racing or spiritual practice—it was about self-acceptance. At times, she felt like she didn’t fit the mold of a “typical devotee.” But she came to realize that Krishna consciousness is deeply personal.

“Don’t be afraid to be authentic,” she encourages. “This process of Krishna consciousness is your personal relationship with Krishna.”

She also discovered the importance of cultivating sincere relationships with others on the path. Rather than trying to conform to external expectations, she learned that true connection comes from being genuine—both in her spiritual life and in her interactions with devotees. By embracing both her spiritual and material experiences as part of her journey, she understood that Krishna meets His devotees exactly where they are, guiding them forward at their own pace.

Amritamani Devi Dasi (far right) participates in a Pushpa Abhishek ceremony at ISKCON Lenasia, Johannesburg.

The Road Ahead: Living with Trust

Every time she steps into a kart, she reminds herself of two things: “Trust the kart and find your line.”

It’s the same in spiritual life. The track ahead isn’t always clear. There are sharp turns, unexpected obstacles, and moments of uncertainty. But if there’s one thing she has learned—both from racing and from Krishna consciousness—it’s that the key to progress is trust.

So she moves forward, embracing each turn with confidence, knowing that she is exactly where she needs to be, whether on the track or in her spiritual journey.

 To keep up with her journey, you can follow Amritamani on Instagram.