Sulalita Devi Dasi, a dedicated member of the Hare Krishna Movement, has harmonized her spiritual practices with her creative talents. From her early days as a young devotee to her work as a poet and podcaster, her journey highlights how Krishna consciousness can transform lives and inspire artistic expression.
Early Inspirations
Sulalita’s creative path began in Moscow’s vibrant Krishna consciousness community during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Due to a civil war, her family had relocated from Tajikistan, and Moscow’s thriving devotional culture became a nurturing space for her artistic growth.
“At that time, the Hare Krishna movement in Moscow was incredibly dynamic,” Sulalita shared. “The Gauranga Bhajan Band would perform on some of Moscow’s biggest stages, singing Hare Krishna and attracting large, enthusiastic crowds.”
Radio Krishna Loka, a station streaming devotional music across the city, also played a role. “My mom was part of it,” she said, adding that her parents, both musicians, shaped her artistic inclinations. “My mom had me sing the Narasimha Pranam mantra when I was just three years old. My dad composed the music, and I performed it on stage. They really encouraged my creative spirit from the very beginning.”
Her early inspirations were wider than music; the annual festivals, such as Ratha Yatra, Janmashtami, and Radhashtami, also deeply influenced Sulalita. “The cultural performances, music, and beautifully staged dramas by devotee actors left a strong impression on me,” she recalled. “Many of these devotees were professional actors, and their work during festivals was truly inspiring.”
At home, Sulalita’s creativity blossomed further as she imitated her parents. “We had a tape recorder, and I would record myself singing, chanting, and even pretending to host my own radio show,” she said with a smile. “I wrote my first song in Russian, mimicking my parents’ work. Those childhood moments were the foundation for everything I do today.”
The combination of a supportive community and her parents’ encouragement gave Sulalita a strong foundation for her creative and devotional pursuits. “I absorbed so much from that time,” she reflected.
The Birth of Shravanam Diaries
In Kartik 2017, during a darshan with her guru, Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami, Sulalita received a challenge: to read all of Srila Prabhupada’s books in a year. Although it took her two years, the experience was transformative. “I thought it would take a lifetime to read the Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita, but I discovered it was possible,” she shared.
Audiobooks made the process easier, and their impact sparked a new idea. “Listening to audiobooks while doing household chores was so inspiring,” she said. Encouraged by her husband and further motivated by her spiritual master’s instruction to preach, Sulalita felt a calling to share her realizations with others.
In 2020, this vision gave rise to Shravanam Diaries, a podcast dedicated to reading and reflecting on Srila Prabhupada’s books. The project gained listeners in over 70 countries and became a thoroughgoing spiritual practice for Sulalita. “Reading the books out loud, editing, and listening to the episodes made me meditate, absorb, and remember more,” she explained.
Although the podcast is currently paused as Sulalita embraces motherhood, she plans to resume it. “We haven’t finished Nectar of Devotion yet, so that will be next, followed by the Srimad Bhagavatam.”
Poetry and Parenting as Devotional Offerings
For Sulalita, poetry is also a powerful tool for expressing spiritual realizations. Her poem Little Sparrow—inspired by one of Srila Prabhupada’s purports in Bhagavad-gita As It Is—reflects themes of helplessness, determination, and divine grace. “True surrender begins when we realize our limitations and open ourselves to Krishna’s mercy,” she shared.
Her poems often emerge from personal experiences or reflections on sacred texts. “Some of my most impassioned poems came during moments of great trials when I felt closest to Krishna,” she said.
Motherhood, too, has deepened her creative insights. Recalling a moment when she protected her young daughter from harm, Sulalita reflected on Krishna’s loving protection. “Watching her cry, unaware of the danger, I thought of how Krishna shields us even when we resist His guidance. Moments like that carry profound spiritual lessons, and poetry helps me capture them.”
Challenges and Reflections
Balancing creative work, spiritual practices, and family life has not been without challenges. “Pleasing Krishna through art can feel overwhelming,” she admitted. “It’s only through His mercy and empowerment that anything is possible.”
Sulalita also finds inspiration and encouragement in the devotee community. “Their feedback reminds me that this work isn’t about personal recognition but about serving Srila Prabhupada, my guru, and the Vaishnavas.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sulalita hopes to resume Shravanam Diaries, refine its content, and continue sharing Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. She is also working on her first poetry book, aiming to inspire devotees and share Krishna conspicuousness with others through her reflections. On Instagram, where she shares her poetry under the handle @SulalitaPoetry, she hopes to expand her reach and connect with a broader audience.
A Humble Request for Blessings
As she works toward her goals, Sulalita seeks the blessings of the Vaishnava community. “This journey is guided by Krishna’s mercy and the support of devotees. I pray for the strength to complete these offerings and share them with the world.”
For those eager to explore her work, the Shravanam Diaries podcast is available on all major platforms and on sravanamdiaries.com. For all the links to presence on these multiple platforms, click here and here.
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