Title: A Place of Sandalwood and Roses
Author: Govinda Dasi
Publisher: BrendaBonn Books
Publication Date: May 1, 2023
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 359
Step into the memoirs of a young seeker adrift in the turbulent landscape of late 1960s America. Amid the cultural upheaval, her quest for meaning and purpose draws her to the practice of yoga meditation. One day, while browsing a metaphysical bookstore, she stumbles upon a magazine with a captivating description of a Swami from India who is teaching the supreme spiritual path of bhakti-yoga.
The memoir chronicles Govinda Dasi's spiritual journey, beginning with her search for meaning amidst the cultural chaos of late 1960s America. The narrative captures the moment she and her future husband met Srila Prabhupada in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district in January 1967, instantly recognizing him as their spiritual teacher.
Key highlights of the book include:
Intimate Service: Govinda Dasi shares unique insights from her time as one of the only female disciples to serve as Prabhupada's secretary and assistant, traveling with him and assisting with his daily needs, including preparing meals and typing dictation.
Artistic Contributions: The book details how she used her talents as an artist to serve the mission, creating illustrations for the early Back to Godhead magazines and helping establish the visual identity of Krishna consciousness in the West.
Personal Connection: Reviewers describe the book as a "time machine" that transports readers back to the early days with Srila Prabhupada, offering "amazing real stories" and a deeply personal account of her loving relationship with her guru.
Experience her profound joy as she discovers the transcendental teachings of her cherished guru, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Through her loving service to him, a destiny unfolds that surpasses even her most extraordinary dreams.
