I want to share a very personal journey – a realization that transformed not just my own spiritual practice, but my entire approach to guiding others on this sacred path.

Years ago, I would faithfully attend maṅgal-ārati at 5:00 a.m. in the temple and then sit with the devotees to chant japa for two hours. But gradually, I found myself quietly slipping away—or sometimes not showing up at all. Instead, I preferred to spend those precious early hours writing in my journal. At first it felt natu...