During the vibrant Janmashtami celebrations organised by Wyndham Hare Krishna, a conversation unfolded between Jahnava Premavati Devi Dasi and a Serbian couple, Brian Poljakovic and Aleksandra Kostic. This wasn’t your typical conversation about festivities, but a deep dive into the couple’s spiritual journey—one that began decades ago and continues to shape their lives today.
Brian, now a property builder, and Aleksandra, an agricultural economist, hail from Serbia but have found spiritual refuge in Krishna consciousness. Their story, intertwined with faith, discovery, and devotion, offers a glimpse into how Krishna Bhakti has transformed not only their lives but also their outlook on the world.
Brian’s spiritual journey began in the 1980s when he was introduced to Bhakti yoga in an unexpected way. “It was one of my soldiers,” Brian recalls, his voice reflecting a sense of amazement even after all these years. “He was my personal assistant at the time, and he handed me a book by Srila Prabhupada.” That one act of kindness set Brian on a spiritual path that would eventually lead him to embrace the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
“I had always wrestled with questions—about life, about the self, and about the universe,” Brian shares, “but it was Srila Prabhupada’s books that finally gave me the answers I’d been seeking.” The teachings on self-realisation and the spiritual nature of the soul resonated deeply with him, offering clarity and peace in a world that often felt chaotic and unfulfilling. “For the first time in my life,” he continues, “I felt like I was beginning to understand the true purpose of existence.”
Brian’s spiritual exploration was not an isolated one. His wife, Aleksandra, though initially more reserved about the path of Krishna consciousness, soon became equally devoted. The couple, who had moved to Melbourne, started visiting the ISKCON Radha Vallabha Temple at 197 Danks Street, Albert Park. “Our visits were few and far between at first,” Brian admits, “but something kept drawing us back.” He attributes this pull to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple and the welcoming community that made them feel at home.
At home, Brian continued his devotion by singing the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra—Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare, Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare—to his daughters. “It became a part of our family’s routine,” he says, smiling. “The mantra not only brought me peace but also helped nurture a spiritual connection within my children.”
The couple’s spiritual quest didn’t stop at Melbourne’s temple doors. They eventually travelled to India, visiting Vrindavan and Mathura, two of the holiest cities for followers of Lord Krishna. “Vrindavan was like stepping into another world,” Brian shares. “The energy, the devotion, the entire atmosphere—it was overwhelming in the best possible way.” In Vrindavan, they fully immersed themselves in Krishna Bhakti, attending the daily temple ceremonies, interacting with monks, and diving deeper into the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.
For Brian, one of the most powerful elements of Krishna consciousness has always been the Maha Mantra. “The mantra has been like a guiding light for me,” he says, his voice soft but unwavering. “It’s helped me through some of the toughest moments of my life.” One such moment involved a close friend, an army officer, who found himself in the middle of a conflict zone. “He was lost, mentally and spiritually,” Brian explains. “I told him about the Maha Mantra, and it changed his life.” According to Brian, the officer found peace amidst the chaos and even credited the mantra for saving his life.
Stories like this have only solidified Brian’s belief in the universal power of the Maha Mantra. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you believe,” he says. “The mantra connects people. It’s like a bridge, crossing all cultural and geographical boundaries.”
Aleksandra agrees, adding that the couple’s experiences in India, and their interactions with devotees from around the world, have reinforced their faith in the unifying nature of Krishna consciousness. “There’s something profoundly humbling about it,” she says. “You realise that, at the core, we’re all searching for the same thing—peace, understanding, connection. And for us, we found that through Krishna.”
Brian and Aleksandra’s message to the world is simple but profound. “If more people embraced Krishna consciousness, the world would be a much better place,” Brian says with conviction. “It’s not about converting anyone. It’s about opening up to the idea that there’s more to life than what we see and experience on a material level.”
The couple encourages others to visit temples, participate in festivals like Janmashtami, and, most importantly, give chanting a try. “You don’t have to be religious or spiritual to experience the benefits,” Brian insists. “Just give it a go, and you’ll see. It’s not magic—it’s more like opening a door that was always there, waiting for you to step through.”
As the conversation comes to a close, Brian offers one final thought. “The greatest gift we’ve received on this journey has been the Maha Mantra,” he says. “It’s a simple chant, but it’s brought us more peace, joy, and clarity than we ever thought possible. And that’s something we want to share with the world.”
With smiles and a sense of calm that only comes from deep spiritual contentment, Brian and Aleksandra offer their gratitude, not just for the interview but for the opportunity to share their journey. “If it helps even one person find a bit more peace in their life,” Brian says, “then it’s all worth it.”
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