Code as an Offering
When I first started serving at ISKCON Mayapur, I didn't fully understand how technology could be devotional service. I was a programmer -- what did that have to do with Krishna consciousness?
Everything, as it turns out.
The Realization
Shrila Prabhupada said, "Whatever you have, use it for Krishna." My skills in web development, system design, and server management -- these weren't random talents. They were instruments given to me for a purpose.
Every line of code I write for the temple's web platform is an offering. Every system I optimize that helps devotees connect with the community is service. Every bug I fix that makes someone's experience smoother is a small act of love.
What I've Learned
Humility in Engineering
Working for a spiritual organization strips away ego. The code doesn't need to be clever -- it needs to serve. The architecture doesn't need to impress other engineers -- it needs to be reliable for devotees who depend on it.
This has made me a better engineer. When you remove the desire to show off, what remains is clean, purposeful, maintainable code.
Patience as a Practice
Spiritual life teaches patience. So does debugging production systems at 2 AM. The two practices complement each other more than you'd expect.
When a deployment fails, I no longer panic. I breathe, I investigate methodically, and I trust that the solution will reveal itself. This calm has been the single biggest improvement in my technical abilities.
Community Over Individualism
At ISKCON Mayapur, nothing is done alone. Temple life is inherently collaborative -- from cooking prasadam to organizing festivals. This mindset has transformed how I approach open-source work and team projects.
The best code is written together, with shared ownership and mutual respect.
Moving Forward
I don't see myself as a programmer who happens to be spiritual, or a devotee who happens to code. The two are one. My keyboard is my instrument, and every keystroke is a note in an offering that I hope pleases Him.
The rest is in His hands.