By the grace of a monk, I received a copy of Bhagavad Gita As It Is about ten years ago. This gave me the opportunity to get to know the philosophy and the principles of Krishna-consciousness. The part of Vedic philosophy dealing with self-improvement was very attractive for me and I also liked the principle that we should live not just for our own interest but also to help others.  

In my situation then I had to get up at 2am to be able to participate in the temple morning programme. In the meantime I was assisting the mission at weekeds or on holidays. Then in 2014 I got the opportunity to participate in the food distribution on a daily basis and personally help the needy. Of all forms of food distribution, my favourite is the open street distriubution because this gives an insight into the lives of the most fallen, the poorest and the most unlucky. These underprivileged people are very good and valuable people and I develop a personal relationship with them if they come at least for a week to the distribution point. 

I am often deeply moved but the intention of most of them to reciprocate somehow the care we give them. Anyone can get into trouble, but if we turn towards them in a caring mood a kind of mutuality develops and we can help each other to advance.