Some time ago, I wrote a short article outlining eleven conclusions that I wish someone had taught me when I joined Kṛṣṇa Consciousness. From this brief reflection came the idea of writing a book describing challenges that devotees commonly face in spiritual practice and how to recognize them before they stall our progress.

Most of these lessons came to me only after years of trial and error. If I had understood them earlier, I could have avoided much unnecessary pain and frustration on my spiritual path.

This book is my attempt to share those lessons, in the hope that others may walk the path with more clarity and confidence. If just a small part of what follows helps you avoid some of the obstacles I stumbled upon, the effort will be worthwhile.