Shaunaka Rishi Das

Shaunaka Rishi Das is an ardent practitioner of the Bhakti Yoga tradition and has been the Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS) since its foundation in 1997 with the vision to be one of the world’s spiritual centres for Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The spiritual tradition of connecting to Krishna in the line of the teachings of the divine Saint Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Originally from Wexford, Ireland, Shaunaka Rishi Das has held various roles in prestigious institutions such as the Commission on Religion and Belief in British Public Life as well being a lecturer and broadcaster to Oxford University.

He was originally inspired on his spiritual quest at 14 years old by Christian teachings. He developed a deep desire to practice Christianity at the highest level seek people who were doing the same. He found such people amongst the Hare Krishnas. He found them to be speaking the highest truths of Christianity but not calling it Christianity. Here was a practical demonstration of the understanding that connecting to the Divine is not based on being a member of a particular club or other such external designations but something more sincere and deeper within one’s soul.

As a result of this and other such realisations, Shaunaka Rishi Das has been passionate about developing interfaith dialogue and comparative theology. He continues to share Krishna Conscious spirituality in various academic, media and spiritual forums around the world.