Grahame Barrit, also known as Gaura, has been caring for cows for 23 years, a journey that began when he was just sixteen.
At that age, he became a vegetarian and developed a deep curiosity about God. He was given a Bhagavad Gita, which answered all his questions. He joined ISKCON and eventually managed their cow shelter. Although he left ISKCON at around 25, he found that he missed the cows deeply.
A few years later, when he found himself living on a property with available land, he decided to get two cows. From there, his commitment to caring for cows continued to grow. Today, he has 12 cows in his care. He rescues them whenever possible—if someone offers him a cow, he takes it in, and sometimes farmers give him their favourite cows because they don't want to part with them. His love for cows is profound; he sees them as innocent, gentle beings, much like children.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Gaura shares his profound love for cows and his unwavering faith in Hinduism.
Could you tell us more about cow therapy? How does it help people?
The cows also enjoy the interaction. They love being petted. This practice of cow-hugging therapy has been happening in several countries, like in Holland, where farmers open their farms to the public to meet the cows. That's where the concept originated. Cows are naturally very calm and peaceful, and when you stroke or share affection with them, you can experience that gentleness and calmness yourself. This interaction can be incredibly soothing, especially for people who come from busy city environments. Spending time with the cows allows them to relax and find their own pace again.
For the past two years, we've opened our sanctuary to the public. People come from all over the country to meet the cows, stroke them, and some even hug them. We've had visitors from all over, including Scotland, Cornwall, and even as far as South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. We’ve found that many people in this country have always loved cows but had no safe place to connect with them. By welcoming visitors, we also support our sanctuary. We charge a small fee, which goes towards the upkeep of the cows.
What have been the most rewarding moments in your journey over the years of working with Sri Lakshmi Gaushala?
I started this journey without any money or land of my own. I've never owned land; we've always rented. I've placed my trust in the grace of Krishna, believing that everything will work out. While we've faced difficult times, everything we needed has always come to us. One of the most rewarding aspects for me is the cow cuddling and meeting hundreds of people who truly love cows. It's incredibly fulfilling to see them leave feeling genuinely happy after spending time with our cows. That, for me, is the greatest reward. We've encountered many people who hope to keep pet cows in the future, and I believe, the cow will increasingly be recognised as a beloved pet as well.
What has inspired you to hold on to your trust and faith in Sri Krishna despite difficulties?
My path has not always been straightforward. There have been times when I've wavered, but through these experiences, I’ve learned that following Dharma and dedicating myself to Sri Krishna is what truly brings me happiness and satisfaction. When I made mistakes, they revealed what I didn't want and reaffirmed my desire to devote my life to Sri Krishna. Rescuing cows from slaughter brings me immense joy, as it feels meaningful to use my life to save theirs. According to Scripture, protecting cows ensures that everything needed to care for them will be provided and this has proven true in my experience. My guru, Sri Raman Bihari Das Babaji Maharaj, who leads the Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Mandir in Vrindavan, has been a great source of support and guidance. His advice has been instrumental in helping me stay on this path.
