Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

Siddha

Mayapura, West Bengal

 

As a service to my dear god-brother, Siddha Vidya, whose passing was two days ago, I co-ordinated a gathering memorial for this saint. About 25-30 people came, mostly Americans, to the Pushpa Samadhi. Monks like Danavir goswami, Kavichandra Swami, Prabhupada dasa, Vijay dasa and other brahmacaris and family, men and women, came to reflect on the devotional traits of Siddha.

To summarize statements made about Siddha, I'll attempt right now.

 

He came from a well-to-do Jewish family. He came from someplace in the mid-west. He was bright and did excellent in a bar exam when he was being considered for as a lawyer for a career. That, however, didn't fructify. He became part of the counter-culture and met Krishna devotees in Austin, Texas in '70 or '71. He eventually became a pillar of the Miami community and went on to be the most dedicated performer of sankirtan (deliverer of Krishna's name and wisdom) in that area, particularly Miami Beach and Coconut Grove.

 

I personally recall him being like this permanent fixture. Rain or shine he formidably attended the 4:30am service. He loved to listen to or deliver the Bhagavatam class. He had a keen sense of it's message and culture and imbibed in it wholeheartedly. He never criticized anyone and always saw the good in all. He was a stalwart example of commitment with a capital 'C". Chanting, study of the sacred texts, plus getting out there to meet the pleasure seekers was his lifeline. He was a real 'Prabhupada man.' People loved him at Coconut Grove.

 

He had these sleeveless vests that were made in India. A large pocket in front was a feature of the west and inside you would find books or leaflets highlighting the Gita's philosophy. That pocket was meant for the people that he was so much concerned about.

 

He was thin, had a medium to swarthy complexion and he always wore a genuine smile. He was easy to like. And like one brahmacari monk from Kansas told me, "Siddha Vidhya would often call me and at the end of the conversation would say, "I love ya' Madhu Kari." "

 

To sum up this summary, I can simply say, "Siddhi Vidya had a big heart. He's going home." Parkinson's and other related physical complications moved him on, but we know that Krishna has His hand in it.

 

7 KM