Houston, Texas
Bad News
It is an integral part of a Krishna monk’s daily life to do some listening to words of wisdom. Then, he reciprocally relays what he heard to someone else after due process. This method is called sravanam kirtanam (hearing and then repeating what’s worthwhile).
Great revelations came from today’s speaker in our class. Anuttama, the speaker, was telling us about the downtime necessary for the intense devotional practitioner. He compared it to slowing down when motorboat racing through shallow waters. What really took away my breath was something not so analogous or philosophical, it was something else.
As communications director for our worldwide community, Anuttama relayed a story of one of his trainees. Aniruddha was a 28 year old bright, vivacious African man who’s life abruptly came to an end in an untimely death in an auto accident. This is not the first time to hear of a personal friend who lost his life to our roads. I recall having this Nigerian whose name is Aniruddha, act as the character Duryodhan from the Mahabharat in one of the dramas I directed. It was a pleasure to work with such a talented and enthusiastic man whom I worked with on several occasions.
Receiving the news of a good soul I’d known being sacrificed to road traffic once again, I liken to war time announcements of countrymen who died in action while in battle. This recurring unfortunate way to exit (automobile accidents) is in my opinion, epidemic in our community. And if you were to talk to practically just anyone, don’t be surprised to hear the same story – testimonies from people who have had dear ones gone to car casualties. I wouldn’t be stunned if the average person could count up to a half a dozen to even a dozen departed souls who are family or acquaintances that died this way.
We may pass it all off as karmic play, truth be told, yet we do have the power to choose for proactiveness for all we do. My word of caution would be two fold, number one, avoid driving or passengering if possible, and number two, if you must drive, do so defensively. I took a serious walk in dedication to Aniruddha’s soul and chanted maha mantras in his honour. I hope to see you back, Aniruddha, and if providence wills, perhaps in the next life, we could delight in stage production again for the future. So long, Aniruddha.
May the Source be with you!
6 KM
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