Monday 28 October 2019

Thursday, October 17th, 2019



Tirupati, India

Awesome Day!

It was awesome seeing Lokanatha Swami climb up the bullock cart. Two massive oxen were tethered to it, poised to move forward.  Lokanatha Swami, our Minister for Padayatra (festival on foot), was inaugurating the team with Gaura Nitai deities, for a journey destined to go all over the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Many devotees were assembled, chanting the mahamantra with excitement and using a Bollywood tune.  Revati Raman, the man behind this mobile event, saw me and thrust the mic into my hand.  "You lead."  So I did, switching to a more down-home village melody.

Coconuts were broken open before the cart by seniors including Malati, the Krishna movement's first female member from America's west coast.

Today also became a day of glory for ladies in our movement.  A public announcement was released saying that women would now be permitted to play the role of diksha guru.  This is a milestone, and it is fair and good for all of us.  I have always rooted for an equitable deal.  The policy of having women take this responsibility was a message our guru, Prabhupada, expressed in June of 1976, in Toronto, while speaking with Professor Joseph T. O'Connell. And, it happened right there in the room where I live.  Jayho!  Victory!

May the Source be with you!
3 km





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