The Mercy of a Pure Devotee

Mandir-devi dasi

 All glories to Srila Krsnapada! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

In 1971 my mother attended a concert of a band named Shanti. Coming out of the show she saw devotees having sankirtana and doing book distribution. It was there that my path to Krsna Consciousness began. She was six months pregnant with me. Having received a copy of the Bhagavad-Gita she began a vegetarian lifestyle and embraced Bhagavat-Dharma. My mom and dad would go to the Euclid temple for Sunday feasts and lectures. It was there that my very first recollections of devotee association come to my mind vividly. It is due directly to the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and his vaisnava disciples that the memories even took place. I can remember the feelings of anticipation I experienced when going to the temple and getting to taste the "simply wonderfuls." My brother remembers "something green" (dahl) that he didn't like very much.

There were two big lion statues that sat on the front stairway at the entrance of the Euclid temple. Inside the temple were the most magnificent stained glass windows. My fondest recollections are of the devotees' feet dancing in the colors cast from the sun shining through the glass. I loved to be at the feet of the devotees while I watched them dance and perform kirtans with drums and kartalas for Sri Sri Radha-Murlidhara, with the sweet smell of incense all around me. These experiences built the initial foundation for me in Krsna Consciousness.

It has taken me 20 years to take shelter of the Cleveland devotees once again. These memories, however, will always be dearest to my heart. Only now do I realize and truly appreciate the importance and mercy of devotee association. Cleveland Nama Hatta Ki Jaya!