Hare Krsna!
I just wanted to say to Bhakta Chris that I could have very well been first exposed to Srila Prabhupada's books by you. I was at a Shelter/108 show in D.C. in the summer of '93, at some old warehouse. I came up from Richmond with some friends who were (at the time) in a band called GRIP; a Krsna conscious straightedge band.
When we walked down the alley to the warehouse entrance, there were a couple busses and vans and that night I was given a bunch of small books to read, prasadam and my first pair of Tulasi neck beads. I ended up talking to the devotees all through the opening bands.
I will never forget that night....never. It totally changed my life. I wanted to call my parents and tell them, "I jumped onto a bus full of Hare Krishnas and were going around the country".
Your service with the devotee through that program touched so many lives. So many young kids were exposed to Srila Prabhupada's books that way and took their first steps towards Krsna consciousness.
I'm getting chills just thinking about it. It was without a doubt the BEST and most important show that I EVER went to. I saw two great bands and started a spiritual journey.
I will never forget those young brahmacaris.
Bhakta Chris and Krishnafest ki jaya!
Your endebted servant,
Bhakta Jason
Bhakta Jason-
WOW! I do remember that show, and i knew the GRIP kids very very well also. I don't think i was technically travelling with Krsna Fest any more at that point though, but i would spend time with them whenever they where in town or close by at shows and so forth. I wish i didn't have such a horrible memory, although i do remember talking to kids alot that night.
This entry sent shivers down my spine as i recalled the times i spent talking to people at shows. I really enjoyed talking to hardcore kids at shows, because the kids were already somewhat interested so it was a much more natural heartfelt conversation.
Admittedly, I have wondered if anyone i spoke to in those times went on to take up krishna conciousness. I mean i had what i felt was a lot of faith in what i was learning and particualrly in the chanting, but had very little scriptual based knowledge so i was mostly speaking what i felt in my heart.
Thank you for this entry, it has me really meditating on those times of growth. I also will never forget those Krsna Fest brahmacaris and i am glad you feel the same.
I hope to get to meet or re-meet, as it where, you sometime.
Yours in service,
Bh. Chris