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An Authentic Life 1.1 for pdf - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

An Authentic Life 1.1 for pdf - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

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courtyard. There was no toilet. We used the alley or<br />

the river bank.<br />

On hot summer nights, we slept on the veranda.<br />

I lay on the concrete between two thin pieces<br />

of cloth that I wore during the day. Mosquitoes<br />

swarmed around, and any part of my body that<br />

wasn't covered got bit. Sleep was difficult.<br />

We sometimes begged door to door <strong>for</strong> food--a<br />

common practice <strong>for</strong> those devoted to religious life in<br />

India. Most people were glad to give a little, especially<br />

if one asked in the name of <strong>Radha</strong> by calling out<br />

"Radhe!" to get the people's attention. Residents of<br />

Vrindaban consider Krishna's lover, <strong>Radha</strong>, higher<br />

than him. Swamiji told us, "In Vrindaban, if Krishna<br />

comes without <strong>Radha</strong>, the devotees will say, 'Go away<br />

and come back when you have <strong>Radha</strong> with you.’”<br />

I went to Mathura to see Brijabasi & Sons who<br />

published beautiful devotional posters that were<br />

popular with <strong>Radha</strong>-Krishna devotees. I was happy to<br />

see the original paintings of some of my favorite<br />

prints in their home. I wanted their advice about what<br />

to do with the printing press. They advised that it was<br />

not worth bothering with. A bigger more modern<br />

press was needed <strong>for</strong> the job. I agreed with their assessment.<br />

The two other devotees left, and I was at peace<br />

alone in Vrindaban again. I adjusted to life in India<br />

and was willing to undergo hardships to maintain a<br />

115

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