An Authentic Life 1.1 for pdf - Universalist Radha-Krishnaism

Chapter 3
ITINERANT MONK
I felt quite happy with life as president of the Philadelphia
temple. I heard Prabhupad was going to initiate
Brahmananda, Gargamuni, and Vishnujana as
swamis in the renounced order of life. Swamis or
sannyasis are considered the highest order of life in
ISKCON and Hindu society. They teach the other orders
since they’re considered completely surrendered
to Krishna and free of material desires.
When I was married in Los Angeles, I wanted
to be a sannyasi. Now I thought, "I don't care if I become
a sannyasi or not. I'm already living like one and
have everything I want. Let them do it, and if I have
to send people to them to be initiated, that's all right."
Soon, Adwaita called from Boston. "I hear
you're going to take sannyas. Congratulations!"
"This is the first I've heard of it." I said. "Who
did you hear that from?"
"Brahmananda called and told me."
I called Brahmananda in L.A. He said Prabhupad
thought I was ready, and I should fly right out.
I put Nayana Bhiram in charge of the temple
and bought a plane ticket for the next day. One devotee
came in my room, offered obeisance, and cried
due to my leaving. I brought her into the movement.
She wished me luck, but was sad to see me go.
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