Rati

Traditionally only those that have received diksa wear tulasi malas. GM/ISKCON started a new standard by having pre-initiates wear kunti-malas. I personally have no problem with that particular innovation, but others may find it objectionable, since having diksa is according to tradition a requirement for the right to wear such symbols as tilaka, mala, etc.

Traditionally only those that have received diksa wear tulasi malas. GM/ISKCON started a new standard by having pre-initiates wear kunti-malas. I personally have no problem with that particular innovation, but others may find it objectionable, since having diksa is according to tradition a requirement for the right to wear such symbols as tilaka, mala, etc.

When we obtained the harinama initiation and our new names in the spring of '75, TKG was very conscientious about choosing only names from CC (which is an old long-standing tradition in Gaudiya sampradayas), whereas elsewhere in the Society there were many strange names chosen by various of SP's disciples (sometimes SP would have to change a selected name on the spot to something appropriate). [This message has been edited by Rati (edited 03-22-2002).]

I joined up w/Dhrstadyumna on his van when they came through Evanston, IL in the summer of '74 and we drove out to New Vrndavana for the guru puja festival. VJ had me audition for the party and I was taken aboard as one of the musicians in the 'band'. We went from one college campus to another doing the daily festival and it was really one big party the whole time. One time an obnoxious fellow tried to grab TKG's caratals away and he just shoved the lout aside and glared at him. It was apparent to the aggressor that this particular devotee was not going to be intimidated and he just slunk away. [This message has been edited by Rati (edited 03-22-2002).]

I likewise have fond memories of his repartee w/Visnujana on the bus. VJ would often sing while driving the big greyhound, knocking over parking meters and scraping sides of buildings, oblivious to his wake on the street and TKG would be yelling at him the whole time. He will be missed as VJ has been. [This message has been edited by Rati (edited 03-21-2002).]