Glorious Passing
I am writing in loving memory of my mother, Mary Elizabeth Johnson. She left her body as the result of a heart attack on July 17, at the age of 61.
Although my mother was never formally initiated, she performed devotional service since 1975. In 1976 she attended a lecture given by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in Los Angeles. My mother always accepted Krsna consciousness as the Absolute Truth and was devoted to her service as the servant of the servant of the servant.
At the time of her first heart attack, five days before the fatal one, she was chanting Hare Krsna, fully accepting that this might be her time to go. When her time did come, by Krsna's grace I was with her. Janaki Dasi Prabhu and I were there chanting the maha-mantra until her heart finally stopped and she left her body.
I know that it was by the mercy of Lord Nityananda that she stayed long enough to hear the holy name. This makes the death of her body a glorious event. My only prayer is that by the mercy of Lord Nityananda I too can hear the holy name at the time of my demise.
All glories to our ocean of mercy, Srila Prabhupada.
Stritama Dasi
Keaau, Hawaii
Thank You for Vedic Thoughts
There is absolutely no doubt that the new section "Vedic Thoughts" is a beautiful addition to our magazine. I find it extremely beneficial, and I hope many others also feel the same way. Thank you and please continue this section.
Nataraj Banihatti
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Whole Outlook Changed
I was taught that I am this body and I have a soul. It is an eye-opener to learn and realize that I am soul and I have a body. This has changed my whole outlook on material life, with its ups and downs, and has brought about detachment. With Krsna's mercy I hope to advance from strength to strength. Hare Krsna.
Clara Chuah
Penang, Malaysia
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