Update From Washington DC

[Guest guest]

Dear Prabhus,

 

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

This is a brief update for those who may be concerned about the well-being

of the devotee community in Washington DC, after the terrorist attack on

Wednesday, September 11.

 

To our knowledge no members of our temple congregation were harmed, although

we do have devotees who happen to work at the Pentagon. As far as we know at

this time, all are safe.

 

Our temple president, Tri Kala Jna and members of his family were in New

York and contemplated a visit to the World Trade Center that very morning.

By Krishna's grace they had decided against it because two of his elder

sisters are limited in their walking capacity and unable to manage their way

through the large structures.

 

Other members, we are told, had relatives that were scheduled to be on some

of the ill-fate flights, but at the last moment choose to travel at a

different time.

 

We have preliminary news from the devotees in New York that no one was

reported injured there from our community.

 

Here in Washington, His Holiness Radhanatha Swami is visiting for the next

few days. This evening we are holding a special prayer service with

chanting, talk, and offering of candles to the Deities. The temple has

contacted friends at the Red Cross to see if we can be of any assistance.

 

Thursday morning we have been invited to participate at an InterFaith

service with representatives from many organizations including the Arch

Diocese (Catholic), the Episcopal Church, the Jewish Community, etc. We have

been asked to chant and to march in the procession.

 

We hope that devotees around the world will join us in chanting and offering

special prayers to Krishna and to Lord Nrisimhadeva to protect those who are

suffering. Also, let us pray that He gives wisdom to the world that we may

all give up the anger, exploitation, lust and ignorance that leads to the

violent conflicts so common in our world.

 

May Srila Prabhupada bless us to carry his message and help end sectarian

strife; while filling hearts with knowledge of the supreme friend and

protector, Lord Krishna.

 

Your servant, Anuttama dasa

 

 

Announcement of the DC event:

 

Hare Krishna!

 

 

Please accept the blessings of Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan, Sri Sri Sita Rama

Lakshman Hanuman, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada.

 

In response to the horrifying tragedy that is still unfolding in New York

and Washington DC, your temple has organized an evening of prayer today,

starting from 6:30 PM in the evening. Those of us following the situation

cannot help but notice how many times God has been remembered, thanked or

questioned over the past few days. At these times the tenuous hold we have

on life, our complete dependence on the mercy of the Lord and the power of

prayers are bought sharply into focus.

 

His Holiness Radhanatha Maharaja, who is the resident sannyasi of the

Chowpatti temple in Mumbai, India will be addressing us this evening at the

temple.

Radhanatha Maharaja, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, is famous for his

thoughtful views and clear understanding of the scriptures. His talk will

help us get a better perspective on this tragedy, the victims and

perpetrators.

 

We request all of you to come and to demonstrate our solidarity during this

time of crisis by praying for the mercy of Sri Krishna for all of us,

specially for those who have passed away and their loved ones.