Conversation with Jayaradhe

livingentity · January 12, 2003

Jayaradhe and I had a conversation sometime back concerning the subject of isolated devotees preparing to depart from their material bodies.

We talked at great length about this and I will try to remember as much of our conversation as possible. I may have to do this in several posts as I remember more details as many months have passed and much as happened in that time.

An important part of the conversation was how to insure that other devotees would be present at the time of passing. One thing that we discussed was a living will. The devotee would need to find others who would have the means to come to them at this time. It would also involve a family member or caretaker to contact these devotees, in as much advance as possible, so that they could travel to the devotee in need.

Jayaradhe and I bounced around different ideas to help this happen such as an "insurance policy" of sorts to provide the funds if needed for the travel. This idea was also used in possibly funding a devotee and family member (if possible) to escort the ashes to India.

We also discussed a "going away kit". This would be a box that each devotee should put together for himself/herself containing such items as a tape of Prabhupada chanting or a nice kirtan or other tape of choice, a picture of Lord Krsna, Tulsi wood or leaves, Ganga water etc etc. Also, in this box would be the devotee's instructions of use - in the case that a family member or caretaker would need to carry out the last wishes.

Each devotee should also find a family member or other highly trusted person and educate them in what to do in the final moments of life in these bodies. Nobody wants screeching family members clinging to us trying to keep us trapped when we have no control over this. It is better to have nice chanting or tapes playing and if possible other devotees there to set the example and seeing us off on this final trip in a positive manner.

Since this conversation I have discovered the Vaisnava Care organization. One of the things Jayaradhe and I had discussed was just this type of organization and I am very happy to see someone has started this. Perhaps the Vaisnava Care organization can also help with some of the ideas we had in that conversation.

I will try to write more later of this conversation. I pray that if anyone has any other ideas on this that they will please input them. Jayaradhe and I talked of this being a network of devotees that would be able to help each other at this critical time whether we actually knew each other or not.

Gauracandra · January 13, 2003

Those are some very good suggestions. After all, in Vaisnava philosophy how we die is very important. Several months back I was thinking that Iskcon should create free crematoriums for devotees. Its kind of a morbid thought to dwell upon, no on wants to think of death. But I was thinking there should be one on the east coast and one on the west coast. I was even looking into prices for the machines (I didn’t find the prices, but I did find the machines). Of course there would have to be proper licensing and such, but this would be a very good service for all devotees.

livingentity · January 13, 2003

Gauracandra, I think that is an excellent idea. And if they would do that - then why not take it one step further - and that is transport the ashes to India. At least once a year there are whole groups of devotees that head off to Mayapur - right? It would be an easy task then to take care of the departed devotees ashes.

Of course, no one wants to die and it is natural instinct to try to ignore this fact of life. While it may seem morbid we do need to think about it and lay out our wishes so that they are followed through. We can not expect our family or caretakers to know what is the proper thing for us.

Another thing that Jayaradhe and I discussed was retirement facilities geared to devotee needs. This can take several different forms. For example, it could be a little complex of one story (old or sick bodies have trouble with stairs) studio apts with caregivers on site and a little temple and prasadam hall. There also should be hospital type facilities for the devotees - young, old or in between that cannot care for themselves and are going to pass on from illnesses. Or there could be a combination of both. These facilities would not only tend to the devotees physical needs but also to their spiritual needs to help fix their minds on Lord Krsna.

These are issues that do need to be addressed - the devotee community is becoming older. Plus it is amazing how many devotees are out there far far from other devotees or temples. Look how many devotees use the internet as their source of association. We need each other in so many ways.

livingentity · January 13, 2003

Another thing that we need to think about are deities. If you have deities in your home that you are serving - it is important to make sure that They are cared for after your passing. Again you can not assume that all will be well. Devotees need to ask around and find another devotee who will care for Them and then make sure this is in your will.

I shiver at the thought of departed devotees deities packed in a box and forgotten in someone's basement or attic. Or worse!