Reunion at Bhaktivedanta Manor 1993 – Part 1

By editor - 20.12 2024

With HH Mukunda Goswami, HG Guru Das, HG Shyamasundara Das, HG Malati Devi Dasi, HG Jyotirmayi Devi Dasi, HG Mandakini Devi Dasi and man other disciples of Srila Prabhupada (Rebatinandana Prabhu, Ranchor Prabhu etc)

# Reunion at Bhaktivedanta Manor 1993 – Part 1

A warm welcome to all visiting devotees and guests attending the PR Reunion Festival! This article recounts the early days of Krishna Consciousness in the UK, specifically the acquisition of Bhaktivedanta Manor and the devotees’ journey to London.

## The Journey Begins: From Canada to London

The devotees’ journey began in Montreal, Canada, where they met with Srila Prabhupada. Seeking guidance for their mission in London, they received encouragement from Prabhupada, who shared an anecdote about Charlie Chaplin to illustrate the power of unconventional approaches. Armed with Prabhupada’s blessings and financial support, they set off for London in three groups due to limited funds.

Arriving in London, the devotees faced various challenges, relying on a letter of introduction from Allen Ginsburg to connect with a Member of Parliament. They began holding kirtan sessions in the living room of Dr. Coy, gradually attracting individuals who joined their movement.

## From the Suburbs to the Heart of London

Realizing the need to immerse themselves in London’s cultural scene, the devotees decided to venture into the city center. They acquired a red Ford truck and began performing kirtans at the Arts Laboratory on Drury Lane, attracting a following within the underground arts community. Their efforts to gain recognition included publishing articles in the International Times newspaper and even attempting to reach out to the Beatles.

## The Grateful Dead, Hell’s Angels, and a Feast

A twist of fate brought Rock Scully, manager of the Grateful Dead, and a group of Hell’s Angels to London. The devotees, now residing in a warehouse provided by Nigel Samuels, extended their hospitality by preparing a grand feast. This gathering led to unexpected connections, as they engaged in philosophical discussions with Ken Kesey, a self-proclaimed Buddhist, and even inspired the Hell’s Angels to consider starting their own branch at the Arts Laboratory.

## Meeting George Harrison and the Rise to Fame

Through a series of events, including the Hell’s Angels’ presence at the Apple offices and a demo tape reaching the hands of George Harrison, the devotees finally caught the attention of the renowned Beatle. Harrison’s appreciation for Prabhupada’s teachings and his involvement in producing the “Radha Krishna Temple” recording propelled the movement into the mainstream. Their popularity soared, leading to performances on television shows like “Top of the Pops” and numerous street kirtans across England.

## The Arrival of Srila Prabhupada and John Lennon’s Estate

As the movement flourished, Srila Prabhupada arrived in London, greeted by a bustling community of devotees at Bury Place. The devotees had the opportunity to stay at John Lennon’s estate, assisting with restoration work while sharing their spiritual practices with Lennon and Yoko Ono. Prabhupada’s presence had a profound impact, inspiring Lennon and Ono with his simplicity and wisdom. During their time at the estate, the devotees witnessed Prabhupada’s transcendental nature through various anecdotes, including his interaction with a worm and a butterfly.

## Bhaktivedanta Manor and the Acquisition of Deities

With Bury Place soon to be inaugurated as their temple, the devotees faced the challenge of obtaining deities. While exploring options for casting wooden deities into bronze, a providential phone call informed them of a generous offer: three-foot-high marble deities of Radha and Krishna. However, the deities had a damaged hand, raising concerns about their suitability for installation. Accompanied by Shyamasundar, Janaki, and Radha Raman, they went to meet the potential donors. Through a skillful and humorous exchange in Hindi, Prabhupada managed to convince the donors to part with the deities. Prabhupada’s strategic negotiation, which he later likened to a clever political maneuver, secured the deities for their temple. This marked a significant milestone in the establishment of Bhaktivedanta Manor.

## The Importance of Family and Individuality

The early London Yatra was characterized by a strong sense of family among the devotees. This familial atmosphere fostered a supportive environment where individual contributions were valued, contributing to the success of their mission. Recognizing the importance of individual relationships with Krishna, the devotees emphasized the uniqueness of each devotee’s service and encouraged personal growth within the movement. This balance between community and individuality laid a solid foundation for the future expansion of Krishna Consciousness in the UK.