New Vrindaban’s Transcendental Throwback Thursday – 01/22/2015
Our final week’s challenge (at least for a now): Who is this Brijabasi?
Bonus challenge: What’s the occasion connected with this photo?
What to do: Post your guesses on the “who, what, when, where & why” in the comment section at the New Vrindaban Facebook page.
Who: Sankara devi dasi
What: A Smrti Sabha ceremony (remembrance gathering) and installation of her Nama Samadhi (granite memorial bench) during a commemoration of 20th anniversary of her passing.
The bench is situated along the scenic walkway that winds around the Kusum Sarovara Lake at the lotus feet of Gaura Nitai and in the shadow of Srila Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold. It serves as a place for people to relax and appreciate their surroundings as they follow a parikrama path through the holy dham.
Etched into the bench are the words: “In loving memory: Sylvia S. Walker – Sankara devi dasi. January 5th, 1946 – January 25th, 1985” and a quote from Sankara herself – “I am surrounded by the radiance, glory and richness of the Creator. In the final analysis, all things come from the same Source. We are all related; even the rocks are our brothers.”
January 25th, 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of her passing. If you had the honor of knowing her, or just want to get inspired by hearing a bit about her, please CLICK HERE and read a remembrance article written by Madhava Smullen.
When: July, 2005.
Where: At the Lotus Feet of Gaura Nitai on the Parikrama Path near Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s Temple; New Vrindaban, West Virginia.