I was very happy when Bhrigu contacted me few days after the Polish retreat. He said he was going to do some research job for the university and he would need a research assistant, so he asked if wanted to help him. Of course I did. Still without a job, so few pounds wouldn’t be bad, and also I wanted to spend some time with my godbrother.
As I found out the research was to be done in the London Gaudiya Mission center, in Willesden Green. During one of his former journeys Bhrigu discovered tones of materials left by Bon Maharaja during his preaching mission in Europe in ‘30s. He couldn’t copy everything then, but now he was equipped with time, new camera, Gaudiya Mission permission and of course the best research assistant in the whole London.
When I arrived there on Wednsday at 9AM, Bhrigu was already waiting. We exchanged hugs and pleasant words. Then I paid my respect to the Radha Krishna and Lord Gauranga murtis. After some minutes a sannyasi appeared, Damodar Swami. Bhrigu introduced me and maharaja welcomed me cordially. I admit, I felt little bit embarrassed. The temple was shining clean, maharaja and local brahmacari wore Vaisnava cloths and tilaks, and so was Bhrigu. Me on other hand, I came straight from my squat, with crumpled, faded cloths, beard and ruffled hair, looking somehow like a hippy (though a clean one!:). But frankly speaking I always feel like that when I‘m with Bhrigu.
The first page of an early manuscript of Bon Maharaja's book, Shree Krishna Chaitanya
We started work straight away. Bhrigu was taking pictures and I was passing to him all kinds of materials left by Bon Maharaja almost hundred years ago. Journal, letters, photos, notes. It was exciting to peep at those old days of Gaudiya preaching in the West. The problems that were faced by Maharaja, preaching engagements, reaction of the contemporary people. The folders looked like they were not being opened for a very long time, probably even from thirties. The fastenings and metal parts were literally falling apart after just being touched. Still we kept damage to a minimum.
When the lunch time arrived we were met with a nice surprise: some Bangali members decided that day to cook a feast for the mission. This is what I call luck. However I wasn’t expecting what was about to happen. I think it was the best food I’ve ever had. Lady who cooked it, kept bringing new dishes, one after one, after one. First the rice with dahl, then green tomato subji, then panir sabji, then another and another, I had no idea what the half of the things were, then tomato chutney, sweet rice, gulabjumens. Bhrigu and I, we were completely full, but Damodar Maharaja kept pointing at our plates and telling mataji to give us more, and laughing at us, when we were stuffing ourselves. Even now I’m salivating, thinking about those tastes. Maharaja said that I should come on Sundays, they will feed me like this every time. I will definitely remember the invitation.
After that we went back to work. Bhrigu allowed us five minutes break, but I think it was only four, still I didn’t want to argue with the boss;) Around seven, when the daylight got bit dim we called it a day, and decided to finish tomorrow. I bed farewell to my friend and deities and went to catch a train. Tired but inspired. On the way listened to Guru Maharaja’s lecture, looking at the crowded streets, people rushing home after busy day, double-deckers, taxis, setting sun.
Śanti.
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