Those first months with Swamiji were wonderful . . . Taking lunch with him in his apartment room. “Take more!” Rice, dahl, subji, and plenty of capatis. Conversations with him. Jokes and Krishna-tattva and lila while eating. He led us and took part with us. Concern with getting his visa extended. Raising money for expenses. Brahmananda (a substitute high school teacher) and Satsvarupa (a case worker with the Department of Welfare) donating their weekly checks. An occasional donation from a friend. Enough to get by. Talking with him in his room on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, when he didn’t hold a class. He’d talk about Krishna, answer questions, gradually teaching us Krishna consciousness. The best friend and spiritual father. Living on the Lower East Side became a paradise after two years of living there in artistic, loveless frustration. New friends gathered around the Swami. Typing for him. Getting close to him.
(_Japa Transformations_)