Andy Slack I met Devapriya over ten years ago, around 2002 I think, in the old North London Buddhist centre, where he was teaching Friday night practice class. He invited me and Steve Silverton back after class a few times, and I later got to know him when I played with him in Shanti, and then through Buddhafield. I visited him in his flat many times. He has been a very good friend to me, always available to listen and talk, and share his hospitality. He is a real authentic character, not without his flaws, who can speak his mind plainly, which I love. He also has a really big heart and has been a great listener, adviser, support and host to me and many other people over the years I have known him. I have very much appreciated his earthy sense of humour; I also believe he has a beautiful, fine, broad and open vision of the dharma, which he has been able to share with many people in a warm and accessible way. His courage in dealing with his health problems, yet still getting out and about in the world, has been remarkable and heroic, and despite these problems he has remained consistently engaged with other people and available to them. I have spent many great hours with him, both in his flat and in his caravan on Buddhafield events. I love him dearly and will feel his loss greatly if now is his time to go. I have a heartfelt hope that he can pull through and spend some more time with us.
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