Jnanarakshita rejoicing for Devapriya Dear Devapriya I am pleased to have an opportunity to rejoice in your merits. Most of my contact with you has been when I've been working on the Info Point at the Buddhafield festival, and you have been either sat at the desk there or in your caravan. I have always particularly enjoyed visiting you in your caravan - I have always felt it's like entering Tara's realm going in there. I have always felt she is very present with you, and I like the way the shrine to her is usually alive with offerings. You have always been very friendly and encouraging to me, and that has been a great help on several levels, not least when we are stretched by the demands of the festival. This is to send you much metta at this time. I am sorry to hear that health and pain levels have been more difficult recently. I am imagining that Tara is nearby to you, and that she will continue to be so (after all, she is bound to be at least as loyal to you as you have been to her). Call me a faith type, but I feel that in her loving compassion everything will be fine. Bearing you in mind, and with much fondness, Jnanarakshita
Gill Turner I was very sad to hear of Devapriya's passing, he was a good friend and an inspiration. I came to know him at NLBC and over several years of family retreats at Waterhall, where he was much loved by all the children as well as their parents-he just knew how to have fun with them and remain clear and strong in his teaching at the same time. I don't think those retreats would have got off the ground without his energy and input, and they were so important to those who were there-a chance to practice with our children and give them a taste of the Dharma too. I also remember clearly a time when I was somewhat disabled with sciatica, and at the end of a practice night when I couldn't bend down to do up my shoes, there was Devapriya, on his knees, doing them up for me! Very humbling. SADHU, Devapriya, go well. We just lit some incense for you to send you on your way. Thanks for all the humour, the music and the dharma wisdom.
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