Aloka Devapriya was part of the Archway Centre when I first came along in '74 -But thinking of him over the last week or so I remembered that I only got to know him better in the late '80's as he used to come and visit me at Street Farm to talk things over when he seemed to be having difficulties with various people in London - Devapriya was one of those people who (for whatever reason) never travelled the smooth or comfortable road - His physical ailments were obviously part of that but in spite of everything he had a very Good Heart. The first 'snap-shot’ memory that surfaced on hearing the news of his death was of us being on an Order weekend at Padmaloka. I'd just lost a number of teeth which many seemed to find a source of amusement as it caused me to lisp quite badly, Devapriya -(an old hand at dental misadventure) took me to one side and told me not to worry as in time your body adapts and the lisp vanishes - a kind and useful observation which I found to be true. I trust that he's currently enjoying the next bit of the adventure, free (for the time being at least) of bodily ailments. Best wishes Aloka.
Nityabodha At the moment of Devapriya´s death I was climbing up a gully to an Aztec pyramid in Tapazlan in Central Mexico, the type of place were some say men become gods. Later that same day I was in Mexico City to witness the Day of the Dead Festival - the symbolism was not lost on me. I have taken what opportunity I have to mourn the passing of my friend and companion of 30 years. On the 22nd of October I went to visit Devapriya in his room at the Whittington. As was my habit of many years I called him Myrddin, a name I always felt appropriate and a name he always liked and accepted. I spoke about my plans to attend the Mexican convention and his plans to get back home next week. In time I ended the meeting, I kissed his hand, another habit of many years and bid him goodbye. It will be the last time we will ever meet. My feelings for Deyapriya are many and varied. I remember him as the driving force behind Phoenix, as an excellent host, as a scintillating conversationalist and as someone beset with terrible illness. What we must realize is that Devapriya was perhaps the most influential individual behind the creation of the London Buddhist Centre. His knowledge of housing, his connection with local government and
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