I first met Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram and his wife Jivana Devi Dasi when I gave up all my worldly possessions in December 1981 and joined the Krishna Consciousness movement in Johannesburg, South Africa, along with my then seven-year-old daughter, Lucille.
I have expressed my appreciation for Sriman Yudhamanyu Prabhu and all the help he has given me in Krishna consciousness. Today I want to express my appreciation and that of my family for Srimati Jivana Devi.
When we joined the temple in Johannesburg where Yudhamanyu Prabhu was the de facto president, Jivana took Lucille under her wing, teaching her proper Vaishnava etiquette, how to wear a sari, apply tilak, help with the Sunday feast, etc. She even tried to teach Lucille how to play the mridanga!
My mom was very concerned at this radical new direction in her son and granddaughter's lives (no doubt thinking that we had joined some Hindu cult) and Jivana and Yudhamanyu Prabhu kindly agreed to visit her to alleviate her concerns. My mom was impressed with their humility and sincerity; she still corresponds regularly with Jivana Devi.
Years later in San Jose, California, Jivana always seemed to be around when Lucille and my son Lee needed help, and she regularly tries to engage them in service to the Vaishnavas at the temple there.
My family is so fortunate to have Yudhamanyu Prabhu and Jivana Devi (Uncle Yudha and Aunty Jiv to my twin granddaughters, Maya and Michaela!) as our friends and well-wishers. Have a great day Jiv!
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