Gender

Male

Location

Manchester

Birthday:

July 29

Name / Initiated name

Not initiated

Daily number of rounds of Hare Krishna mahamantra.

16

When, where and how did you come into contact with the Hare Krishna Movement?

1. I first saw the Hare Krishna Devotees on Salford Precinct when I was about 10 years old. I was immediately attracted to this large party of men and matajis' dancing and singing and all beautifully dressed in orange etc.

Name the nearest or most frequently Visited ISKCON temple/ centre and name few of the devotees whom you know.

Manchester ISKCON Temple. Years ago I knew HG Krishna Dharma and his wife Mother Cintamani but they have moved. I also knew Abhaya Prabhu who is now HH DAYANANDA Swami, I am still in touch with him, he has always been very merciful and kind to me. He knows me as 'Jim the painter'. I also know HG Madhva Prabhu and HG Guaranakash Prabhu.

Please describe yourself so that other like minded devotees can find you.

After many years of ill health, my wife June passed away last February so I am widowed. I have been completely celibate for about 8 years, I don't take intoxication, never taken meat or eggs since I was a teenager,.. but I confess to drinking the odd cup of tea and buying the occasional lottery ticket - vices I know I must eliminate from my life.

What are your expectations from this community?

His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada's teachings have definitely helped me and I feel I have made progress in my spiritual life due to his unfathomable mercy. I just wish to continue on this path forever because it so works!, but I cannot make anymore progress without the association of the Devotees, so I think that is what I would expect from this community.

Describe any specific service you would love to offer to Lord Krishna & His devotees?

I am learning to play mrdanga, (I played drums semi-professionally for almost 40 years), I love going out on Harinam with Devotees. I like cleaning,.. as a painter/decorator this is part of the preparation so I don't mind doing that,... and I like to care for and help those souls who are presently in an animal form. Sorry I can't be specific regarding service, but I believe any service to Lord Krishna and His Devotees is completely worthwhile so I would be honoured to do any service that would be helpful.