BIG APPLE PLEASURE

Sunday, June 14th, 2026

Manhattan, New York

Like the soul that leaps from body to body, our very tiny little anti-material particles moved from one sacred place to another. In all of the USA, New York has some divine hotspots of interest to those Krishna Conscious. At 26 2nd Ave, the Matchless Gifts extended room is where our dear Prabhupada first set up camp. For the two bus loads of youths, amateurs and seniors, this was a place to behold.

At least two of the original paintings from that location (period of 1967 to 70) still hang there. The tom-tom drum of the early days kirtan is on display next to a murti of His Divine Grace. The place has been restored to as best as possible to match its decor from the 60’s.

Also awesome was Tompkins Square Park, where regular kirtan chanting sessions were held, situated just a few blocks away. The Dutch elm tree under which those utterings of mantras disseminated, is still there. It is worthy of a huge hug.

There was a band playing a grunge type of music. Men and women in black and chain attire mingled. We looked odd. One of those fellows shouted obscenities to our group. Being a bit behind in arriving, I spotted this guy who was a bit "out of it" with his less than desirable remarks, but I offered him the garland given to me. He calmed down.

Over to the Bhakti Centre, Rupan and I went to check out Divya's Restaurant. Nice! And finally, a visit to Brooklyn's ISKCON temple pretty much wrapped up our time in the Big Apple. I was pleased to lead kirtan just outside the temple. People joined like anything.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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