We all initially came for, some say similar reasons, others say quite different reasons. Regardless, our individual purposes may be helpful to some of those that are just now looking into getting involved with m & k. You see, human nature is what it is, and those approaching m & k now... may be able to get a better perspective on their own journey by reading other's stories. Call it ANTI-SATSANG if you will. LOL!

I enjoy hearing what the motivation was for some to receive k. I also enjoy hearing some of the kooky and nutzoid manner in which we displayed our misplaced understanding of devotion. I call it that because few , if any, really even knew what or why we did what we did!

I recall also being told that while receiving k was initially THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, afterwards I too heard how actually seeing m (darshan) was MORE important than k. My first time seeing m was at Holi festival in 1974 in Miami (Key Biscayne). I felt very honored that I could walk alongside m as "security" when he walked to the stage.

Wish I had that picture that was in Divine Times with me alongside m, for nostalgia! If anyone has old DT please send!!!

I came to m & k after having heard of m in London in 1972 & 73. I went to high school there. And I recall meeting premies at Hyde Park, Speakers corner, on Sundays. I also met followers of Krishna and was a guest and met the Swami Prapadapadapadum. (whatever?) LOL! I rather enjoyed poking fun at the Hare Krshna people for being SO SERIOUS!!! NO JOY at all! I also recall the 'Children of God' cult... where all where encouraged to have sex with each other.... quite appealing to a yng teenager! LOLOL

My initial sense of m was that there was no way he could offer me anything. It was only after I returned to the States, and my closest high school friend received k that I saw a change in my friend. He was GLOWING! I then asked him one question... 'Is M it?' My friend said he thought so and that I should receive k and find out for myself. This approach appealed to me. See for myself? I did and within a month received k in Atlanta by jagdeo in Feb 1974. All was well.... until I was told by the CC that seeing m was the real thing! Ok... so I went to Miami and had a ball. I liked playing and having water fights! I threw many water ballons in my short life. "Man" I thought.."this guy is lots of fun". So for me ... m was a kid like me that enjoyed being a kid!

I have retained that aspect of my experience with m. I have remained a playful soul! I won't chaange that ... my time with m was filled with playful events and I won't regret that! I recall the DLM 'heavies' always giving me a hard time for my lite hearted approach and my, sarcastic at times, playful nature. Screw them was my feeling! I never held out high regard for the word of others.... esp those that thought they were too good, holy, or above me. My relationship was with m. Period! It was later that I realized as many here ... that m had very little, if any, regard or even notice of me. All my attempts at turning a metaphysical spin on the coincidences that brought me in contact with m and circumstances where I felt m was behind all things , even the songs that played on the radio, became clear that theses coincidences were only my imagined fantasy of m "directing" my life. When I finally had the chance to be with m, at his residence, I saw that he didn't know me from Adam (so to speak)! And more and more ... I saw the direction of m, elan vital ... his instructors etc as moving further and further away from my understanding of living life.

And so... I grew out of the need for m & k. My personal take is ... "I have realized k now" thank you very much! And so... I live my life ... no regrets, no hatred for my time with m, and certainly no bitterness as it would do me nor anyone else any good to harbour that!

In a way ... I feel we all got something out of our experience with m & k ... so why not live and learn! AND ... let others know... what we found out!