Dear Guru Maharaj,
Pamho, agtsp!
My apologies for taking so long to write, life has been a bit overwhelming lately and I don't know where to begin. I'm still dialed in here in LA, struggling to make art that will speak something of value to my generation and to the world, to make them better people, maybe one day transcendental people.
HpS - We are doing EXACTLY the same thing in South America. Of course, the danger is that we fall into the same trap as Vyasa-deva when he wrote things just too indirect. HK!
Meanwhile I'm trying to keep my own head above water in this crazy city.
ASA - We are trying to keep from dying of cold/fever.
I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but the oil business never really worked out for me. It seems like some of the others are doing ok with it now, but I'm too introverted to have had the interest to stick with it. Of course since you asked, if anyone is interested in learning about the health benefits of hemp oil I'm happy to connect them with someone who can tell them more.
HpS - I will send you some names.
Every day I see more and more people taking interest so I kind of regret not doing it, but "better to perform ones own duties imperfectly than another's perfectly." I swapped phones with my mother btw, so I have a new number you can reach me at (803 x x x ) and I don't seem to have yours saved in here either, so please remind me how I can reach you by phone.
ASA - We will Text you.
Currently I'm showing new work in galleries and putting stuff on consignment, and painting live all over the city. I've also been collaborating with your god -brother Baradraj prabhu, who trained as a painter personally under Srila Prabhupada and designed the famous Bhagavad Gita museum in LA. I've been assisting him with some of his recent paintings and he he also wants me to help him start a new spiritual art collective in Topanga. I'm excited about some of his ideas and I'm grateful to have his association lately.
ASA - Su, Su, Super! Cultural conquest.
Apart from that I'm just been working odd jobs and trying to find a decent summer job to pay off some of my debts so I can focus more on what I really want to do. After more consideration I think it definitely makes sense for me to officially move on to grhasta ashram; because I do want to get married eventually, just not until I halfway get my life together. Otherwise I feel awkward even going to the temple because people think I'm either a Krishna West troublemaker or a poser brahmacari... (but really I'm nothing so dramatic, just ordinary nonsense.)
Please let me know when we can talk on the phone. I have a lot of doubt and frustration lately and I really need your help!
Your spaced out servant,
Ekāśma Dāsa
HpS - Who are your local 'gurus'? Focus on that. Getting some local associates to give you perspective. If you can stay b'cari and go directly to Sannyasa you can be of more use to 20-women than you can be to one by marrying her, but... the Good Lord told Kardama that the fastest path for him was Grhastha Ashrama with a "veritable cow of plenty", M. Devahuti.
Again, who are, can be your local gurus.
We will be working with Mukunda dutta Das and Prabhu Nityananda from Dallas on the ISKCON Education Journal.
SUPER PAINTINGS! If any of our readers want some, how can they buy them???? Sell them???
