Jasmine

It's been 3 years since we lost Jasmine, and I've had the notion for a while that I would go to a temple to do something in her memory. Abi suggested a Krishna temple would be the most appropriate, so my mate Anuj and I headed to the ISKCON temple. I bought some offerings and we headed barefoot to the main temple at the top of the massive complex, which seems to comprise everything from an exhibition centre some sort of robotics display (I'm going to have to go back to check that out).

Inside the main temple, people were singing and dancing along to a small band at the centre of the circular hall. A crowd was sat around the band occupying the centre of the room. You couldn't really hear the music, only the clapping and singing of the faithful who were obviously enjoying themselves immensely. A far cry from your average Catholic church - so staid and bland. Like boiled cauliflower.

Pushing through the crowds we offered up our flowers and sweets to the Brahmin. The idea is that when the Brahmin receives the offering, they take a piece for God and return the rest to you, transformed from your offering to a gift from God. Something sacred. Alas, the crowds were too great and we had to hand our gifts through the crowd who stood between us and the 'altar' on which the Brahmin was standing. I hope they give out the sweets to some kids.

I stood for a while, gathering my thoughts, and turned to watch the crowd once more. A temple of light of gold and white; images of Krishna's adventures painted on the ceiling. Apparently he was a bit of wretch in his youth - always chasing skirt. No wonder he's always depicted as a Blue figure.

On returning to the place where I left my shoes, I found they had gone. Probably Jasmine. Playing a joke on me for being so sappy.

Maybe there's a running trail in the afterlife. :)