My service was to go to the houses of people living near the Hare Krishna temple in Boston and ask them for their flowers. Sometimes I had a wheelbarrow and other times a peach basket, armed with the Deities' sweets and Back to Godhead magazines, dressed in full Vaishnava regalia.
https://www.bing.com/images/create?FORM=GDPGLP
Passing by a vacant lot I saw some black-eyed Susans growing here and there among the tangled overgrowth. The vacant lot was quite large and there were some houses at the edge of it but a good distance away. A street ran along side the limited access highway.
As I entered the field a dog began to bark. He was sitting on a landing outside a back door of one of the houses. He was chained and seemed quite upset that I was there. I wasn't really near that house but it made no difference to him. A large German shepherd.
I was thankful he was on a chain but in his determination to protect the area he strained at the chain and it snapped. He ran full force towards me growling with long, large teeth and glaring eyes.
https://www.bing.com/images/create?FORM=GDPGLP
There was nothing I could. I couldn't run. He was way faster than I was. There were no sticks on the ground. I had no pepper spray.. I just stood there anticipating his lunge at me, his teeth sinking in somewhere. My hand in my bead bag and chanting I prayed only not to forget the Holy Name.
He lunged.... and took a big bite... out of my bead bag. Backing off he appeared somewhat stunned and confused. I just stood there. We looked at each other and while he was deciding what he should do next two teenage boys just happened to be walking along the street bordering the highway. They came to my rescue and chased the dog away.
Who had received a taste of japa. Beads, beadbag and all.
https://iskconbirmingham.org/congregation/how-to-chant-on-beads
In looking at this now. I am sure I was in the position of that dog in a previous life. I was also in the position of those two teenagers and I had also been in the position of the black-eyed Susans that lured me into the field with a promise of serving Krishna.
Thank you, friend!
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TEAM 5
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A life of service is a life well lived.
I do however, detest people who keep their dogs chained up like that. Im so glad that you weren't harmed. But my heart breaks for that poor animal who just needs a little love and care.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
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Yes. They treated him in such a way as to be vicious and aggressive. He bit into the bag containing my prayer beads who knows maybe he will get some mercy. At least he made come contact.
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