by Diane Crafford
Words are by their very nature limiting, and mine in particular can do little justice to what John Schlenck meant to the Vedanta Center of New York over the course of more than fifty years.
I know that both Swami Pavitrananda and Swami Tathagatanda relied on him for many, many things too numerous to mention, and in moments of crisis it was John we always turned to.
John did everything in a calm, unflappable manner with no demand or need for popular approval or recognition. His work and music were his devotion.
We owe John an enormous debt of gratitude for his dedication and service to this Center – a dedication that allowed this place to continue to operate and function and be available for each new generation.
When we start on the spiritual path we are told to make it fundamental in our life. John steadfastly achieved that. It was the basis of everything he did.
There is a verse from the Gita which I would like to share, for it applies to John.
FILL THY MIND WITH ME, BE THOU MY DEVOTEE, WORSHIP ME AND BOW DOWN TO ME; THUS, STEADFASTLY UNITING THY HEART WITH ME ALONE AND REGARDING ME AS THY SUPREME GOAL, THOU SHALT COME UNTO ME.
May John now find peace at the right hand of his guru, Swami Pavitrananda.
