*name has been changed in this post for privacy
"May I help you in some way?" I asked the customer who had just walked into La Maison du Chocolat.
"Sure," she replied, "I'm looking for a gift for a friend,"
"Okay, sure, what would you be looking for? Your budget?"
"Well, she is very sick,"
I was taken aback for a moment, then I laughed, "I see, and chocolate is the medication,"
"I mean, she is very... very sick,"
I grew sober, "Ah, I see." I continued to guide the customer to a collection of chocolates that was beautiful and was in her budget. I wrapped the gift and asked, "Would you like a blank message card?"
"Oh no, I have a big card here," and she pointed to a giant card in its envelope. "You see, my friend, she's sick... yes, the "C" word,"
I continued to listen with my eyes while I packed up the gift. She handed me a collection of bills of different amounts.
"She's only in her 30s, and last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer and she has been in treatment. Last month, though, they found some cancer in her brain. Stage 4."
"Oh wow,"
"Yes, so everyone at work has all pitched in to pay for a personal chef for the next month for her and her husband, and also to get these chocolates. Everyone signed this card. We just want her to take care of herself,"
"I see. I shall pray for your friend, may I ask her name?"
"Diana*,"
"I will pray for Diana, that she moves through this with grace,"
"Thank you so much Carmen [my legal name]," the woman responded. I handed her the beautiful gift bag of chocolates and we exchanged smiles. Then she left.
I was shaken.
Here was a woman on a crash course with death. There were so many people who loved her, but they had no idea what to do for someone about to die. They just wanted to comfort her, make her path a little smoother, a little more enjoyable.
But who cares about a personal chef and gourmet chocolate when you're about to die? From what I've heard and experienced for myself, when faced with death food tastes like cardboard.
When faced with death, I want solace. I want meaning to this life that seems so meaningless. I want truth. I want to know who I am and where the hell I'm going (hopefully not hell!).
Diana's coworkers meant well. They love her, they want to express that love. Nevertheless, all I can think is that if I was faced with Stage 4 brain cancer, I would just want people to chant the holy name for me, chant the holy name for me, chant the holy name for me. Pray that I take shelter's in Krishna's holy name.
If you are reading this, please chant the holy name for Diana, pray that the Lord protects her heart from all fear and carries her beyond this world of pain and death. May she go with God.
ISKCON - Krish aims to protect village culture and stop the exodus from villages to the cities. Simultaneously, ISKCON- Krish will work to develop a role model village community, which is completely focused on education, especially for girls and vocational training, cow protection, organic farming and nature friendly technology. Read more › 
Special Sun Feast to honor HH Bhaktimarga Swami
Govardhana Puja(Celebration)
ISKCON Brampton Yoga and Wellness
Krishna says that his devotee is never vanquished. Therefore all the disciples practicing Krishna consciousness should obediently follow the regulative principles and remain fixed in chanting the holy name of the Lord. Then there need be no fear. Otherwise, one's position is very dangerous, especially in this Kali-yuga. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.1.58 Purport) 
The process of chanting the holy name of the Lord is always superbly effective, but it is especially effective in this age of Kali. All the great authorities of bhakti-yoga recommend the devotional process beginning with the chanting of the holy name of Krishna (tan-nama-grahanadibhih).
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.1.21 Purport) 
One should be a devotee and surrender to the lotus feet of Krishna. This surrendering process is also very easy. Even a child can perform it. One must always simply think of Krishna by chanting Hare Krishna.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.226.37 Purport) 
This Krishna consciousness movement insists that everyone take to this path by adopting the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. The preachers of Krishna consciousness go from door to door to inform people how they can be relieved from the miserable conditions of material life.
(Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.14.39 Purport) 
Our children from Varahaghat and Goghat got a pleasant surprise when Rosania Rasavilasini Devi Dasi piched up at their door with special gifts, toothpaste, soap and toothbrush!! They were overjoyed and their bright eyes sparked with gratitude. She gave them a demo and then handed out the gifts. These children come disadvantaged homes, some go to school and some don't. Rasa Vilasini said she was blessed to serve them and considers it special mercy from Krishna. We thank her for her heartfelt kindness, hare krishna!! 
Indradyumna Swami: ISKCON's center in Budapest is a charming temple situated near the center of the city. Devotees run a popular vegetarian restaurant downtown and are much appreciated for their daily Food For Life prasdasam distribution. Both locals and tourists watch with interest when devotees perform regular harinam samkirtan and book distributors are a regular sight on the streets of Hungary's capitol. 
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday, as soon as my flight arrived Skopje, Macedonia I was whisked away to a live 30-minute talk show on "24 News," one of Macedonia’s main television channels. The theme of the program was, "Cultural Origins." The show was viewed by 50,000 people. Amongst the many topics covered, I elaborated how our Krsna consciousness movement is based on the Bhagavad Gita and is part of one of the oldest spiritual cultures in the world. I discussed how God is a person and that we can connect with him through chanting His holy names. Towards the end of show the host asked me to demonstrate the chanting, so I led a one-man kirtan for a short while. He concluded the interview by explaining to the audience how the chanting made him calm and peaceful. The following is a link to the show. The interview is a little difficult to follow because my voice is dubbed over by a translator ☺ http://www.24vesti.mk/za-zhivotot-26-09-2014 
