Hari Om!
In a situation where I don't know what to do and am hoping to get some advice from others either in a learned position or who have been there themselves. Please offer what you may. This is my humble request.
Have been attending a Mandir here that is to my liking. My only intents are to pray and to serve both the Mandir and a Swami who has taken me in and is teaching me of his own accord. Am ever grateful for the opportunity to do both. I want nothing in return, only to serve and worship which had been fine until about a week ago.
Was entering Swamiji's chambers to change into Kurta and Dhoti at his request and was seen by another sevak performing her duties. She confronted me and asked what I was doing and why I was there. As I had nothing to hide, I told her the simple truth - I was changing at Swamiji's request. Before I could return to the Temple, she was outside with Swamiji and another Pandit screaming at the top of her lungs in Hindi which I don't understand. Later I was told that she had questioned why a "white person" was in the temple. She came back a short time later and started screaming again, same thing. I didn't see her after that and haven't since. Swamiji dismissed her, telling her to get out.
Now it comes to my attention that a meeting was had by about 20 others about my presence. It seems that no one can recall a white person having attended before in the many many years of the temple's history. Although I haven't been asked to leave, I don't want to create a rif or make it difficult for Swamiji. He told me that most there have a "disease", a skin disease, and that he wouldn't tolerate such and has voiced such but I am truly lost. Quite simply, what should I do? Stay and start a revolution? Simply leave and destroy the work that we have done and the progress that we have achieved towards one of Swamiji's goals for the temple?
Tomorrow is Krishna Janmashtami in the US and will be celebrated at the Mandir. I will not make today my last day in attendance at the temple as I have obligations to Swamiji concerning the celebration though have considered at least taking a break for some time ongoing after that.
Am apologizing for the burden that have placed here but trust the family that has been made here. Anything that is offered is sincerely appreciated.
Om
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