The Monastery

In 1964, Shri Nathji would sometimes spend time with the monks in a monastery by the side of Memorial Drive along the banks of the Charles River. (It’s photograph is given on the top) They would gather around him and listen with great interest within the coolness of the walls of the monastery.

"Whatever you say," said a monk, "is exactly what we follow ourselves. Your principles and teachings are exactly like those in the Bible. You must make yourself known to the world!"

Shri Nathji would be overjoyed whenever he met these monks. He even had lunch with them in their dining hall. He would say with genuine feeling:

"Meeting these monks brings a coolness to my heart. This monastery is like an oasis in a desert!"

There were times when Shri Nathji would forget his walking stick in the monastery, and some monk would come running after him along Memorial Drive, bringing the stick. Shri Nathji always appeared to be "leaving things behind" – like sun-glasses, and walking sticks. This was done in accordance with some divine plan. It also allowed a greater degree of interaction on the human plane by giving people a chance to serve God. "Actually I have left myself behind in your hearts!" He would say, when reminded of the things he had left behind.

Shri Nathji used to visit The SSJE Monastery of the The Episcopal Church. It’s postal address is:  The Monastery, 980 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02138, It is a very beautiful building. The first building of the Episcopal monastery, was build in 1924. Isabella Stewart Gardner was among those who gave the land and buildings to the Society of St. John the Evangelist, an Episcopal order of monks also known as the Cowley Fathers. By 1936, the church, cloister and other buildings of the monastery were complete. This was one of the last big projects of Boston architect Ralph Adams Cram (1863-1942). One can get a 360 degree view of the interior of this monastery were Shri Nathji used to go at http://www.ssje.org/gallery_360.html