Gopesh
(Dandavats.com) – Nrsimhananda das: An unsung Vaisnava hero, John Matlick served the devotees since his mother, affectionately known as Prabhupada-lila dd, introduced him to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings in the early 1970’s. John was a videophile who was super helpful to myself and Siddhanta in the early years of ISKCON Television. Devotees worldwide have unlimitedly benefited from his invisible hand in helping to make Srila Prabhupada available via the magic of video. He always wanted a spiritual name, so I nicknamed him Johnananda. Many years later he was given the name Jayadev by Narayan Maharaja. Johnananda and Ishan had designed and manufactured the first fiberglass Balaram mrdunga. Johnananda was very proud of his early contribution to spreading the congregational chanting of the Holy Names. He wasn’t much of a bhajaneer himself, but he bathed in the transcendental sounds.
With his second wife, he pioneered video editing facilities in Los Angeles with their company, Video-It. He provided many free services to Yadubara and ITV. Gradually, Johnananda, Yadubara, Siddhanta and I became very close. He also forged a deep relationship with Baradraj, the artist. Johnananda commissioned an original artwork, “Blueboy,” which he hoped to popularize worldwide. Sri Jagadish, Partrikananda, Dughdapan, and others were also in his circle of intimate devotee friends. I eventually took Johnananda to Mayapur and did the ISKCON holy places tour. Though he wasn’t so physically fit, he never complained about any inconveniences and had unlimited patience. That was the first of a couple of his trips to India. He loved to bask in the sanga of the Holy Dhamas and devotees.
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