In Remembrance of Torkom’s Birthday

Torkom always started his lectures with a deliberate and intentional rhythm. He would walk down the aisle of the Temple in a slow and rhythmic way. Standing tall and joyful, he would walk looking straight ahead. He did not stop and talk to the audience, nor acknowledged the presence of any particular person. He was focused and intent beyond the audience. Then he would step up to the podium, and put his mic on and say, “You Welcome” and pause and make contact with the entire audience.

Those opening moments set a very important rhythm to what was to come. Everyone then relaxed and focused on what he was about to talk about. Everyone felt included; no one was singled out.

In so doing, he let everyone relax and flow into a new rhythm that he was setting for the entire audience and for the subject to come.

People drove from near and far to listen to his lectures. Torkom knew that in order to hear what the Teaching was saying, people had to be ready to listen. This meant that all driving, personal conditions, emotions, thoughts, discomforts had to be set aside. No one brought water bottles to the lectures, nor did anyone comment on the cold, heat, or any other condition in the Sanctuary. Nothing was as important to the hour than what was to be shared of the Teaching. We forgot ourselves; we focused.

It was important to Torkom to set intention and make everyone feel welcome. He was brought up in an Armenian household in Turkey. The culture of these peoples is to welcome all visitors to one’s home by saying words of “Welcome,” “Shalom,” “Salam Alaykum,” “Pari Yegak” (Armenian meaning “you entered in peace”) or “Hoş geldiniz” meaning welcome in Turkish. Similar words are always said to welcome guests to homes or to meals. To Torkom, this was his spiritual home, and he was welcoming all of us into that home.

In all his actions, words, pauses, and gestures, Torkom always showed his reverence to the Teaching. Even in telling a humorous story, there was a totally serious message behind it and everyone who was listening knew it. There was no levity for the sake of entertainment or telling stories to show how clever he was. The Teaching is sacred. In every gesture and comment, Torkom showed his total dedication and respect to the Teaching and to the Teachers.

This is how he presented every lecture and every seminar. This was the secret of his presence.

You Welcome!

Gita