Fw: Remembering Srila Prabhupada - Prabhupada Pleases Disciple, Illness After Sandalwood Massage

12-02-2003, 08:47 AM

February, 19-24, 1973; Auckland, New ZealandCamp: ISKCON AucklandMost devotees
know that Siddha Swarupa had a unique and peculiar relationship with the
International Society of Krsna Consciousness as he was the only guru who
surrendered to Srila Prabhupada along with a good number of disciples.
Naturally many ISKCON devotees had a hard time accepting the distinction
awarded upon Siddha Swarupa in spite of his apparent reservation. Consequently
some of members of Iskcon did not get along with Siddha and it appeared the
feeling was mutual.However, Siddha did have a great deal of association with
Srila Prabhupada and His Divine Grace encouraged him to push on the movement.
Srila Prabhupada told Siddha, "Work under the direction of the GBC but if you
cannot do that then work directly under me." It was clear to me that Siddha had
a great deal of love for Srila Prabhupada and His Divine Grace reciprocated.One
morning in Auckland Siddha presented Srila Prabhupada with a large aluminum
bottle of Mysore sandalwood oil just before Srila Prabhupada was to take
massage. Desiring to lavish pleasure upon His Divine Grace, Siddha said,
"Please use this sandalwood oil for massaging your entire body." Srila
Prabhupada said, "No, sandalwood oil is for cooling the head only and mustard
oil is for the rest of the body." Not understanding the ayurvedic significance
Siddha generously insisted, "Please Srila Prabhupada, just this once!" Siddha
wanted the best possible oil used to massage Srila Prabhupada. Seeing Siddha's
determination to please him, Srila Prabhupada reluctantly consented. That day I
massaged Srila Prabhupada's entire body with sandalwood oil as Siddha joyfully
watched. As was normally done after massage, Srila Prabhupada took bath,
honored lunch prasadam and took a nap. After his nap he called me for me. I
hurried to his room and offered obeisances. He looked at me seriously and said,
"I am not feeling well. I think it is because of the massage. The sandalwood oil
cooled the body too much."I was overwhelmed with disappointed because I had not
taken proper care of my Guru-deva. I knew the natural warming property of
mustard oil was always used on Srila Prabhupada's golden body. I understood the
healthful effect of keeping His Divine Grace warm. Generally Srila Prabhupada
did not let health problems interrupt his devotional service. He rarely went to
bed when he was not feeling well unless his illness continued for weeks. He
never took aspirin for headaches.During an episode of illness the only changes
I saw in Srila Prabhupada's daily schedule were dietary adjustments. Also if
Srila Prabhupada was not well enough to take bath, he would ask me to massage
him without oil. On a few occasions when he had a cold he told me to put a
little camphor into the mustard oil and heat it. He said, "Make the oil as hot
as you can and still be able to touch it."It was remarkable how much difficulty
Srila Prabhupada accepted for the pleasure of his disciples. He knew that using
the sandalwood could cause difficulty but just to satisfy his disciple he
accepted it. Clearly Srila Prabhupada underwent hardships to satisfy his Guru
Maharaja but he was also willing to accept difficulties for the pleasure of his
devotees. He was eager to encourage us in our devotional service even if we put
him into difficulty.Srila Prabhupada, I pray that I may understand your
instructions. This way I can serve you according to your desire not according
to my whims. Please forgive me for failing to protect you. I knew it was not a
good idea to use the sandalwood oil and I should have explained it to Siddha.
He would have understood, as his only desire was to please you.- From the Srila
Prabhupada Uvaca by HG Srutakirti Dasa= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = =Disclaimer: This is not a spam. If you want to be out of
this distribution list. Please send a mail to krpamaya_gauranga (AT) hotmail (DOT) com
with the word "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject lineIf you want to introduce anyone
else in reading Srila Prabhupada Nectars, please send their eMail addresses to
krpamaya_gauranga (AT) hotmail (DOT) comContact Information: All mails regarding queries,
suggestions, comments should be sent to krpamaya_gauranga (AT) hotmail (DOT) comPlease
Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare And Be Happy