leyh

Devotee: Why do you say that Jesus Christ performed so many miracles when he (indistinct), and you never said that Krsna performed any miracles. When Krsna lifted up Govardhana Hill, nobody said that was a miracle. But when Jesus Christ made so many things, they say it's a miracle. How is that? Prabhupada: The difference is that in Vrndavana they are pure devotees. They knew that "Oh, this is not a miracle for Krsna. Krsna can do anything and everything." So they were not surprised. If I lift one mountain, you will be surprised because you know that "Swamiji is man. How he is lifting?" But they know that Krsna is all-powerful. So there was no surprise. It is just like natural work. They were so much affectionate to Krsna that... He was not only lifting. Every day He was doing so much great performances, and His boyfriends, they would come home, and they would narrate the story to their mothers, "Oh, mother, today Krsna performed like this. There was a great demon, and He killed him immediately." And the mother will say, "Oh, Krsna did that? He is very nice boy, very nice." (laughter) Because they were so affectionate to Krsna, they always think, "Everything is possible for Krsna. Krsna is so nice. Krsna is so great." That is their idea. So (indistinct) that is not miracle. That is ordinary thing for Him. Just like Yasoda. Krsna's friends complained, "Mother Yasoda, Krsna has eaten earth. You gave Him sweetmeat, but He was not eating sweetmeat." You know. The boys, they complain each other and again make friends. So Yasoda was..., "Oh, Krsna, I gave You sweetmeats. You are eating earth?No, mother. I have not eaten. They are telling false." And they were still, "Yes. We have seen, mother, He has eaten." Then mother asked Him, "Oh, show Your face. Open Your mouth. I want to see." So He opened His mouth, and she saw all the universe within His mouth, not only earth, the whole planets, sun and moon, and everything, within His mouth. Then she thought, "Oh, what I have seen? All right. Don't do it." That's all. (laughter) She is not at all surprised. She thought that "I saw something. Maybe I wrong or right. All right. Don't do it." That's all. So they were so much affectionate to Krsna that Krsna's this jugglery could not enchant them. (chuckles) You see? Therefore Krsna said to the gopis that "Your love is so pure that it is not possible for Me to repay." Krsna is declaring insolvent to pay their debt. "You be satisfied with your love only. I cannot repay." That is the position of Krsna. Krsna and the residents of Vrndavana so affectionately connected, that there is no such conception that "Krsna is God, Krsna can play wonderful things." They simply love Krsna. And out of love they forget everything. "All right. That's all right. That's all right." So that ecstasy of love is only possible in Vrndavana. (break) (Questions and Answers,September 6, 1968, New York)

Devotee: Why do you say that Jesus Christ performed so many miracles when he (indistinct), and you never said that Krsna performed any miracles. When Krsna lifted up Govardhana Hill, nobody said that was a miracle. But when Jesus Christ made so many things, they say it's a miracle. How is that? Prabhupada: The difference is that in Vrndavana they are pure devotees. They knew that "Oh, this is not a miracle for Krsna. Krsna can do anything and everything." So they were not surprised. If I lift one mountain, you will be surprised because you know that "Swamiji is man. How he is lifting?" But they know that Krsna is all-powerful. So there was no surprise. It is just like natural work. They were so much affectionate to Krsna that... He was not only lifting. Every day He was doing so much great performances, and His boyfriends, they would come home, and they would narrate the story to their mothers, "Oh, mother, today Krsna performed like this. There was a great demon, and He killed him immediately." And the mother will say, "Oh, Krsna did that? He is very nice boy, very nice." (laughter) Because they were so affectionate to Krsna, they always think, "Everything is possible for Krsna. Krsna is so nice. Krsna is so great." That is their idea. So (indistinct) that is not miracle. That is ordinary thing for Him. Just like Yasoda. Krsna's friends complained, "Mother Yasoda, Krsna has eaten earth. You gave Him sweetmeat, but He was not eating sweetmeat." You know. The boys, they complain each other and again make friends. So Yasoda was..., "Oh, Krsna, I gave You sweetmeats. You are eating earth?No, mother. I have not eaten. They are telling false." And they were still, "Yes. We have seen, mother, He has eaten." Then mother asked Him, "Oh, show Your face. Open Your mouth. I want to see." So He opened His mouth, and she saw all the universe within His mouth, not only earth, the whole planets, sun and moon, and everything, within His mouth. Then she thought, "Oh, what I have seen? All right. Don't do it." That's all. (laughter) She is not at all surprised. She thought that "I saw something. Maybe I wrong or right. All right. Don't do it." That's all. So they were so much affectionate to Krsna that Krsna's this jugglery could not enchant them. (chuckles) You see? Therefore Krsna said to the gopis that "Your love is so pure that it is not possible for Me to repay." Krsna is declaring insolvent to pay their debt. "You be satisfied with your love only. I cannot repay." That is the position of Krsna. Krsna and the residents of Vrndavana so affectionately connected, that there is no such conception that "Krsna is God, Krsna can play wonderful things." They simply love Krsna. And out of love they forget everything. "All right. That's all right. That's all right." So that ecstasy of love is only possible in Vrndavana. (break) (Questions and Answers,September 6, 1968, New York)

"Yes, whoever you tell the chant to, it is effective. You have heard it from me and my disciples, similarly I have heard it from my Guru Maharaja, and so on, and on. Because you have heard it from a pure devotee of the Lord, therefore it is transmitted from you to another. Just as an aerial message, is transmitted from one place to another, similarly, this Guru parampara system is working. My disciples are my agents, my representatives, so by hearing it from them, you are receiving it from me. And because you are a sincere soul, those who are hearing the Mantra from you are receiving it in disciplic succession, from Lord Caitanya and from Lord Krishna." (Letter from His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to Andrea Temple, Los Angeles 6 March, 1968)

"Yes, whoever you tell the chant to, it is effective. You have heard it from me and my disciples, similarly I have heard it from my Guru Maharaja, and so on, and on. Because you have heard it from a pure devotee of the Lord, therefore it is transmitted from you to another. Just as an aerial message, is transmitted from one place to another, similarly, this Guru parampara system is working. My disciples are my agents, my representatives, so by hearing it from them, you are receiving it from me. And because you are a sincere soul, those who are hearing the Mantra from you are receiving it in disciplic succession, from Lord Caitanya and from Lord Krishna." (Letter from His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to Andrea Temple, Los Angeles 6 March, 1968)

"We say that in whatever occupation you may be, try to find out some time and chant Hare Krsna. This is our preaching. So it will help you. At least you will get, even if you are attached to the material activities, you will get next birth a human body, rich family, another chance, or Vaisnava family. That is also great benefit. Even there is no salvation, but he gets opportunity again." (His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,Conversation in car,April 22, 1972, Tokyo) [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-22-2002).]

"We say that in whatever occupation you may be, try to find out some time and chant Hare Krsna. This is our preaching. So it will help you. At least you will get, even if you are attached to the material activities, you will get next birth a human body, rich family, another chance, or Vaisnava family. That is also great benefit. Even there is no salvation, but he gets opportunity again." (His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,Conversation in car,April 22, 1972, Tokyo) [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-22-2002).]

Jayaradhe Mataji: I hope you will get well soon.I'm sure that your meeting with a devotee under such unexpected circumstances was simply a message from the wonderful cowherd boy of Vrindavana. He will never forget you!

Atma Mataji: Please accept my humble obeisances.All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. I don't think that the devotee who told me that "Hansadutta Maharaja is a pure soul" is with ISKCON.It was a man who I spoke with on a phone some years ago.I had gotten the telephone number of a center (which I shall name here) from a copy of Science of Self Realization and he called ISKCON a "sinking ship".It was probably the most bizzare conversations that I've ever had with a devotee.That's all I'll say. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement.

Jayaradhe mataji: Please accept my humble obeisances.All Glories to Srila Prabhupada! Jayaradhe Mataji: Please accept my humble obeisances.All Glories to Srila Prabhupada! I appreciate your encouragement very much,Mataji.I am still far from the high standards set by Srila Prabhupada,and have much to learn from you and other devotees. May I always be able to think of myself as a mangy dog outside the camp of Lord Caitanya's army,waiting for left-overs fed to me by the merciful soldiers of Lord Caitanya's army. Thank you so much for the mercy! I will endeavour to spread this mercy that I have received from the Vaisnavas.

Interviewer: The chanting of Krsna's name, the Hare Krsna mantra, seems to play a very important role in the profession of your religious belief. Right? In fact, I think I will ask you and some of your followers who are sitting here with us tonight a little bit later to chant the name of Krsna. Prabhupada: Yes. Interviewer: That probably would be a proper ending to this particular program. However, I'm still wondering, you know, about some of the aspects. In reading a little bit... I have not read much, of course, but in reading a little bit about your beliefs and your writings, your magazines, your publications... Prabhupada: I may correct here that it is not my belief. Interviewer: Well, as you interpret it in your writings. Let me put it that way. It seems to me, sir, that there is a very high emphasis placed on the relationship between the individual and God. Prabhupada: Yes, yes. Interviewer: Much more so than upon the... Prabhupada: That is for everyone. Interviewer: Yes but more emphasis on that relationship than on the relationship between one individual and another individual. Am I right in that? Prabhupada: No. We have to establish first of all our lost relationship with God. You see? Then we can understand what is the relationship between one individual to another. If the central point is missing, then there is practically no relationship. Just like you are American. Another is American. Both of you, you feel American nationally because the center is America. So unless you understand God, you cannot understand what I am, neither I can understand what you are. So we have to first of all reestablish our lost relationship with God; then we can establish, talk of universal brotherhood. Otherwise there will be discrimination. Just like in your country, or any country, the national... National means a man born in that land. Is it not? But they do not take the animals as national. Why they have no right to become national? That is imperfect knowledge. There is no God consciousness. Therefore they think only the man born in this land is national, not others. Interviewer: Yes. That is not necessarily based on the religious principles, of course, what you are talking about. Prabhupada: No, that is a philosophical principle. Religion without philosophy is sentiment. (Radio Interview with His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,July 4, 1971, Los Angeles)

Interviewer: The chanting of Krsna's name, the Hare Krsna mantra, seems to play a very important role in the profession of your religious belief. Right? In fact, I think I will ask you and some of your followers who are sitting here with us tonight a little bit later to chant the name of Krsna. Prabhupada: Yes. Interviewer: That probably would be a proper ending to this particular program. However, I'm still wondering, you know, about some of the aspects. In reading a little bit... I have not read much, of course, but in reading a little bit about your beliefs and your writings, your magazines, your publications... Prabhupada: I may correct here that it is not my belief. Interviewer: Well, as you interpret it in your writings. Let me put it that way. It seems to me, sir, that there is a very high emphasis placed on the relationship between the individual and God. Prabhupada: Yes, yes. Interviewer: Much more so than upon the... Prabhupada: That is for everyone. Interviewer: Yes but more emphasis on that relationship than on the relationship between one individual and another individual. Am I right in that? Prabhupada: No. We have to establish first of all our lost relationship with God. You see? Then we can understand what is the relationship between one individual to another. If the central point is missing, then there is practically no relationship. Just like you are American. Another is American. Both of you, you feel American nationally because the center is America. So unless you understand God, you cannot understand what I am, neither I can understand what you are. So we have to first of all reestablish our lost relationship with God; then we can establish, talk of universal brotherhood. Otherwise there will be discrimination. Just like in your country, or any country, the national... National means a man born in that land. Is it not? But they do not take the animals as national. Why they have no right to become national? That is imperfect knowledge. There is no God consciousness. Therefore they think only the man born in this land is national, not others. Interviewer: Yes. That is not necessarily based on the religious principles, of course, what you are talking about. Prabhupada: No, that is a philosophical principle. Religion without philosophy is sentiment. (Radio Interview with His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,July 4, 1971, Los Angeles)

There are many societies the university where I study (National University of Singapore) and sometimes they hold bazzars to raise funds.This week is "Catholic Awareness Week" which is of course organized by the Catholic society,and they have put up a mini-exhibition about the life and mission of Lord Jesus Christ.They are also having a bazzar selling books,rosaries and other devotional paraphernelia. I bought a book from their bazzar entitled Practice of the Presence of God, a 17th century spiritual classic by Brother Lawerence,and a lapel pin of Saint Therese of Lisieux,("The Little Flower") who is one of my favourite Catholic saints. Brother Lawerence (1611?-1691) was a lay brother of the Discalced Carmelites of Paris.He had been a soldier,a footman and a hermit before the Carmelites had accepted him. I haven't really had time to read through Practice of the Presence of God, (Translated by Donald Attwater and published by BETTER YOURSELF BOOKS, Bandra, Mumbai 400 050 in 1997) but already I've found some nectar.I'd like to share some in this post. "To be with God is not necessary to be always in church.We may make a chapel of our heart whereto we may escape from time to time to talk with him quietly,humbly,lovingly." (FOURTH LETTER To a Woman in the World) "I look upon myself as a leper,full of corruptions,the most wretched of men who has done all sorts of wickedness against his king.Seized by remorse, I confess all my evil deeds to Him,I implore His pardon,I cast myself into his hands that He may do what He wills with me.But this king is full of loving kindness and mercy.Instead of punishing him,He caresses me lovingly,He makes me eat at His table,He serves me with His own hands,He gives me the key to His trasury,He treats me as a favoured child.He talks with me,and His delight is to be with me in a thousand ways;I am forgiven and my iniquities are taken away without talking about them.The more I pray to be acceptable to His heart,the more weak and despicable I seem to myself,and the more I am beloved of God.It is thus that I look upon myself from time to time in His holy presence." (FIFTH LETTER To a Religious) "I only know that God protects me and that I am so tranquil that I fear nothing.What is there to fear when I am with Him?I cling to Him as much as I am able.May He be blessed by all." (SIXTH LETTER To a Nun) A little lifting-up of the heart is enough;a short rememberance of God,an interior act of worship,made in haste and sword in hand,are prayers which,short as they may be,are nevertheless most pleasing to God;and far from lessening a soldier's courage in moments of danger,they increase it." (SEVENTH LETTER To a Woman in the World) "I advise you to avoid much talking in prayer;long speeches often induce distractions.Hold yourself in prayer before God like a dumb or paralysed beggar at a rich man's gate;rivet your attention on keeping your mind in the presence of the Lord.If it wanders away from Him,don't get upset;to worry about it serves rather to distraction than recollection:let the will bring back the mind quietly.If you perservere in this way,God will have pity on you." (EIGHT LETTER To a Nun) [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-18-2002).]

As far as the conditioned soul is concerned, there is no wonder that he has some sinful activities in his past life, and this should be admitted and confessed before the Lord. As soon as this is done, the Lord excuses the sincere devotee. But that does not mean that one should take advantage of the Lord's causeless mercy and expect to be excused over and over again, while he commits the same sinful activities. Such a mentality is only for shameless persons. Here it is clearly said, "When I come to confess my sinful activities I become ashamed." So if a person is not ashamed of his sinful activities and continues to commit the same sinful activities with the knowledge that the Lord will excuse him, that is a most nonsensical proposition. Such an idea is not accepted in any part of the Vedic literature. It is a fact that by chanting the holy name of the Lord one becomes washed clean of all sinful activities from his past life. But that does not mean that after being washed off, one should again begin sinful activities and expect to be washed again. These are nonsensical propositions and are not admitted in devotional service. Someone may think, "For a whole week I may commit sinful activities, and for one day I will go to the temple or church and admit my sinful activities so that I can become washed off and again begin my sinning." This is most nonsensical and offensive and is not acceptable to the author of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.(Nectar of Devotion By His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,Chapter Nine)

As far as the conditioned soul is concerned, there is no wonder that he has some sinful activities in his past life, and this should be admitted and confessed before the Lord. As soon as this is done, the Lord excuses the sincere devotee. But that does not mean that one should take advantage of the Lord's causeless mercy and expect to be excused over and over again, while he commits the same sinful activities. Such a mentality is only for shameless persons. Here it is clearly said, "When I come to confess my sinful activities I become ashamed." So if a person is not ashamed of his sinful activities and continues to commit the same sinful activities with the knowledge that the Lord will excuse him, that is a most nonsensical proposition. Such an idea is not accepted in any part of the Vedic literature. It is a fact that by chanting the holy name of the Lord one becomes washed clean of all sinful activities from his past life. But that does not mean that after being washed off, one should again begin sinful activities and expect to be washed again. These are nonsensical propositions and are not admitted in devotional service. Someone may think, "For a whole week I may commit sinful activities, and for one day I will go to the temple or church and admit my sinful activities so that I can become washed off and again begin my sinning." This is most nonsensical and offensive and is not acceptable to the author of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu.(Nectar of Devotion By His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada,Chapter Nine)

There's a line from a Bob Dylan song I Shall Be Released:"Standing next to me in this lonely crowd,Is a man who swears he's not to blame." A crowd,especially during peak hours in the city,is usually lonely and impersonal ---Everyone minding their own business and lost in their own anxities and dreams as they rush to wait and wait to rush.I'm sure that lonely crowds are a perverted reflection of the spiritual world where probably everyone knows everyone and everyone is united in love for Krsna. Can't wait to get there...but in the meantime,I'd just have to make as many friends as possible in those lonely crowds...

I think that many apparently mundane incidents that we encounter everyday can serve as spiritual lessons to us if only we reflect thoughtfully on them.How about a thread where we can share and discuss reflections on these incidents in our lives? Today,I saw a young woman who appeared to be totally pissed off with her young daughter and son (they seemed to be only three or four years old),and the expression on the mother's face was so wrathful as she glared at her children.In the face of such anger,the daughter displayed an innocent,angelic smile that sort of captured my heart. If we could all learn to meet the anger of others with a smile,then I think the world would not be that perverted a reflection of the spiritual world after all.Of course anger has its place,especially when we encounter blasphemous atheists who heap abuse on the Lord and His devotees,but many times in my daily life, I constantly succumb to the urge to return anger with more anger when tension between myself and others arises. I hope that the next time tension occurs between myself and someone else,and an explosion is imminent,I can recall the wonderful smile of that little girl as she looked at her angry mother and emulate her example. "Akrodha means to check anger. Even if there is provocation one should be tolerant, for once one becomes angry his whole body becomes polluted. Anger is a product of the modes of passion and lust, so one who is transcendentally situated should check himself from anger.(From Purport to Bhagavad-gita 16.1-3 By His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-17-2002).]

San Francisco July 5, 1970 Srila Prabhupada was attending the 1970 Ratha-yatra in San Franciso.The day was cold and windy,and about ten thousand people had joined Lord Jagannatha's procession through Golden Gate Park.Srila Prabhupada had danced in the street with thousands of participants during the parade,addressing a large crowd in an auditorium by the beach,and looked on as his disciples had distributed a free vegetarian prasadam feast to thousands.But when a devotee arrived with a half-dozen copies of Krsna,the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Srila Prabhupada was especially pleased. Surrounded by devotees and curious festival-goers, Srila Prabhupada held one of the books,admiring the front cover,with its full-colr picture of Radha and Krsna.The volume was big,almost seven-and-a-half by ten-and-a-half inches,and its dust jacket shone,silver with large bright red letters:"KRSNA."It was a transcendental wonder in Srila Prabhupada's reverent hands. Onlookers could barely restrain themselves from pressing against Srila Prabhupada to peer over his shoulders.And they didn't restrain their exclamations when Prabhupada smiled and opened the volume.He examined the illustrations,the print,the paper,and the binding."Very nice," he said.He fixed his attention on a page,reading.Then he looked up and announced that this greatly valuable book,Krsna,had just arrived and that everyone should read it.Holding one book in his hand,with the other copies stacked before him,he said that anyone who so desired should come forward and buy a copy. People began clamoring,and hands with ten-dollar bills thrust forward,while voices cried out,begging for a copy.And Prabhupada promptly sold every book,not even keeping one for himself. (From Prabhupada --- The Authorized Biography by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami,Chapter Seven:Uniting Two Worlds) [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-17-2002).] Subsequently re-edited for typing error [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-22-2002).]

San Francisco July 5, 1970 Srila Prabhupada was attending the 1970 Ratha-yatra in San Franciso.The day was cold and windy,and about ten thousand people had joined Lord Jagannatha's procession through Golden Gate Park.Srila Prabhupada had danced in the street with thousands of participants during the parade,addressing a large crowd in an auditorium by the beach,and looked on as his disciples had distributed a free vegetarian prasadam feast to thousands.But when a devotee arrived with a half-dozen copies of Krsna,the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Srila Prabhupada was especially pleased. Surrounded by devotees and curious festival-goers, Srila Prabhupada held one of the books,admiring the front cover,with its full-colr picture of Radha and Krsna.The volume was big,almost seven-and-a-half by ten-and-a-half inches,and its dust jacket shone,silver with large bright red letters:"KRSNA."It was a transcendental wonder in Srila Prabhupada's reverent hands. Onlookers could barely restrain themselves from pressing against Srila Prabhupada to peer over his shoulders.And they didn't restrain their exclamations when Prabhupada smiled and opened the volume.He examined the illustrations,the print,the paper,and the binding."Very nice," he said.He fixed his attention on a page,reading.Then he looked up and announced that this greatly valuable book,Krsna,had just arrived and that everyone should read it.Holding one book in his hand,with the other copies stacked before him,he said that anyone who so desired should come forward and buy a copy. People began clamoring,and hands with ten-dollar bills thrust forward,while voices cried out,begging for a copy.And Prabhupada promptly sold every book,not even keeping one for himself. (From Prabhupada --- The Authorized Biography by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami,Chapter Seven:Uniting Two Worlds) [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-17-2002).] Subsequently re-edited for typing error [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-22-2002).]

"So our acaryas in the Gaudia Vaisnava Sampradaya the Sri Rupa, Sanatana, Bhatta Ragunatha, the six Gosvamis, and if we associate with them... this book Nectar of Devotion, Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, if you read regularly, try to understand this means you are associating with Srila Rupa Gosvami directly; and if you act accordingly, then you are serving their lotus feet". (His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Nectar of Devotion lecture,1972.)

"So our acaryas in the Gaudia Vaisnava Sampradaya the Sri Rupa, Sanatana, Bhatta Ragunatha, the six Gosvamis, and if we associate with them... this book Nectar of Devotion, Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, if you read regularly, try to understand this means you are associating with Srila Rupa Gosvami directly; and if you act accordingly, then you are serving their lotus feet". (His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Nectar of Devotion lecture,1972.)

Room Conversation, Vrindaban, November 24, 1976 Prabhupada: No, it is Krsna's service. Everyone is offering voluntary service. So not that anybody's paid and if he cannot, dismiss or...Yes. This bureaucracy is not... Train him. Train him. If he does not know, train him. But things must be done very nicely by cooperation. That is wanted. Everyone should remember that we are serving Krsna, and everyone should remember, "The other person is serving Krsna. And because he is serving Krsna, he is not my servant; he is my master." That should be always in view. Therefore we address, prabhu: "You are my master." We never address, "You are my servant." We are trained up to say my brother, that "prabhu,such and such prabhu." Prabhu means master. Nobody think himself that he is master. He should always think that everyone is his master because he's serving the master. This is our philosophy. So in this way... Now you have got good arrangement and they're all intelligent persons, young persons.

Room Conversation, Vrindaban, November 24, 1976 Prabhupada: No, it is Krsna's service. Everyone is offering voluntary service. So not that anybody's paid and if he cannot, dismiss or...Yes. This bureaucracy is not... Train him. Train him. If he does not know, train him. But things must be done very nicely by cooperation. That is wanted. Everyone should remember that we are serving Krsna, and everyone should remember, "The other person is serving Krsna. And because he is serving Krsna, he is not my servant; he is my master." That should be always in view. Therefore we address, prabhu: "You are my master." We never address, "You are my servant." We are trained up to say my brother, that "prabhu,such and such prabhu." Prabhu means master. Nobody think himself that he is master. He should always think that everyone is his master because he's serving the master. This is our philosophy. So in this way... Now you have got good arrangement and they're all intelligent persons, young persons.

I am thinking of unwrapping the deities only on February 25th,which is the appearance day of Sri Nityananda Prabh according to the Vaisnava calendar.

Jayaradhe Mataji: Please accept my humble obeisances.All Glories to Srila Prabhupada! I understand about the tiredness.Our material bodies and our minds are always coming up with unpleasant surprises... May we one day find ourselves in that eternal land where tiredness is non-existent and geography is a non-issue.You know where I'm talking about. I've placed the Divine Couple in a small porcelain house,but have yet to remove the plastic wrapping from them as I would like to do it on an auspicious day.Is there any auspicious Vaisnava festival coming soon?

"Offering all one's activities to the Lord,one should feel desire,anger and pride only with regard to Him." (Narada Bhakti Sutras,Sutra 65) Srila Prabhupada's anger,according to his personal servant Srutakirti Prabhu,was capable of generating spiritual potency".The following is an excerpt taken from Srutakirti Prabhu's Srila Prabhupada Uvaca. Today Devananda Maharaja came to visit Srila Prabhupada. He was given initiation by Srila Prabhupada and he was also a sannyasi. He had been his personal servant for a period of time around 1970. He was not presently a member of ISKCON. He asked to see Srila Prabhupada and was allowed darsana. When he arrived Srila Prabhupada was sitting behind his desk. Brahmananda Maharaja and I were also in the room. Devananda entered the room wearing a bright orange satin robes. When he entered he did not offer obeisances. His long hair and beard were matted. He had a very strange smile on his face. He began to speak to Srila Prabhupada in such a peculiar way that I couldn't understand anything he was saying. While speaking he was moving his hands about as if he were doing some type of mudra. It was too bizarre to watch. It seemed that he may have had too much intoxication. Srila Prabhupada tolerated his nonsense for a few minutes. There was no conversational exchange as Devananda was incoherent. Finally, his all merciful spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, said, "If you want to come back, you do like him." He pointed to Brahmananda Maharaja and continued, You shave your head and face, put on a dhoti and then it's all right. You may come back." Devananda started flailing his arms about, again and said, "No. This is not why I am here." He continued to move his body about while speaking nonsense. Srila Prabhupada had had enough. He shouted, "Get out." At the same time he started to shake with anger. Brahmananda Maharaja grabbed him and forcefully escorted him out of the room. Srila Prabhupada was furious. I felt like I was just struck by lightning even though Srila Prabhupada's anger was not being directed at me. Just being in the vicinity was frightening. If I could have disappeared now was the time to do it. It is difficult to describe the spiritual potency generated by Srila Prabhupada's rage. His total commitment to his disciples was obvious by this encounter. It was one of the most difficult experiences I faced while with Srila Prabhupada. It was amazing how Srila Prabhupada tolerated his bizarre behavior and offered to accept him back as his disciple even though it was apparent that Devananda had strayed far from the Krishna Conscious path and had crossed the threshold of sanity and teetered on the brink of madness. When His Divine Grace saw that he had no interest in accepting instruction, he mercifully sent him away before he could commit any more offenses. (From Srila Prabhupada Uvaca 83 April 11, 1975: Hyderabad, India) Note:For those who might not know,Srila Prabhupada Uvaca can be read online at http://users.aol.com/vrinda/ppduvaca/uvaca.htm (subsequently edited for typing error) [This message has been edited by leyh (edited 02-22-2002).]