Page 21 - MMOSP (English)
P. 21
My Memories of Çréla Prabhupäda
Çréla Prabhupäda was. (Having heard him speak so powerfully
on tapes and seen his aristocratic demeanor in photos, I had
presumed Çréla Prabhupäda to be tall and well built.) But that
initial impression lasted only a moment, for I was able to adjust
my thoughts and remember that a great spiritual personality is
not to be judged by external criteria.
The devotees were so awed by Çréla Prabhupäda’s presence that
the atmosphere was grave and slightly tense. Çréla Prabhupäda
also appeared grave, but his gravity seemed greater than
that of the entire assembly of devotees. (In retrospect, I had
never before experienced such a deep collective mood, even
though previously, as a Catholic altar boy, I had attended many
funerals.)
Upon seeing Çréla Prabhupäda at the top of the staircase, all
the devotees waiting outside the temple room immediately
bowed down—all except me. I thought, “Let me see Çréla
Prabhupäda.” Çréla Prabhupäda appeared effulgent, and more
grave than anyone I had ever seen before. I simply stared at his
divine form and wanted to continue, but knowing and feeling
it to be improper not to bow down, after a few seconds I also
offered obeisance.
When I arose, I saw that Çréla Prabhupäda had reached the door
of the temple. He then lifted his lotus feet one after the other
to allow his slippers to be removed by a fortunate devotee. I was
surprised, for I had never seen or heard of such a practice. As
a newcomer, I was regularly being surprised to learn of customs
that I had not seen or heard of before, and this was one more,
which I took mental note of: the spiritual master’s slippers are
removed by a disciple.
Along with the many others following behind Çréla Prabhupäda,
I squeezed through the door into the packed temple room.
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