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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