Page 22 - MMOSP (English)
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My Memories of Çréla Prabhupäda
As Çréla Prabhupäda entered, the lively kértana that had been
going on suddenly stopped. Although some devotees appeared
joyful, most looked reverential or even apprehensive. Through
a lane of devotees bowing on both sides, Çréla Prabhupäda
regally strode toward the altar.
Again, I stood and watched for a few extra moments while
everyone else prostrated. I wanted to see what Çréla Prabhupäda
would do. I was watching him from behind as he walked the
length of the temple room. His palms joined, he stood for
some seconds before the presiding Deities Çré Çré Rädhä-
Gokulänanda and then offered full obeisance. The devotees,
who by this time had risen from prostrating and were now
intently watching Çréla Prabhupäda, again offered obeisance
along with their spiritual master. Çréla Prabhupäda then took
darçana of Their Lordships and was given caraëämåta.
Proceeding to the opposite end of the temple, Çréla Prabhupäda
sat upon the magnificent, elevated vyäsäsana and accepted
guru-püjä. After chanting “Jaya Rädhä Mädhava,” he gazed
silently for several minutes at the Deities. He then spoke
feelingly about the beauty of Kåñëa, and proceeded to lecture
on Çrémad-Bhägavatam (6.1.55).
The next morning, 14 August, Çréla Prabhupäda departed for
Bombay.
During that visit to the Manor, Çréla Prabhupäda accepted
several new candidates as aspirants for initiation, including
me. And on the following Janmäñöamé, on Çréla Prabhupäda’s
behalf, Haàsadüta Prabhu (our gBc representative) conducted
an initiation ceremony. At that time, I received the name
Iläpati Däsa Brahmacäré.
Çréla Prabhupäda next visited England between 21 and 28 July
1976. He arrived with a heavy cold, and rested more than usual.
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