Page 22 - MMOSP (English)
P. 22

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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