Heavy and Light
Toronto, Ontario
It is a joke to think you can repay the guru for all he’s done. He’s changed your heart, given you a purpose and with his words you continue to be steered in a progressive direction even years and years after he’s passed on.
On November 14th, 1977 (by the solar calendar) our guru, Srila Prabhupada, passed away in Vrindavan, India. Today we celebrate globally with some abivalence, a mix of gravity and lightness, the journey of His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, to a supreme abode. The gravity aspect of this event was well expressed by a visiting monk, Chandramali Swami, a student of his and my godbrother. He bagan this evening, a 6 day seminar on Prabhupada’s achievements. It was well attended. I can see that this seminar very much establishes the preeminent position he deserves.
On the lighter side I would like to share something I read to a gathering at noon time in the ashram, and it is a recollection by another of his students, Hridayananda Goswami, relaying a joke by Prabhupada.
“An Indian servant of a British Lord had to leave his service and convinced a friend to take over for him, the friend protested. ‘I don’t know English, how can I serve this British lord?’ The servant said, 'You only have to know three words – 'yes', 'no' and 'very good'.' He said, ‘If you know that, that’s good enough.' So the friend took the job and one time there was something missing. The British lord confronted the servant and said, ‘did you take this object?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ ‘So, will you give it back?’ ‘No.’ ‘So, I’m going to call the police.’ ‘Very good.’
9 KM
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