Srila Prabhupada was ready to depart for Hong Kong and Tokyo. Relaxing in his room with a few disciples, he gave some last minute instructions. Prabhupada told the devotees that in order to stay in Krsna consciousness, a devotee would have to become very tolerant. "When you become a devotee, sometimes your dearest friends will become like your enemies." He gave the example of the famous child-devotee Prahlada, whose nearest and dearest relative, his father, had tried to kill him.
"Therefore," Prabhupada concluded, "we have to become more tolerant than a tree, and more humble than a blade of grass. If we can just cultivate these two qualities, then we can advance in Krsna consciousness."
Tusta Krsna had pointed out that many of the local Indians worked in greengrocer shops, and that they regularly donated fruits and vegetables to the temple. It was in connection with this that Prabhupada gave his second instruction. "Whatever you collect in one day, do not stock it." Prabhupada spoke firmly, and it appeared to the devotees present that this was an order to be followed carefully.
"Whatever you collect in one day, you distribute in that very same day. Don't stock anything. This is brahminical life. In this way Krsna will always provide, more and more and more. If you stock it, this is very bad. So whatever foodstuffs you collect, whatever they give, you distribute as prasadam that very day."
- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu
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