Remembering Srila Prabhupada - Even the demigods come to participate - Blog - ISKCON Desire Tree

Even the demigods come to participate

A speaking engagement had been arranged for Srila Prabhupada at Sydney University. In the afternoon, a large group of devotees accompanied Srila Prabhupada in the double-decker bus to the outskirts of the grounds. Srila Prabhupada walked regally with the kirtana procession as it wound through the central walkways of the campus. Devotees carried framed pictures of Krsna and the maha-mantra, while others carried various necessities for the engagement. Passing a group of student hecklers, the entourage entered a large hall, with a stage where Srila Prabhupada sat on a makeshift asana.

Despite extensive advertising, however, only a small number of students attended. The devotees were disappointed, although Srila Prabhupada seemed not to mind. The program started with a kirtana. Then as Caru held the microphone (the devotees had forgotten the stand), Prabhupada, his eyes closed, gave a full, long lecture.

Afterwards, some devotees quietly expressed their dissatisfaction with the small turnout. Upendra told them the story of an even smaller program in the early days in New York. Devotees had apologised to Srila Prabhupada for bringing him to a program to which practically no-one came. But Prabhupada raised his eyebrows and said: "No-one? You did not see Narada? You did not see Lord Brahma? When there is chanting of Hare Krsna, even the demigods come to participate."

- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu

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