Srila Prabhupada’s Example Srila Prabhupada was so attentive to the devotees. On the first Gaura Purnima festival the only existing building was not yet finished. The first night that the devotees were there, Srila Prabhupada got up in the middle of the night to look in each room to see if everyone was properly taken care of, and to see that every devotee had a mosquito net. He would also ensure that there was prasada for all of them, and when they were getting sick he was very concerned about their health. In Vrindavana, during his last months on the planet, Srila Prabhupada was so sick that he couldn't even walk. When he had to go upstairs two British devotees would pick him up and carry him in his chair. One of these devotees had a boil on his foot, and once, while he was carrying Srila Prabhupada, he hit something on it. The devotee said “Oh!” and tried to hide his pain, but Srila Prabhupada understood. Srila Prabhupada had not eaten for months and had lost so much weight that his body was only bones. In such a state most people would be absorbed in their own discomfort. What's a little boil for a big, strong, young devotee, in comparison with Srila Prabhupada's condition? Still, Srila Prabhupada asked, “What is wrong?” “No problem, Srila Prabhupada, no problem” said the disciple. But Srila Prabhupada insisted, “No, no, please, tell me”, and then he saw the boil and told him exactly what medicine to use. He told the disciple to take the leaf of a certain tree, place it in mustard oil, boil it, and apply this as a poultice at least three times a day. The next day, when that devotee was carrying Srila Prabhupada upstairs, Srila Prabhupada asked, “How is your foot? Let me see.” And for the next several days, until the boil was completely cured, Srila Prabhupada would inquire with attention and concern. How much do you think this increased the love of that devotee for Srila Prabhupada? He felt, "Srila Prabhupada is so concerned with such an insignificant disciple like me. I'm not a big preacher or anything like that.” This is bhakti. When devotees have physical or mental difficulties it's an opportunity for us to express our love for them. It's an opportunity to express our love for Krsna through serving a Vaisnava. |
-Sandeep S Thakkar
Together ordinary people can do extraordinary things : Association matters
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