Srila Prabhupada explained in class this morning the duty of government. Interestingly, despite his many criticisms of the British, he used them as an example of good government. "So two brahmastra weapons released, one by Asvatthama and by Arjuna, it created havoc, catastrophe, and the people were suffering. So this is the duty of the government, to see that everyone is in peaceful condition. During Maharaja Yudhisthira's time they were so happy that it is stated that there was not even scorching heat and pinching cold also, neither people were in anxiety for their livelihood. This is government: to see that people are in good atmosphere in everything, that is the first duty of the government. Of course, we have seen at the present moment also, in some of the European government they have got very good arrangement. In England I have seen, although they have lost their empire, still, people get free education, free medical treatment. And England does not produce practically anything except potato. They, the government imports so many eatables so that people may not suffer for want of food. So that is the way of good government from the time immemorial."
As he spoke Prabhupada coughed and choked a little and asked for water. I reached over for the metal cup that sits by his side during every class. I removed the cover as I began to pass it over to him. Then I noticed that it was completely empty. Embarrassed, I had to send someone out to fill it. Srila Prabhupada had just described how an expert king was so responsible that he even had to supply proper weather for his citizens, and here we were, failing to supply even one glass of water.
Prabhupada shook his head in disgust at our mismanagement. "Hmm. Another rascal."
By the time the cup was returned, Prabhupada was already back into his lecture. I vowed to add the cup to my list of things to check each morning. I see the cup everyday and have always assumed that the temple devotees were taking responsibility for filling it. Now I know better.
- From "A Transcendental Diary Vol 4" by HG Hari Sauri Prabhu
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