Blog

On 5 March, devotees celebrated Gaura Purnima, the holy Appearance Day of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Prabhupada accepted over 200 disciples for first initiation, and awarded second initiation to 100 disciples. Many of the visiting devotees next travelled to Vrndavana for the second half of the festival, but Srila Prabhupada decided to stay in Mayapur to recuperate. After six days of serious illness his health improved, but Srila Prabhupada was still very weak.

The Australian devotees, however, had decided to return to Australia for a fund-raising marathon to pay for the new farm and the new Sydney temple. Even before the Vrndavana festivities had drawn to a close, the Australian devotees were en route to their respective temples, enthusiastic to launch the new projects, especially the farm to which Prabhupada had given so much enthusiastic stress.

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Hari-sauri had been Srila Prabhupada's personal servant for sixteen months. Recently he had been experiencing a little strain, and felt that he was becoming somewhat inattentive in his service. Not wanting to commit offences, he decided that he should take a break. He would discuss it with Srila Prabhupada.

One day after lunch, while most of the devotees were in Vrndavana, Hari-sauri broached the subject on the roof of the Mayapur temple. Prabhupada appreciated his concerns and was in immediate agreement; a break would be appropriate. The only question was what service Hari-sauri would do instead.

The next morning, as Hari-sauri came into Prabhupada's room to massage his legs, the subject again came up. Although he had wanted to leave it up to Srila Prabhupada, Hari-sauri suggested that perhaps he could go back to Australia, especially since Bali-mardana had offered him a ticket. Prabhupada's reaction was decisive. "Yes, Australia. I was just thinking the same thing myself. You go to Australia and assist Bali-mardana and organise things there nicely. Go immediately. Now it is decided."

Hari-sauri felt privileged to get Prabhupada's direct order. After a final massage, Srila Prabhupada enthusiastically reiterated his request. "Now go out and preach and organise Australia nicely. Make Australia a shining success."

With Tamal Krsna taking over as Prabhupada's new servant, Hari-sauri was free to leave immediately. After receiving a flower garland and blessings from Srila Prabhupada, he headed off to Calcutta then Delhi to arrange his visa to Australia. In the meantime, awaiting his ticket, he would attend the last half of the Vrndavana festival.


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