Prabhupada sat on a chair in the Melbourne airport departure lounge. Devotees sat around him on chairs and on the carpeted floor. Some stepped forward to speak a few final words or offer a parting gift.
As the boarding call for Prabhupada's flight was announced, the devotees rose, chanting in kirtana procession as far as the customs barrier. Prabhupada disappeared behind the screen, leaving the devotees feeling bereft of his association for yet another year.
Suddenly he appeared again waving both arms in the air, smiling broadly. In response to this endearing gesture, the devotees fell to the ground in obeisance. Then Prabhupada boarded the plane.
Jita Girisa: This simple, sweet, final exchange shed new light on my relationship with Srila Prabhupada. He had said many times that the reason he travelled was to keep his disciples encouraged in Krsna consciousness. With that departing gesture, it deeply impressed upon me -- perhaps for the very first time in my life -- that the spiritual master is he who gives us enthusiasm to serve and develop our love for Krsna.
- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu
You need to be a member of ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT to add comments!
Comments