Blog

Since arriving in Perth, Srila Prabhupada had been rising early, about 1am, and working steadily on the final chapters of Canto Five of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Having just completed Chapter 22, "The Orbits of the Planets", Prabhupada had started on "The Sisumara Planetary System", a chapter describing how the totality of planetary systems in this universe are an expansion of the external body of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

While Paramahamsa Swami typed Prabhupada's early-morning dictation tapes in his room, Prabhupada sat cross-legged on a straw mat next to the swimming pool and took a massage in the late morning sun. Prabhupada was often silent at times like this. But now, as Srutakirti kneaded and squeezed Prabhupada's soft golden skin, Prabhupada spoke extensively.

There were birds [Prabhupada pronounced the word as "bards"] that were so large that they flew from planet to planet, just as birds normally flew from tree to tree. "They start from one planet and they go and rest in another planet. And while flying, they lay down their eggs. Those eggs, while falling down, hatch simply by the friction of the air. These birds also come to this planet, and their food is elephants. They pick up whole elephants for eating. This is God's creation."

Prabhupada showed his teeth as he smiled broadly. "If you want to become such a big bird, you can become. God is so kind. Whatever you desire, you will get."


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