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Prabhupada's disciples certainly could not match or imitate his powerful and uncompromising preaching, but his example of selfless work on behalf of Krsna was an inspirational standard that uplifted and sustained them all. Lord Krsna had predicted in the Bhagavad-gita that out of thousands, only one would seek perfection. In Prabhupada's tireless search for that one person out of thousands, he had shown his enthusiasm and willingness to speak with whomever came to see him.

The devotees recalled their week with Prabhupada:

Satsvarupa Goswami: I remember fondly the house where we were staying. Prabhupada was peaceful. It was a cosy shelter, and life was quiet, removed from the hustle and bustle of the temple. And yet to be able to drive to the temple and enter the ecstatic atmosphere where the devotees could appreciate Srila Prabhupada was very special.

In my mind, I still picture him in that room, regal yet accommodating, surrounded by vases of flowers and gifts that devotees had put on his desk.

The devotees recollected with relish Prabhupada's ecstatic dancing and chanting at the Melbourne Ratha-yatra. Through that festival, he had offered many, many people their first taste of potent spiritual life. The scriptures state that even one moment's association with a pure devotee could save them from a most inauspicious fate in their next life.

Besides the thousands who benefited from Srila Prabhupada's association, even incidentally, a fortunate few felt their lives greatly affected by Srila Prabhupada. Jan Cameron lived next door to Srila Prabhupada in Dawson Avenue:

Jan: I remember waking up at 4.30 in the morning, hearing the sounds of Kombi van doors slamming. I also remember seeing all the pretty young girls in their saris going backwards and forwards from the temple with flowers, and lining up out the front of the house. And especially I remember the Swami. Sometimes I'd look out of my window and see him walking around in the big grassy backyard. At other times, I could see him cooking in his kitchen, sometimes opening the fridge and studying every shelf.

I was later moved to name my daughter Kathy Kalindi, after Ugrasrava's daughter. The time the Swami came was a lovely, happy occasion, and I shan't forget it.

And martial arts mentor, Bob Jones, Prabhupada's bodyguard on the Melbourne Ratha parade, understood that his brief time with Srila Prabhupada was very special:

Bob Jones: Out of all the celebrities that I've "minded" over the years, the most colourful was Prabhupada. Whereas I was just beginning to evolve as a leader of men following the warrior path, Prabhupada was a strong leader of men on the spiritual path. I felt a great feeling of strong, mutual respect between us. In the days that I spent with him, he certainly taught me a lot about caring for other's needs rather than my own. He certainly had a big impact on me, and I would have to say that this was a major turning point in my life. I often spare a thought for this very powerful man.


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