Washing Special Guest's Feet: Refreshing and Rejuvenating.
[October 6, 1972, ISKCON Berkeley, USA]
Srila Prabhupada stayed in Berkeley for a few days at the cottage of some well- wishers. His disciples showed him around the house.
"Is there any prasadam?" Srila Prabhupada asked after being seated. There was nothing available.
"So, bring some fruit," he instructed. "Bring something for washing my feet. Bring a towel and some water. This is common etiquette. You should wash a person's feet when they arrive."
Srila Prabhupada didn't need anything from us, but he mercifully showed us the proper way to honor a guest, what to speak of the spiritual master.
The devotees quickly prepared the items.
"Wash up to my knees," Srila Prabhupada told his disciple who was washing his feet. "This kind of foot bath refreshes one's whole body after traveling."
One very hot day in Vrindavan, Srila Prabhupada again mentioned this fact after returning to his quarters from an engagement. He immediately went into the bathroom and washed his feet and legs with cool water.
"After going out, doing this, the whole body becomes rejuvenated," he said.
He taught us the ancient standard of Vedic etiquette complete with practical application. He enlivened us with this knowledge.
Jaya Srila Prabhupada!
[Ref. Book: 'Srila Prabhupada Uvaca' by SP's Personal servant - H.G. Srutakirti Das
Chapter 38: Foot and Leg Bath]
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