Fw: Remembering Srila Prabhupada - Prabhupada Pleases Disciple, Illness After Sandalwood Massage

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February, 19-24, 1973; Auckland, New ZealandCamp: ISKCON AucklandMost devotees

know that Siddha Swarupa had a unique and peculiar relationship with the

International Society of Krsna Consciousness as he was the only guru who

surrendered to Srila Prabhupada along with a good number of disciples.

Naturally many ISKCON devotees had a hard time accepting the distinction

awarded upon Siddha Swarupa in spite of his apparent reservation. Consequently

some of members of Iskcon did not get along with Siddha and it appeared the

feeling was mutual.However, Siddha did have a great deal of association with

Srila Prabhupada and His Divine Grace encouraged him to push on the movement.

Srila Prabhupada told Siddha, "Work under the direction of the GBC but if you

cannot do that then work directly under me." It was clear to me that Siddha had

a great deal of love for Srila Prabhupada and His Divine Grace reciprocated.One

morning in Auckland Siddha presented Srila Prabhupada with a large aluminum

bottle of Mysore sandalwood oil just before Srila Prabhupada was to take

massage. Desiring to lavish pleasure upon His Divine Grace, Siddha said,

"Please use this sandalwood oil for massaging your entire body." Srila

Prabhupada said, "No, sandalwood oil is for cooling the head only and mustard

oil is for the rest of the body." Not understanding the ayurvedic significance

Siddha generously insisted, "Please Srila Prabhupada, just this once!" Siddha

wanted the best possible oil used to massage Srila Prabhupada. Seeing Siddha's

determination to please him, Srila Prabhupada reluctantly consented. That day I

massaged Srila Prabhupada's entire body with sandalwood oil as Siddha joyfully

watched. As was normally done after massage, Srila Prabhupada took bath,

honored lunch prasadam and took a nap. After his nap he called me for me. I

hurried to his room and offered obeisances. He looked at me seriously and said,

"I am not feeling well. I think it is because of the massage. The sandalwood oil

cooled the body too much."I was overwhelmed with disappointed because I had not

taken proper care of my Guru-deva. I knew the natural warming property of

mustard oil was always used on Srila Prabhupada's golden body. I understood the

healthful effect of keeping His Divine Grace warm. Generally Srila Prabhupada

did not let health problems interrupt his devotional service. He rarely went to

bed when he was not feeling well unless his illness continued for weeks. He

never took aspirin for headaches.During an episode of illness the only changes

I saw in Srila Prabhupada's daily schedule were dietary adjustments. Also if

Srila Prabhupada was not well enough to take bath, he would ask me to massage

him without oil. On a few occasions when he had a cold he told me to put a

little camphor into the mustard oil and heat it. He said, "Make the oil as hot

as you can and still be able to touch it."It was remarkable how much difficulty

Srila Prabhupada accepted for the pleasure of his disciples. He knew that using

the sandalwood could cause difficulty but just to satisfy his disciple he

accepted it. Clearly Srila Prabhupada underwent hardships to satisfy his Guru

Maharaja but he was also willing to accept difficulties for the pleasure of his

devotees. He was eager to encourage us in our devotional service even if we put

him into difficulty.Srila Prabhupada, I pray that I may understand your

instructions. This way I can serve you according to your desire not according

to my whims. Please forgive me for failing to protect you. I knew it was not a

good idea to use the sandalwood oil and I should have explained it to Siddha.

He would have understood, as his only desire was to please you.- From the Srila

Prabhupada Uvaca by HG Srutakirti Dasa= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

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