Selfless Jayananda Prabhu attracts Srila Prabhupada's mercy

[Guest guest]

The attitude of wanting to push oneself forward and be close to one's guru

may not be much appreciated by him. Rather, the effort to humbly serve him

is genuinely devotional. Once at a program arranged for Srila Prabhupada,

devotees crowded around him on the stage, each one eager to have Srila

Prabhupada recognize or say something to him. Unfortunately in their

enthusiasm to be close to their guru they overlooked necessary services such

as greeting guests and arranging prasada. From the time of entering the hall

to leaving it Srila Prabhupada neither spoke individually to any of his

disciples nor even glanced at them. He simply entered, chanted, lectured,

and left. But while heading for the exit he took a sudden turn and opened a

door to see Jayananda Prabhu alone in the kitchen, preparing prasada for

devotees and guests. Srila Prabhupada entered, closed the door and spent ten

minutes talking alone with Jayananda Prabhu. Srila Prabhupada had ignored

those devotees who tried to forcefully get his attention, but of his own

accord showered mercy on one who only wanted to serve.

 

(Anecdote related by Bhumna Prabhu, who spent three years in close

association of Jayananda Prabhu)