Remembering Srila Prabhupada - Service in Separation

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Service in Separation

 

 

I do not think that separation from Srila Prabhupada

is possible at any moment, provided that we want to

keep his association. He is ready and waiting. Any

time we turn to him, he is there -- there to guide us

and help us in any way. Mainly he is there to give us

instruction in service and to chastise us if we

disobey. But we should never go away.

He always gives us the chance to leave him -- if we

want -- if the chastisement is too heavy. But leaving

him is the greatest loss, complete disaster. It is

better to accept the chastisement and try to improve,

difficult as it may seem, and win his favor again,

rather than try to run and hide, avoiding or, still

worse, trying to forget.

Of course, Srila Prabhupada loves us even when he

chastises us. In fact, his chastisement is proof that

he loves us, that he cares for us, that he wants us to

improve and become good devotees of Krsna.

And if we follow his instructions, he is very pleased,

very easily pleased, and he reciprocally blesses us,

encouraging us and giving us further direction.

We should never become puffed up or complacent,

however, thinking that because Srila Prabhupada is

reciprocating with us he is favoring us or that we are

perfect. Far from it. Srila Prabhupada is helping us

out of his causeless mercy. We have no other

qualification whatsoever. Our only qualification or

hope is Srila Prabhupada's causeless mercy. That's

all. So if we become proud, thinking that we are

special or Prabhupada's favorite, Prabhupada is not

pleased. He may by his causeless mercy arrange some

difficulty to humble us, so we come crawling back to

his shelter.

Overall, Srila Prabhupada is a perfect person. He is

wonderful. As we approach him, he reciprocates. And he

is very personal -- even humorous at times -- as well

as very kind and compassionate. If we make mistakes,

he forgives us. He is always ready to forgive and give

us another chance to serve him. When we follow his

instructions, he is pleased. He reciprocates by giving

us more service.

My advice to everyone is -- and this advice is

directed more toward my mind than toward anyone else

-- always remember Srila Prabhupada and never forget

him. He is always there. He is our father, our best

friend, and our very life itself."

 

-- Giriraja Swami

 

Giriraja Swami, interview.

 

- From the Prabhupada Nectar by HH Satsvarupa dasa

Goswami Maharaj

 

 

 

 

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