Prabhupada anecdote

[Guest guest]

This is from Srutakirti Prabhu -- note the commentary he gives after having

related the story.

 

 

Srila Prabhupada was sitting in his garden with the parents of a young

devotee. Having landscaped the garden for Prabhupada, they had the good

fortune to have pleased His Divine Grace. Kirtanananda Maharaja and I were

also present.

"A devotee is very proud to be Krsna's servant," Srila Prabhupada said. "A

devotee has that pride. We are not ashamed that we are Krsna's servants."

Then speaking directly to the parents, Srila Prabhupada said, "Your son is

a very nice boy and a good devotee."

They were very pleased by the sweet words of His Divine Grace, but stated,

"The devotees don't seem very ambitious."

"That is right," Srila Prabhupada said. "A devotee has no ambition. He

simply wants to do some humble service for Krsna. He is not trying to do

anything big. A devotee is not ambitious. We have no ambition."

Seeing the parent's discomfort, Kirtanananda Maharaja quickly added, "What

Prabhupada means to say is that the devotees have no material ambition."

"No!" Srila Prabhupada replied. "We have no ambition. The devotee is not at

all ambitious. We just want to serve Krsna."

 

Srila Prabhupada always knew the exact point he was making, even if others

didn't. Sometimes disciples would try to interpret Srila Prabhupada's

statements, thinking that cultural differences prevented his guests from

understanding Srila Prabhupada.

 

Knowing the exalted position of our beloved Srila Prabhupada, one can

appreciate that His Divine Grace knew who he was dealing with, what they

meant and exactly what he wanted them to understand. Srila Prabhupada never

compromised the philosophy to please anyone. He always spoke the absolute

truth!

 

Jai Srila Prabhupada!