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Volume 1, Parts 1–4—1944

Volume 1, Part 2—October 1944
Volume 1, Part 8—February 1952
Volume 1, Part 9—March 1952
Volume 3, Part 1—March 1, 1956
Volume 3, Part 2—March 16, 1956
Volume 3, Part 3—April 5, 1956
Volume 3, Part 4—April 20, 1956
Volume 3, Part 5—May 5, 1956
Volume 3, Part 6—May 20, 1956
Volume 3, Part 7—June 5, 1956
Volume 3, Part 8—June 29, 1956
Volume 3, Part 9—October 5, 1956
Volume 3, Part 10—October 20, 1956
Volume 3, Part 11—November 5, 1956
Volume 3, Part 12—November 20, 1956
Volume 3, Part 13—October 20, 1958
Volume 3, Part 14—November 20, 1958
Volume 3, Part 15—February 20, 1960
Volume 3, Part 16—March 20, 1960
Volume 3, Part 17—April 5, 1960
Volume 3, Part 18—April 20, 1960
Volume 3, Part 19—May 5, 1960
Volume 3, Part 20—May 20, 1960
Volume 3, Part 21—June 5, 1960
Volume 3, Part 22—July 5, 1960
Volume 3, Part 23—July 20, 1960
Volume 3, Part 24—August 5, 1960
Volume 4, Part 1—September 5, 1960

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VOLUME 1, PARTS 1-4, 1944
Message of His Divine Grace
Message of Thakur Bhakti Vinode
"Back to Godhead"
Godhead and His Potentialities
Theosophy Ends in Vaishnavism
The Science of Congregational Chanting of the Name of the Lord
(Samkirtan)
Letters to the Editor
VOLUME 1, PART 2, October 1944
Thanks to the Government of India
Gandhi-Jinnah Talks
Mr. Churchill's "Humane World."
Mr. Bernard Shaw's Wishful Desire
Spontaneous Love of Godhead
VOLUME 1, PART 8, February 1952
Solution of Present Crisisses By Bhagwat Geeta
A Spiritual Study of Greed
Theosophy Concluded
VOLUME 1, PART 9, March 1952
Theosophy Concluded
Karmayoga of Bhagwat Geeta
VOLUME 3, PART 1, March 1, 1956
The S.R.C. Catastophe
Decoration of The Dead Body

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VOLUME 3, PART 2, March 16, 1956
Who is a 'Sadhu'?
The Mahatma and the Mahajan
Decoration of the Dead Body
VOLUME 3, PART 3, April 5, 1956
The Lowest of the Mankind
Lord Shri Chaitanya and His Teachings
VOLUME 3, PART 4, April 20, 1956
Philosophical Problems Within Social Awareness
Godless Creation
All Compact in Thought
Human Welfare Activities
VOLUME 3, PART 5, May 5, 1956
Sufferings of Humanity
Conception of Universal Brotherhood
Lord Buddha
VOLUME 3, PART 6, May 20, 1956
'Yajna' or Sacrific for the Supreme
How to Broadcast the Teachings of Bhagwat Geeta
Grow More Food
VOLUME 3, PART 7, June 5, 1956
Religiosity Real and Apparent
Lord Chaitanya & His Teachings
Purity of Conduct
How to Broadcast the Teachings of Bhagawat Geeta (2)
VOLUME 3, PART 8, June 29, 1956

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 Where is Godhead?
Shri Meher Baba
Nationalism of Pure Consciousness
Back To Godhead
Geetopanisad
Hindi Chaitanya Charitamrta
VOLUME 3, PART 9, October 5, 1956
Hope Against Hope
Progressive Ambition
A Successful Life
Opinion of Shri K. D. Bajpai M. A., Archeologist and Curator of
Govt. Museum, Mathura (U.P.)
VOLUME 3, PART 10, October 20, 1956
'Shri Krishna' The Supreme 'Vedantist'
18 Principles of Cosmic Philosophy Based on the Vedas
To the Subscribers and Sympathizers of "Back to Godhead" All
Over India and abroad
VOLUME 3, PART 11, November 5, 1956
An Essential Service
Rational Theism
VOLUME 3, PART 12, November 20, 1956
Definition of Vice & Its Scope
The Need of the Time
Anomalies of "Geeta Press" Gorakhpur
The Need of Prayers
VOLUME 3, PART 13, October 20, 1958
"Prayers" of King Kulashekhara

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 Obstacles in the Devotional Path
Scholars Deluded
Universal Citizens Forum
VOLUME 3, PART 14, November 20, 1958
Truth and Beauty
Standard Moraily
Scholars Deluded
VOLUME 3, PART 15, February 20, 1960
Anti-Material World of the kingdom of Godhead
VOLUME 3, PART 16, March 20, 1960
Identity of Lord Chaitanya
VOLUME 3, PART 17, April 5, 1960
Variety of Planetary System
Devotional Services
VOLUME 3, PART 18, April 20, 1960
Relevant Enquiries
English Version of some Vaishnava Songs
A Godless Civilization
VOLUME 3, PART 19, May 5, 1960
Chaitanya Charitamrta
Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu
VOLUME 3, PART 20, May 20, 1960
Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu
Leading Men of the World Join Together to Fight the Danger of a
Godless Civilization
Chaitanya Charitamrta
VOLUME 3, PART 21, June 5, 1960

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 Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu
Chaitanya Charitamrta
VOLUME 3, PART 22, July 5, 1960
Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu
Chaitanya Charitamrta
VOLUME 3, PART 23, July 20, 1960
Sanatan Dharma is the Religion of All Living Entities
Sri Ishopanisad
VOLUME 3, PART 24, August 5, 1960
Sri Ishopanisad
VOLUME 4, PART 1, September 5, 1960
Sri Ishopanisad

Prabhupada Stories –
Govinda Dasi

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No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

or transmitted in any form, by any means, including mechanical,
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1. Preachers everywhere
2. Sufferers
3. Slug love

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4. You drive too?
5. Brown rice is for animals
6. Wild kirtans
7. Cow-hooves clapping
8. Roses everywhere
9. Baked potato
10. Soap suds and duds
11. Brahmacari Lessons
12. Serving servants
13. Draft board
14. The day you left
15. Neem Toothbrush
16. Vyasa Puja - Western Style
17. Good
18. Hawaii 1969
19. Bed Bugs bite
20. I know your mind
21. Goloka and Montreal
22. December 14th, 1967
23. Govinda dasi - you have taken your sari?
24. Montreal 1968, Summer Time
25. Cathedral Visits
26. The church wax museum
27. Sex is sex
28. Just going to the bank
29. Medicine

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 Thank you Govinda Dasi for the beautiful and inspiring stories.

Story # 1 - Preachers everywhere

In spring of 1967, Srila Prabhupada became very ill and appeared to have a
stroke. He was taken to the hospital and remained there for some days. He
considered the hospital an unhealthy place and expressed his wishes to go to
the seashore. Often he described that his guru maharaja lived by the seashore
on Puri when he was in ill health and he considered the seashore a healthy
place to recover. Srila Prabhupada would say: “The ocean air is full with
vitamins. It is rich in iron, it is very nutritious”. So a place in Long Branch,
New Jersey, was rented for his recovery spot. It was a two bed room cottage
apartment upstairs, just by the seashore and Gaurasundara and I were sent
there to clean and prepare the apartment for his arrival. When Srila
Prabhupada arrived, though to climb up the stairs was difficult for him, he
seemed to quickly gain strength from the healthy atmosphere. During the 3
weeks we lived with him at New Jersey seashore, his strength seemed to
increase daily and our spiritual joy increased as well. Being in his company was
a daily wonder as there were always new things to learn and to remember.
Here are some of the things I remember and always try to recall of our days at
the New Jersey seashore: I try to remember them in my daily life. Maybe they
can help others to remember Srila Prabhupada as well and if so that is the
greatest blessing. Preachers everywhere Each day, Gaurasundara and I and
Kértanänanda would go out to the beach, spread blankets on the sand and sit

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with Srila Prabhupada. It was a very blissful experience to simply sit and chant
japa with him by the seashore. He was weak, so he talked less but as he grew
stronger he seemed to enjoy teaching us different things about the world we
live in. One day he was looking at the vast expanse of Sandy Beach and noting
that there were tiny insects - crabs, ants, and bugs - crawling here and there.
Srila Prabhupada would say: “Just see, they say there is no life on other planets
but we can see there is life everywhere, even on this barren sand. There are
small creatures here and there. How can there be any part of God’s creation
without life? There is life everywhere. The form may be different but there is
life.” When I see small crabs or ants on the beach or in the dessert, I think of
Srila Prabhupada sitting calmly chanting Hare Krsna and viewing the New
Jersey beach with understanding and detachment, explaining to us how life is
everywhere and am reminded of how kind you are, Srila Prabhupada to come
into this dessert-like material world in order to teach us bug-like living entities
who are foolish enough to believe that our tiny world is the only world.
Thank you beloved master for your grace.

Story # 2 - Sufferers

Sometimes when sitting on the beach blanket in New Jersey, Srila

Prabhupada would look out at the waves while chanting japa. He was very
beautiful and serene, always absorbed in Krsna, yet also carefully scrutinizing
the world around him. On some days there were big waves and surfer boys
would be out, swimming and surfing in the waves. Srila Prabhupada watched
with great interest as they mounted their boards and slid down the faces of the
waves. He asked us: “What is this?” And Gaurasundara and I replied that this
is a sport called “surfing” wherein one mounts a board and slides swiftly on the

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water as the waves roll in. Srila Prabhupada watched intently for some time,
then began to chuckle. He said: “You call it surfing, I call it suffering. They are
simply wasting their valuable human form of life by jumping in the ocean
waves. They have no idea what will happen next. If they become so much fond
of remaining on the ocean, then Krsna is very kind: he will satisfy their desire
and give them bodies of fishes so that they can enjoy jumping in the ocean
more and more but that will be greater suffering. So I call them sufferers, not
surfers. He mused as he continued his eternal chanting of Hare Krsna, softly
and serenely with the crashing ocean waves in the background. Even now
when I see surfers mound their boards on the waves of Sunset beach, North
Shore, near where I live, I am always reminded of Srila Prabhupada’s
observation and the nick name Srila Prabhupada gave surfing and I am
reminded of his kindness in walking amongst us foolish living entities, wasting
our lives this way and that and his compassion for us who live in various states
of delusion. Srila Prabhupada you are so kind, you observed us in surfer
consciousness, dog consciousness, money consciousness, so many various forms
of consciousness, and you so mercifully taught us about Krsna consciousness,
and you gave us the opportunity to serve you and Krsna.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada!

Story # 3 - Slug love

In the late afternoon in New Jersey, Srila Prabhupada would often sit
downstairs in the garden beside our bungalow. New Jersey is known as the
garden state, and the town of Long Branch was certainly testimony to that.
There were gardens everywhere, roses were blooming and their fragrance
filled the air. On one particular afternoon, Srila Prabhupada was comfortably

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seated in a chair, and I was sitting on the ground beside him. He was softly
chanting japa, enjoying the fresh ocean air, mixed with the fragrance of roses
and other flowers. Occasionally he would say something but mostly he would
chant softly. Suddenly beside my sitting place I saw a large brown slug in all its
slimy ugliness. Somewhat repulsed I leaned away from the creature. Srila
Prabhupada looked at me quizzically and I said: "Ugh, look at this", pointing to
the slimy, sliding creature. Srila Prabhupada leaned forward and looked at the
slug, his face grew full of love and compassion, and he said to me: "Chant to
the poor creature", and so I sat there, chanting Hare Krsna to the slimy, yet
benedicted slug for some time until he slithered away. He had incredible
compassion even for the most abominable creature. Srila Prabhupada, I can
never forget the sound of your voice when you gave me that instruction. In it,
your whole mission was encapsulated. "Chant to the poor creature".Your face
looked pained, full of compassion for the poor jiva in that slimy body. You did
not see the ugly slug that I saw. You saw the soul covered in suffering, forgetful
of Krsna. From that moment my heart opened for all creatures and I glimpsed
the depth of your divine compassion.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for sharing that compassion with me.

Story # 4 - You drive too?

Gaurasundara and I were working on Back to Godhead drawings and

paintings while staying with Srila Prabhupada at the New Jersey seashore.
Srila Prabhupada would look at our work and guide us as we painted. We were
painting a picture of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda and he would
approvingly look at our artwork daily. Then in the afternoon, we would sit in
the garden. On one occasion, Gaurasundara and I were sitting in the garden

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with Srila Prabhupada, chanting Hare Krsna. It was late afternoon. Srila
Prabhupada was more talkative on this day and was asking us all sorts of
questions about our life in America. He asked what things we learned in
school such as art, science, math, etc. "Do you know swimming", he asked
Gaurasundara. "Yes", Gaurasundara replied. Then he asked me: "Did you also
learn swimming?" "Yes, I also was taught swimming", I replied. Then he asked
Gaurasundara: "Did you learn driving?" "Yes, I know how to drive". Then he
asked me: "Did you also study driving?" "Yes, I replied, I also learned driving".
He raised his eyebrows and said: "Oh, you also learned driving? He was
surprised yet observant that in America both young boys and girls are
educated in the same ways. They are taught many of the same skills which was
not done in India at that time. It seemed that Srila Prabhupada was inquiring
about our American backgrounds for his mission in America in order to know
the very skills of each person so as to engage them in Krsna consciousness. His
view was always just that: how to engage the living entity in Krsna
consciousness with whatever skills he had already acquired thus far. He used
to say: "We may die at any moment, there is no time to waste. We must simply
engage whatever abilities or talents we have in Krsna's service. Thank you,
Srila Prabhupada, for coming to America and for engaging me in your service.
Thank you for engaging my artistic abilities, my cooking abilities, and
whatever else in the service of your beloved Sri Krsna.

Story # 5 - Brown rice is for animals

In our small New Jersey bungalow Srila Prabhupada would eat his meals
while on the sofa in the living room in front of a small coffee table. Beside him
to the right was his tape player, and in front was the long coffee table where

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we placed his plate. We devotees sat on the floor in front of him. Generally,
there was only Gaurasundara and myself and Kértanänanda but occasionally
other devotees would visit from New York. Kértanänanda made delicious noon
meals of dah, rice, chapatis, and often made raisin chutney as well. The raisin
chutney was his specialty. Srila Prabhupada would eat prasadam and watch us
also eating and seemed to delight in watching us take prasadam. Sometimes
there was dinner table talk, and on one occasion we were discussing the rice.
Kértanänanda was always taunting me and so he was saying: "White rice is best
and brown rice is for the animals". I looked at the mushy white rice on my
plate. Basmati had not yet been introduced, so I looked down at the mushy
white rice on my plate and said to him: "I must be an animal because I like
brown rice better". Srila Prabhupada begin to laugh and laugh and laugh. He
enjoyed the joke and found my honesty refreshingly funny. He slapped his
knee and laughed whole-heartedly. His light-heartedness was very inspiring.
He found ways to encourage us in all circumstance.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for allowing me to serve you even if it was by
offering you some silly things to laugh about. Whatever service you give me is
a cherished prize and I am eternally grateful.

Story # 6 - Wild kirtans

One day while living with Srila Prabhupada at the New Jersey seashore, a
tape arrived from the San Francisco temple; some devotees from New York
brought it and Srila Prabhupada sat listening to the taped 'San Francisco
kirtan'. Now, a bit of background: Gaurasundara and I had met Srila
Prabhupada in San Francisco when he first arrived and had been initiated at
the San Francisco temple, the Haight Ashbury Frederick Street storefront,

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and then had followed him to New York when he returned in March of 1967.
The San Francisco Haight Ashbury district was quite wild, there was a hippie
environment; Gaurasundara and I were students just prior to meeting Srila
Prabhupada, were both in our senior year in the University of Texas; we found
the more studious and sedate New York temple more to our liking. In New
York, devotees were reading Srila Prabhupada's books, chanting regularly, and
following pretty strictly. In San Francisco, things were generally wilder, with
lots of flamboyant kirtans and hardly anyone reading or following strictly.
Because of this vast difference between New York mood and San Francisco
mood, the natural tendency was for the New York devotees to look down upon
the San Francisco temple, and to criticize and roll their eyes when talking
about the San Francisco devotees. Yes, the politics had already begun. New
York temple really did not take the San Francisco devotees seriously, and San
Francisco did indeed have a mood of its own. Knowing all this, I was eager to
see Srila Prabhupada's reaction to the San Francisco kirtan tape. As the old
reel-to-reel tape player began blurring the new Hare Krsna chant, Srila
Prabhupada began to wag his head in time to the music: Hare Krsna Hare
Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare. It was a new singsong chant, nothing at all like
the morning and evening ragas that Srila Prabhupada had introduced. This
was an American version for sure: horns blared, drums boomed, and cymbals
clanged; it was a festive party sound. Some of the New York devotees were
aghast; after hearing the tape through, Srila Prabhupada smiled broadly and
expressed his appreciation: "Oh, they have done nicely. Very nice. They are
chanting so enthusiastically". One of the tape bearers protested the modern
unauthentic sound. Srila Prabhupada drowned him out. It was, in his opinion,
wonderful. He sent a message to San Francisco to let them know he loved
their kirtan tape and to go on chanting. Srila Prabhupada then said: "They are
chanting Hare Krsna, that is the main thing. It may be this tune or that tune,
doesn't matter - this way or that, but they are sincerely chanting. That is what
Krsna wants".
Please Srila Prabhupada, let me see your mercy and your incredible

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potency. By your divine presence you purified and inspired Westerners who
were neither sattvic nor studious, neither austere nor conformists and made
them into wonderful devotees of the Lord. You saw our hearts. If someone
chanted with sincerity you didn't care for the outward trappings, you clearly
saw the inner heart and you continue to see our hearts and lift us from
wherever we are and whatever modes of nature we are enmeshed. No one has
done this, Srila Prabhupada, only you. Thank you Srila Prabhupada for caring
so much, foreseeing the glimmer of love sprouting in our dark hearts and
fanning it with your mercy and grace. Even now, when I hear kirtans of
various chants I am reminded of this incident and remember that different
jivas like different types of music but the main thing is their chanting Hare
Krsna, and although I may prefer Indian ragas, someone else may prefer
Western chants, the important thing is "they are chanting Hare Krsna, that is
the main thing".
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada.

Story # 7 - Cow-hooves clapping

While living together with Srila Prabhupada in New Jersey, we would have
kirtan, just the four of us or if guests came from New York we would also have
kirtans and Srila Prabhupada would talk. He was recovering from the stroke,
so he would not give regular lectures as before when we were in New York
temple but he was always eager to talk about Krsna to whoever would listen.
So while sitting on the sofa one day, Srila Prabhupada began talking about
kirtan, and he began to demonstrate the different ways to play kartals. He
taught us the basic ching-ching-chang and other beads as well; we sang
"Govinda jaya jaya" and Srila Prabhupada began to play the kartals exactly like

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the sound of cow-hooves running. I was amazed. Then he showed me how to
do it - slowly and carefully so that it is in perfect timing with the regular
kirtan; yet it sounds exactly like cow-hooves running across the fields. Other
times he would sit and talk about Krsna, His pastimes in the forest of
Vrindavan and his mother and father and friends. Srila Prabhupada would
close his eyes and say: "Oh, the cowboys are going to their homes in the
evening and tell their mother: "Oh mother, today Krsna has killed one very
big demon". Srila Prabhupada's eyes would grow big as he said this. "He has
saved us from danger", and then he would smile, "and their mothers are happy
and they simply talk of 'Krsna is so wonderful'. Not that He is God or anything
and He is their friend, and Krsna is so wonderful". When Srila Prabhupada
would talk in this way his eyes would close in a trance-like mood and the
atmosphere in the room would become surcharged with spiritual energy. I
would forget everything else, and when he stopped talking I would be so happy
and all other thoughts and concerns were completely erased by the absorption
in the spiritual bliss. It was like a quick trip to the spiritual world and I loved
it. Thus I loved to hear him speak about anything but especially about Goloka.
It became the most important thing in my life. Srila Prabhupada, even today
when I see pictures of Krsna, I can hear your words resounding in my memory.
"Oh Krsna is so wonderful, just see how wonderful is our friend Krsna". How
fortunate we are to have the blessing of your love for Krsna because you have
planted the seed of love in our hearts. Lord Caitanya has stated that the most
important thing, the most fortunate thing for any living entity is even one
moment association with Krsna's pure devotee for in that one moment, Srila
Prabhupada, you can impart to us more than we can ever hope for.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, for coming to our rescue; thank you for
slaying the demon of ignorance. You, Srila Prabhupada, are our dear most
friend and we can chant again and again: "Srila Prabhupada, you are so
wonderful, thank you".

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 Story # 8 - Roses everywhere

In New Jersey there were many gardens and by taking short japa walks I
discovered that everyone had rose gardens. Never had I seen so many roses.
Often there were small statues of Virgin Mary or various saints in the
neighboring yards, surrounded by colorful fragrant, ruby-reds, sparkle-pinks
and bright yellows. I began to ask the various gardeners if I could pick a few
roses and found they were very friendly. They let me pick as many as I liked.
So I began to make a regular route of gardens on my daily japa walk, always
asking politely, and never being refused. The people seemed happy that I was
appreciating their gardens, and if they asked I would tell them the roses were
for my dear grandfather who was ill and recovering nearby at a house at the
seashore. Daily, I would bring two or three grocery bags full of roses, and
finding vases and bottles here and there I began decorating Srila Prabhupada's
room with bouquets of roses. Deity worship had not yet begun but I was happy
to serve Srila Prabhupada as my Deity. He loved roses, and I loved to bring
them to him. Usually, I made six or seven vases full in his room and a couple
more in the living room. Later, he would compare the scents of various roses. "I
think yellow is the most fragrant", he sometimes said. He said that roses were
medicinal and put them on his head and face, inhaling their fragrance deeply.
His room smelled always like sandalwood and roses, and my daily chore of
gathering roses was my greatest delight. I would chant and sing Hare Krsna as
I was walking so all the bugs and slugs could hear, and I would have the joy of
carrying bags of flowers to my dear grandfather. Once while returning with
my booty, Srila Prabhupada heard me singing Hare Krsna as I approached our
bungalow. He smilingly turned to Gaurasundara, nodding his approval and
said: "Govinda dasi is very simple hearted". Gaurasundara told me this later.

17
At the time, I never really understood what simple hearted meant. Now I can
understand more what is meant to be simple-hearted. Krsna wants this
simplicity and the youth are often more simple-hearted than adults. I believe it
is possible to retain this freshness of spirit, this simple-heartedness even in the
midst of difficulties and complexities of life. When things get complicated I
try to remember that incident. I try to return to that fresh, young mood of
simply wanting to shower my spiritual father with flowers and that lifts me
above the maze of illusory complexity.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, for giving me the opportunity for serving you
in this way. I am eternally grateful and I long to bring you baskets full of roses
in Goloka.

Story # 9 - Baked potato

At New Jersey, my chores consisted of various household duties aside from

my artwork for "Back to Godhead". I cleaned the kitchen, washed Swamiji's
clothes - he was still called Swamiji at that time -, made the beds, mopped the
floors, and cleaned everything. I enjoyed serving him any way I could and of
course, I picked him roses every day. It was with great joy that I did
everything. Kértanänanda however, did the cooking, as I was not trained in
cooking. I had been a college student, just prior to meeting Srila Prabhupada
and had always eaten out and had never cooked at all. So it was a big shock
one day when Kértanänanda had gone away to do some errands, Srila
Prabhupada came into the kitchen and asked me if I could make him a baked
potato. I was stunned. I had no idea how to make a baked potato. I politely
explained to him that I had no training and no idea how to cook even a baked
potato. He was surprised but he very kindly said: "That's all right, never mind.

18
I shall wait till Kértanänanda returns". I still remember the horrible feeling in
the pit of my stomach, knowing that I had failed to keep him comfortable by
giving him the food that he requested. At that moment I resolved within my
mind to learn cooking. During out three weeks resident at New Jersey,
Kértanänanda did all the cooking and then when Srila Prabhupada went to
India for six months I hung around kitchens and watched and took notes on
every form of cooking. I watched Acyutananda, Mahapurusa, Upendra, and
whoever was cooking, so that six months later I was able to serve Srila
Prabhupada dahl, rice, chapatis and subji according to his wishes. Then he
used to exclaim that "Oh, the Goddess of Fortune has taught Govinda dasi
how to cook", when I would bring him his meals and indeed I believe it was
true. My prayers to be able to cook for him were fulfilled. When I remember
this it is with some pain, yet it also shows that Krsna can teach us everything
when we sincerely desire.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, for guiding me in your service and allowing
me to make up for that baked potato. Even now, I mentally always offer
kachories and laddhu, your favorite dishes, and hope you will come and enjoy
them in the temple of my mind. Thank you, Srila Prabhupada.

Story # 10 - Soap suds and duds

Once in New Jersey, Srila Prabhupada called me into his room and asked
me very nicely whether I was washing clothes in hot, soapy water. He said that
normally so much soap is not needed, but because he was getting oil massages
it was necessary to wash them with soap and hot water to cleanse them
properly. He was very gentle and kind and loving, not harsh or reprimanding
at all. He also then asked me about my clothing, whether or not I had other

19
clothes. Since as an artist I still wear jeans. Saris had not been introduced as of
yet. He commented, "I do not like these Western pants wearing with all parts
exposed. Better for ladies to wear long dresses or saris as they do in India". I
nodded and decided to find out about saris, since all I owned was jeans, and of
course later we began always wearing saris and long dresses rather than pants.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, for caring so much about us that you taught us
how to dress, how to eat, even how to brush our teeth. You are the perfect
father, so that even now when I can remember you in all my daily activities;
and another time you commented on my short hair, recently clipped just over
my ears and said: "I do not like this bob tail. You should wear your hair long
like Jadurani's in a bunch in the back. Jadurani's hair was pulled in back in a
ponytail at the nape of her neck. So from that day I let my hair grow and wear
it as you requested. Another time you suggested I tied my hair in a knot - for
catching Krsna. You explained that the brahmacari ties his sikha in a knot
and in India, ladies also tie their bunch of hairs in a knot and always think of
catching Krsna in that knot. That is the meaning of the sikha knot and also of
the ladies' tradition of gathering their hair in a knot.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, that you are such a perfect father that you
taught us how to look, how to dress and how to live. You are our eternal
father. Thank you.

Story # 11 - Brahmacari Lessons

Jadurani had come to visit Srila Prabhupada at the New Jersey seashore and
while talking with her I discovered she was feeling disturbed. She was feeling
she could make no spiritual advancement due to being a woman. This was new
information and some of the boys have been teasing her; the newly shaven

20
brahmacaris were taunting her, so she was a little upset about this. After she
left, I mentioned to Srila Prabhupada that Jadurani was feeling like this and
feeling somewhat sad. She felt discouraged by the talks of the newly shaven
brahmacaris. Srila Prabhupada's eyes lit up and grew large and he said: "What
is that? Why they are saying like that? Jadurani is more advanced than all of
them. They do not know". He waved his hand for emphasis. So I told Jadurani
later and she felt encouraged in a simple way. In these early days this war
between the sexes had already begun. This was the earliest manifestation of it,
that war between the sexes which has become so common in ISKCON today.
Srila Prabhupada did not take it very seriously. He seemed to view it as
kindergarten kids, teasing and pulling girls' pig tails and calling one another
silly names. Srila Prabhupada saw only the heart, the sincerity, not the body.
What do we know of the spirit in the heart? We should not be quick to judge
for the truth may be far beyond the network of our minds and senses and
political proprieties. Only the pure devotee of Krsna knows these inner
workings. I am always reminded in my daily life to be kind and to be
encouraging to even the most simple devotee for it is not possible that we
know the heart. Srila Prabhupada encouraged everyone and never approved of
the popular mood of criticizing, lambasting, and taunting. Only if a devotee
mislead others did Srila Prabhupada become lion-like. His concern was for our
protection and for our progress, and for this he encouraged everyone.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada.

Story # 12 - Serving servants

One day Srila Prabhupada was talking about his life as a gentleman
householder in Calcutta. He described the various types of rice, eaten by

21
different types of people, saying that the aristocratic class preferred the
long-grain basmati rice and the servant-class preferred the short grained,
cheaper type of rice. Basmati was new to us and Srila Prabhupada was
expressing his appreciation of it. Srila Prabhupada said: "They like according
to their nature", he explained, 'everyone has taste according to his nature. If
you give a tiger milk he will not take. He desires blood to drink. That is his
nature". Srila Prabhupada began to talk about his own experiences. When he
was a householder he had a few servants, as was the custom in colonial and
post-colonial India. "Because we were eating a very fine quality Basmati rice,
which is long-grained and very flavorful, so I wanted to give the best rice to
my servants also. I wanted to offer them the best prasadam and care, as it is
said that even though one pays his servants, still one becomes indebted to
them as they are rendering so much service". Accepting service is such a
serious thing, he explained, as it can be very much implicating.
"So for some time the servants were eating this very nice Basmati rice".
Then, one day, Srila Prabhupada described, one servant came to me very
humbly and requested 'Sir, you are very kind and respectable and I have no
complaints in your service. I am very satisfied serving here in your household
but only one thing, sir, this rice which you are giving us to eat, is very difficult
for us to eat. We are not accustomed. Is it possible we may have to eat that
short grain variety". Srila Prabhupada burst into smiles, chuckling and shaking
his head from side to side, eyebrows raised, his eyes half-closed he said; "Just
see, I am giving him first class rice, but he is unable to tolerate. He desires
third class rice, cheaper quality because his taste is for that. These are the
modes of nature, such a subtle thing. So I gave them as they wanted". Srila
Prabhupada gave such a profound explanation of the modes of nature. It takes
it out of the books and into our lives. We can look around everywhere and see
how people have tastes according to their modes of nature in food, music,
environment, everything, and we can also see how by association with pure
devotees and devotional service it changes; our tastes, our preferences become
more refined and more sattvic. Srila Prabhupada also gave a cautionary

22
statement about accepting service from others, how entangling it can be and
thus how important it is to reciprocate, to give them some prasada, some Krsna
conscious blessing and opportunity for that will help prevent us from
becoming entangled in the karmic cycle of receiving service. Thank you, Srila
Prabhupada for giving us your service so that we may become purified and our
tastes will change from the desire to serve dogs to the desire to serve God. You
used to comment that 'dog' was "God' spelled backward and it indicates the
backward mood of the modern civilization. Rather than worshipping God,
they worship and serve the dogs. Dogs are seen as the repository of the lower
modes of lust, anger, and greed and unbridled senses. Dogs are the symbol of
degradation. Though they themselves have the good quality of faithfulness,
the problem arises when one replaces God-seva with dog-seva. Thank you,
Srila Prabhupada for teaching us the difference between serving the dog and
serving God and for purifying our consciousness so that our modes of nature
slowly change and we develop a taste for serving Krsna. Thank you, Srila
Prabhupada, we are eternally indebted to you.

Story # 13 - Draft board

The upheaval of the 60's and the war in Vietnam was a fearful reality to
many. Gaurasundara, my husband had lived in constant anxiety and fear that
the draft board would call him to war. Though he was raised in a military
family who fully supported the Vietnam War and they wanted him to become
an airforce pilot, Gaurasundara had other ideas about his destiny. Until late
November, Gaurasundara was an art student at the University of Texas, and
due to his student status, he was not likely to be drafted but in late November,
Gaurasundara and I had left the university in our search for truth, and in

23
December of 1967 we had become students of Srila Prabhupada. Even in
Gaurasundara's first meeting with Swamiji in San Francisco, he had expressed
his anxiety about being drafted to fight in a war he did not believe in. Only
about six months later, his fear became a reality. He had received a notice
from the New York draft board to appear. The fateful day had arrived. We
were then staying in New Jersey with Srila Prabhupada at his seashore retreat,
and Gaurasundara had to travel to New York for his draft board appointment.
He would receive a physical exam and very likely be drafted into the army. We
expressed our severe anxiety to Srila Prabhupada who also did not endorse the
war in Vietnam. Srila Prabhupada reassured us that Krsna would take care of
everything. The day came for Gaurasundara's appointment and almost
tearfully bid good-bye to Srila Prabhupada and me. He did not know what lay
ahead; his future was uncertain. On a silk rope around his neck he wore a
small murti of Lord Jagannath, and also along with that his huge red wooden
chanting beads, the beads given at his initiation. He was full of anxiety yet
calmly bowed down to say good-bye to Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada
stood calmly in the hallway as Gaurasundara offered his last obeisances and
prepared to leave. Srila Prabhupada raised his right hand in blessing and said
to Gaurasundara: "Krsna will protect you. I will request him. Do not be afraid.
Krsna will take care of everything". His voice was sure and strong. He smiled
compassionately. He knew that everything would be all right and he conveyed
that feeling of faith to us in that fragile moment. Then, Gaurasundara left for
New York by train. Gaurasundara was gone the whole day. Everything went
on schedule at home. Srila Prabhupada had his noon meal after Kértanänanda
gave him massage and I did my usual duties of cleaning & washing
Prabhupada's clothes and tried to do some art work. I was unable to
concentrate, as my mind was full of thoughts of Gaurasundara. I prayed to
Krsna constantly. Srila Prabhupada mentioned Gaurasundara several times, so
I knew that he was also thinking of him. Evening came and he still had not
returned from the city, so we were worried. Suddenly we heard him chanting
as he climbed the stairs. I rushed to the door to greet him, giving him a big hug

24
and noting the big smile on his face. Srila Prabhupada called him into his
room and asked: "So, what happened?" Gaurasundara described the visit, that
because of his strange appearance, sporting big red neck beads and a colorful
Lord Jagannath on his chest he was sent to a psychiatric doctor. The doctor
asked Gaurasundara questions and Gaurasundara answered as simply as
possible, continually chanting Hare Krsna out loud on his wooden beads, and
rolling his eyes upward in yogic fashion, focusing on Krsna's form in his mind.
The psychiatric doctor had not seen this before and he apparently concluded
that Gaurasundara was not suitable for military service. He gave him a 3-Y
status, not as good as 4-F, but it certainly reduced his chances of being drafted,
and Gaurasundara was never drafted. I wept for joy as Srila Prabhupada
chuckled and wagged his head side to side. "Just see, Krsna has protected you.
If we are sincere, Krsna will always protect. He sees everything. You have
chosen his service, not the army service, so he has arranged everything". It was
a joyful evening. So much stress that had been there for so long was no more
and Gaurasundara could concentrate now more fully on service to Krsna and
Srila Prabhupada. Krsna had saved him from a great danger, perhaps from his
destiny to go to war and he was deeply grateful. Thank you, Srila Prabhupada
for continuously saving us from the great dangers of the material world, the
cycle of samsara. You are called the military general of Lord Caitanya. Indeed,
you led an army. Like Rama led an army of monkeys, you led an army of
American youth. You had your mission and we were drafted into your army,
Lord Caitanya's army. That was our greatest good fortune. We were
unqualified, yet you so kindly protected us, infused us with your shakti and
sent us out to do your work. May we always remember and be grateful for the
opportunity to serve in your army and may we never forget that you are the
commander in chief and always be obedient to you.
Srila Prabhupada, you changed our destinies. Perhaps Gaurasundara had
been destined for Vietnam as so many other American youths, but you
"requested Krsna" and He re-arranged our lives. Often Srila Prabhupada would
say to me when I had a cold or flue: "Yes, Krsna is checking off your account.

25
He sees you sincerely desire to serve. You may deserve to die at this moment
but instead he is giving you little cold". He would often say: "Krsna is watching
us. When we are sincere to serve him he begins closing our account or
checking off our account, meaning that he reduces our karmas from our stay
in the material world". You, Srila Prabhupada, would remind me of this and
still when I catch a cold I remember that maybe Krsna is checking off my
account. May we always remember our precarious situation and constantly
remember that you are watching us and checking off our account.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada.

Story # 14 - The day you left

The days went by quickly at the New Jersey seashore and soon three weeks
were up. Each day was filled with joy of living with Srila Prabhupada. It was a
peaceful and spiritual environment and the sweetness of his devotional mood
sank deep into my heart. By the end of three weeks I was hooked. I had
completely fallen in love with Srila Prabhupada. He was my whole life. I had
no greater desire than to go on serving him daily, hearing him, seeing him
speak, and hearing his enchanted talks about Krsna and His friends, and living
in the Goloka environment that surrounded him.
Srila Prabhupada was charming, enchanting, sweet, humorous and loving.
The love that radiated from his presence healed my heart from all the wounds
inflicted by material life. That was my experience. I was after all a child who
grew up in a home without my father since my parents had divorced when I
was a small child. At two months I was sent to a wonderful, religious aunt, yet
I did not really connect with my dad until I was ten years old. So Srila

26
Prabhupada was the perfect father. He knew everything about everything. His
protective presence surrounded me. When the day arrived that he was to fly to
San Francisco, I was in emotional shambles. I remember so clearly kneeling by
the car window just before he left, tears coursing down my cheeks as I looked
up into his beautiful glowing golden face. I did not know when or if I would
ever see him again. He was going to San Francisco to try to regain his health
and from there he talked of going back to India. I was unable to speak very
well, being very young and shy, yet somehow I expressed my intense pain at
his leaving and my desire to serve him. I wanted him to get well, and if San
Francisco or India would help, that was my great hope. Srila Prabhupada
looked down from the open car window at a tearful young American girl with
no spiritual qualification, yet he knew my heart. He raised his hand in
blessing, his face was full of kindness and compassion and seemed to say:
everything will be all right. He reassured me with an understanding that and
told me: "Chant Hare Krsna. Krsna will arrange for everything". As his car
drove away, a part of my heart went with him. Though I resumed my duties of
cleaning my apartment, packing the pots and pans and household articles, my
desire to see him and serve him grew and grew. He was going to San Francisco
only for two or three weeks and then would return to New York. I hope he
would return strong and well. Time passed and Srila Prabhupada returned to
New York. He was somewhat disappointed as the San Francisco weather had
been cloudy and cool, and he felt he needed the warm atmosphere of India.
His plans for India were confirmed. When he arrived in New York his stay was
brief. He told us he would return to Vrindavana either to get well or to leave
for Krsnaloka. We desperately wanted him to get well. We continued our daily
prayers to Lord Nrsimhadeva as instructed by him on that fateful night of his
stroke. We begged Krsna to bring him back to us. As we gathered at the New
York airport and sat on the floor, through my tears I heard the various talks.
Srila Prabhupada commented on the Air India wallpaper designs that showed
Indian ladies carrying water vessels on their heads. He found the pictures very
beautiful. They reminded him of his beloved India. "Just see how graceful.

27
They are wearing saris, carrying water pots. They are looking just like gopis in
Vrindavana". Srila Prabhupada turned to Hemavati who was wearing a sari she
made from a piece of cloth: "Just see how nice Hemavati looks in her sari.
Hemavati you may also learn how to carry water vessels, water pots, just like
the gopis, and you will look even more beautiful". Himavati was smiling
radiantly, her long blond braid hidden underneath the silky sari.
There was a soft and sad kirtan, and the flight was called. We clustered
around Srila Prabhupada as if to keep him with us for as long as possible. Here
he was - surrounded by his children; most of us in our early twenties, some
even younger. This was the final moment. I looked around. Jadurani was in
great pain. She loved Srila Prabhupada so much; she could barely open her
eyes and could barely breathe. Everyone was sad. I was crying, focused on his
face, drinking in every last moment and filling my mind and heart with the
desire to see him well and to serve him again. Then he left, he was gone. We
watched late into the night as the plane took off. Brahmananda and I kept
watching, as the jet streams grew faint; drizzly rain blew in our faces mixed
with tears. It was the end of Srila Prabhupada's first lila in the USA. We knew
little about Krsna but we knew a lot about loving Srila Prabhupada.
Brahmananda and I agreed the rain felt like gopis' tears and the separation set
in. It must be similar to the way the gopis felt when Krsna left for Mathura. It
seemed to us like the whole world was crying when Srila Prabhupada departed
for India.
I remember it also well. Most of all I remember, Srila Prabhupada, your
compassionate glance as you looked at all your children just before departing
for India. This has always been my favorite mood: your mood of love, concern
and compassion. Thank you for coming here, for taking so much trouble and
thank you coming back again and again and for dealing with all the headaches
of starting a big organization. Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, for giving us your
love so that we may learn to open our hearts and experience love.
Thank you for teaching us to love and for giving us the experience of

28
divine spiritual love without which our hearts are like empty pumping
machines. Please remain always on the altar of my heart where I will serve you
always with my thoughts and deeds.

Story # 15 - Neem Toothbrush

In San Francisco in early 1967, Gaurasundara and I met Srila Prabhupada.

Early on in our relationship we already felt we had known him eternally but
there were of course many things we did not know about him. After all, we
were children, as he would often say, only 19 or 20 years old. Once while
walking back from a rip-roaring kirtan in Golden Gate Park we were walking
alone with Srila Prabhupada, just the three of us. The kirtan was still going on
but it was getting a bit late, so Srila Prabhupada had expressed the desire to go
back to his Frederick Street apartment. Gaurasundara and I volunteered to
walk with him, one of us on each side, eager to hear him speak and to get know
him better. Srila Prabhupada walked silently. Softly sounding his eternal japa,
occasionally it became audible. The path was winding and just as we rounded a
bend Srila Prabhupada stopped short. He pointed to a bunch of trees on his
right; it was considerably off from the path, and he said: "Gaurasundara, can
you bring some small branches from that tree, about this thick," and held up
his little finger to demonstrate the size. Gaurasundara nodded eagerly and
thrashed into the bushes to reach the selected tree. After a few minutes of
scrambling in the bushes we saw the big tree shudder slightly as Gaurasundara
pulled off some branches. Srila Prabhupada stood patiently waiting on the
pathway, watching quietly as Gaurasundara clamored through the bushes, his
arms full of small branches. Long pointed leafs stuck out here and there and
Gaurasundara's smiling face was visible just above them. Srila Prabhupada was

29
clearly pleased, so we felt pleased. We had no idea, however, why he wanted
those branches. We were dying to know but he was silent and we were too
timid to ask. Quietly we walked on, and while walking, Srila Prabhupada
plucked the leaves off the twigs, one by one; the small branches were only
about three feet long, so as he walked the plucked leafs scattered the path
behind us. Then he began the branches into eight inch pieces and gathering
the bundles in his hands. I was dying of curiosity but still just watched quietly.
We had no idea what he was doing. Suddenly, just was we were leaving the
park, Srila Prabhupada smiled brightly and said to us: "These twigs will be my
tooth brushes. This tree has a very medicinal sap. It has very antiseptic
properties". He turned to us, flashing his bright smile and perfectly white teeth
and said: "If you want to have teeth like mine at eighty, you can not use a
tooth brush, you must use these tree twigs. It will keep your teeth very
healthy". We were stunned, and then we courageously asked him how he used
them. He said "simply, I shall show you", and some time later he showed us how
to chew the one quarter inch end of the twig until it became like a brush, then
how to scrub the teeth and gums side to side, cleaning the plaque from them
and stimulating the gums and leaving them feeling cleaner than a dentist's
office visit. Srila Prabhupada later told us the best twig was eucalyptus, but
mango was also very good, and on the East coast, where eucalyptus was not
available he used birch. Srila Prabhupada, you taught us everything, even how
to brush our teeth, and more over you taught us how to serve unquestioningly
and eagerly without reservation. If you wanted twigs from a tree we eagerly
gave them to you. Krsna tested our service mood in so many ways, even if we
did not know or understand we trusted you anyway. That was the key. Krsna
wanted to see how much we sincerely believed in you. Thank you, Srila
Prabhupada, for still watching over us, for giving us the faith that you are still
here, watching, guiding and waiting patiently for us to bring the twigs of our
devotion to your lotus feet. Even now, just as then you stood patiently on the
forest path, watching and waiting, and even now you still stand quietly in our
hearts, guiding and waiting for us to invite you to sit down and remain there

30
eternally, guiding and teaching us from within. There is no limitation on your
mercy. You were kind and powerful that you can sit in the heart of everyone
who calls to you.

Story # 16 Vyasa Puja - Western Style

In June, July and August, Srila Prabhupada, Gaurasundara and I lived at

the Prince Arthur Street apartment in Montreal. It was a homey atmosphere
since Srila Prabhupada did not travel for over three months due to visa
requirements. Since his birthday was a approaching in late summer, I debated
what to do and I decided to surprise him with a birthday cake. Of course, there
were other arrangements at the temple, no doubt but this was my personal
contribution and at the time it seemed like a nice thing to do. In the morning
on his birthday I carefully prepared a two layer cake and frosted it with sweet
butter and cream frosting. Then I decorated it with candles, not 72 or 73 but
about twelve or fourteen candles. Then, after Srila Prabhupada had completed
his usual bath, and tilak and prasadam and he was sitting poised at his desk
chanting, I carried the flaming cake from the kitchen to his altar as I did all
the usual offerings. His eyes grew large and open wide. He exclaimed: "Oh,
what is that?" as I placed the candle-lit cake on the altar. I replied: "Oh, Srila
Prabhupada, this is your birthday cake. I've made it for you. This is how we
celebrate birthdays in America". He wagged his head from side to side and
said: "Very nice", and smiled as I brought him the flaming cake; as I set it on
his desk I explained: "Srila Prabhupada, now you make a wish and then try to
blow out the candles with one breath". Srila Prabhupada quickly caught on
and with one deep, big whoosh he blew out every flame on the cake. Then he
laughed and said: "I have done good?" "Yes", I laughed and said: "Now you will

31
get your wish but you don't have to tell me or anybody what you wish for". "I
wish only for Krsna", his voice deep, he said smilingly, 'for Krsna's service', he
added. I, saying happy birthday to him as I carefully removed the candles and
cut him a big piece of birthday cake and served it to him on one of his several
plates. As he tasted it he smiled and said: "Oh, this is very good." I brought him
some warm milk also. Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, for honoring my simple
American ideas of service. I innocently offered you a Western birthday party
and you accepted it graciously as if it were the more natural thing in the
world.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you this life and next and
thank you for reminding me of your only wish. Please bless me that some day I
may also wish only for Krsna's seva. When I see birthday celebrations I am
always reminded of your bright surprised look as I carried in the flaming
birthday cake and how kindly you were in accepting my innocent offering.
Birthday celebrations always stir memories of your gentle face, wide-eyed
staring at the flaming cake in wonder. What a wonderful memory and what a
wonderful wish.

Story # 17 - Good

When we first met Srila Prabhupada in San Francisco, it was 1967, the
Haight Ashbury era. There were only a handful of devotees, Mukunda and
Janaki, Syamasundara and Malati, and Yamuna and Gurudas were just
coming, and there were a few others such as Harsarani and Murari. Mukunda
and Janaki were very close associates with Srila Prabhupada as Mukunda had
come there from New York. Mukunda was doing all sorts of wonderful
organizational preaching work, arranging programs for Srila Prabhupada and

32
so forth. Srila Prabhupada had married Mukunda and Janaki and they had no
children. However, Janaki had a pet cat that she dearly loved. Srila
Prabhupada, seeing the affection that Janaki lavished on her cat would say:
"Just see. In America there is no family life. Women have no children, so they
place their love on a cat or dog. Everyone wants love, and everyone wants to
serve. That is the nature of the living entity. In America they are serving the
cats and dogs."
Later on, in San Francisco, when Janaki's cat somehow died and Srila
Prabhupada was informed of this, he said simply: "Good". When asked about
this, Srila Prabhupada told us that now Janaki can place her full love on
Krsna, and factually we saw that Janaki became then more focused on Srila
Prabhupada and Krsna. Srila Prabhupada encouraged us to place the focus of
our love on Krsna because whatever we love we will think about, and
especially we will think about at the time of death. He was sad when a disciple
placed his love elsewhere; whether it was on a business, a pet, a hobby or even
too much on a family. Just like he would say: "Oh, now such and such has been
lost to business, or in Janaki's case when her beloved pet cat died, his only
comment was 'good'.
Once when Gaurasundara joined him in Los Angeles, and I had remained
in San Francisco due to illness, he said: "Oh you have come, even without your
wife". Srila Prabhupada taught us that whoever or whatever we love other
than Krsna and our spiritual master would lead us astray.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for teaching us who to love and who to serve.
In our ignorance we place our love on so many other things: animals, people,
careers, etc. but you taught us to focus our love on Krsna and by so doing we
will thus come to love everyone: all the animals, all the people in a way that is
on a spiritual level.

33
 Story # 18 - Hawaii 1969

After Gaurasundara and I had been traveling and living with Srila
Prabhupada for about a year, Srila Prabhupada began to encourage us to go
and open a temple. He would sometimes say: "We have become just like a
family but now it is time to go and preach." He would say: "It is time to push
you out of the nest", and later on he would joke that "like birds he had pushed
us out of the nest to fly". Gaurasundara left for Hawaii in September for
opening a preaching center and later on, in January of 1969, I left Srila
Prabhupada in Los Angeles and also came to Hawaii. Gaurasundara had
rented a house in Kaawa (?) about 45 minutes from Honolulu by ocean on
about 7 acres of land. He also had a small storefront; it actually was an office
building in Honolulu where the preaching center was held. The area around
Kaawa was a very beautiful jungle retreat, yet there were houses nearby. One
day, shortly after I arrived Gaurasundara and I walked to a small grocery store,
opposite Swanzy (?) Park, which later became a tirtha, where Srila Prabhupada
took his daily walks. On the way back from the store we stumbled upon a tiny
kitten, just two or three feet from the side of the road. The helpless creature
was sure to be hit by a car, so we asked some children playing nearby to take
him home with them. Then we walked the remaining half-mile back to our
home. When we returned home I could not find my japa beads anywhere,
which had been with me on my walk. So we retraced our steps and there
besides the road, next to the small kitten were my sacred beads. They had
fallen from the bead bag and the kitten was still there. Compassionately,
Gaurasundara and I decided that since the children were not going to help
him we would. We picked up the small animal and brought him home. The last
thing I wanted was a pet cat. So I had mixed feelings about this, yet we

34
decided to give him some shelter until he was larger and we could find a home
for him. He was a very tiny, wining, whimpering kitten who would always get
under our feet and we would always have to avoid stepping on him. Then we
got a telegram that Srila Prabhupada was coming. What to do? I was
embarrassed that we had this kitten and we had not yet found a home for him.
So when Srila Prabhupada came the kitten was still there. Srila Prabhupada
would often affectionately tease me about the small kitten and even in
lectures he would mention it. Sometimes when I worked down in the garden
outside, Srila Prabhupada would watch me from his window up above and he
would see the kitten running around at my feet. Then, later on he would
chuckle and say: "Oh, this cat is always at Govinda dasi's feet but that is
fortunate because she is Vaisnavi". This kitten had the constant habit of
getting under foot, almost tripping people as they walked. It stayed outside the
kitchen door and each morning when Srila Prabhupada went for his walk, he
invariably stepped it on. I was often amazed at how often this small creature
managed to get under Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet as he left for his daily walk,
and as it was always hungry, prasadam scrubs was given to her daily. Of course,
I felt somewhat embarrassed for the situation, so we continued to look for a
home for the small cat. Srila Prabhupada stayed with us for about a month and
the day of his departure we had a chanting and feast program at our home.
Many people came and one young couple agreed to adopt this kitten. We were
glad to find her a good home. A few days later, however, they informed us that
the kitten had suddenly died the very evening Srila Prabhupada had left
Hawaii. I then wondered at the good fortune of the kitten that daily was
stepped on by Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for giving your grace to anyone, even a small
cat that takes shelter under your lotus feet. May we always remember to take
shelter beneath your lotus feet and focus our love entirely on you and Krsna
and be spared the danger of taking birth in the body of a deer, a cat, a dog, or
any other creature or we cannot serve you in the most complete way. Thank

35
you, Srila Prabhupada.

Story # 19 - Bed Bugs bite

We had met Swamiji in San Francisco, and only a few days before Swamiji
left for New York, Gaurasundara, my husband, and I decided we desperately
wanted to go there with him. After all, we had left college in November in
search of a spiritual teacher and we met Swamiji in December or early January
of 1967, and now only a couple of months later he was leaving for New York
City. We had no other life; he was our life. The two months in San Francisco,
reading his Srimad Bhagavatam, attending his lectures daily and painting
pictures for him had given us a taste of bhakti. We had no other goal than to
follow him. Like the Pied Piper we wanted to follow along. So we approached
him at his San Francisco apartment and asked if we could come to New York.
His smile brightened as he saw our sincerity of purpose and he nodded, saying:
"Why not?" So, Gaurasundara and I began searching for a way from San
Francisco to New York. Since we had very little money, we hoped to get a ride.
Gaurasundara went out to the local hip shops to put up signs, advertising for a
ride back East, and while he was out he met some San Francisco hippies who
were driving straight to New York. They were leaving in about an hour.
Gaurasundara rushed home, we packed our few belongings and we were ready
to go almost immediately. About two days before Swamiji's departure from San
Francisco we headed out to New York; we figured Krsna had arranged the
whole thing. It took us 4 days driving day and night, taking turns driving, to
reach the East Coast, which meant we could arrive only two days after
Swamiji's flight from San Francisco landing. After a few minor harrowing
adventures on the way, we arrived safely in New York in very early morning of

36
March of 1967. When we arrived, it was around 6:30 or 7 in the morning, and
we opened the door to 26, 2nd Avenue and fell to our knees in obeisances and
gratitude. The scene was unforgettable: Swamiji was sitting on a raised dais,
chanting and he was surrounded by a small group of devotees, singing the
beautiful morning tune. Billows of incense filled the air and the aura of
heavyliness was intoxicating. Drones of the vina hummed lovely and Swamiji
himself expertly played the mrdanga. The vina player, who had a sikha that
was like a long curl in the back of his head, wore robes. Other devotees also
were dressed in dhotis and shawls, and the scene was like none either of us had
witnessed. I was amazed: this was a different world from San Francisco. It was
serene, intellectual and focused, nothing like the wild party mood of San
Francisco. It was like a glimpse of Vaikuntha. Swamiji smiled and
acknowledged our arrival, and continued chanting. After the lecture he let
everyone know that we were devotees and artists who had come from San
Francisco. The New York devotees welcomed us and we began to live amongst
them just like a family. It was perhaps one of the sweetest times of my life. I
remember we were very poor, yet we were very rich. Swamiji was our wealth,
our joy and our everything. The devotees in New York had this mood and
everything evolved around Swamiji. In San Francisco, Swamiji was in his
apartment and guests visited by appointment and most people were new. The
devotees in New York, on the other hand, had been there much longer and it
was clearly Swamiji's home. We practically lived all together like a family:
Swamiji was the head and we were the children. We spent the days together;
we had prasadam in his apartment. He was with us all the time. We would sit
around in his room, in the evening talking all of us together like a family. We
would all sit in his room, doing painting during the day. For the first couple of
nights, Gaurasundara and I slept on the concrete floor the temple room, and
in other areas of that floor slept Gargamuni, Brahmananda, and several other
devotees as well. It was not very comfortable. There were rats that prowled the
area at night, sometimes awaking devotees. One night Gargamuni woke up
because a rat got into his hair and the next day devotees were teasing him

37
because his hair was long, down to his shoulders, so the rats liked it.
Gargamuni was Brahmananda's little brother, he was very young and liked
having his long dark hair parted in the middle and Swamiji would say: "Like
Lord Caitanya". So Gargamuni would defend his long locks by saying that his
hair was like Lord Caitanya's. These were the family moods that permeated
our early days in New York until we found a small apartment, we then moved
over to Satsvarupa's apartment. There, Gaurasundara and I slept on a blanket
on the floor in the kitchen, at a tiny front room, and Satsvarupa camped out
on the floor in the next room and Raya Rama in another room. I recall
hearing the sounds of a type writer in the wee early morning hours, 2:30 or 3
AM and peaked in to see Satsvarupa sitting on the floor, hunched over a type
writer, transcribing Swamiji's Srimad Bhagavatam tapes. I was impressed.
These devotees were unlike any I had ever seen before. They were totally
dedicated to Swamiji and had no other life. This was a really different
experience than San Francisco. In Satsvarupa's apartment and I slept on a
blanket on the floor in the kitchen and the bed bugs were a problem. I would
wake up in the morning with red bites all over my cheeks. I tried turn in the
other direction with my feet to the wall but then my feet would be covered
with red bites. Swamiji asked us how we were doing and seeing the red marks
on my face, I explained to him that some bugs were biting me. He laughed and
said, pointing to his window: "Yes, they also come here but I stay very still and
when they think I am asleep they come, then I catch them and chant to them,
and then put them out my window. By the breathing they know just when a
man is sleeping but I can trick them." His eyes sparkled as he told of how he
tricked the little bed bugs by pretending to be asleep. So that night I tried
tricking them but I fell asleep and got bitten as usual and the next night, and
again and again and again to no avail. I couldn't catch them. A few days later I
told Swamiji: "I've tried every night to catch them but I can't catch them. I
breathe softly and try to pretend that I am asleep but they are too clever. They
don't come and bite until I am really asleep. I don't know how you do this."
Swamiji laughed and wagged his head from side to side, saying: "Yes, you have

38
to be very expert".
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for showing me your compassion even for bed
bugs. You cared even for these living entities who came to you only for biting
and sucking blood, and you gave them your mercy as surely as those who came
for serving. Thank you for showing us how to live, how to love all creatures
and how to give the benediction of the Holy Name.

Story # 20 - I know your mind

When Swamiji left for India, it was just like the sun and moon had hidden
behind the clouds. We immediately felt the separation and then began praying
to Krsna for his healthy return to America. During his six-month stay in
Vrindavana, Gaurasundara and I moved to Montreal. There we lived in the
Montreal temple that was a renovated bowling alley across from Mount Royal.
There we continued our illustration work for Back To Godhead as well as the
Prahlada picture book we had begun in New York under Srila Prabhupada's
guidance. Our life was a peaceful one: daily kirtans and class, working in our
small partitioned art studio in the temple. While we worked, Sivananda, a
brahmacari would read to us from Srimad Bhagavatam and sometimes also
Caitanya Caritamrta. Gaurasundara had obtained a translation of Caitanya
Caritamrta in New York and we relished the stories of Lord Caitanya. We also
gained insight into the divine position of the spiritual master and the proper
etiquette that should be given to him. Mahapurusa was our temple cook and I
watched him daily cook different preparations, taking notes on how each one
was done as I hope to some day cook for Srila Prabhupada. Day and night my
contemplation was "how will I again be with Swamiji and serve him".

39
 (start of new tape; text missing)…. to Lord Jagannath one-pointedly that
my only desire was to again experience the sweetness of living in that divine
Goloka-realm of Swamiji's household, serving him in any menial way possible.
My heart was set on this desire. I even wrote to him in Vrindavana, expressing
how much I missed him and how much I wanted his divine association once
again. With my youthful innocence I expressed my heartfelt wish to be
engaged in his service. The reply letter that I received from him was short but
complete. This was my first letter from Srila Prabhupada. At the end of it he
stated simply: "I know your mind". He let me know early on that he knew my
every thought and movement even though he was far away as India or as near
as the next room.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for allowing me a glimpse of your
omniscience and your divinity when I was but a new devotee. Thank you for
hearing the prayers of my heart and allowing me to serve you all but
imperfectly and for allowing me residence in your Goloka household. This was
the greatest gift of my life. No amount of wealth or fame or followers can
begin to compare with the sweetness of your divine association.

Story # 21 - Goloka and Montreal

Gaurasundara and I remained in Montreal for the duration of time that

Swamiji was in India; that was about six months. During that time we drew
many pictures for early Back to Godhead magazines and daily we worked in
our small art studio while hearing Caitanya Caritamrta and Srimad
Bhagavatam. During that time I began working on a drawing of Krsna and
Balarama returning home with their cows, millions of cows. It became a kind
of meditation. Daily I worked on this drawing and although we had little

40
information of how Vrindavana looked it seemed to manifest from within the
heart. Though we did many other pictures, this picture was the most dear to
me. Even when I close my eyes I would still see an ocean of cows with Krsna
and Balarama prancing before them and in my view, over to the right, that
cowherd boy was clearly meant to be Srila Prabhupada. After, all Swamiji had
requested me to paint his portrait in San Francisco, and it was one of the first
pictures I painted for him. Now I felt I was painting his spiritual portrait in
Goloka. It was an innocent offering. I sent a copy of the drawing to Swamiji in
Vrindavana, saying, "This cowherd boy is my portrait of you".
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for giving me that glimpse of Goloka. It
spurred me on in my desire to serve you; even now when I see this picture, my
original drawing has been colored in and hangs behind the Deities of Krsna
Balarama, I think of you as I see you walking besides Krsna and Balarama,
herding the cows home in the evening and I think that this is no accident that
this very picture that I had offered to you so many years before is your portrait
walking beside your beloved Krsna Balarama and you are there nearby. Thank
you, Srila Prabhupada.

Story # 22 - December 14th, 1967

In late October, the exciting news came. Swamiji would be returning soon
to San Francisco. His health had improved and his travel arrangements were
being made. Gaurasundara and I immediately began planning our trip to meet
him in California. The first snow had fallen in Montreal, so we were eager to
go West anyway. We packed our meager belongings, mostly the contents of
our art studio and a few clothes, a couple of saris that I had gotten and took a
bus to New York City. There we found a drive away car, one that was to be

41
delivered to the West Coast. Gargamuni and his new wife, Karunamayi and
Gaurasundara and I sat out on a hazardous winter journey to San Francisco.
Anxious over the perils of winter driving we chanted the whole way. In
Colorado we ran off the road in a blizzard and it seemed to us that our
chanting brought a big snowplow to rescue us almost immediately. We were so
focused on greeting our beloved Swamiji that all obstacles seemed to melt like
snow in the sunshine of our love for him. The mood was simple, direct and
sweet. When we arrived in San Francisco, Gaurasundara and I rented a small
room two blocks from the Frederick Street temple. We were situated there
about a week or two before Swamiji's arrival on September 14th, 1967. Daily,
my prayers intensified as I looked forward to his arrival. Arrangements were
made for Swamiji to stay at Jayananda's large flat and our good friend
Upendra was going to cook for him. I began to study Upendra's cooking
techniques avidly. Finally, the big day came. Swamiji was arriving. We went to
the San Francisco airport and we chanted wildly in the waiting area. I
remember walking up a hallway and seeing him through some big glass doors.
He turned to us and waved, he gave us a long loving glance and a friendly
wave. It meant everything to us. Our kirtan intensified and tears of joy
streamed down my cheeks. I felt as if my very life had been returned to me. It
was the most joyful day in the history of America: Swamiji had returned.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for taking the trouble to come back to us. You
had an ideal situation in India, in Vrindavana, you could have stayed in your
beloved Vrindavana but out of divine compassion for all souls you chose to fly
back into the Kali-yuga cities of America to spread the message of Lord
Caitanya. You are the most exemplary preacher of the Lord, always concerned
for the welfare of all living entities for the suffering of all the souls in this
world. We must never forget that without you we would simply continue
turning on the rotating wheel of samsara, from king to beggar, elephant to ant,
our gratitude must never wane for you alone came to our rescue. We are
eternally indebted. No one had heard of Krsna in the West. You were the
emissary, the pioneer, the divine agent sent by Lord Caitanya to awaken the

42
Western world from the sleep of ignorance.

Story # 23 - Govinda dasi - you have taken your sari?

Joyfully we escorted Swamiji to his flat on (I don't remember the name of

the Street); there like a rose surrounded by bees he sat in our midst, carefully
unpacking his trunk and smiling at everyone. He spoke with each devotee,
asking about his or her welfare, smiling and enchanting everyone with his
sweetness. His big Indian trunk was full of goodies. He pulled out all sorts of
things we'd never seen before. It was better than Christmas. He showed us a
strange metal contraption and explained it was for grating coconut. He
showed us a finely carved conch shell and some excellent kartals. He gave
Gaurasundara and I pictures of him dancing in front of his Calcutta Deities
and asked us to paint them with color. On the back he wrote "Swami
Prabhupada dancing in front of his Deities" (I have to look that up). Then he
began to pull out gifts for all the devotees. Two disciples, Acyutananda and I
think Ramanuja, were in India and had sent saris and gifts for the devotees in
San Francisco. I sat, watching Swamiji, totally mesmerized by his spiritual
beauty. He carefully unpacked all the saris, each one had a small slip of paper
and a devotees' name pinned on it. Then he carefully removed all the pins and
placed the pins in a little pile and then placed all the saris in one pack and
then all the slips of paper in another stack. Then he began to hand out saris to
each of the ladies as he chose, totally disregarding the slips of paper pinned on
them. I did not expect to receive a sari as I had not sent money or anything
nor did I even know Ramananda. The conversation drifted to items needed by
Swamiji with different devotees volunteering for various services or purchases.
Swamiji needed some house slippers. I immediately volunteered to buy him

43
some new house slippers and he smilingly nodded and told me he wore size A.
He added that they should be made of all synthetic or man-made materials.
Swamiji later said: "The only advancement the modern scientists have made is
this: to make non-leather shoes". His opinion of material science was
encapsulated in this statement. After each devotee was given a project and
gift and we all happily bowed and left Swamiji to rest from his journey.
Gaurasundara and I were bowing down to leave when Swamiji asked me: "Oh,
Govind dasi? You have taken your sari?" Already standing I stopped short and
replied: "No, Swamiji, I didn't know there was one for me". Swamiji carefully
thumbed through the stack of saris and selected one, a pale lavender cotton
sari with a simple border. Beaming, he held it up to me and I reached over and
received it. He smiled in a fatherly and loving way and I happily bowed down
as I received it. How can he know that lavender is my favorite color, I thought;
and then I remembered his quote in the letter: "I know your mind". Knowing
everything about me he loved me anyway. Krsna had sent me a wonderful
spiritual father. Later I searched for the most perfect house slippers. At one
shop I found all man made materials stamped on all the slippers so I chose a
nice black slipper with red furry lining. The red furry lining, I thought would
match his reddish lotus feet. I purchased the slippers and quickly took them to
his apartment. Smilingly, he thanked me and tried them on. "Oh, perfect fit
he exclaimed. Very nice, thank you very much". "What a pleasure", I thought.
Swamiji wore these slippers for the entire year or more that Gaurasundara and
I lived with and traveled with him. The sound of him shuffling down the hall
in those slippers is still fresh in my mind. Then as those slippers became worn,
I purchased another pair from the same shop in San Francisco; this time a
sandy mustard color with tan for relining, and a back which he quickly
flattened with his heels. Having been accustomed to his back-less previous
slippers, these were also stamped "all man made materials". Those black and
red slippers well worn, well loved, he gave to me when I brought him the new
sandy colored slippers. Those slippers are worshipable even by devas.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for giving me the opportunity to serve you

44
with those slippers and in every other way. I pray those shoes will remain
enthroned in my heart through all eternity and that I shall always hear you
shuffling about, wearing those slippers in the halls of my mind, guiding me,
loving me and leading me to Krsna.

Story # 24 - Montreal 1968, Summer Time

During our summer stay in Montreal, Srila Prabhupada would often sit out
in front of his Prince Arthur Street apartment in the afternoon, after his
lunch and nap, and visits with (of?) devotees and guests. In the evenings he
would also have guests in his room; three evenings a week we would go to the
temple that was walking distance from our apartment. Srila Prabhupada and I
would walk three blocks to the temple and Gaurasundara would also join us
sometimes at a leisurely pace, Srila Prabhupada chanting japa along the way.
Often the neighborhood children would taunt us: "Hari Krsna Hari Krsna
Krsna Krsna…" and although they were obviously teasing and making fun,
Srila Prabhupada would beam at them with his million Dollar smile and say to
me: "Yes, they are saying Krsna. Never mind they are joking. They are
chanting Krsna's names somehow or other". In this way we would chant japa
and continue our short journey to the temple with the taunting kids in the
distance. Srila Prabhupada was always teaching every step of the way. During
his afternoon and evening visits there were several devotees who came
regularly. One was a young Indian boy named Gopal Krsna who had a great
fondness for Srila Prabhupada over and above the usual Indian communities'
interest. Gopal Krsna would often visit Prabhupada and when he made his
obeisances at the entryway of Prabhupada's room he would bow down, then
hatch his head to the floor again and again, repeatedly. Obviously it was with

45
the great feeling of conviction and not a mere formality of bowing down.
Then he would have many detailed talks with Srila Prabhupada. Srila
Prabhupada was training him for preaching work, so they would discuss
philosophy and all points of Vedic culture. Another regular visitor was
Janardana das, a scholarly disciple who had some affiliation with McGill
University. Janardana and Gaurasundara, my husband, both being scholarly
by nature spent much time together and often went to the McGill University
library. In the course of their research and study they somehow discovered a
small booklet sent by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur to McGill University in 1896,
the year of Srila Prabhupada's birth. Srila Prabhupada was delighted to see the
copy of the book and always talked of it thereafter. The fact that Srila
Bhaktivinoda, the father of his beloved guru-maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta
had paved the way in the West by sending literature so many years before was
a great inspiration to Srila Prabhupada. He cherished this book and often
mentioned it in his lectures. He exclaimed that this was all part of Lord
Krsna's plan: to spread Lord Caitanya's movement all over the world. Of
course, I could not fully understand the significance of all this at the time. Yet,
Srila Prabhupada felt the book was a most important discovery and he often
marveled that in the very year of his birth Srila Bhaktivinoda was already
laying the foundation work for Lord Caitanya's mission in North America. On
a regular basis, Janardana was reading Srila Prabhupada's Gita manuscript and
going over the details with Srila Prabhupada when he visited. Srila
Prabhupada had asked him to edit the English translation and purport so that
it was correct and understandable in a scholarly fashion. He also wanted him
to translate the Gita into French as Janardana was French Canadian and
knew French well. He wanted that a French edition of Bhagavad Gita should
be available to those whose native tongue was French. Almost daily there were
many long discussions and Janardana had many intriguing questions about
Vedic philosophy, astronomy and culture. Often the philosophical discussions
were too detailed for me though I would sit in on some of them; however I had
much work to do; my life was busy from morning to night with the running of

46
the household, meal preparation, dictation and typing letters as well as my
own japa and reading, most of which I only had time to do during Srila
Prabhupada's afternoon nap, so I did not listen in to all of the talks. Srila
Prabhupada always had me serving prasadam to the visiting devotees so that
also meant my going in and out of the room as they arrived. However, I can
understand that Janardana was very important to Srila Prabhupada and he
saw him as one of the principle whips in his preaching movement. Srila
Prabhupada was extremely fond of Janardana and he encouraged him to
translate his Bhagavad Gita into his native French language. Sometimes
Janardana would bring his wife Muna with him to visit Srila Prabhupada. She
obviously had a different relationship with Prabhupada. Rather than offering
obeisances and sit on the floor as did Janardana and all other guests and
devotees, she would sit on the sofa across from his desk. Her attitude was a
challenging one, somewhat disrespectful and this was a bit unnerving to me as
I felt it my duty to protect Srila Prabhupada from anyone who may be
insulting or disrespectful to him. I tried to befriend Muna and talked to her
about Krsna but she sat down on my altar, which was a small table and told me
flatly: "All I want is that Krsna gives me plenty of money eternally". I was
somewhat taken aback and certainly unable to relate to her as a potential
godsister. Nevertheless I remained polite but was always somewhat disturbed
by her visits and especially by her attitude toward my beloved spiritual master.
However, Srila Prabhupada was tolerant. He smiled and charmed, joked and
encouraged and tried to inspire her to work for Krsna along with her husband
Janardana. That was his ongoing mood. Several months later, however, when
Srila Prabhupada was with Gaurasundara and I in Hawaii, he one day
mentioned to me somewhat sadly that Janardana was a very nice boy but the
problem is his wife Muna. He said: "Now she making him ask for editing my
books - how much money for me, how much money for Muna. She is
demanding and she is controlling him". His voice trailed off and he shook his
head from side to side, obviously saddened by the plight of his disciple
Janardana being under the control of his materialistic wife. Srila Prabhupada

47
loved him so much that he felt deep concern for his situation. He never
condemned or criticized Janardana. He only thought of how to help him in
serving the Lord.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for loving us so much that you see beyond our
flaws, our attachments, our inebriates and think only of how to deliver us to
Krsna. You never slammed the door in our face because of our foolish
attachments, our silly pride or our childish speculations. You saw us all as
Krsna's servants and you tried to polish away the dirt of forgetfulness from the
jewels of our hearts. With your divine love, your mood was one of
encouragement, inspiration, even cajoling, somehow or other you wanted us to
do some service for Krsna. You used to often say: "Even a little bit of service to
Krsna can save one from the greatest danger". You said this so frequently that
one day I asked you point blank: "Srila Prabhupada, what is the greatest
danger?"
(Incident is told twice!) Srila Prabhupada looked deeply into my eyes and
became very serious and replied: "The greatest danger is to fall back into the
animal species of life and to continue birth after birth in forgetfulness of
krsna. Srila Prabhupada you tried to give everyone the opportunity for even a
little service to Krsna. You so clearly saw our tiny short lives as brief
excursions in the human form and to assure our future human birth you
wanted to distribute your mercy as much as possible to everyone in the world.
Srila Prabhupada, you changed the course of this planet's history. Some may
see that now but in the future many will glorify your greatness.
Thank you again and again for guiding me eternally and for always being
there in my heart, and when I call out to you, you always answer me with the
greatest kindness. Thank you, Srila Prabhupada.

48
 Story # 25 - Cathedral Visits

During summer in Montreal, Janardana who seemed to have access to a

vehicle would take Srila Prabhupada, Gaurasundara and I on little excursions
to places of interest. Usually, it was just Janardana, Gaurasundara, Srila
Prabhupada and myself and we would get into the car and go to the places that
Janardana knew about in and around Montreal vicinity. One day, he took us
to a huge cathedral, a beautiful cathedral with towering domes and elaborate
sculptures and paintings. As I walked with Srila Prabhupada through the huge
church the quiet mood of reverence predominated. Stained glass windows,
Stations of the Cross, holy icons and elaborate paintings surrounded us. It was
a beautiful creation by man dedicated to the worship of the Supreme God.
Because I had traveled all over Europe as a teenager and spent much time
marveling the artistic work of the masters in the cathedrals of Europe I felt
very happy to be there with Srila Prabhupada and eager to hear his opinion of
one of my favorite places. Srila Prabhupada paused and looked up at the dome
ceiling that towered above us, and turned to me and said: "Yes, this is the
worship of Narayana with awe and reference. This is the mood of reverential
worship". He said it flatly with approval and appreciated the pious efforts that
went into this monument to God. Then we walked along the sides of the
church by the Stations of the Cross, elaborate paintings that showed Christ
carrying the cross and ultimately the crucifixion. Because I had not been
raised Catholic, rather I was raised a Baptist, I did not really understand the
philosophical or religious meanings of these stations nor did I really
understand the various traditions or religious trappings of the Catholic
Church yet I appreciated the exquisite artwork and the devotion that went
into it. During my own early years of searching for God the old masters of

49
Europe had been my heroes and spending time in the European cathedrals had
convinced me of God's existence. The devotion and their work came through
to my heart, so I felt very happy to be walking around a cathedral with Srila
Prabhupada and hearing his point of view on all this phenomena which was
important to me. As we continued we came to the part of the church where a
huge wall was painted with the scene of the crucifixion. Srila Prabhupada
stopped short and said, shaking his head: "This emphasis on the killing of
Christ is not good. It simply stirs the hatred of the Jews and keeps alive this
conflict between the Christians and the Jews. They should more emphasize
the teachings of Jesus Christ. The teachings are the important thing".
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for giving me that precious experience to
walk with you in the cathedral. You gave new understanding and meaning to
my long time attraction for churches and cathedrals and moreover you so
quickly penetrated all the religious rituals and traditions to the heart of the
truth. The teachings of Christ are the important thing, you said. These
religious traditions that develop around various great personalities are often
flawed with the inebriates of man, his likes and dislikes, his preferences or
cultural style. Thus so many branches with different trappings develop and
they often war with one another but the real essence is the actual teachings.
May we always remember that the real essence is your teachings so clearly
expressed in your books and lectures and darsanas, and may we not forget that
the contemporary socio-religious or political morals are ever-changing but that
we must cling to the essence of your teachings: chant Hare Krsna and be
happy. Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for giving us the truth.

Story # 26 - The church wax museum

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 On another occasion Janardana took us to a large church which I recall was
somewhere on the outskirts of Montreal. This cathedral had a long walkway,
very wide, with many steps leading up to its entrance. To the left side of this
walkway was a separate building and in this was housed a monument and
museum to a famous saint and hero. I don't know the name of this church.
Perhaps someone in Montreal can volunteer this information, as I believe it
was a very famous place that Janardana took us to. Srila Prabhupada and I
went into the museum monument and began to walk around and see the
exhibits. Apparently, the man had been a famous saint and hero and had
healed the physical sufferings of many, many people. I found it very strange
there. It was a wax museum, showing the very life-like images of the man in
his healing work, and it had many of his former belongings, in particular I
recall a glass eye-ball being shown and this left me somewhat jarred and
confused. I really didn't understand who the man was or why he was enshrined
in this way. Janardana explained to Srila Prabhupada in detail about the
history of the hero and what he had done to achieve such recognition.
However, I remember my feeling of bewilderment over the museum of artifacts
and a certain uncomfortable feeling that left me confused. As usual, I turned
to Srila Prabhupada to find out his reaction. I always liked to hear his opinion
of things that we saw as it gave me a correct window to view things through.
His view was always clear and precise. Srila Prabhupada was clearly
unimpressed. He sat flatly: "Why they are making so much importance over
the healing of the body. This is not very important. More important is the
soul. His real work should have been how to heal the soul. Our work is to heal
the soul from its forgetfulness of Krsna. This is the important work". He shook
his head as if it was all a frivolous folly as we left from that wax museum.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for penetrating my confusion. You always got
to the heart of things; you cut through to the truth and let everyone know it,
even if they didn't like to hear it. Others may be impressed by material
accomplishments but you were impressed only by Krsna-accomplishments -

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how much we remember and serve Krsna. Please, Srila Prabhupada protect me
from the distractions of life in this world and the confusions that arise and
help me always remember what is important and what is not important, what
is to be done and what is not to be done, and guide me on my pathway to
Krsna. Thank you, Srila Prabhupada.

Story # 27 - Sex is sex

One day in Montreal, during afternoon guest hours a young devotee from
the temple asked me for an appointment to see Srila Prabhupada. I agreed and
told her to come in the late afternoon, as it was his custom to visit with guests
and devotees after his afternoon nap. This girl was an artist, her name was
Madhavi Lata and she had come from New York. She was now living at the
Montreal temple and I assumed she wanted to discuss her paintings with Srila
Prabhupada and ask questions about them, as did Jadurani and the other
artists from time to time. However, her intention was different. When she
came, she began to explain her problem to Srila Prabhupada, and Srila
Prabhupada having difficulty understanding her, called me into the room. I
was working in the kitchen nearby and heard his call: "Govind Dasi!" He
always pronounced my name with 4 syllables: Govind Dasi, other than
Govinda Dasi. I rushed in and made obeisances and he told me to bring
prasadam. Then he motioned for me to sit down and listen to the discussion.
Madhavi Lata was explaining to Srila Prabhupada that as a brahmacarini at
the temple she was having difficulty being around all the other girls as they
were often dressing and sometimes wearing only slips and cholis while putting
on their saris. She tried to explain to Srila Prabhupada that this was a great
agitation for her and she needed a different living situation. She was very

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upset and didn't know what to do. Srila Prabhupada was having difficulty
understanding her problem. Srila Prabhupada was encouraging her to chant
Hare Krsna, read his books and do her wonderful art work. He inspired her
and preached to her and talked to her about Krsna and the temporary
existence in the material world. I sat quietly listening to the conversation
nearby and observing that he was giving her the highest instruction that was
applicable in every case. However, there was clearly a lapse in communication.
Eventually, the girl graciously respected prasadam and left. Then I sat down in
front of Srila Prabhupada's desk and he asked me: "What is her problem?" I
groped for words, trying to find a way to express it and finally said: "Srila
Prabhupada, in this country there are some women who are attracted to other
women sexually, not to men. So she is having this problem living with the
other girls and doesn't know what to do about it". Srila Prabhupada's eyes grew
large and round and he said: "Oh". He saw the whole thing immediately. Then
he said in a very surprised tone: "In India there are some such low-class men
but not women, never women". His face was full of surprise. I said: "Yes, Srila
Prabhupada, in the West there are such women also". Then he leaned back
and wagged his head side-to-side, Indian fashion in a very amused and almost
amazed look. "Just see, this sex life. Men to men, women to women. Men to
women. Sex life is the bondage. It is all bondage. But, he opened his eyes wide:
the sex life between man and woman can be sanctified by marriage. That is
the difference. Krsna says in the Gita that I am the sex life within marriage.
So within marriage it can be used for having nice Krsna conscious children
but not like this. This is very low class". Srila Prabhupada you clearly cut
through the illusion of homosexuality, simply and concisely. Never mind
arguments one way or another. You saw it simply as another form of bondage,
one that cannot be sanctified by God or purified within the marriage
institution of God. Nowadays, Western society has begun to aggressively
promote homosexuality but their promotion cannot change the truth. It is
simply another form of bondage in the material world, forcing the soul to take
birth after birth of endless suffering. Unlike us, Srila Prabhupada you never

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became swayed by personal likes or dislikes, preferences or passions. You cut
through our illusions with the swift and sure knife of knowledge and
irrefutable truth. Then you stitched the wound with your divine love and
instruction: chant Hare Krsna and be happy.
Thank you. Your opinion, Srila Prabhupada is as valid today and
unchanged by time as it was in 1968. All these various modern trends of
society you once commented to me, that nothing is new, they are all old, these
things have been done again and again and Krsna knows them all. He spoke
about them and he deals with each on in the Gita. Thank you, Srila
Prabhupada, for being above everything and being able to teach us so that we
also can see things from the window of spiritual realization. Thank you, Srila
Prabhupada.

Story # 28 - Just going to the bank

One day, in Montreal in the summer of 1968 I went into Srila Prabhupada's
room and he wasn't there. Needless to say this was very unusual. I checked he
wasn't in any other part of the apartment and it was early afternoon, so I
became completely complexed because it wasn't his habit to get up and leave
or go anywhere. I went running out into the street to see where he had gone
but I didn't see him anywhere. I was becoming very concerned, so I ran down
to the corner to see if I could see him in any direction and there he was,
perhaps a block or so down the street, he had already turned the corner and he
was walking somewhere, alone. So I went running down the street and caught
up with him. As I was very shocked and I was trying to find out where he was
going, what was going on, why he had gotten up and left the house. When I
caught up with him I was out of breath and laughed when he saw me, and I

54
asked him: "Where are you going? What's going on? Why have you left?" He
smiled and chuckled and said: "Oh, I am just going to the bank. It is all right. I
will be all right". I asked him: "Srila Prabhupada, do you want to go alone?
Shall I get Gaurasundara to go with you? Will you be OK?" He said: "Yes, yes, I
will be all right, I will go alone". So I let him proceed and go alone and I went
back to the house. He was not in the habit of going to places alone, especially
at that time. This was after all after his stroke. So he would take rest and we
would take care of all of his errands for him. Generally he would have
Gaurasundara do the banking and of course we took care of grocery shopping
and everything. The only time he went out was for some excursion or his
morning walk or to the temple in the evenings, so I was a little perplexed by
this but perhaps he felt that he wanted to take a walk out that day. I do have
one photograph of him as he is coming out of the bank in Montreal.
Gaurasundara took of him that day since he didn't usually go to the bank by
himself. Gaurasundara found him there and walked with him back to our
house.
Thank you, Srila Prabhupada for giving us the opportunity to care for you.
Although you didn't really need us at all, certainly we thought that you did
and therefore our full focus was on serving you, taking care of you and
protecting you, watching out for your health, and watching out for any
problem that might erase or for any errands that you needed to have done.
Thank you for giving us that opportunity. We know that you can actually do
everything yourself but by Krsna's grace for our benefit you allowed us to be
engaged in your service. Thank you.

Story # 29 - Medicine

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 Since Srila Prabhupada's stroke the previous year he always regularly took
Ayurvedic medicine. He brought with him a supply of medicine when he
returned from Vrindavana and then Acyutananda who was still in India
would regularly send medicine to him as well as some particular nuts from
India called parayalyche (?) These nuts had to be grounded to powder and
they were as hard as bricks and they had to be mixed with his medicine. So
Gaurasundara would sit regularly with mortar and pestle and grind these nuts
into powder; then 3 mornings a week Gaurasundara would grind Srila
Prabhupada's medicine along with the nuts. It consisted of all these little herbs
and Prabhupada also mentioned there was gold in his medicine. It was a time
consuming task - the grinding of these little brick-like nuts which
Gaurasundara did regularly, and Srila Prabhupada often said this Ayurvedic
medicine was helping him, and because Gaurasundara and I were taking care
of Srila Prabhupada, giving him medicine, trying to take care of all his needs
and running errands we naturally were a bit over-protective. Sometimes in my
overprotective mood I would mother him a bit and he would say jokingly to
me: "Physician heal thyself" since I was always sickly. "You first heal yourself",
he would quip in a loving fatherly fashion but the big problem came when he
would stay up late with guests preaching. Srila Prabhupada loved to preach
and if someone wanted to hear about Krsna he would continue on and on,
often late into the night. But then, unknown to that person who had stayed
late, the next day Srila Prabhupada would feel headachy and ill and tell me:
"Oh, Govinda dasi, I should take rest earlier. I should not over-exert like this".
So I would be distressed to see him feeling ill and then try to curtail his late
evening programs. Yet, when I would try to remind him or whisper to the
devotees: "Its night, it's late, come on out now", he would usually insist on
continuing. So in that sense it was a difficult job to try to remind him not to
over-exert but to also be the one who was the party pooper or the bouncer.
Perhaps that was the most difficult job for me in my life with Srila Prabhupada
in the year and a few months that we spent with him. Yet I am still grateful for
that service to Srila Prabhupada and I thank him to this day. Thank you, Srila

56
Prabhupada for giving me the opportunity to mother you, take care of you and
give you your medicine.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be your bouncer even though a
lot of devotees were very offended and I humbly request that any devotees
who felt offended will please forgive me for I was only trying to do my job of
keeping our spiritual master well so that he could do his work. Thank you,
Srila Prabhupada for your grace on me, thank you for coming and thank you
for coming back after your illness and tolerating so much inconvenience to
preach in the Western world, even not being able to get your parayaliche
(barayalyche??) nuts from India which was always an ongoing problem. Thank
you, Srila Prabhupada.

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