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August 26, 1970 : Tokyo

Bhurijana: Prabhupada was grave. He took his seat on the vyasasana. I began to offer arati to Prabhupada as Kirtanananda Swami, Madhudvisa Swami, Devananda Swami, Tamal Krishna, and the local Tokyo devotees performed kirtana.

Prabhupada stopped the arati. "Where is the pushpa?" he demanded. No one understood that Prabhupada was calling for flowers. Devananda Swami ran to the kitchen to prepare "pushpa rice," thinking that was what Prabhupada meant.

Prabhupada looked gravely at the devotees and called for Tamal Krishna. He slowly stepped up to the vyasasana. "Why you don't know how to perform the Vyasa-puja? Were you not there in Los Angeles when I performed it for my Guru Maharaja?"

"Yes, Prabhupada," replied Tamal Krishna.

"Then where are the flowers? Where is the offering of prasada? So many sannyasis are here. Why a junior man is performing the arati?" Prabhupada continued, "And why my picture is outside in the hall? It has been turned over as well. The poison has also spread to here!"

Tamal Krishna felt terrible and apologized to Prabhupada. He begged Prabhupada for a second chance and Prabhupada allowed us to try again the next day. Prabhupada then instructed Tamal Krishna on how to properly celebrate Vyasa-puja.

The following day (August 26), we observed Vyasa-puja according to Prabhupada's instructions. Kirtanananda Swami, the most senior sannyasi, offered the arati. We each offered flowers at Prabhupada's feet as he sat on the vyasasana and then read him our written homages. Finally, Prabhupada was offered a feast.



Reference: My Glorious Master - Bhurijana Dasa