How A Bitter Karela Tastes Sweeter Than Sugar

Gurudas Dasa: We were on a train heading for Bombay. You had just finished your lunch, brought to us from the second class compartment by Yamuna and Kausaliya. They were like schoolgirls in your presence. They brought a plate for me as well. I was waiting on you while you ate but you motioned for me to join you  - the ultimate affirmation of being in the same family.

However, the highlight of the lunch with you was when you threw prasadam you had bitten across the compartment on my plate. First, half a pakora, then a piece of apple you had eaten like the parrots Suki and Duki of Vrindavan, making it sweeter. Then a piece of karela from your shukta. Maha maha maha prasadam. I was ecstatic inside, but controlled myself quietly for you, Prabhupada.