Prabhupada laughed about his own approach to Western civilization
Today is Rama-navami, the appearance day of Lord Ramacandra, and everyone fasted until 4:00 p.m.
Prabhupada walked through a nearby forest for his daily exercise. We drove out along Chattikara road a couple of miles and when he saw the wooded area he decided to get out. As we walked, he noticed a newly constructed road and enquired why it was there. I suggested that there might be a village on the other side of the woods. But Prabhupada said that, no, the government would not build such a nice road simply for villagers. He concluded they were planning some industrial development and criticized them for following the West, leading India away from its spiritual goals.
Prabhupada laughed about his own approach to Western civilization, which he described as ajagara-vritti. The python allows the mouse to dig a hole, then he eats the mouse and moves in. The Americans have worked hard to build their cities, Prabhupada said, and he is now going there, taking their money, and bringing it back to India.
Another approach, he said, is madhukara-vritti, the way of the bee, which flits from flower to flower collecting a little here and a little there. But because the bee stocks its honey, there is the danger of its being taken away. For this reason he said that we should follow this policy: spend all funds on book publication or temple construction, and not keep any money in the bank.
Reference: Transcendental Diary Volume 1 by Hari Sauri Dasa
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