Swimming Alone at Juhu Beach
Srutakirti: During this tour of India with Srila Prabhupada, Paramahamsa Swami was his secretary and Nitai Dasa was his Sanskrit editor. We got along well together. The three of us were part of the second wave of devotees who joined the temple around 1971. While staying at Juhu, Pallika dasi prepared Srila Prabhupada's lunch. So after completion of His Divine Grace's massage, Paramahamsa, Nitai, and I, went to the beach about a block away to swim and sunbathe.
We returned before Srila Prabhupada rose from his afternoon nap, in case he needed any of us. After a few days both of my godbrothers stopped going to the beach, because their service wasn't getting finished. However, I continued to go. Upon returning one day, Paramahamsa Swami came to me and said "Srila Prabhupada is really upset about you going to the beach by yourself. He said he wants to talk with you. He's very angry." I waited for Srila Prabhupada to finish his lunch. When he went back to his sitting room, I walked into his room and offered my obeisances. As I looked up at him, I noticed he had a contented look on his face. He didn't appear angry with me at all. "Srila Prabhupada, would you rather I didn't go to the beach after giving you massage?"
I blurted out, quite confused. "No," he nonchalantly replied. "It's all right. You are going by yourself?" 'Yes,' I said. 'It started with the three of us going swimming, but now I am the only one.' "That's all right," he said. "It's nice to go to the beach a little, get some sun, and go in the water. You can go." 'Thank you, Srila Prabhupada,' I said with relief.
I offered my obeisances, and left his room. Immediately I approached Paramahamsa Swami. Still gloating, I told him of my conversation with my loving spiritual master. Shaking his head he reconfirmed the original story. A situation like that was not unusual. I am sure that Srila Prabhupada complained about my being at the beach. What was endearing was how tolerant he was when I appeared before him with my inquiry. He was able to sense my attachment, and allowed me to make my own decision. I happily stopped going to the beach, because he didn't force me.
Srila Prabhupada, you are so expert. You often said, "You boys and girls are voluntarily performing service. I cannot force you to do something." You always treated me with respect which often resulted in my own embarrassment. Due to your humility I was overwhelmed with the desire to do anything you asked. Mercifully, your only desire was for me to "Chant Hare Krishna and be happy." When I remember you, Srila Prabhupada, those instructions become very easy to follow.
Srila Prabhupada, you are so expert. You often said, "You boys and girls are voluntarily performing service. I cannot force you to do something." You always treated me with respect which often resulted in my own embarrassment. Due to your humility I was overwhelmed with the desire to do anything you asked. Mercifully, your only desire was for me to "Chant Hare Krishna and be happy." When I remember you, Srila Prabhupada, those instructions become very easy to follow.
Reference: Srila Prabhupada Uvacha by Srtuakirti Dasa
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