October 14, 1977 : Vrindavan
Today begins the scientific conference, the Bhaktivedanta Institute's "Life Comes from Life." Srila Prabhupada is very interested in it. He wants to see them conduct it all over the world.
Vyapaka: The year was 1977, we quickly learned the news that Srila Prabhupada's health had taken a turn for the worse and that he had come to Vrindavan to spend his last days. To say the least, the devotees were in shock at the thought of losing Srila Prabhupada's association and guidance. Since the Christmas marathon was quickly approaching, my temple president asked me to return to Montreal. Seeing it was time to leave Vrindavan and not knowing if this could be the last opportunity to see Srila Prabhupada, on the last day of my stay, I summoned the courage and attempted to get into Srila Prabhupada's rooms.
As I entered Srila Prabhupada's bedroom the mood was very somber. Srila Prabhupada's body had been reduced to skin and bones. To see him in such a condition was a shock. As we sat there chanting for our beloved spiritual master, he suddenly began to speak. His servants instantly appeared from another room to see what Srila Prabhupada required and to tape his every word. He summoned the disciple in charge of arranging the first "Life Comes from Life" conference which was currently being organized in Vrindavan. Srila Prabhupada began inquiring about the lodging of the scientists and wanted to ensure that the guests would be comfortable and properly taken care of.
Watching this lila of the pure devotee left me in total awe and reverence of His Divine Grace. Here I was sitting there worrying about Srila Prabhupada's physical condition and the pain he must be suffering. On the contrary, Srila Prabhupada was there meditating on his service of smashing impersonalism and atheism throughout the world. So sitting watching Srila Prabhupada worry about his guests' accommodations became the most moving moment of my life. Pure devotion in action. This simple act provided me a glimpse of the stark difference between the consciousness of a neophyte bhakta and a bonafide spiritual master.
Vyapaka: The year was 1977, we quickly learned the news that Srila Prabhupada's health had taken a turn for the worse and that he had come to Vrindavan to spend his last days. To say the least, the devotees were in shock at the thought of losing Srila Prabhupada's association and guidance. Since the Christmas marathon was quickly approaching, my temple president asked me to return to Montreal. Seeing it was time to leave Vrindavan and not knowing if this could be the last opportunity to see Srila Prabhupada, on the last day of my stay, I summoned the courage and attempted to get into Srila Prabhupada's rooms.
As I entered Srila Prabhupada's bedroom the mood was very somber. Srila Prabhupada's body had been reduced to skin and bones. To see him in such a condition was a shock. As we sat there chanting for our beloved spiritual master, he suddenly began to speak. His servants instantly appeared from another room to see what Srila Prabhupada required and to tape his every word. He summoned the disciple in charge of arranging the first "Life Comes from Life" conference which was currently being organized in Vrindavan. Srila Prabhupada began inquiring about the lodging of the scientists and wanted to ensure that the guests would be comfortable and properly taken care of.
Watching this lila of the pure devotee left me in total awe and reverence of His Divine Grace. Here I was sitting there worrying about Srila Prabhupada's physical condition and the pain he must be suffering. On the contrary, Srila Prabhupada was there meditating on his service of smashing impersonalism and atheism throughout the world. So sitting watching Srila Prabhupada worry about his guests' accommodations became the most moving moment of my life. Pure devotion in action. This simple act provided me a glimpse of the stark difference between the consciousness of a neophyte bhakta and a bonafide spiritual master.
Reference: ISKCON in 1970's & Memories of Srila Prabhupada Collection - Submissions via Facebook
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