In times where so many face disillusion and disappointment, a lecture from Srila Prabhupada from 2nd of August 1970, given in Los Angeles, may be a constant source of inspiration.
It was given on a day where Srila Prabhupada announced to His disciples that he is leaving them, heading for India to recuperate. This lecture is very intimate, the atmosphere,even via audio recording, can be felt as to be very tense and grave. I heard many were crying as Srila Prabhupada spoke.
As He Himself realistically ascertains, His return is not guaranteed. As matter of fact Srila Prabhupada many times mentioned that “I am an old man and can die any time, but Krsna Consciousness must go on”. Speaking at least for my part, in the ISKCON I served at that time nobody believed what He said. Somehow we thought Srila Prabhupada will always stay with us regardless His age. His departure was simply impossible.
When He left the world was never the same.
In times one feels the closeness of death one tends to be essential. After all, the time is short. Srila Prabhupada was always essential in His speech, not wasting time with many things He could have commented on. After all, He was experienced in so many fields of knowledge.
And so this lecture is indeed short and most essential. Srila Prabhupada, intensely wishing that His disciples don’t fail to carry on His mission, is bringing up six points, a formula how to stay enthusiastic and never allow the discouragement forced upon us daily to prevail. Certainly, each single one of these points could serve as a theme for whole series of lectures, so deep they are.
1/ one has to be patient and enthusiastic
2/ one has to be firmly convinced
3/ one has to follow the rules and regulations
4/ ones dealings with others have to be very straight forward, no diplomacy, no politics, no duplicity,(these items are specially mentioned by Srila Prabhupada).
5/ no dishonest dealings, legitimate ways to earn ones livelihood,
6/ one has to keep association of devotees.
As known from history of ISKCON, as soon Srila Prabhupada left havoc arrived in form of Him being misrepresented by some of His prominent followers.(With good intentions one has to say. From today’s point of view their “deviation” was rather minor as today the most obnoxious mayavada inspired doctrines are boldly advertised as parts of Krsna Consciousness.)
Nevertheless, upon returning Srila Prabhupada was furious and simultaneously very sad that He got so easily dismissed by those He trusted. And so those who dare today to make Srila Prabhupada to something He was not, up to the point to make His teachings relative, can be only blessed by their own destruction. Hopefully they might be exposed by the dint of material energy soon so the innocent ones may serve undisturbed Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet.
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