“If this person speaks just one word different from what I am speaking, there will be great confusion among you.”

— SRILA PRABHUPADA
     Regarding Gaudia Math Swamis

“My spiritual master was no ordinary spiritual master.”

— SRILA PRABHUPADA
     Speaking to Mukunda

As quoted in the Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta, Volume Three, “Only He could lead them”, Chapter: Swamiji’s Departure, p. 162 and 163:

Most of the devotees had to remain in San Francisco, hoping for a chance to visit Swamiji. From the few who knew firsthand, they heard about Swamiji’s plans to leave for India, perhaps never to return. It was painful to hear. His going almost to death but then returning by Krishna’s grace and rejoining them in San Francisco, yet being unable to stay with them as before, and now his plans of going to India, maybe forever- these activities intensified their concern and love for him. Devotees worried, speculating on whether they could carryon without Swamiji. One devotee suggested that perhaps one of Swamiji’s God- brothers should come to America and fill in for Swamiji and, if the worst happened, take over the leadership of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. When the suggestion reached Prabhupada, he considered it without immediately replying.

Godbrothers to come and take care of his disciples. He said, “If this person speaks just one word different from what I am speaking, there will be great confusion among you.” Actually, he said, the idea was an insult to the spiritual master.

Mukunda: I was sitting alone with Swamiji in his room, and he was very grave and silent. His eyes were closed. Then, suddenly, tears began flowing from his eyes. And he said in a choked voice, “My spiritual master was no ordinary spiritual master. “ Then he paused for some time, and wiping the tears from his cheeks, he said in an even more choked voice, “He saved me. “ At that point I began to understand the meaning of “spiritual master” and dropped all consideration of ever replacing Swamiji. After two days Prabhupada said he would not call any of his Godbrothers to take care of his disciples. He said: “If this person speaks just one word different from what I am speaking, there will be a great confusion among you.” Actually, he said, the idea was an insult to the spiritual master.

© CHAKRA 05-Sep-1999

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