May 10, 1975 : Perth
Srutakirti: Going on a morning walk with Srila Prabhupada was never dull. Sometimes His Divine Grace wouldn't say a word, chanting japa throughout the walk. This disappointed some disciples who did not often get such an opportunity. They sometimes asked a question, hoping that Srila Prabhupada would engage in a debate or conversation, but this was risky business. Srila Prabhupada was never subject to our whims. Sometimes he gave a short response to such questions and continued to walk in silence. This day, however, Srila Prabhupada was in a talkative, humorous mood.
"Is a devotee simple or crooked?" he asked smiling.
"He is simple, Srila Prabhupada," one disciple answered.
"Are you sure? Is he simple or crooked?" He again asked with a rascal-like gleam in his eye.
"Yes, a devotee is simple!" the disciple enthusiastically responded, not realizing he had fallen for a trick question.
Srila Prabhupada then sprang the unexpected punch line. "Actually, the devotee is crooked!" Everyone stood there with their mouths gaping. "Take me for example," Srila Prabhupada explained. "I came to your country and everyone was eating meat, taking intoxication, and doing so much nonsense. I tricked everyone. I've tricked all of you into becoming Krishna conscious. So, in that sense the devotee must be crooked, because he must be able to trick. Just like I have tricked everyone. No one wanted Krishna consciousness, but I have tricked you."
"Is a devotee simple or crooked?" he asked smiling.
"He is simple, Srila Prabhupada," one disciple answered.
"Are you sure? Is he simple or crooked?" He again asked with a rascal-like gleam in his eye.
"Yes, a devotee is simple!" the disciple enthusiastically responded, not realizing he had fallen for a trick question.
Srila Prabhupada then sprang the unexpected punch line. "Actually, the devotee is crooked!" Everyone stood there with their mouths gaping. "Take me for example," Srila Prabhupada explained. "I came to your country and everyone was eating meat, taking intoxication, and doing so much nonsense. I tricked everyone. I've tricked all of you into becoming Krishna conscious. So, in that sense the devotee must be crooked, because he must be able to trick. Just like I have tricked everyone. No one wanted Krishna consciousness, but I have tricked you."
Reference: What is the Difficulty? - Srutakirti Dasa
Recently Added
Trending Today