As different devotees from Europe came and gave a report on their services, Srila Prabhupada profusely thanked them. One morning Srila Prabhupada sat on his bed and simply stared at the Rath yatra pictures of London, and tears swelled in his eyes. It was time for his usual massage but Srila Prabhupada declined the massage and continued to see the photos for the next two hours, as if in a trance like situation.
Later, despite being aware of his fragile condition, he explored the possibility of going to America. Devotees were bewildered by this decision; how could he travel so much in this condition. In an emotion choked voice, Srila Prabhupada said, “America has given me so much. When I had nothing, America gave me men, money and encouragement to spread Krishna’s message. I feel grateful and obliged. I want to make Americans happy and therefore wish to go there and preach whatever I can.”
Later his health further deteriorated and he had to rush back to Vrindavan- his eternal home. Yet, his desire to serve and reciprocate with all showed the substance that Krishna’s pure devotee is made of. While leaving the Manor, Srila Prabhupada said he is offering prayers to Radha Gokulananda that they engage him in the service of Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari (the deities of Mumbai ISKCON). When Srila Prabhupada returned to Mumbai from London, Giriraj Swami apologized about the construction noise in the temple premises. Srila Prabhupada instantly dismissed it, saying the sound of the chisels, hammer and machines was music to him, because it reminded him that the palace for Krishna was getting ready. In that critical condition, his happiness lay only in Krishna’s pleasure.
Srila Prabhupada loved Vrindavan and during Kartik, devotees remember the beautiful Krishna of Vrindavan performing charming pastimes. Yet, the greatest ambassador of Krishna consciousness, the one who never forgot Krishna even for a moment, showed that Vrindavan mood is not in simply visiting the place Vrindavan but carrying the mood of love and gratitude wherever you are. And wherever this mood exists, Vrindavan and Krishna are right there. Therefore, during the month of Kartik, let’s focus on the right mood that would please Krishna.
