Bhusaya das Remembers Srila Prabhupada
Prabhupada Memories
Interview 01
Bhusaya: Ambarish and Govardhan took Srila Prabhupada to inspect the Fisher Mansion to see if it was suitable to purchase for our temple in Detroit. Prabhupada said it would be a perfect temple. He said, “Every room is worth the asking price.” As a matter of fact, he said, “Krishna has saved this for us.” Prabhupada met with the owner and the real estate agent by the swimming pool to discuss the details of the purchase agreement. Srila Prabhupada asked the owner to give us the property. He said, “We are poor mendicants and if you can give us…” Of course, the man wasn’t able to give it to us. He was asking $350,000. The mansion had been built in 1928 for $2,000,000, and it was considered one of the most beautiful mansions in the art-deco style in the United States. Then Prabhupada offered him $300,000 and the man replied, “Well, let me think about it.” After the real estate agent left, Prabhupada asked Ambarish, “So, is this possible?” Ambarish said, “Yes, Srila Prabhupada.” Then they went back to the Jefferson Street temple and Ambarish went right up to the brahmacarini ashram, knocked on the door, and asked, “Is Lekhasravanti here?” Lekhasravanti came to the door and Ambarish said, “Srila Prabhupada wants us to buy the temple. I can give half, if you can give half.” Immediately Lekhasravanti said, “Yes.” Recently, Gil Grohen, who sold the property to us, expressed in written word his reflections about Srila Prabhupada at the request of Bob Roberts, the long-time photographer in Detroit who recently passed away. The following letter is Gil’s response to Bob’s request: “Later Srila Prabhupada and I went to the patio area around the swimming pool and sat at one of the tables out there. This is where Prabhupada suggested in a good natured way that I donate the facility to ISKCON. I replied that I had many obligations and would like very much to be in a position to give him the place, but my obligations made this impossible. He smiled, and as I recall, we discussed my asking price. My impression of Prabhupada was that I was privileged to have met a man of great substance and wisdom. I was not aware of the full meaning of enlightenment at that time, but I now know that was the proper description of this amazing being. Prabhupada had a kind of electrifying presence and I could sense that I was with a great and wise human being.”
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To view the entire unedited video go to Memories 79 - 15 Devotees Share
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