Dayananda das Remembers Srila Prabhupada
Dayananda: At that time I was living with someone, and after we saw the wedding ceremony of Subal and Krishna devi, we decided that we wanted to join the community. I thought there must be some formality for joining, so I went to the devotees and said, “We would like to go and speak to Swamiji. What should we do?” They said, “Oh just go up, he is on the 5th floor.” I said, “But is there some formality? Should I make an application?” “No, no,” I was told. “Ranchor, Swamiji’s servant, will answer the door, and you tell him that you want see Swamiji.” I said, “That’s all I have to do?” He said, “Yeah. Go ahead.”
So we went up, and sure enough, Ranchor answered the door. We said, “We would like to see Swamiji.” He said, “Yes, come in.” I was shocked. I thought, “There must be more.” We walked in, and although we knew better, Prabhupada had to tell us, “Please take your shoes off.” We ran back to the door, took our shoes off, then came back and sat down. Prabhupada said, “Yes, you want something?” I said, “Swamiji, we would like to join your community and be married.” Prabhupada said, “First you have to be initiated.” I said, “Oh, yes, I want to be initiated.” I had an idea that this was the procedure. I had been attending the classes regularly, and he said, “You like our philosophy?” I said, “Yes!” He said, “Do you have a job?” Many people were coming who weren’t working, but I had a job, so I said, “Yes, Swamiji,” and I explained that I did electrical lineman work. I said, “I climb those electrical poles.” Prabhupada said, “Very good,” and he agreed to our proposal. Some devotees say that the philosophy or the prasadam or this or that attracted them, but my decision to join Krishna consciousness was because I wanted to be part of Swamiji’s group. I wanted to be part of his Society, his family. |
To view the entire unedited video go to Memories 15 - The 1996 NYC and LA Reunions
The full Prabhupada Memories Series can be viewed here and also at www.prabhupadamemories.com