Tirtharthi das Remembers Srila Prabhupada
Prabhupada Memories
Interview 01
Tirtharti: I was really hankering for Srila Prabhupada’s personal association. I was desperate. It seemed that so many devotees were getting his personal association and that I was a nobody, a new devotee. Somehow I conned my way into a morning walk on Venice Beach. I was nervous and scared. I was walking on Srila Prabhupada’s right, and he was talking about the waves and the ocean. One wave came up high and almost touched Srila Prabhupada’s feet. I jumped up on the embankment and Prabhupada saw that the wave was going to wet his feet. He put his hand out to me and I helped him up the embankment. That was it for me. I actually touched Prabhupada and helped him up the embankment. But I started to feel my oats. I started getting puffed up, and I thought, “I’m going to ask him a question. I am actually going to come right out and ask him a question.” My heart’s desire was to get Srila Prabhupada’s recognition, not his answer to my question. I can’t remember the exact question, but I asked something about Tulasi devi. Srila Prabhupada turned to me and said, “Why are you asking me this question?” I stuttered and said, “Well I am worshiping Tulasi devi, Srila Prabhupada . . .” He repeated, “Why are you asking me this question?” I lost it that time. I shut up and turned every color of the rainbow. Then he answered my question. In all his mercy, Prabhupada answered my question.
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To view the entire unedited video go to Memories 10 - 1995 Prabhupada Festival
The full Prabhupada Memories Series can be viewed here and also at www.prabhupadamemories.com