Compilation of experiences of devotees feeling presence
of Srila Prabhupada despite his physical absence
Hare Krsna. All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
A compilation of devotees feeling the presence of Srila Prabhupada even in his physical absence is presented below, which proves that spiritual master is not a bodily concept unlike those who insult Srila Prabhupada saying he’s dead,etc.
Never think that I am absent from you. Physical presence is not essential; presence by message (or hearing) is real touch. Lord Krishna is present by His message which was delivered 5,000 years ago. We feel always the presence of our past Acharyas simply by their immutable instructions.
[Letter to Students written from Vrndavana, 2 August 1967]——————————————————————————————————-
If you try to follow my instruction you will feel that my body is in your presence always. I know that you all devotees of San Francisco are very much anxious to get me back there and I am also trying to go back there as soon as possible, in the meantime go on with your chanting and hearing and everything will be all right by the grace of Krishna. I hope this will find you all right.
[Letter to Ballabhi written from New York,May 05,1967]——————————————————————————————————-
“I also do not feel separation from my Guru Maharaja. When I am engaged in his service, his pictures give me sufficient strength. To serve master’s word is more important than to serve him physically.”
[Letter to Syamasundara written from Los Angeles, July 7, 1970]——————————————————————————————————-
TKG admits that all devotees feel presence of Srila Prabhupada through his booksSatsvarupa: He said that “There have been many commentaries on the Bhagavad-gita, including Ramanuja, Madhva and Sankara, and then,” he said, “Tilak and Gandhi, but of all of them the commentary by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is the greatest commentary.” Punjab University. Then he said later that “In this suffering mankind, God has sent His Holiness A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami.”
Tamala Krsna: He said greater than the other acaryas.
Satsvarupa: Yes. Greater than Ramanuja and Madhva.
Tamala Krsna: And he’s a big man.
Prabhupada: He is very big man. Respected. Very good scholar also. He goes outside for lecturing.
Tamala Krsna: Practically all the devotees feel your presence through these books.
Prabhupada: Yes.
Tamala Krsna: Their life is sustained with these books — these books and chanting and the Deity worship — sustaining all the devotees in the world and bringing new devotees. Everyone we ask who joins this movement, “Before you joined, did you get a book?” “Yes.” In every case I have seen that the first thing was the book.
Prabhupada: Hmm.[Conversation -Mayapur – February 15, 1977]——————————————————————————————————-
Prabhupāda: Of course, if I die, there is nothing to be ruined. You are all participants. So organize this farm project, simple living. Human life is meant for God realization. Try to help them. This is my . . .
Paramānanda: We’re always feeling your presence very strongly, Śrīla Prabhupāda, simply by your teachings and your instructions. We’re always meditating on your instructions.
Prabhupāda: Thank you. That is the real presence. Physical presence is not important.
[Conversation B – Vrndavana- October 6,1977]——————————————————————————————————-
Translator: She says she would like to help spiritually other people.
Prabhupāda: Yes. So first of all you realize yourself.
Translator: She says sometimes she calls you, and she can feel your presence, and she wants to know if you can feel her presence.
Prabhupāda: Yes, I’m ready to help—but spiritually.
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Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: She wrote you a letter, very feelingful letter.
Prabhupāda: Hmm, hmm. She is very attached.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: Want to hear the letter?
Prabhupāda: I’ll wait.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: All right.
Prabhupāda: Or you can read. No harm.
Tamāla Kṛṣṇa: She says, “Our most revered Guru Mahārāja, my crores of caraṇa and vandana at the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa and at the lotus feet of our revered Gurujī. When you were here we could not have your darśana due to your illness, and after that, you left Bombay and went to Vṛndāvana. We prayed to Lord Kṛṣṇa for your life, and our Lord Kṛṣṇa is so kind that He again heard our prayers, and now you are better. We are informed by the devotees that Guru Mahārāja is better. May Lord Kṛṣṇa give you a long life, happiness and good health and your stay with us for a few more years. We were in dark, and you have enlightened our life and taught us real religion. You shower your blessings on us. I always feel your presence near me always in the heart. We want you. Your life is very essential for us. Kindly, Guru Mahārāja, take care of your health. We believe in both prayer and medicines, so kindly do not neglect yourself. Your dream of Bombay ISKCON temple has come true. It is just like Kṛṣṇa’s palace in Dvārakā.” She says, “It is a top building, a jewel and . . . (indistinct) . . . Now I close my letter with my prayers for your good health. Your faithful devotee, Nirmala Singol.”
Prabhupāda: You reply that I am progressing little.[Conversation D – Vrndavana-July 01,1977]