Time carries memory. Location carries energy.
I wandered over to Boston’s Commonwealth Pier, where Srila Prabhupada first set foot on American soil, exactly sixty years ago. Inhabiting that space, I remembered his journey, drawing the energy, allowing myself to be challenged. Comfort or aspiration? Peace or progress? Control or surrender? Giving in or breaking out? What will my life be defined by? At age twelve, Prabhupada climbed the bamboo scaffolding, 300 feet to the top of the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. When devotees praised his courage, he replied: “I was brave then, and I’m still brave – otherwise how could I have come to your country at 70 years old?”
Dear Srila Prabhupada, when family life obstructed your spiritual calling, you walked away and became a lone mendicant in Vrindavana… a journey into the unknown. When repeated dreams came, urging you towards sannyasa, though horrifying and daunting, you accepted with grace… a journey into the unknown. When doors opened to the Western world, others trembled with doubt, but you heard the call… a journey into the unknown. When Butler, with its gentle American charm, no longer served your missionary purpose, you turned to the urban wilds of hedonism, the Big Apple… a journey into the unknown. When Misra’s Uptown apartment proved fruitless, you descended to the Lower East Side, the skid row, lowest of the low… a journey into the unknown.
O Prabhupada, grace me with one drop of your fearlessness! Help me rise above the crippling anxiety of embarrassment or failure. Immunise me against the disease of conformity, which confines us within the boundaries of safety and sameness. Rescue me from the trenches of mechanical practice and the dull ache of mediocrity. Open my heart so I can absorb the inspiration of the Vaishnavas and make their words my North Star. Bless me to embody your spirit and marry the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Insignificant as I am, I’ll try to step up into the unknown… eagerly anticipating the prospect of meeting you on the other side.
Thank you Maharaj.
I find the questions you pose here to be powerful catalysts, they inspire me to push through and not succumb to fear when it grips so tightly. And your prayer to Srila Prabhupada deeply sincere....something we can also aspire to pray for.
May Srila Prabhupada always be with you and all of us, guiding us and leading us back to his lotus feet. May we all imbibe Srila Prabhupadas unwavering faith and strength.
“On the streets of Boston, Prabhupāda was aware of the power of ignorance and passion that dominated the city; but he had faith in the transcendental process. He was tiny, but God was infinite, and God was Kṛṣṇa, his dear friend.”