Page 73 - Defending Prabhupada Words - By Harivlas Das

the Hovercraft even went to Calais. I impetuously replied,
“No, Srila Prabhupada, the Hovercraft only goes to
Boulogne, not to Calais.” He asked, “Are you sure.” I thought
quickly and replied, “Yes, Srila Prabhupada.” Again He
said, “Are you sure you will not go to Calais?” I said, “Yes.”
I excused myself and left. On my arrival at Dover that day
there was an announcement, due to rough seas and bad
weather conditions, the Hovercraft crossing to Boulogne
was cancelled. It was rescheduled to cross the channel to
Calais! I froze when I heard the announcement. I realized
that I had committed a grave mistake by insisting to Srila
Prabhupada that the Hovercraft never goes to Calais but
only to Boulogne. Further, I should never say “No” to Srila
Prabhupada or, in any way, doubt what he tells me. How
did Srila Prabhupada know I would go to Calais that day
instead of Boulogne? This was a very revealing experience
for me. Srila Prabhupada showed me how imperfect my
mind and perception functioned. At the same time, how
prophetic and clear He understood even mundane details
about the material world as Hovercraft routes. You might
think this was a coincidence. I, however, am convinced
this happened to show me how foolish it is to doubt the
Spiritual Master’s ability to know also mundane details.
Srila Prabhupada’s perfection in analyzing material matters
is no less perfect than His understanding of spiritual
knowledge. Any attempt to delineate a difference between
His writings on spiritual matters and his comments on

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09-02-2023 17:30:19
Defending Prabhupada Words inside.indd 72
Defending Prabhupada Words insid e.indd 72 09-02-2023 17:30:19