The Process of Memory

Memories slow down and fade, just as the physical body slows down with old age. Aging, though, can be checked so that it does not deteriorate so quickly. If you begin an exercise program and improve your diet, you may feel rejuvenated. Similarly, memories do not have to wither and die if you exercise them. As a singer grows older, he or she loses the wonderful timbre and range of the peak years, but sometimes a singer develops a personal phrasing that substitutes for lack of power. These artists go right on to the very end making poignant expressions. In this way, our memories of Prabhupada may continue as long as we live. As we serve, we get fresh realizations.

We want to go back without obstruction to whatever memory is there and accept it. We want to go back and ask, “Memories of Prabhupada, please come forward.” When the memories come forward, we meet them halfway.

When events in the world push us to take shelter of Prabhupada, then we can remember him best. Humility and gratitude help us here. In the "Нектаре преданности", we read that remembrance of Krsna may be invoked by hearing someone play a flute, or just by seeing a darkish cloud. These impetuses help us to remember Krsna and become flooded with krsna-prema. It works like that with Srila Prabhupada also.

Haiku poets speak of serendipity, the good luck or susceptibility to receive special moments. They say that you cannot voraciously devour special moments; you must go on with life and simply notice and honor the moments when they come of their own accord. I must be ready at any time to notice when I am visited by a Prabhupada remembrance. Thank you, Srila Prabhupada, and thank You, Lord Krsna, for allowing me to remember you both.