Being the Focus of Prabhupada’s Attention

I like looking at old photos of Srila Prabhupada at 26 Second Avenue.  I have one where Prabhupada is talking.  Srila Prabhupada had such unique facial expressions.  I can’t really describe them.  Sometimes when he was observing or listening to someone else, he would let his mouth fall open a bit.  It seemed to aid his concentration on the other person.

He often seemed simultaneously amused and absorbed in what was going on.  His powers of concentration were so great that we could feel his intelligence penetrating into the situation.  What mercy to be scrutinized by him, even if it meant he saw your faults.  Prabhupada used to playfully tease one devotee for not shaving his head and maintaining “Shakespearean locks.”  Gargamuni was a loyal follower, raising money for the temple by buying loose incense, packaging it, and selling it in the “head shops” and at the temple.  For his ability to raise money, Srila Prabhupada wittily nicknamed him “Gargamoney.”