A SOBERING DAY

Saturday, October 25th, 2025

Ramsden Park, Toronto

I walked a few blocks near Ramsden Park with Antariksha.  Actually, we were doing some apartment hunting for him to see what he could rent.  We observed the beautiful fall colours.  More soberly, today was the day of our guru’s passing – its anniversary.  On November 14^th, 1977, by the lunar calendar, Prabhupada left his body.  In honour of this occasion, and event was held.  I read an excerpt from Satsvarupa’s book, Lilamrita.

His departure was exemplary because his whole life was exemplary.  His departure marked the completion of a lifetime of pure devotional service to Krishna.  A few days before the end, Srila Prabhupada had said he was instructing as far as he could, and his secretary had added, “You are the inspiration.”

“Yes,” Srila Prabhupada had replied, “that I shall do until the last breathing.”

Prabhupada’s last breathing was glorious, not because of any last-minute mystical demonstrations, but because Srila Prabhupada remained in perfect Krishna consciousness. Like grandfather Bhismadeva, he remained completely collected and noble and grave, teaching until the end, Prabhupada remained exactly the same.  There was nothing suddenly incongruous with what he had previously shown and taught them.  At the time of his departure, therefore, he was teaching how to die by always depending on Krishna.  Prabhupada’s passing away was peaceful.  During the evening of November 14^th, the Kaviraj (doctor) asked him, “Is there anything you want?” and he replied faintly, “I have no desire.”

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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