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It amazed me.
I have been with Srila Prabhupada for one year. I have become accustomed to Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental rhythms. At times as I sat in my quarters I would hear the sweet sound of the harmonium coming from Srila Prabhupada’s room. I knew I could invite any devotees who happened to be nearby into Prabhupada’s room while His Divine Grace sang, but today no one else was around. So I went into his room and offered my humble obeisances. As I sat up I was filled with the nectar of Srila Prabhupada melodious bhajan.Everyone was put into ecstasy just by hearing him play the harmonium adding the sound of his voice softened my heart of stone. I sat there quietly listening to him, not moving. I didn’t want to create any distraction when he was in these moods.
It amazed me how he could have so many responsibilities but was always able to sit in his room and chant rounds, do bhajans and read his books.
After a minute He looked up from the harmonium and nodded to me. I knew that meant to get His karatals and accompany Him. He continued for some time.
When He was finished I said, “Srila Prabhupada, your kirtan and bhajans are always different from any others I have heard.” He started laughing and replied, “Yes, I have my own style of chanting.”
Of course Srila Prabhupada’s style was sometimes imitated but never duplicated. After all who could create an international society by chanting under a tree.
- From the Srila Prabhupada Uvaca by HG Srutakirti Dasa