Special Treatment

Srila Gurudev says, “Devote, devotee, devotion. The word is very sweet because it is always giving, never taking.” This is so true! And not only that, but when we give the devotees just a little, they give us even more!

A few mornings ago, after I had finished breakfast prasadam, I noticed Jayadev Prabhu, Srila Gurudev’s driver, standing quietly in the corner of the room with his plate behind his back. I realized that he wanted to take breakfast, but as is typical of him, was too shy to ask one of the busy brahmacharis to serve him. So I approached him: “Prabhu, do you want to take breakfast? Come sit down, I will serve you.” I got him a mat and served him the simple breakfast: muri, milk and a little sugar. I also got him a couple of bananas, which are kept hidden in Mangal Maharaj’s room, reserved for Westerners, guests and the ‘in’ group of temple residents (I am always amazed by how everything which we take for granted in the West has so much value here!).

It was just a small, pretty insignificant act that anyone might do several times in a day, but ever since then, Jayadev Prabhu always keeps an eye out for me at prasadam time: he might point to a place for me to sit, make sure I have everything I want, or tell one of the brahmacharis to ask if I need anything else. Last night I was a little embarrassed when Gopal and Bipul both came ambling up to me with tiny smiles on their faces and asked if I wanted anything more. “I’m OK,” I replied. “Jayadev Prabhu told us to ask you,” they said laughing.

This morning, as I was finishing breakfast, he came and sat before me with a prized banana in his hand and solemnly, slowly, began peeling it. He then broke the soft flesh into two parts, extracted the black areas with his fingers, and then plopped the pieces into the bowl of milk that I was holding lifted between my hands. “You’re too kind to me!” I said, embarrassed. He just gave a barely perceptible smile, without looking at me, and walked away.

Comments

[divyasari devi dasi]

Dearest Damayanti,

You didn't just tell a nice story for your readers to print out and frame,you offered an very attractive glimpse into the good family mood of the devotees. Your story is life changing;a worshipable, sweet ideal.

Your affectionete well wisher and friend

Mata

[Shobhana Krishna Dasa (formerly California, now Utah)]

Dandavats, Didi,
I don't think we ever met. I found out about your blog from Sripad Akincan Maharaj. Its in my bookmarks and I drop in on occasion in search of something to elevate my consciousness. I just want to say that something about this post really touched me. I lived in our Dum Dum Park temple for most of my stay at the Math in 1998-1999, so Tirtha Maharaj, Bhakti Lalita Devi, Mangal Maharaj, Jitendriya Maharaj, and a few other *regulars* are like my family--I can never forget them and I am eternally endebted to them for their affection towards me while I stayed (and tried failingly to serve) there. But then there's Jaydev: no doubt I saw him almost everyday, but I can't think of one occasion when I ever talked with him. He really is so quiet and shy and is just THERE to do his service all of the time. So remarkable. And you--you are so fortunate to be there with Gurudeva, and among his otherworldly associates. So fortunate. Immeasurably fortunate.
Sincerely,
Shobhana Krishna Dasa

[Safia]

Hello Damayanti,

How are you? I hope you are fine. This was the only way i could get to you after i miserably failed at trying to get your attention.

I read your 'special treatment' extract, very interesting (no i'm not being sarcastic) just wanted to know a little bit about what you were doing after you silently fled England without a word about not coming back, dare i say i miss you.

On a personal note, met your mom and your sister at the laundramas, obviously asked about you, i'm happy to hear you are okay and that i would like you to get in touch with me as soon as possible.

I know this message has got nothing to do with 'special treatment' but those of you who are reading it, i am Damayanti's friend Safia. I hope you all have a great day and carry on devoting your life to whatever you believe in. Bye

Safia

[sofia]

Hello! I never realised how brilliantly you write! It seems that you are happy; which is great to know. I really enjoyed that story. Safia gave me the address of this site, otherwise I would have never known about it! I emailed you but it is obvious how busy you are. I do miss you though! I would really like to see you again - one day. I hope we have the opportunity. I hope that you will read this. Love from your mate Sofia. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Michael]

Thank you give me this story. I want know more about it.