42
Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  So better not to teach—because you do not know what to teach.
BOB:  [ Laughs. ] I'll be going—I don't like this teaching so much, and I'll be returning to America in May, but while I'm here, this is my agreement for staying in India.
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  If you are serious, you can keep yourself pure anywhere. It doesn't matter whether you stay in America or India. But you must know how to keep yourself purified. That's all.
BOB:  You mean by following these principles?
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Yes. I went to America, for instance, but either in America or India, I am the same man.
BOB:  I—I have tried somewhat to follow since I met you the first time [a brief visit in Calcutta during November, 1971].
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Hm-m. But follow—you must  strictly  follow if you are serious.
BOB:  Maybe—OK, maybe—what I say now is—well—the most foolish of all I've said. But let me tell you how I feel.
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  No, no, not foolish. I don't say foolish—but imperfect.
BOB:  OK. [ He laughs. ] Imperfect. But let me tell you. I feel that right now I admire and respect your devotees, but I don't feel as if I am part of them, or even that I have a great desire to be part of them. I feel that I just want—I want to do what is right, come closer to God, and if—and if I just go to a better life next time—I'd be satisfied.
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Very good.
BOB:  I guess it's material clinging, but . . .
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  So, you just follow in their footsteps, and your desire will be fulfilled. We are training them how to become purified and happy. That is our mission. We