The Perfect Devotee
51
daivī hy eṣā guṇamayī mama māyā duratyayā mām eva ye prapadyante māyām etāṁ taranti te
[“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.”]  Māyā  is imposing so many difficulties, but as soon as you surrender to Kṛṣṇa, no more imposition.
ŚYĀMASUNDARA:  We were so foolish that we were always thinking, “In the future I’ll be happy.”
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Yes, that is  māyā , illusion. That is like the ass. You sit down on the back of the ass and just take a morsel of grass. The ass is thinking, “Let me go forward a little, and I shall get the grass.” [ Bob laughs. ] But it is always one foot distant. That is ass-ism. [ They all laugh. ] Everyone is thinking, “Let me go a little forward, and I’ll get it. I’ll be very happy.”
BOB:  I . . . I thank you so much for . . .
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Hmm?
BOB:  Tomorrow I’ll have to leave you and—
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Don’t talk  l-e-a-v-e , but talk  l-i-v-e .
BOB:  I cannot yet, but I was thinking now of returning tomorrow to my town. But . . .
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Don’t return.
BOB:  I should stay here tomorrow—here?
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Stay here.
BOB:  You tell me to, I’ll stay.
ŚRĪLA PRABHUPĀDA:  Yes, you are a very good boy. [ There is a long pause. It is now much quieter. ] It is very simple. When