42 Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers

SRILA PRABHUPADA: 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.
SRILA PRABHUPADA: If you are serious, you can keep your-
self 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?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: 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].

SRILA PRABHUPADA: 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.
SRILA PRABHUPADA: 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 1 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.

SRILA PRABHUPADA: Very good.

BOB: I guess it’s material clinging, but . . .

SRILA PRABHUPADA: 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
