The Perfect Devotee 51

daivi hy es@ gunamayi
mama maya duratyaya

mam eva ye prapadyante
maydm etam 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.’]
Mayé is imposing so many difficulties, but as soon as you
surrender to Krsna, no more imposition.
SyYAMASUNDARA: We were so foolish that we were always
thinking, “In the future I'll be happy.”

SRILA PRABHUPADA: Yes, that is may, 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 yousomuch for. . .

SRILA PRABHUPADA: Hmm?

BOB: Tomorrow I'll have to leave you and—

SRILA PRABHUPADA: Don’t talk [-e-a-v-e, but talk /-i-v-e.
BOB: I cannot yet, but I was thinking now of returning
tomorrow to my town. But...

SRILA PRABHUPADA: Don’t return.

BOB: I should stay here tomorrow —here?

SRILA PRABHUPADA: Stay here.

BOB: You tell me to, I’ll stay.

SRILA PRABHUPADA: Yes, you are a very good boy. [There is
a long pause. It is now much quieter] It is very simple. When
