the cigarette

Under Srila Prabhupada's guidance, Syamasundara takes up the service of carving Jagannath Deities in his apartment. He has not yet given up smoking and occasionally lights up while he works. When Prabhupada comes in to inspect the work one day, he notices the cigarette pack on top of Lord Jagannath. He compliments Syamasundara on how nicely the work is coming along without making a comment about the cigarettes. After a brief visit, Malati escorts him to the door. Prabhupada motions to the cigarette pack and quietly mentions, "Such a small thing that is separating us from Krsna."


- From the "Radha-Damodara Vilasa" by HG Vaiyasaki dasa