Bustling crowds were gathered around us and my mind was exploding with excitement. I spontaneously fell to my knees and extended my hand to touch his feet. A thunderous voice shouted, “No one touches Prabhupada’s feet.” Struck with shame, I retracted my hand. But Srila Prabhupada looked deeply into my eyes. I sensed that he could feel the pain of my shame and felt responsible for the cutting words of his disciple. I felt a wave of affection pouring out from him. Then with a beaming smile, he gently spoke, “You may touch my feet.”
