I now begin putting ornaments on the Lord’s body. I adjust Sri Nrsimhadeva’s necklaces, so they hang symmetrically; tie shining bracelets on His wrist; and fix beautiful rings on His lotus fingers. [Prahlada Maharaja would say:] “I am so close to you, O Lord, and yet so far away. When will I become a devotee?” Prahlada, your foremost bhakta, is indicating that he is not afraid of Your ferocious mouth and tongue; Your eyes as bright as the sun, and Your frowning eyebrows. He fears not Your sharp, pinching teeth, your garland of intestines, and Your mane soaked with blood, nor Your tumultuous roaring, which makes elephants flee; nor Your nails meant for killing your enemies. 4 However, he says, “I’m very much afraid of my condition of life within this material world. When will that moment come when You will call me to the shelter of Your lotus feet?” 5 I know Sri Prahlada was saying that last point only for our benefit, for he was always completely surrendered unto You. One time, I also felt surrendered unto You — at least for a few minutes. That was during the big flood in 1987. While offering You puja, standing waist deep in water, a big, frightening snake swam in the temple, passing behind You. It stopped about five feet in front of me, finding its exit blocked. After examining me for some long moments, it dipped down, out of sight, in the muddy Ganga water. Feeling myself in imminent danger, I noticed the hair on my arms standing on end,
4 Paraphrasing Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.15. 5 Paraphrasing Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.16.
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