Question: In Srimad Bhagavatam Prahlada Maharaj says we should bathe from the dust of the lotus feet of pure devotees, nothing to do with material activities. Is it practically possible to take the dust and bathe? What is the instruction that Prahlada Maharaj is telling us?

Guru Maharaj: Lord Caitanya when He visited different houses in South India, every house they would bathe His feet. And then offer Him a seat, offer prasadam. So they got the dust of His lotus feet. The point is that we should be in the mood of serving the devotees....

Question: I have understood and learnt that the word appearance and disappearance is only used for the acaryas and the spiritual masters, but now of late I am seeing that everybody is using that word for devotees’ birthdays. I just want to know if we can use it for few of the senior devotees who have dedicated themselves in Srila Prabhupada’s service over a period of time? Can you please enlighten me?

Guru Maharaj: Why not? A devotee never dies, he appears and disappears. The word Jayanti is reserved for Krishna’s appearance, because His appearance is very special. But everyone else appears and disappears. Of course, for the great saintly devotees, we celebrate...