Each morning Srila Prabhuupada would take a walk to the nearby Swanzy Beachpark and walk briskly back and forth on the grassy expanse that was about the size of a football field. It was right by the ocean and bordered by rock walls, with a beautiful view of miles of bright blue Pacific Ocean. The beach itself is a bit rocky there, so we would walk on the grassy areas just above the beach.
Walking to Swanzy Beachpark
Sometimes Srila Prabhupada would sit resting on the low rock walls, chanting. He would often sing the “morning tune” with his deep baritone voice, and we would sit on the grass in front of him, and sing in response. It was a sweet and memorable time. Ocean breezes, plumeria scents filling the air, and the tranquil time of early morning all made this beach walk very special. There was usually just Mahapurusha, the cook, and myself, as Goursundar was working in Honolulu. After young Billy Dove, Balabhadra das, joined us, he too would come to the park for walks with Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupad resting and chanting
One very noteworthy event took place on these morning walks. There was a large German shepherd type dog that lived nearby who joined us daily. He seemed to love Srila Prabhupada! He would run at a fast gallop toward Srila Prabhupada, who would be walking briskly back and forth the full length of the grassy field, and then the dog would jump up alongside Srila Prabhupada, grazing him with his whole body! Then the dog would keep running, turn around, and come back at a gallop, and again gently graze Srila Prabhupada on his other side. The dog would do this repeatedly. Then, sometimes, this dog, a very big dog, would run at a fast gallup and even duck down between Srila Prabhupada’s knees and run out the other side! I had never seen such a thing before.
Srila Prabhupada singing the morning tune of Hare Krsna
Srila Prabhupada did not usually pet dogs or allow them to touch him. In fact, we sometimes would carry a stick to protect from dogs, as is the custom in India, where dogs can be vicious and attack passersby. But this German shepherd had definite affection for Srila Prabhupada. The dog was very careful not to shove Prabhupada, or push him; he was truly expert at expressing his love by gently rubbing his entire body against Srila Prabhupada. Since this was a daily occurence, I got used to it and was not troubled by it, and Srila Prabhupada seemed to like the dog’s affections.
Morning walk
Time passed, the month was up, and Srila Prabhupada left for other preaching engagements. Then I began to notice signs up on the phone poles nearby. There was a picture of this dog, with the words, “Missing, Reward.” I went to the house next door to inquire from the lady who owned the dog, and discovered her beloved dog had simply vanished the day after Srila Prabhupada left the Islands! She was very distraught, as he was a much-loved family dog. I tried to console her as best I could, but in my mind I began to wonder about this dog that had so much spontaneous love for Srila Prabhupada. When I look back at that era, I am also very amazed at the unusual behavior of the animal--how careful he was to only gently graze Srila Prabhupada--not to push him or to trip him or inconvenience him in any way. We never really know who the soul in that body is, or what past merits may be there.
Interestingly enough, some 40 years later, we learned that this dog was the family dog of Dirk Von Guenthner. Dirk is a well-known forensic accountant who helped clean up the muddled finances of our Hawaii temple about three years ago. He donated many hours of his service to try to make our non-profit Iskcon Hawaii above board, and came to temple programs on several occasions. He told us that this dog was indeed his mother’s dog, since they lived right next door to Swanzy Beachpark at that time. Though Dirk never met Srila Prabhupada, he somehow has great appreciation for him. It makes me think about just how many souls are influenced by the visit of such a great personality as Srila Prabhupada. Who knows how wide the sphere of influence really extends! Jai Srila Prabhupada!
Interestingly enough, some 40 years later, we learned that this dog was the family dog of Dirk Von Guenthner. Dirk is a well-known forensic accountant who helped clean up the muddled finances of our Hawaii temple about three years ago. He donated many hours of his service to try to make our non-profit Iskcon Hawaii above board, and came to temple programs on several occasions. He told us that this dog was indeed his mother’s dog, since they lived right next door to Swanzy Beachpark at that time. Though Dirk never met Srila Prabhupada, he somehow has great appreciation for him. It makes me think about just how many souls are influenced by the visit of such a great personality as Srila Prabhupada. Who knows how wide the sphere of influence really extends! Jai Srila Prabhupada!
