LESSON FROM CHARLIE CHAPLAN

There is something to be said for trying to present Krishna consciousness according to time place and circumstance. Particular cultures. Specific groups of people.To scientists, in interfaith discussions, among university professors and scholars, among government officials. 

But to put things in perspective, since the history shows that disciples tend to throw the baby out with the bathwater, introduce expansion at the cost of destroying the capital reserves or another way to look at it: taking out the bricks in the foundation to build the fourth floor.

One of Srila Prabhupada's favorite anecdotes was about Charlie Chaplin. The skit takes place in a ballroom with everyone dressed in formal attire. Ladies in long gowns and men in tuxedos and they are dancing, waltzing. Charlie Chaplin somehow or other gets the tails of his tuxedo caught on something and they tear off. It is very funny looking. The white shirt underneath is peaking through the torn jacket on his backside. At first he is embarrassed and wants to hide.What to do? He is puzzled, But just keeps dancing. Then he puts his head high in the air and dances pompously. He has something others don't have. He dances in such a way that everyone cannot help but look at him. He takes the center of all attention. Everyone follows him. They all tear the tails off their tuxedos and start dancing like him. 

Srila Prabhupada loved that story. He would laugh.

Why did they do that? What is the psychology? They wanted what he had... torn tuxedo? No.They were attracted to his personal qualities. His boldness, fearlessness, confidence. He was jubilant. Being different was an asset. Who would have even noticed him otherwise?