Lokanath Swami tells the memory of Srila Prabhupada: "One morning we were walking on Juhu Beach while birds were flying overhead in perfect formation. These birds would fly in a line or make a 'U' turn all together. So I asked Prabhupada, 'How do these birds fly in a perfect formation? How do they communicate with each other?,' and Prabhupada's response was, 'They are not less intelligent like you are'."

 

Tribuvanath Prabhu tells, "On St. James path Prabhupada would constantly point out different things. Once he saw some bird droppings and asked, 'What is this?' Everyone was looking at the bird droppings and thinking, 'Maybe Prabhupada reads tea leaf formations and sees it esoterically.' Everyone was bewildered. Prabhupada said, 'This tells you that the same bird is sleeping on the same branch every night. Even the bird becomes attached to his residence. So be careful'."

 

The first story Prabhupada memory ties in more with this author's writing below, but as stories regarding Srila Prabhupada are all relevant and sweet, I've put both, since they are in regards to the birds.

 

I'm submitting the following since it might be of interest to "Sampradaya Sun" readers. Its authorship is (rightly or wrongly) attributed to Dr. Robert McNeish, 1972. (It certainly would be WONDERFUL if the present-day ISKCON in-charges would become the PROPER leaders that Srila Prabhupada wanted, manage ISKCON properly, and lead devotees in the right direction):

 

Migrating geese fly in a 'V' formation. As with most animal behavior, God had a good reason for including that in their instincts. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird following. In a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone.

 

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone…and quickly gets back into formation. Like geese…… people who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier than those who try to go alone.

 

When a goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position. If people had as much sense as geese, they would realize that ultimately their success depends on working as a team, taking turns doing the hard tasks, and sharing leadership. Geese in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to up their speed. It is important that our "honking from behind" be encouraging.

 

When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and provide protection. They stay with the unhealthy member of the flock until it is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out again with another passing flock or try to catch up on their own.

 

To learn from God's marvelous creation, one only needs to stop long enough to observe and let God reveal His wonders to them.

 

(From the Bible - King James Version - Job 12.7-10):

 

7 But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. 9 Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? 10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.