Devotee: When somebody is dying and his external consciousness is completely absorbed in all kinds of terrible bodily symptoms, how is it that a devotee remembers Kṛṣṇa? What is actually happening that he's able to remember Kṛṣṇa?
Prabhupāda: Devotee generally remembers Kṛṣṇa. But even if he cannot, Kṛṣṇa will help him.
Devotees: Oh.
Prabhupāda: That is guarantee. Kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati (BG 9.31). Because he is devotee, for material condition he could not remember, but Kṛṣṇa remembers, "Yes," that "he has done so much for Me."
Devotee (2): Yeah, otherwise...
Devotee (3): Otherwise, it's just mechanical.
Devotee (2): Yes. Mechanical.
Prabhupāda: No. That is... That is stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, that... He was giving the condition. Then, when Arjuna was little disturbed, so He said immediately, "Arjuna, you have no fear." Did you not read this portion?
Devotee: Then... Then that verse, yaṁ yaṁ vāpi smaran bhāvam (BG 8.6), is for...
Prabhupāda: Yes, that is general. But a devotee, because Kṛṣṇa has taken charge of him, even he does not remember Kṛṣṇa, still, Kṛṣṇa is there.
Devotee (4): "I carry what you lack and..."
Devotee (5): Kṛṣṇa said, "I am the cause of remembrance and forgetfulness."
Prabhupāda: Yes. Generally devotee dies remembering Kṛṣṇa. Generally. But even if for material condition he cannot, then Kṛṣṇa is taken charge.
Devotee: What was the arrangement with Bharata Mahārāja?
Prabhupāda: And there is no question of hopelessness. No. We have to do our duty very seriously. Then everything is all right.
Devotee: So with Bharata Mahārāja, that was special arrangement?
Prabhupāda: No. It was... It was punishment. He became so much, I mean, attached with the animal that he forgot his duty in devotional service. That is stated. Forgot. He neglected. Therefore he was punished, but he remembered that "I did it."
Devotee: Special mercy.
Prabhupāda: You cannot neglect your duty. Then Kṛṣṇa is always with you. (break) ...way, a soldier is dying in duty, immediately the government takes charge of the whole family. So that is... Why not Kṛṣṇa? ...kṛṣṇa viśvāsa pālana, Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura has said. You know this song? Avaśya rakṣibe kṛṣṇa viśvāsa pālana.
Devotee (5): "If one maintains his faith, then Kṛṣṇa..."
Prabhupāda: Ah! Yes. One should maintain his faith that "Kṛṣṇa will give me protection. And my duty is to serve Him." That's it.
(Srila Prabhupada Morning Walk, Mayapur, March 17, 1976)
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