Proper Accounting of Money

Śrīla Prabhupāda places immense importance on the meticulous and honest handling of finances within a spiritual institution. He teaches that proper accounting is not a mundane affair but a critical limb of devotional service, as it demonstrates respect for the energy of Kṛṣṇa provided by the public. By maintaining clear, audited, and professional records, the Society ensures transparency, thereby fostering public faith and proving its stability as a genuine spiritual movement.

Public Trust and Integrity

Śrīla Prabhupāda stresses that because the movement operates on contributions from the public, there is a heightened moral and spiritual obligation to be transparent. He explains that maintaining pristine accounts is essential not only for internal organization but to prove the movement's credibility and stability to the world.

• On the whole our account should be kept very nicely because we are dealing with the public's money.
• As we increase our life membership number, we must submit our audited accounts and that will convince the public of our stability.

Zero Tolerance for Waste

In his instructions to managers, Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently reiterates that funds must be used strictly for the service of the Lord without any wastage. He views careful accounting as a method to prevent "whimsical expenditure," ensuring that every farthing is utilized effectively for the mission.

• Please see that the accounts are kept and that no money is wasted; that's my only request.
• The accounts must be kept very clearly. Then everyone will be pleased with us. Not a single farthing should be wasted. That will be our credit.
• Please see that accounts are kept carefully, not that money is taken for whimsical expenditure. Be vigilant.

Methodical Procedures and Systems

To achieve the high standard of accounting he expects, Śrīla Prabhupāda mandates specific procedural checks, such as the use of vouchers and bank checks. He considers a methodical approach to record-keeping a prime qualification for leadership and approves of using professional accountants to assure accuracy.

• I can understand that you are very methodical and careful to keep proper accounts. That is very good qualification for manager.
• All necessary expenditures will be paid by check from the Book Fund. For petty expenses, not exceeding Rs. 200 - may be kept with you always and everything should be accounted for with vouchers.
• I think your idea about having professional men do our accounting in order to assure good accounting, is a good proposal.

Leadership Responsibility

Śrīla Prabhupāda holds temple officers personally responsible for the financial health of their centers. He indicates that poor accounting or mismanagement is grounds for removing a leader from their position, emphasizing that the president, secretary, and treasurer must work combinedly to ensure accuracy.

• The accounting records are in a shambles and there has been some mismanagement on your part, So upon rectifying these discrepancies we shall see further regarding your position of your working within this Society.
• The president, secretary and treasurer (of Calcutta) elected by the members of the center cannot be changed at least for one year; better to continue it for three years. All combined together should be responsible for keeping correct accounts.

Divine Example

Even in the context of direct Deity worship, Śrīla Prabhupāda illustrates that accounting is a standard practice. He notes that in traditional temple environments, servitors are required to present daily accounts of income and expenditure to the Deity, reinforcing that accountability is a universal principle in devotional service.

• When the Deity is coming out, the servitors in the temple put forward the daily accounts before Them: so much was the collection, so much was the expenditure.

Conclusion

Śrīla Prabhupāda's instructions on the proper accounting of money reveal his vision of a spiritual society that is as practical and organized as it is transcendental. He demands that devotees handle public funds with greater care than materialists, ensuring that every cent is accounted for through vouchers, checks, and audits. By maintaining strict financial vigilance, avoiding waste, and holding leaders accountable, the movement protects its integrity and pleases the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa, to whom all resources ultimately belong.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Accounting Money. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

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