Prabhupāda's Desire to Translate Books and Establish Temples

Śrīla Prabhupāda's vision for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness was driven by a pure, unalloyed desire to please his spiritual master and spread the saṅkīrtana movement. This article explores his specific instructions regarding the translation of scriptures, the establishment of temples worldwide, and the cooperative spirit required to maintain them. Through his own words, we see a spiritual master whose only ambition was the salvation of humanity through Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

Translating and Distributing Transcendental Literatures

For Śrīla Prabhupāda, the translation and publication of books were of paramount importance, often taking precedence over direct management. He viewed his literary work as his most significant contribution and constantly sought relief from administrative affairs to dedicate his remaining time to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and other texts.

• I desire to publish the GITA according to the original manuscript. In this expanded version, each verse is authoritatively presented with the Devanagari script, roman transliteration, English synonyms, translation and elaborate purport.
• It is my serious desire to devote the fag end of my life to translating Srimad Bhagavatam and so many other Vaisnava literatures so by assisting me in this regards you will be performing the highest service to Krsna.
• Regarding book distribution, this is my foremost desire to have my books circulated profusely.
• Now my desire is that I completely devote my time in the matter of writing and translating books, and arrangement should now be done that our Society be managed automatically.

Establishing Temples and Centers Globally

Śrīla Prabhupāda had a specific and ambitious target to establish 108 centers during his lifetime as a special offering to his spiritual master. His desire extended to specific regions, including Russia, Europe, and the United States, seeing these centers as vital embassies for the spiritual world.

• 108 centers during my lifetime - that is my special request.
• It has been my desire to open 108 branches of our society all over the world and due to the sincere efforts of devotees such as your good self, it is actually happening.
• I want very much a center in Russia, so for the time being I shall desire that Moscow Center.
• It is my desire that you open a center in each and every one of these places, and that will help to fulfill the prophecy of Lord Caitanya that His Holy Name will be sung in every city and town all over the globe.

United Cooperation and Management

To ensure the movement would survive and thrive, Śrīla Prabhupāda desired that his disciples learn to work together without fighting. He established the Governing Body Commission (GBC) to manage the society, emphasizing that cooperation was the ultimate test of their love for him and the standard of their surrender.

• My desire is that some of our experienced members who have proved their sincerity of service may form the GBC Board so that the management of the whole institution may go on smoothly, and I may be relieved of affairs of management.
• You must work conjointly. That is my desire, and if you fight amongst yourselves for some individual interests, that is not surrender.
• I am glad that you are finding the work of the GBC to be very nice. That is required. Everything should be done in a spirit of cooperation and Krsna's work will go on unhampered. That is our only desire.

The Spiritual Welfare of the Disciples

Śrīla Prabhupāda's desire was not merely organizational; it was deeply personal and paternal. He constantly wished for his disciples to be happy, healthy, and spiritually strong, reminding them that their real success lay in simple chanting and following the regulative principles.

• Chant Hare Krishna Mantra and be happy. That is my desire.
• My only desire for my disciples is that they chant Hare Krishna Mantra at least 16 rounds, follow the rules and live in association of devotees then you will be happy and peaceful and not disturbed.
• Physical life, so you must keep yourself fit to execute Krsna consciousness. It is not our desire that you become sick and you cannot chant.

Conclusion

Śrīla Prabhupāda's desires were transparent revelations of his dedication to the mission of Lord Caitanya. Whether he was pushing for the printing of books, the opening of temples in far-off lands, or the personal well-being of his students, every wish was a step towards re-establishing dharma in the world. By aligning their own desires with his, disciples and followers continue to fulfill the vision of the paramparā.

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 My Desire (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.