Prabhupāda's Desire That We Work Conjointly
The expansion of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement depends entirely on the cooperative spirit of its members. Śrīla Prabhupāda often stressed that his only desire was to see his disciples working together in harmony. He made it clear that while individual capacity is important, the collective effort—working "conjointly" and "combinedly"—is what actually pleases the spiritual master and proves the sincerity of the disciple's surrender.
The Test of Surrender
Śrīla Prabhupāda provided a very clear definition of surrender in the context of community. He explained that surrender is not just a theoretical concept but is demonstrated by how well devotees can get along. When disciples fight due to "individual interests," they are acting on the material platform. His desire was for them to set aside personal ambition for the greater good of the mission.
- 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.
Unified Preaching Efforts
Whether it was establishing centers in Germany or preaching in Africa, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instruction was always to work as a team. He knew that a divided house could not stand, but a united force of devotees could achieve miracles. He specifically asked disciples to combine their energies to establish ISKCON branches.
- Please work combinedly with great enthusiasm to establish our branch of ISKCON in Berlin. That is my desire.
- It is my desire that Indian Vaisnavas should be energetic in cooperating with this Krishna Consciousness movement in the Western countries.
Cooperation in Family Life
Śrīla Prabhupāda applied the principle of working "combinedly" to the gṛhastha-āśrama as well. He viewed the marriage of his disciples not as a license for romance, but as a partnership for service. His desire was for the husband and wife to utilize their combined strength to advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and serve the movement.
- She is a good asset for you as your wife, and I want that you two work combinedly. That is my desire.
- Both of you please accept my full blessings and sanction for your marriage. Work together for your mutual advancement in Krsna's service and be increasingly joyful in your Krsna Consciousness life. This is my desire.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the desire of Śrīla Prabhupāda for his followers to work conjointly is a call to transcend the false ego. By prioritizing the mission over personal prestige or comfort, the disciple fulfills the heart's desire of the spiritual master. As Śrīla Prabhupāda stated, when things are done in a spirit of cooperation, Kṛṣṇa’s work goes on unhampered, and that is the perfection of devotional service.
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.