Prabhupāda's Desire for the GBC to Manage the Society
Śrīla Prabhupāda's vision for ISKCON went beyond the immediate expansion of temples; he sought to establish a legacy that would endure for generations. To achieve this, he instituted the Governing Body Commission (GBC). This article examines Śrīla Prabhupāda's explicit desires regarding the GBC's role, his urgent need to be relieved of management to focus on translation, and his preparation of the society for the time when he would no longer be physically present.
The Formation and Purpose of the GBC
Śrīla Prabhupāda did not want to be the sole autocrat of a growing worldwide movement. His desire was to empower his disciples. He specifically chose experienced members to form the GBC, entrusting them with the heavy responsibility of management so that the institution could function smoothly and cooperatively.
- 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.
- 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.
- Now I am desiring more and more to have time for translating my books, not that I have to become involved in every question. For this reason I have installed the GBC.
The Desire for Relief to Translate
The primary motivation behind delegating management was Śrīla Prabhupāda's transcendental anxiety to finish his books. He repeatedly expressed that his "real desire" was to translate without interruption. He measured his disciples' success and understanding of his desires by how effectively they could free him from administrative worries.
- All these questions should be directed to the GBC members, as my desire is to simply translate, and leave the management matters for them to decide.
- Kindly inform the others that I may be relieved to give you so many more nice books - that is my real desire.
- Let me be free now to translate books, that is my desire.
- I know the BBT, Negotiations with Dai Nippon and financial matters are being taken care of even though Karandhara has left his post. Your desire to give me relief from having to worry about these matters shows that you have understood my desires.
Preparation for the Future
Śrīla Prabhupāda was practically training his leaders for the inevitable future when he would not be there to guide them personally. His desire was to see the GBC become so expert that the society would run "automatically." This autonomy was the sign of a healthy, mature spiritual organization.
- Personally I wish all the existing GBC may be trained up so perfectly that in the future in my absence they can manage the whole Society very nicely and strongly; that is my desire.
- 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.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda's desire for the GBC to manage the society was not an abdication of responsibility, but an invitation for his disciples to grow up. By taking the weight of management upon their own shoulders, they fulfilled his fervent wish to focus on his literary work. Today, the continued existence and expansion of the movement rest upon the fulfillment of this specific desire—that the GBC manage cooperatively and competently, keeping the mission of Lord Caitanya alive.
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.