A Disciple's Life and Soul - The Potency of Carrying Out Prabhupāda's Instructions
For the followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the instructions of the Founder-Ācārya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, are the supreme guiding principles. Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that the spiritual master is not a mortal body but an eternal principle manifest through his words. By carrying out these instructions with "fixed-up resolution," a disciple transcends the material platform and enters directly into the service of the Supreme Lord. This article explores the depth of this relationship, examining the definitions of surrender, the safety of strict adherence, and the secret of remaining eternally connected to the guru.
Definition of Surrender: Action Over Sentiment
Śrīla Prabhupāda was emphatic that surrender is a practical activity, not a theoretical emotion. He challenged his disciples to prove their love by strictly following his orders. He explained that simply offering obeisances without following the instruction is meaningless; true surrender means making the guru's order one's "life and soul," regardless of personal convenience.
- If you don't accept the instruction, what is the meaning of surrender? Simply by offering obeisances, falling flat for the time being, that is not surrender.
- Cittete koriya aikya, ar na koriho mane asa. So it is not my pride, but I can say, for your instruction, I did it. Therefore whatever little success you see than all my Godbrothers, it is due to this.
- We should take up the words from the spiritual master as our life and soul. We should try to carry out the instruction, the specific instruction of the spiritual master, very rigidly, without caring for our personal benefit or loss.
- Your statements expressing your surrender to your spiritual master is proper. If this principle is followed you will remain pure and always protected by Krsna. Always follow my instructions and my example. This should be your life and soul.
Eternal Presence of the Spiritual Master
A common concern among disciples is the feeling of separation from the spiritual master. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently reassured them that he is always present in his instructions. He cited his own relationship with Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura as proof that service to the vāṇī (words) is more important than physical association with the vapu (body).
- My Spiritual Master, Sarasvati Gosvami Thakura, may appear to be physically not present, but still because I try to serve His instruction I never feel separated from Him.
- All the devotees are now appreciating the presence of their Spiritual Master by following His instructions although He is no longer physically present. This is the right spirit.
- We are never alone in Krsna consciousness... the spiritual master is always in his instructions, and Krsna is there within your heart.
- There is no difference between the internal and external instructor. We should take advantage of this instruction. That is called vyavasayatmika buddhih, fixed-up resolution.
Safe Platform of Protection
Material life is fraught with danger, but Śrīla Prabhupāda offered a guaranteed "safe position." He taught that the specific instructions regarding daily sādhanā—chanting sixteen rounds of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra and following the four regulative principles—create an impregnable shield against māyā. As long as the disciple remains on this platform, they cannot fall.
- If you follow the regulative principles and chant sixteen rounds, that is our safe position. I think this instruction you will follow. That is my desire.
- If you fall from the instruction, how you can remain eternal? You have to stay on the platform. Then eternally you are safe. If you fall down from the platform, then it is your fault.
- You are now serving Krishna under the instruction of your Spiritual Master, so there will be no scarcity of supply of strength unless there is some weakness on your part in the matter of absolute faith in these two shelters.
- If you perform the spiritual duties rightly, then you are saved. Otherwise, even acarya gives you instruction, if you don't follow, so how he can save you?
Avoiding Speculation and "Manufacturing"
One of the greatest impediments to spiritual life is the tendency to invent new methods. Śrīla Prabhupāda warned his disciples not to "manufacture" their own ideas of meditation or service. He emphasized that the guru does not manufacture knowledge but repeats the instructions of the disciplic succession. Therefore, the disciple's duty is to follow the authority without addition or subtraction.
- Don't manufacture your meditation. Just like there are so many meditators. They have manufactured their own way of meditation. That is not recommended, anusmara. Anu means "Follow. You become thoughtful, but taking the instruction from higher authority."
- Whatever guru has said accept it, finally. Ara na kariha mane asa. Don't divert from this. This is the instruction. How you can divert from the instruction of guru?
- I have no particular instructions, save and except the instruction which I have also heard from my Spiritual Master. So all instructions in the disciplic succession directly comes from the Supreme Person.
- I think you should not think of relinquish your job without meeting me and discussing the matter deeply. Don't do anything out of sentiment.
Instructions for Management and Preaching
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instructions extended beyond personal behavior to the management of a global movement. He instructed the GBC and temple leaders to work cooperatively, consult his books for clarity, and maintain the purity of the program. He viewed the combined effort of his disciples as the key to success, emphasizing that "ignorance causes disturbance," but knowledge—accessed through his instructions—brings peace and order.
- My oral instruction as well as my books are all at your service. Now you GBC consult them and get clear and strong idea, then there will be no disturbance.
- You have to pick up such many persons, and if you work combinedly together, strictly following my instructions, I am sure you will be successful.
- Karandhara he's simply doing what I instruct, and he's doing very nicely, first class. Everyone who comes, they become enchanted with the temple, with the activities, with the disciples. So this is the way. This is called parampara system.
- Our program if it is kept pure according to my many instructions, will give you the deserved reputation of being the topmost members of the society.
Conclusion
The path back to Godhead is paved with the instructions of the spiritual master. Śrīla Prabhupāda gave his disciples everything they needed to perfect their lives—books, temples, the Holy Name, and specific personal guidance. He assured them that if they simply held on to these instructions with faith and determination, they would be successful. The legacy of Śrīla Prabhupāda is not just in the institutions he built, but in the hearts of those who continue to execute his order to become Kṛṣṇa conscious and share that consciousness with the world.
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 Instructions (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.