Everything Has Happened by Bhaktisiddhānta's Blessing - The Secret of Success

When historians look at the life of Śrīla Prabhupāda, they see extraordinary determination, capacity, and strength. But when Śrīla Prabhupāda looked at himself, he saw only the mercy of his spiritual master. In this category, he reveals that ISKCON’s global expansion was not the achievement of human effort, but the direct unfolding of a blessing received from Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura.

"I Was Not Worth"

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s humility was profound and natural. He openly admitted that he did not understand why his Guru Mahārāja chose him for such an immense responsibility.

• Guru Maharaja liked me. I know. By his blessing it is, everything has happened. I was not worth... There were so many disciples. And still, he liked me.

He would often quote the principle that by the mercy of the Guru, even a dumb man can speak, and a lame man can cross mountains.

• It is all by his (my Guru Maharaja) blessings... by his mercy a dumb man can speak and a lame man can cross a mountain.

The Power of the Order

Prabhupāda repeatedly emphasized that the blessing was contained in the order itself. Simply by receiving and seriously accepting the instruction, he was empowered to fulfill it.

• It is due to the blessing of my Guru Maharaja. He directly told me that "If you get some money, publish some books." I took it seriously, so he's helping me.

He also explained that the movement’s financial stability was the direct fruit of serving Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura’s desire for extensive book distribution.

Chastisement is Blessing

One of the most striking insights in this category is Śrīla Prabhupāda’s view of chastisement. He cherished it as a sign of deep mercy.

• So far we are concerned, when our spiritual master used to chastise, we took it as blessing. That was very nice. And he would chastise like anything. "Damn rascal, foolish, stupid," anything, all good words.

For the sincere disciple, even strong correction is a form of affection.

Passing the Blessings Down

Just as he received blessings, Śrīla Prabhupāda extended them to his own followers, assuring them of the spiritual potency that comes from assisting the mission.

• You have come forward to help me... Don't give up pushing on this movement, and you'll be blessed by Lord Caitanya and His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada.

Conclusion

The real secret of success in devotional service is not personal greatness, but becoming a recipient of the Guru's mercy.

• My mission has come out a success by the mercy of my guru maharaj who sent me on this mission. That was my only qualification.

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 Guru Maharaja's Blessings (Bhaktisiddhanta). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.