He Lives Forever - Prabhupāda's Relationship with His Guru

The relationship between Śrīla Prabhupāda and his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, is the foundation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This bond was not defined by the length of their physical association, but by an intensity of service and dedication that transcended time and distance. In this category, we gain insight into the heart of the ideal disciple.

"He Lives by His Divine Instructions"

Śrīla Prabhupāda often addressed the subject of separation. He repeatedly emphasized that the spiritual master is never gone as long as his instructions remain alive in the consciousness of the disciple.

• He (Srīla Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja) lives forever by his divine instructions and the follower lives with him.
• I have written in the first publications of SB, "The spiritual master lives forever by His divine instruction and the disciple lives with him.", because I have always served my Guru Maharaja & followed His teachings I am now even never separated from Him.

The Order: "Preach in English"

The global Hare Kṛṣṇa movement rests on a single instruction Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī gave Prabhupāda during their very first meeting in 1922. That seed of instruction matured after forty years of preparation and surrender.

• I was a newly married young man... Fortunately, even at our first meeting His Divine Grace advised me to preach the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu in English in the Western countries.
• I tried my best, because my spiritual master said that "You go and try to preach in English." So I tried my best, that's all. I have no qualification.

"I Am Simply an Instrument"

Though he achieved what no one else had—spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness across the globe—Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently minimized his own role. He saw himself only as a transparent via medium for the paramparā.

• Whatever is being done it is not on account of my intelligence or endeavor because I am simply an instrument in the hands of my Spiritual Master.
• Personally I have no credit for myself, but I am trying to act as faithful servant of my predecessors and just presenting without any adulteration the message.

The Reciprocation

Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that his Guru Mahārāja sent sincere souls from around the world to assist him. He viewed his disciples as manifestations of that mercy.

• My Spiritual Master knew it that alone I could not do this great work. Therefore He has very kindly sent you all to help me in this task.

Conclusion

The legacy of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī continues powerfully because his servant kept the message pure and unchanged.

• My only achievement is that I have not changed what they have taught.

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