Instrument of the Ācāryas – The Mindset of a Great Preacher
The expansion of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement depends on the sincerity and dedication of those who take up the task of sharing spiritual knowledge. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the calling of a great preacher is available to everyone, regardless of their social position or academic background. The essence of this service is not found in personal charisma or institutional power, but in becoming a transparent medium for the instructions of the previous masters. This article examines the fundamental qualifications for preaching, the necessity of maintaining a humble instrumental mindset, and the historical examples of great preachers who have transformed the world.
Qualifications of a Great Preacher
One might assume that representing the Absolute Truth requires extraordinary intellectual capacity, but Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that the process is much simpler. God gives us ears to hear, and by hearing the science of Kṛṣṇa and following the basic regulations—such as chanting sixteen rounds and reading the books—one becomes qualified. Whether one is a student, a householder, or a sannyāsī, the key to victory in preaching is maintaining full faith in Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master. This routine work ensures that the preacher remains situated on the transcendental platform.
- God gives us the ears to hear, and simply by hearing we may become great preachers. We don't need Ph.D.'s or academic examinations. One may even remain in his position; no changes are necessary.
- Just try to learn all about Krsna, chant Hare Krsna, and you will be a great preacher of our Krsna Consciousness movement.
- Keeping full faith in Krishna and the Spiritual Master, and executing the routine works of chanting and following the regulations. That will make you all great preachers, and wherever you go you will come out victorious.
- Stick to the principle of chanting 16 rounds daily and reading our books regularly, and one day you will be a great preacher of this cult.
The Mindset of Instrumental Humility
A great preacher is recognized by their internal attitude rather than their external followers. Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that we should never think of ourselves as "great," but should always understand that we are simply instruments of the previous ācāryas. On the spiritual platform, there is no place for envy or material distinctions, such as considering one preacher to be superior to another. Furthermore, true success is not measured by mundane importance or institutional titles; a preacher who fails to chant the holy name or who becomes preoccupied with material success risks falling from their spiritual position.
- We should never think of ourselves as great preachers, but should always consider that we are simply instrumental to the previous acaryas.
- One should not be envious, considering one preacher to be very great and another to be very lowly. This is a material distinction and has no place on the platform of spiritual activities.
- We have witnessed that some of our contemporaries who are supposed to be great preachers have gradually fallen into the material conception of life because they have failed to chant the holy name of the Lord.
- We can find that instead of becoming a great preacher of Krishna Consciousness, this gentleman has become artificially a head of a mundane institution. To become a very important man in the mundane estimation is not success in Krishna Consciousness.
Historical Examples and Training
The history of Vaisnavism is filled with great preachers who represented various walks of life. Śrīla Prabhupāda cites Abhirāma Thākura, who preached by the order of Nityānanda Prabhu, and great ācāryas like Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya. Even householders like Bhaktivinoda Thākura serve as exemplary preachers, showing that one can balance family life with the highest spiritual mission. Training for this role often begins in childhood; Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently encouraged parents to raise their children in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, promising that these young souls would emerge as the great preachers of the future.
- In the Bhakti-ratnakara (Fourth Wave), there is a description of Srila Abhirama Thakura. By the order of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, Abhirama Thakura became a great acarya and preacher of the Caitanya cult of devotional service.
- Some great acaryas, like Ramanujacarya and Madhvacarya, also came from Dravida-desa and became great preachers. They were all situated on the platform of sakhyam atma-nivedanam.
- You complain that as a householder it is very difficult. Especially you want to preach. There are examples of great preachers who were householders, such as Bhaktivinode thakur, although we cannot hope to imitate him.
- I am very glad to learn about the activities of your nice daughter. I am sure she will be a great devotee and great preacher also in future. I want that on this Krsna culture the whole world can be united.
The Mission of Association and Respect
A great preacher follows the principles established by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, stressing the importance of associating with sādhus or pure devotees. This mission requires offering respect to all spiritual leaders and preachers, regardless of their entourage or financial status. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the goal of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to unite the world under this culture. By remaining sincere and focusing on the serious work of preaching, a devotee attracts the mercy of Kṛṣṇa and becomes a beacon of light for the entire world.
- Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the great preacher of the principles of Srimad-Bhagavatam, has stressed the importance of association with sadhus, pure devotees of the Lord.
- One must offer respects to the great religious preachers and spiritual leaders and also train the senses for controlled action, learning to be unattached to family and home, and enacting devotional service to the Lord, etc.
- It is so much heart-engladdening that you have taken very seriously the preaching work, and Krishna is giving you chance for becoming a great preacher in the near future.
Conclusion
Becoming a great preacher is the ultimate fulfillment of a devotee’s spiritual life. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instructions make it clear that this success is rooted in submissive hearing, strict adherence to regulations, and a heart filled with humility. By viewing oneself as an instrument for the delivery of the message of Kṛṣṇa and the previous masters, the preacher remains protected from the pitfalls of ego and material ambition. Whether training a young child or speaking to the world through literature, the essence remains the same: to speak the truth with faith and to unite humanity through the culture of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
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 Great Preacher. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.