More Affectionate to the Grandchildren - The Mercy of Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī

As we conclude this tribute on the disappearance day of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, a question arises for the modern devotee: "What is my relationship with him?" We never met him. We live in a different time. Yet, Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that the relationship is not only real but potentially more intimate than we can imagine.

The Affection of the Grandfather

In a touching letter, Śrīla Prabhupāda explained the dynamic of the spiritual family. Just as a grandfather often spoils the grandchildren more than his own sons, the predecessor Ācāryas pour their mercy upon the grand-disciples who are pushing the mission forward.

• You should always pray to His Divine Grace because naturally He will be more affectionate to you than to me. Generally one is more affectionate to the grandchildren than to the children directly.

This statement opens the door for every devotee in ISKCON to approach Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta directly through prayer and service.

The Revolutionary Vision

We also honor him for creating the form of devotional service we practice today. Before him, sadhus walked; he rode in cars. Before him, sadhus wore loincloths; he wore coats and boots. Why? To preach.

• Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, perhaps for the first time, introduced motorcars and palatial buildings for the residence of saintly persons just to attract the general public in big cities.

He taught that we should not give up anything if it can be used for Kṛṣṇa. This principle of yukta-vairāgya is the foundation of our modern preaching.

A Warning for the Future

Finally, his life serves as a warning against spiritual politics. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cited the collapse of his Guru's institution as the ultimate lesson in what not to do.

• They wanted to create artificially somebody acarya and everything failed. They did not consider even with common sense that if Guru Maharaja wanted to appoint somebody as acarya, why did he not say?

He taught that spiritual authority comes from spiritual qualification, not from votes, committees, or rubber stamps.

Conclusion

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura is not a figure of the past. He is the active force behind the spreading of the Holy Name today.

• We had the opportunity to receive a similar blessing from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami when we presented an essay at his birthday ceremony.

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 Bhaktisiddhanta - Umbrella Category. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.