More Dear Than My Own - The Spiritual Family of Prabhupāda

When Śrīla Prabhupāda boarded the Jaladuta in 1965, he left behind everything: his home, his business, and his wife and children. To the material vision, he was an old man alone. But to the spiritual vision, he was a father waiting to meet his true family. In these heartwarming letters and conversations, Śrīla Prabhupāda embraces his Western disciples not as followers, but as his own sons and daughters.

The Exchange of Families

Śrīla Prabhupāda often marveled at Kṛṣṇa's arrangement. He gave up a small family in Bengal and received a global family in return.

• I have left my hearth and home in India but here by the Grace of the Lord I have got good sons and daughter like you.
• Only five years back I was sitting alone under a tree in your park thinking that perhaps no one will join me... Now I have got so many wonderful sons and daughters.

He considered this spiritual bond superior to biological ties because it was based on service to Kṛṣṇa, not bodily attachment.

• You have accepted me as father, so I have also accepted you as my dear and real son. Relationship of father & son on spiritual platform is real and eternal.

"My Future Hope"

Just as a father looks to his children to carry on the family name, Śrīla Prabhupāda looked to his disciples to carry on the "family transcendental diploma" of the Bhaktivedantas.

• I want that all of my spiritual sons and daughters will inherit this title of Bhaktivedanta, so that the family transcendental diploma will continue through the generations.
• My future hope is you all good spiritual sons... My only desire is that you all good boys may take up the matter very seriously.

A Father's Love

The love Śrīla Prabhupāda felt for his disciples was protective and unconditional. Even when they made mistakes or fell away, he did not reject them.

• He is my spiritual son and I shall never allow him to fall down. When I return I shall drag him forcibly and make all right again.
• I am not displeased with any of my disciples. A father can not be displeased with his sons, but sometimes the sons create disturbances, and the father has to tolerate.

Conclusion

The success of the Hare Kṛṣṇa movement was not built on corporate management, but on the reciprocal love between a father and his children.

• It is only because Krishna has somehow or other given me such assistants as yourselves that I have got any success I appreciate your helping me in this way, you are more dear to me than my own daughters.

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