More Dear Than My Own - The Spiritual Family of Prabhupāda
Years before boarding the Jaladuta in 1965, Śrīla Prabhupāda had already renounced his family life to dedicate himself to writing in the holy land of Vṛndāvana. Yet, to fulfill the order of his spiritual master, he accepted an even greater separation—leaving the shelter of the dhāma to carry the message of Lord Caitanya to the world. To the material vision, he arrived as 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, but let me try. Now I have got so many wonderful sons and daughters, that we require huge arrangement for chanting in the park.
He considered this spiritual bond superior to biological ties because it was based on service to Kṛṣṇa, not bodily attachment.
"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 Bhaktivedāntas.
- 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. Still I am taking as much care as possible. 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.
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.