My Spiritual Children - Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Relationship with His Disciples
The expansion of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not merely a history of an institution, but a narrative of a profound, heart-to-heart exchange between Śrīla Prabhupāda and his "spiritual children." Coming from diverse backgrounds—often from the disillusioned youth of the Western world—these disciples found in Śrīla Prabhupāda a father, a guide, and a savior who was willing to sacrifice everything for their well-being.
Call of the Spiritual Father
Śrīla Prabhupāda often spoke of his disciples with deep affection, noting that many were recruited from the "hippies" who became his best customers for transcendental knowledge. He did not see them through a material lens; rather, he accepted them as souls sent by his spiritual master to help fulfill the mission of Lord Caitanya.
- Actually, the hippies are our best customers. Almost all of our important disciples are recruited from that group.
- You are all my children and I love my American boys and girls who are sent to me by my spiritual master and I have accepted them as my disciples.
- I accept you therefore as representatives of my Guru Maharaja playing as my affectionate disciples.
Discipline: The Root of Discipleship
For Śrīla Prabhupāda, the word "disciple" was inseparable from "discipline." He refused to accept anyone on cheap terms, emphasizing that the first condition of discipleship was a commitment to a sinless life. This was not a punishment but a necessary "bhajana-kriya" to clear away the unwanted habits of material life.
- Disciple means discipline. Without discipline there cannot be any spiritual progress. Therefore our system is to follow the authority or our superiors, no that we can independently question, not this is right and this is wrong. That is not the way.
- I do not accept anyone as my disciple that "You can do whatever you like." No. My first condition is that "You must be sinless."
- My advice is always chant 16 rounds minimum and follow the four regulative principles. All of my disciples must agree on this point otherwise they are not my disciples.
Parental Anxiety and Protection
The relationship was characterized by Śrīla Prabhupāda's constant anxiety for his disciples' spiritual safety. He viewed himself as their "ever well-wisher," always praying that they would not fall away from the path or be overcome by the tricks of māyā.
- I am always praying to Krsna that my disciples will not fall away from the path of Krsna Consciousness.
- Just like I am traveling all over the world twice, thrice, in a year. My duty is to see that my disciples who have accepted me guru, they may not fall down. That is my anxiety.
- I write at the end of my letters to my disciples, "Your ever well-wisher", and as such, I cannot become otherwise than being ever well-wisher of my disciples.
Duty to Train Future Masters
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision was not to remain the sole leader indefinitely. He meticulously trained his disciples—both men and women, householders and sannyāsīs—to become expert preachers and managers so that the movement would remain strong in his absence.
- I wish that in my absence all my disciples become the bona fide spiritual master to spread Krishna Consciousness throughout the whole world.
- When I order, "You become guru," he becomes regular guru. That's all. He becomes disciple of my disciple. That's it.
- Regarding the Teachings in the temple; everyone of my disciples may become a teacher strictly following my instructions.
Cooperation: The Secret of Success
He often credited the global success of ISKCON to the sincere cooperation of his disciples. He taught that even if there were minor disagreements or "fights" among themselves, the overarching principle of surrendering to the mission would ensure that the movement continued to increase.
- All my disciples, because they have surrendered, so there is cooperation. Therefore this movement is increasing.
- Whatever the Spiritual Master gives in His own hand, it should be accepted immediately as His grace.
- I thank you very much, all of you, for appreciating my humble service... I request all my disciples to work cooperatively and I am sure our mission will advance without any doubt.
Like Father, Like Son: Maintaining the Reputation
Śrīla Prabhupāda expressed that the character and behavior of his disciples were the true reflection of his own work. He desired that they maintain a respectable position in society, acting in a way that would never bring discredit to the spiritual master or the movement.
- Up to now as I have got respectable situation, I wish that all my disciples will have similar respectable position in society. That will keep my name good. Like father, like son.
- One clergyman, he was talking with me. He said, "Swamiji, I have seen your disciples have a very nice face, glowing face." And "Yes, certainly. They must be. They are making spiritual progress."
Eternal Bond of Vāṇī
Finally, he taught that the relationship between spiritual master and disciple is not dependent on physical proximity. By following the instructions (vāṇī), the disciple remains eternally with the spiritual master, transcending the temporary separation of the mortal body.
- I have written in the first publications of Srimad-Bhagavatam, "The spiritual master lives forever by His divine instruction and the disciple lives with him.", because I have always served my Guru Maharaja and followed His teachings I am now even never separated from Him.
- The Spiritual Master also can be present wherever the disciple wants. A Spiritual Master is the principle, not the body.
- You do not require to worry as I shall never leave you, you are my disciple and I am your spiritual master, so there is no question, as long as you follow my instructions, that I shall ever leave you.
Conclusion
The story of Śrīla Prabhupāda and his disciples is a living testament to the power of pure devotional service. Through his parental love, he transformed a generation of "irresponsible vagabonds" into dedicated servants of God and humanity. He proved that the spiritual master’s success is measured by the success of his disciples, and that their faithful adherence to his instructions is the only way to repay the debt of his mercy. By understanding and addressing these concerns, his followers can ensure that the sacred mission he established continues to stand strong for generations to come.
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 Disciples (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.