Not My Direction but Kṛṣṇa's - The Guidance of Prabhupāda
In the journey back to Godhead, the direction of the spiritual master serves as the compass. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized that his role was to act as a transparent medium, providing the necessary guidance for his disciples to navigate the material world while staying fixed on the goal of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He often reminded his followers that his direction was not a personal invention but a continuation of the message of Kṛṣṇa and the previous ācāryas.
The Source of Authority
Śrīla Prabhupāda made it clear that a bona fide spiritual master does not manufacture instructions. Instead, he repeats what has been heard through the disciplic succession. By following such direction, the disciple is actually following Kṛṣṇa, which ensures that their life becomes successful and they are raised to the highest spiritual standard.
- Don't do anything which is against the will of the spiritual master. Because we cannot see Krsna eye to eye at the present moment. The direction is coming through disciplic succession. We should follow favorably to cultivate Krsna consciousness. Then our life is successful.
- What Krishna preaches is meant for the weaker section. If they feel weak and abide by my direction, it is not my direction, it is Krishna's.
- Whatever you are doing under my direction, it is going to my Spiritual Master and thus up to the Gosvamis and then to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya or Krsna.
Training for Leadership and Management
Śrīla Prabhupāda provided specific direction to ensure that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) functioned according to spiritual standards. He personally trained the GBC members and provided guidance on everything from financial management to the technical details of arts and media, ensuring that all activities remained centered on Kṛṣṇa.
- I am training some, I mean to say, advanced students so that they may be very easily take up the charge. I have made them GBC. They are under my direct training, and I think they will be able to conduct this movement.
- Their expenditure is at my direction. Not a single paisa they can spend in their own discretion. They are laboring hard to get this collection, but the money is mine. This is the arrangement.
- If it is an important film I think my personal direction is necessary; if not, then I think you can send me a synopsis of the script so that there may be nothing objectionable from the start.
Peril of Independence
A recurring theme in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s guidance was the danger of mental speculation and independent action. He taught that the spiritual path requires surrender to the representative of the Supersoul. If one attempts to "manufacture" their own way or ignore the regulative principles, their spiritual efforts become a burden rather than a source of bliss.
- If you are unable to work under the direction of Hrdayananda Gosvami, then you must work under my direction, but you are not independent.
- Suppose I have established this temple. Now under my direction, my disciples are worshiping vigraha. Vigraha means the form of the Lord, rupa. But if there is no following of the regulative principles, then after my death it will be galagraha, a burden.
- Therefore you have got spiritual master. Why he is there? Therefore you have to accept spiritual master who will give you direction. You cannot do it. If you manufacture your own..., then go to hell.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s direction was the life-force of his movement. He provided the blueprint for spiritual success in his books and personal instructions, emphasizing that sincerity and faithful obedience are the keys to perfection. By strictly following the path he designed, the disciple remains in constant connection with the entire paramparā. 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 Direction (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.