One Who Has Life - The Preaching Revolution of Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī

On the disappearance day of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, we honor him not only as a pure devotee but as a revolutionary strategist in the Lord’s army. Before his appearance, the common conception of a "saint" was someone who retired to a holy place to meditate in solitude. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta shattered this mold. He taught that real devotion means going into the fire of the material world to save others.

The Symptom of Vitality

Śrīla Prabhupāda often quoted a favorite saying of his Spiritual Master that became the motto for the entire movement.

• My Guru Maharaja used to say, "One who has got life - he can preach."
• May Krsna bless you for your growing enterprise to broadcast this Movement. This kind of transcendental enthusiasm is the basic impetus for Krsna Consciousness. My Guru Maharaja used to say, "One who has got life - he can preach."

Preaching, therefore, is not a professional career; it is the natural symptom of a living soul. If one has actually tasted the nectar of devotion, one cannot remain silent.

From the Forest to the City

Historically, many Vaiṣṇavas believed the perfection of life was to reside in Vṛndāvana and chant beads in a secluded cottage. Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta saw that the world was burning and that this seclusion—though good for the individual—did not help the suffering humanity.

• For Krsna you can endeavor multifariously. That is wanted. That is the contribution of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. Before that, Vaisnavas, they used to live retired life in Vrndavana or some other place - no preaching activities.

He pushed his disciples toward the cities, the universities, and the centers of power.

• My Guru Maharaja was in favor of preaching in the city because you can get many men.
• Though some might think Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura disobeyed his guru's order, he preached not only in Calcutta but in other capitals of Kali-yuga.

The Big Mrdanga

Perhaps his greatest contribution to the preaching mission was his utilization of technology. He saw the printing press not as a machine, but as a "Greater Drum" (bṛhat-mṛdaṅga).

• My Guru Maharaja emphasized book publication above all other preaching activities because it is the big mrdanga which can be heard all over the world.
• My Guru Maharaja was very much anxious about selling books and preaching, so you are pleasing him by this bombastic flood of books all over the world.

He had such faith in the power of this literature that he predicted the world would one day learn Bengali just to read the Caitanya-caritāmṛta in the original.

No Compromise

In his zeal to spread the movement, did he water down the philosophy? Never.

• My Guru Maharaja never compromised in His preaching, nor will I nor should any of my students.

Conclusion

Śrīla Prabhupāda is the living evidence of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta’s vision. Because the Guru desired it, the disciple executed it.

• We took up the mission of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and Bhaktivinoda Thakura to preach the cult of Caitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world, under the protection of all the predecessor acaryas, and we find that our humble attempt has been successful.

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 and Preaching We invite you to click the link above to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.