Only Authorized Speech - The Discipline of Prabhupāda's Talking
For Śrīla Prabhupāda, "talking" was not a leisure activity but a sacred duty. He viewed the tongue as a weapon given by Kṛṣṇa to cut through the knots of material attachment. His standard for speech was rigorous: he spoke only what was authorized by the previous ācāryas. This discipline transformed his words into a powerful force for global change. This article examines the nature of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s conversation, his approach to preaching, and the enduring legacy of his spoken and written word.
The Standard: No Nonsense, Only Authority
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently described himself and his followers as "foolish" in the sense that they did not manufacture their own knowledge. Their "talking" was limited strictly to the messages found in the Srimad-Bhāgavatam and Bhagavad-gītā. He rejected any conversation that fell outside the scope of Vedic authority, viewing it as a waste of time and a deviation from the spiritual path.
- And so far we are concerned, we don't talk anything, except what is mentioned in the books. That's all. We remain always foolish. And as foolish men, we do not talk. We simply talk what is mentioned by Vyasadeva, by Sukadeva Gosvami.
- He was my spiritual master, and whatever he taught, we are speaking, that's all. We don't talk any nonsense.
- We don't talk anything which is not authorized by the Vedic literature. That is our process.
- I am not talking of any government. We are not in politics. We are talking of preaching. Why? Why this government you should try to change? Where is the better replacement? First of all find out the better replacement. Then you talk of changing.
Talking as Preaching: The "One Man Show"
In the early days of his mission, Śrīla Prabhupāda demonstrated that "talking" was an integral part of his "one man show." He did everything—cooking, chanting, and talking—regardless of whether there was a large audience or no one at all. He defined his mission as the readiness to talk about Kṛṣṇa consciousness "for any length of time, anywhere."
- Follow my example as I did in the beginning at 26 2nd Ave. That is preaching, cooking, writing, talking, chanting everything one man's show. I never thought about the audience. I was prepared to chant if there were no man to hear me.
- My plan is for preaching with your help. You arrange for everything, and I shall talk about Krishna Consciousness for any length of time, anywhere. That is my mission.
- I am prepared to talk with any God conscious man. Let us chalk out a program so that people may be benefited, but they want to go in their own stereotyped way.
- Make them surrender. That is your duty. I am talking to you, and you talk to them. That is parampara system. Alone, I cannot go everywhere. Now you learn and you speak.
Engaging the World: Arguments and "Gallons of Blood"
Śrīla Prabhupāda did not shy away from difficult conversations. He engaged with scientists, philosophers, Christian leaders, and even pop icons like the Beatles. He acknowledged that convincing the Western mind required patience, logic, and significant energy—often described as spending "gallons of blood"—to turn a person toward God.
- That is my experience. I have to talk with him, especially these Europeans and Americans. They do not accept anything so blindly.
- So suppose I am talking to you (Professor Lewcock) for the last more than one hour; you have not become my devotee. So we have to spend gallons of blood to make a devotee; therefore we cannot expect many number.
- Mr. George Harrison appears to be very intelligent boy, and he is by the Grace of Krishna fortunate also. On the first day, he came to see me along with John Lennon, and we had talks about two hours. He wanted to talk with me more.
- I have talked with many big, big professors. They are under the impression: atheism, voidism, that after death there is nothing; everything is void, finished. Atheism.
Presence in Absence: The Books
A vital aspect of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s talking is its permanence. He assured his disciples that his physical absence would not leave them bereft of his guidance. He explicitly stated that whatever he spoke was recorded in his books. Therefore, reading his books is identical to hearing him talk.
- In my absence you read the books; what I talk, I have written in the books.
- And so far we are concerned, we don't talk anything, except what is mentioned in the books. That's all. We remain always foolish. And as foolish men, we do not talk. We simply talk what is mentioned by Vyasadeva, by Sukadeva Gosvami.
- Now I have got the facility of the talking in microphone, and... So why should I not take it? It will be recorded. It will be heard by so many others. I am speaking to four, five men. It can be heard by a big crowd of four hundred men.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s talking was the audible manifestation of his compassion. He used every opportunity—whether a private meeting or a public lecture—to transmit the message of the paramparā. By strictly adhering to the authorized version of the Vedas and refusing to engage in mundane topics, he set a standard for all preachers of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Today, his "talking" continues to reverberate through his books and recordings, offering the same guidance and association to anyone willing to listen.
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 Talking (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.