Prabhupāda's Desire as the Life and Soul of the Disciple
The secret of success in Kṛṣṇa consciousness lies in the alignment of desires. In this profound collection of quotes, Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals the internal dynamic of the disciplic succession. He demonstrates that the spiritual master does not act on his own behalf but is a transparent medium for the desires of his predecessors. By making the spiritual master's desire their "life and soul," the disciple bypasses their own imperfections and links directly to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Meaning of the Paramparā System
Śrīla Prabhupāda defines the paramparā system not just as a historical lineage, but as an active transfer of mission. He explains that his own success was due to taking his spiritual master's work as his "life and soul," and he offers this same formula to his disciples. If they adopt his desires as their own, the connection to Kṛṣṇa is immediate and absolute.
- As I have taken this work as my life and soul on the order of my Spiritual Master, similarly if you take my desires as life and soul, then the whole thing is immediately connected with Krsna. That is the meaning of Parampara system.
- I am simply an instrument in the hands of my Spiritual Master. I do not know how far I have got the capacity to carry His order, but I may say that I have a sincere desire to do it. This is Parampara system.
Surrender Over Personal Inclination
To illustrate the nature of surrender, Śrīla Prabhupāda shares the intimate details of his own life. He admits that he personally had no desire to accept sannyāsa or to preach in such a public way. However, he subordinated his personal will to the "force" of his spiritual master's desire, revealing that true service often means accepting what is difficult or contrary to one's nature for the pleasure of the Guru.
- I had no desire to accept the sannyasa order and preach, but my spiritual master wanted it. I am not very much inclined, but he forced me. That is also done. That is special favor.
- If you question me that "Swamiji, why you have taken sannyasa?" You may ask that question. Yes. So I may tell you frankly that I had no desire to accept this sannyasa.
The Chain of Divine Desire
Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that the mission is not his personal invention. It is a flowing river of desire starting from Lord Caitanya, passing through Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, and manifesting through him. When a disciple serves Śrīla Prabhupāda, they are actually fulfilling the prophecy and plan of God Himself.
- Krishna has His own plan for using your country-men for this movement. So, accept Krishna's mercy and do the needful. It is not just my desire, it is the desire of Lord Caitanya, then my Guru Maharaja, then it is my desire.
- It is my ultimate desire that all the cities of the world have such centers for Krsna Consciousness and I am sure this will come about because it is the desire of Lord Caitanya.
Conclusion
The path back to Godhead is paved with the desires of the pure devotees. Śrīla Prabhupāda showed by his own example that perfection is achieved not by satisfying one's own senses, but by becoming a willing instrument in the hands of the spiritual master. When the disciple takes the Guru's desire as their life and soul, they are no longer acting on the material platform; they are swept up in the divine will of the paramparā, carried safely back to Kṛṣṇa.
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 Desire (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.