Prabhupāda's Strength - How a Father Draws Life from His Children
The relationship between a guru and disciple is often depicted as a one-way street: the guru gives, and the disciple receives. However, in this intimate collection of letters, Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals a profound reciprocity. As his physical health declined, he discovered a new source of energy—not from medicine, but from the sincerity of his "spiritual children."
"That Is My Strength"
Śrīla Prabhupāda made a startling admission to his disciples: their advancement was keeping him alive.
- Actually bodily I am not getting much strength, but spiritually I am getting much strength because my spiritual children are growing in spiritual strength. That is my strength.
- I am getting more and more enthused that my spiritual children are growing to Krishna Consciousness.
He was nourished by their enthusiasm. When they were happy and preaching, he felt strong; when they were struggling, he felt their pain.
Protecting the Innocent
He often called them "children" not to belittle them, but to highlight their innocence in a dangerous world. He saw that many of his Western disciples were naive in worldly dealings and needed constant protection.
- Among yourselves, there is no strong man. That is the defect. All like child... In every minute details I have poked my nose.
- Giriraja is in trouble. He is a child in these worldly dealings so immediately go to help him.
Like a father watching over toddlers, he had to intervene to ensure they didn't get cheated or misled.
"I Am Not a Loser"
Looking back at his life, Śrīla Prabhupāda calculated his "gains" and "losses." He had walked away from a family in India, but Kṛṣṇa had balanced the books with interest.
- I have become profited, profitable, or I have acquired profit. I left my home, my children and everything... But I have got now big properties, hundreds of children.
- My Guru Maharaja pulled me out from this material life. I have not lost anything... I left three children, I have got now three hundred children. So I am not loser.
The Request: "Live Happily"
Ultimately, his desire for his children was simple. He didn't want to impose dry restrictions; he wanted them to experience the joy of Kṛṣṇa Consciousness.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly affirmed that his disciples' sincerity, growth, and happiness were his real strength and wealth. His letters reveal a fatherly affection, protective guidance, and the deep spiritual bond he shared with his "spiritual children." For full context, explore the complete set of quotations here:
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Srila Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category My Spiritual Children (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Srila Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.