Presenting Kṛṣṇa As He Is - Śrīla Prabhupāda's Only Credit
People often attribute the rapid expansion of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to some personal magic or charisma possessed by Śrīla Prabhupāda. However, he consistently denies any personal credit, explaining that his success is due solely to his refusal to adulterate the transcendental message and his strict adherence to the orders of his spiritual master.
Credit of a Faithful Peon
Śrīla Prabhupāda often compared himself to a peon whose only duty is to deliver a letter exactly as it is written. He emphasized that he did not manufacture anything new or show any chemical jugglery; his "magic" was simply presenting the teachings of Bhagavad-gītā without adding any "nonsense" or personal interpretations.
- Actually I am just like a peon. I have brought, but I am delivering it without any adulteration. That may be my credit. And if you take it without any adulteration and practice it, then your life is successful.
- I am not a magician. My only credit is I have not spoiled the Bhagavad-gita. I have presented as it is. Therefore it is successful.
- My only credit is that I am presenting Krsna as He is. That's all. I am not diluting Krsna. That is not my business.
Attributing Success to the Spiritual Master
Whenever praised for his achievements, Śrīla Prabhupāda redirected the honor to his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Prabhupāda. He viewed his own activities as a humble attempt to fulfill the desire of his guru, noting that any success achieved was simply due to the mercy and inspiration coming from the disciplic succession.
- I am just trying to disseminate this message of my Spiritual Master and if there's any credit for this service, everything goes to Him.
- Actually I cannot claim any credit for myself, but I say if any credit is due, it is due to the fact that I have not deviated from the original instructions.
- Whatever is being done, there is no credit for me, but all the credit goes to my Spiritual Master, because He has arranged everything, and I am simply to abide by His order.
Kṛṣṇa’s Plan and the Devotee's Credit
Śrīla Prabhupāda explained that although Kṛṣṇa does everything by His own plan, He kindly gives the credit to His sincere servants. He acknowledged the help of his disciples, stating that their cooperation in executing the orders of the spiritual master was the real reason for the movement's progress.
- Within eight or ten years we have developed so much. Is it humanly possible? It is Krsna's plan. But Krsna says that "You go and preach. Take the credit." Yes. It is His plan. Actually everything is done by Krsna. He gives the credit to His devotee, that's all.
- I have to thank you. It is all due to you. It is not my credit, but it is your credit that you are helping me in executing the order of my Guru Maharaja.
Conclusion
The secret of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s success was his total transparency. By not taking the position of Kṛṣṇa and instead remaining a humble servant, he became a perfect instrument for the Lord’s will. He taught that one is judged by the quality of their work and their faithfulness to the paramparā. His life remains the ultimate example of how a sincere soul, by simply repeating the Absolute Truth without change, can transform the entire world.
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 Credit (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.