Real Touch - Why Physical Presence is Not Essential

In the material world, when a beloved teacher or father departs, we feel a devastating loss. We assume that their influence has ended because their physical body is no longer visible. However, in the spiritual science of Krishna Consciousness, the presence of the Acharya is not limited to physics.

In this collection of instructions, Śrīla Prabhupāda addresses the theme of "Absence" with profound reassurance, practical directives, and deep emotional truth. He teaches us that while the physical body (vapu) is temporary, the instructions (vani) are eternal.

Physical Presence is Immaterial

For the devotee feeling the pangs of separation, Śrīla Prabhupāda offers the ultimate solace: the Spiritual Master is never actually absent. He explains that the connection is maintained through sound, not sight.

• I understand that you are feeling my absence. Krishna will give you strength. Physical presence is immaterial; presence of the transcendental sound received from the spiritual master should be the guidance of life.
• Never think that I am absent from you. Physical presence is not essential; presence by message (or hearing) is real touch.

Just as a recording retains the exact vibration of the speaker even when they are not in the room, the recorded words and books of the Pure Devotee contain his full potency. Śrīla Prabhupāda uses the analogy of a dictaphone:

• I am speaking in the dictaphone, but after some time, without me, it will speak exactly like this. So I am speaking, but I'm not present there. Similarly, material world means it is being conducted by Kṛṣṇa, but still personally, He's not present there.

The Sacred Duty: "In My Absence, You Manage"

Śrīla Prabhupāda did not want helpless dependents; he wanted competent managers and preachers who could expand the mission. His letters reveal a desire to see his disciples mature into responsibility.

• I have a great hope to train some of my disciples for preaching work, even in my absence; I wish to leave some trained preachers so that they can do the work of Krishna Consciousness in the western world.
• Personally I wish all the existing GBC may be trained up so perfectly that in the future in my absence they can manage the whole Society very nicely and strongly; that is my desire.

He placed immense trust in his sincere followers, encouraging them to carry on the great mission:

• Even in my absence there will be no stoppage of activities; things will go on nicely by regular exchange of correspondence and there will be no difficulty.
• I am depending on you all to carry on this great mission in my absence; chant and hear, and Kṛṣṇa will bless you.

The Anxiety of the Acharya

Despite his faith, Śrīla Prabhupāda also expressed the natural anxiety of a father leaving his children. His primary concern was not for money or fame, but for the strict maintenance of spiritual standards.

• My anxiety is that in my absence you may neglect Deity worship. Then the whole thing will be spoiled. That is my anxiety.
• I am simply interested that whatever I have done, it may not be vanquished in my absence. Let me go and encourage them.

He warned against disturbing the situation with false dictations or neglecting the "line of action" he had established. This serves as a timeless warning for all future generations to maintain the purity of the process.

The Solution: "Read the Books"

How do we navigate these challenges without him sitting before us? The answer is simple and direct.

• In my absence you read the books; what I talk, I have written in the books.
• In the absence of physical presentation of the Spiritual Master the vaniseva is more important.

Conclusion: He Is Always With Us

The feeling of separation is not a sign of disconnection, but a symptom of love. Śrīla Prabhupāda acknowledges this feeling but elevates it to the spiritual platform.

• At New York I felt at Home on account of so many beloved students like you. As you are feeling my absence so I am feeling for you. But we are all happy on account of Krishna Consciousness either here or there.

Whether physically present or absent, the Spiritual Master remains the guiding compass. As he beautifully assured a disciple:

• I'm always with you never mind if I am physically absent.

By taking shelter of his vani, we ensure that he never leaves.

Dive Deeper into Srila Prabhupada's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category In My Absence (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.