Sacred Stewardship: Principles of Contributing Money to ISKCON
The management of financial resources in a spiritual movement requires a delicate balance between practical necessity and transcendental purity. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that money is essential for spreading the message of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, yet it must be handled with the utmost integrity. By contributing money to the Lord’s mission, the donor purifies their wealth and makes advancement in spiritual life, while the movement gains the facility to reach more souls.
The Ideal Source of Income
Śrīla Prabhupāda preferred that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement be supported by voluntary contributions rather than commercial enterprise. He explains that devotees should not divert their attention to complex money-making schemes. Instead, if devotees work sincerely and organize saṅkīrtana parties in the streets and parks, people will naturally be glad to contribute. The best way to maintain the mission is through these voluntary gifts and the sale of transcendental literature.
- Money making schemes should be easy; we cannot divert our attention for money making activities. We require some money for prosecuting our activities, and if we get that money by contribution that is best, otherwise, we can sell our literature and books.
- If you can organize this Sankirtana party chanting in the parks and in the street, with permit from the authorities, there will be no scarcity of money, and people will be very glad to contribute.
- Simply we have to work and people will give contribution for this good cause. It is better to get money by collections than to work.
- I approve your scheme not to charge money for love-feast. Whatever voluntary contribution you receive, that is alright.
The Duty of Different Ashramas
Financial contribution is a duty divided among the social orders. The brāhmaṇas, being dedicated to transcendental service, are supported by the contributions of the kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras. Śrīla Prabhupāda also set a high standard for members of the movement: those who are not married should contribute their entire income to the temple, while married followers should aim to contribute 50%. This structure ensures the movement remains robust and capable of expanding.
- A king is not allowed to take contribution. Because he is administrator, he can tax, so his source of income is tax. And the brahmanas' source of income is contribution because they are rendering transcendental service.
- The brahmana accepts all kinds of contributions (pratigraha) from his followers - namely, the ksatriyas, vaisyas and sudras. But he does not keep all the money. He keeps only as much as required and gives the balance to others in charity - dana.
- Those who are not married should contribute all their income to the temple. Those who are married should contribute 50%. That should be the principle of contribution of the members and followers of the Krishna Consciousness movement.
Accountability and Sacred Management
When money is collected for Kṛṣṇa, it becomes sacred property. Śrīla Prabhupāda was extremely strict about the accountability of these funds. He warned that not a single "farthing" should be used for anything other than the Lord's service. Whether the funds are used for temple construction in Vṛndāvana or the publication of Back to Godhead magazine, the management must be transparent and focused solely on advancing Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Those who collect contributions on behalf of ISKCON should be very careful not to use even a farthing of the collection for any purpose other than the transcendental loving service of the Lord.
- When our Krsna conscious devotees go out to beg charity or collect contributions in the form of membership fees, the money thus coming to the Krsna consciousness movement is strictly employed to advance Krsna consciousness all over the world.
- The purpose of sending this money is to construct our Krsna-Balarama temple at Raman Reti in Vrindaban. This money is a contribution of my ISKCON temples here in the U.S.A.
- Each center should take responsibility of contributing some money towards the publication of Back To Godhead, instead of depending upon each center for selling Back To Godhead.
The Spiritual Benefit to the Donor
The act of giving is a blessing for the donor. Śrīla Prabhupāda often expressed his gratitude to those who contributed significantly, noting that their generosity would lead to further advancement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. A prime example was George Harrison, whose contribution covered the entire cost of printing the Kṛṣṇa book. Whether it is a rich individual or a sincere seeker giving small sums during a lecture, the result is the same: spiritual merit and the favor of the Lord.
- My grateful acknowledgement is due to Sriman George Harrison, now chanting Hare Krsna, for his liberal contribution of $19,000 to meet the entire cost of printing this volume. May Krsna bestow upon this nice boy further advancement in Krsna consciousness.
- I am very glad to know that one rich Indian, Mr. Raj Anand, is prepared to contribute some money for our temple activities.
- I was getting some money by contributions in my lectures. But in the beginning my all expenditures were not sufficient collection.
- I beg to thank you very much for this contribution which I think must be a gift for Vyasa Puja Day presentation and I have deposited it with Dai Nippon for publication of our literatures.
Conclusion
Contributing money to Kṛṣṇa is an act of love and trust. As Śrīla Prabhupāda demonstrates, while the movement requires financial support to function in the material world, its foundation remains entirely spiritual. By managing contributions with honesty and directing them toward the publication of literature and temple activities, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement offers everyone the opportunity to participate in a transcendental mission.
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 Contributing Money. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.