Spiritual Well-being and Institutional Purity - Prabhupāda's Concern
The deep sense of responsibility Śrīla Prabhupāda felt toward his mission and his disciples was a constant theme in his teachings. His concerns were not mundane anxieties but transcendental considerations aimed at protecting the purity of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement and ensuring the spiritual success of every soul who took shelter of it.
Mission of Book Distribution
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s primary concern was the profuse printing and distribution of his books. He understood that these literatures carried the potency to change the hearts of people worldwide, and he sought every facility to ensure they reached every corner of the globe.
- Book distribution is my most important concern and these devotees should be given facility to distribute books profusely throughout America.
- I am most concerned that these books of mine be printed profusely and distributed all over the world as each book has so much potency for making persons Krsna conscious.
- I am now very much serious about printing my books. There may be three sources for printing. If the MacMillan Company is interested to publish my books that will be a great relief. I do not mind for the profit concerned. But I want to see them published.
Guarding the Purity of the Devotees
A major concern for Śrīla Prabhupāda was the internal health of his society. He repeatedly warned against the dangers of quarreling, the influence of Mayavadi philosophy, and the tendency to take spiritual initiations cheaply without following the necessary regulative principles.
- I am especially concerned that the second initiation not be taken cheaply and devotees who do not even rise early be recommended for brahmana.
- I am very concerned that in the midst of such good reports, the devotees there are quarreling.
- My only request is that you see to it that all our men are strictly following the rules and regulations as I have given. I am only concerned for your spiritual life.
Future Hope of Gurukula
Śrīla Prabhupāda looked toward the future of the movement with great concern for the training of children. He viewed the Gurukula experiment as a vital mission, stressing that the future hope of the society depended on how well the children were nurtured in Kṛṣṇa consciousness from their earliest years.
- I am concerned that the Gurukula experiment should come out nicely. These children are the future hope of our Society, so it is a very important matter how we are training them in Krishna consciousness from the very childhood.
- You are all my spiritual children, and my only concern is to see that you all become strong in your devotion to Lord Krishna, so sometimes scolding may be there, but you should always remember that it is done with love and it is only for your benefit.
Institutional Integrity and Management
As the movement grew, Śrīla Prabhupāda expressed concern that the large establishments he founded be managed regularly and properly. He warned that if the managers began to think of their own personal benefit rather than the mission’s success, the entire institution could be ruined.
- That is my concern, that such huge, huge establishment, if properly, regularly not managed, then again everything will be finished.
- We have worked very hard and established a great institution, but if we think for our personal benefit then it will become ruined. This is my only concern.
- Special care should be taken that no property can be sold or mortgaged by local managers as was done by Goursundar. This is my only concern.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s concerns were the manifestations of his deep, unalloyed love for Kṛṣṇa and the conditioned souls. Whether he was addressing the management of properties, the printing of books, or the personal behavior of his disciples, his goal was always to ensure that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement remained a pure and effective vehicle for spiritual transformation. By understanding and addressing these concerns, his followers can ensure that the sacred mission he established continues to stand strong for generations to come.
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 Concern (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.