Utilizing Material Assets for Advancing the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement
The advancement of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is driven by a unique spiritual technology: the art of engaging material resources in the service of the Absolute Truth. Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that wealth, machinery, and influence are not to be rejected as illusory but must be actively utilized to spread spiritual knowledge. This practical approach transforms mundane objects into spiritual assets, allowing the movement to penetrate modern society and deliver the highest benefit to humanity.
Principle of Practical Engagement
The core strategy for advancing this mission is to see everything in relationship to Kṛṣṇa. Rather than retreating from the world, devotees utilize modern facilities—from typewriters to airplanes—to accelerate the distribution of transcendental knowledge. When economic development and material assets are dovetailed in this way, they cease to be causes of bondage and become instruments of liberation.
- Everything has a relationship with Krsna. When all economic development and material advancement are utilized to advance the cause of Krsna consciousness, a new phase of progressive life arises.
- For instance, we are using many machines for the advancement of our present Krsna consciousness movement, machines like typewriters, dictaphones, tape recorders, microphones and airplanes.
- One should understand that the wealth and opportunity one gets in the material world should not be squandered in sense gratification. They are meant for the advancement of Krsna consciousness.
- With such sentiment for Krsna, or Krsna consciousness, we can accept everything. If the typewriter can be utilized for advancing our Krsna consciousness movement, we must accept it.
Perseverance Against Opposition
As the movement advances, it naturally encounters friction from materialistic sectors of society. History illustrates that spiritual movements often face hostility, just as the demon Kaṁsa felt threatened by the presence of Kṛṣṇa. However, these obstacles are viewed not as defeats but as opportunities for devotees to remain fixed in their determination, understanding that the truth cannot be checked by artificial impositions.
- As Kamsa was not expected to kill the beautiful child of Devaki and Vasudeva, the uncivilized society, although unhappy about the advancement of the Krsna concsciosness movement, cannot be expected to stop it. Yet we must face many difficulties in many different ways.
- The asuras, the demons, impede the advancement of the Krsna consciousness movement, and therefore Krsna arranges occasional fights between different asuras who are very much interested in increasing their military power.
- They have admitted, some of their party, "If this movement is allowed to advance, then some day they will take our government." They have expressed that feeling. And now they are preparing to fight out.
Internal Cooperation and Mission
The external expansion of the movement depends entirely on the internal mood of its leaders and members. Success is not merely a matter of funding or management but of strict adherence to the instructions of Lord Caitanya and maintaining a spirit of cooperation. Śrīla Prabhupāda specifically appealed to his senior disciples to manage the society soberly, ensuring that the primary goal remains the injection of spiritual consciousness into the "dead body" of the material world.
- It is my satisfaction that is important; my wish is that you all GBC members cooperate and advance the mission of this society. That will satisfy me.
- I am especially appealing to the GBC men to take this mission of Krishna Consciousness movement very, very soberly and without any inebrieties for advancing the knowledge of how to inject Krishna Consciousness into the dead body of material nature.
- If we simply follow Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instructions and follow in the footsteps of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, this Krsna consciousness movement can advance.
Conclusion
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement stands as a unique historical phenomenon where spiritual renunciation meets practical action. By refusing to isolate religion from the real world, the movement claims all material assets—technology, wealth, and intellect—for the service of the Divine. This bold advancement may invite challenges, but as long as the internal culture remains unified and dedicated to the orders of the ācāryas, the mission will continue to act as the saving grace for human society.
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 Advancing the Krsna Consciousness Movement. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.