Prabhupāda's Duty - Guiding Disciples and Preaching
When Śrīla Prabhupāda traveled across the globe to deliver us, he was completely driven by his profound sense of duty to his spiritual master. Through his deeply personal instructions, we can feel his boundless compassion, his tireless dedication to our spiritual protection, and his uncompromising desire to reconnect us with Kṛṣṇa.
Carrying the Order of the Spiritual Master
Śrīla Prabhupāda never claimed personal credit for the miraculous spread of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. He humbly and constantly reminded us that his only qualification was his firm, unshakeable determination to execute the order of his guru, regardless of the immense hardships he faced.
- All along I have been discouraged in every way by my Godbrothers, but still I have stuck to my duty, keeping my Spiritual Master always in front.
- I never came here because American boys or people wanted me. They did not feel any need of my presence. But I came here, because it is my duty. My Guru Maharaja ordered me.
- From my personal instance I can explain to you it is my duty, that I am not very wonderful man, but I have tried to execute the order of my spiritual master. Whatever little success you can credit, that is my only qualification.
- My primary duty is to publish the Srimad-Bhagavatam and finish it in my life. But preaching in the western countries is also my duty as it was ordered by my Spiritual Master.
Unwavering Protection and Guidance
Once we took shelter of Śrīla Prabhupāda, he accepted the heavy responsibility of delivering us from the darkness of māyā. Like a loving father, he considered it his primary duty to protect us, guide our talents into Kṛṣṇa's service, and pray continuously for our ultimate success.
- As your beloved spiritual master and father, it is my duty to give you all protection; but if you allow Maya to act upon you without any resistance, then it is your own choice.
- I have accepted you as my disciple and you have accepted me as your spiritual father. This relationship cannot be ended anymore. It will be my duty always to pray to Krishna for your further and further improvement in Krishna Consciousness.
- Because you have come to me it will be my prime duty to guide you and utilize your talents for Krsna's service.
- It is my duty to open your eyes, because a Spiritual Master is he who can save his disciples from the darkness of nescience, illusion.
The Perfection of Spiritual Correction
To guide us properly on the path back to Godhead, Śrīla Prabhupāda could not simply flatter us. Out of his deep, personal care, he took on the difficult duty of pointing out our faults and discrepancies, knowing that this rigorous training was the only way to ensure our steady advancement.
- I know you are working hard and sincerely. I have no business to criticize you but as head of the institution or your spiritual master, it is my duty to find out your faults.
- It is the duty of the spiritual master to find fault with his students so that they may make progress, not that he should always be praising them.
- I know it very well that you are all sincere workers but still it is my duty to point out the discrepancies.
- When you have any questions you should immediately consult Gaurasundara or some other elder Godbrother or sister, or else you are always welcome to question me directly. It is my duty to guide you as far as possible.
Relentless Preaching Despite All Obstacles
Neither advanced age, physical inconvenience, nor a lack of support could deter Śrīla Prabhupāda. He viewed preaching the message of Kṛṣṇa as a sacred, absolute duty, completely sacrificing his own comfort to ensure that this saving knowledge reached the most deeply conditioned souls.
- At the age of 70 I had the energy to go outside India and apart from other various duties, engage myself in writing books even at night without sleep. All these have been done in accordance with the direction of my Prabhupada Gurudeva.
- I am ordered by superior, my spiritual master, that "Whatever you have learned, you should go to the Western countries, and you must distribute this knowledge." So in spite of all my difficulties, all my inconveniences, I am here because I am in duty.
- Do not be depressed. All along my godbrothers gave me only depression, repression, compression. But I continued strong in my duty.
- I have taken all the risk in the old age because I am in duty-bound. So I have to execute my duty in spite of all my inconveniences. That is the idea.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda's life is a masterclass in dedication and selfless service. He demonstrated that true duty is not a burden, but a deeply loving offering to the spiritual master and the Supreme Lord. By relentlessly preaching, writing books, and tenderly guiding his disciples through their faults and struggles, he provided an eternal shelter. His execution of duty remains our greatest inspiration to push forward in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, knowing that his compassionate protection is always with us.
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 Duty (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.