Prabhupāda’s Hard Work for Kṛṣṇa
The foundation of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was built upon the incredible and selfless hard work of Śrīla Prabhupāda. He did not ask of us anything that he did not first practice himself with total intensity. By understanding the depth of his personal struggle and his tireless 24-hour labor, we can better appreciate the value of the vāṇī he has left for us and feel inspired to protect and expand his mission.
The Intensity of the Spiritual Struggle
Śrīla Prabhupāda often spoke of the early years of his mission as a time of hard struggle. Even as he aged, his work rate never diminished; he frequently worked twenty-four hours a day, managing the society while simultaneously producing volumes of scriptures. His health was secondary to his mission, as he pushed himself to the limit to establish a framework for our spiritual success.
- I am now eighty years old, I am working twenty-four hours. I think I work more than my young disciples.
- There was hard struggle. It is not that so easy for... In 1965 to '66, 66-67, regular hard struggle.
- Due to my incessant hard work for the last two years, my health has been shattered.
Laboring for the Enlightenment of Others
The primary focus of Śrīla Prabhupāda's hard work was the production of his books. He described this task as his "life and soul" and labored late into the night so that his disciples would have transcendental knowledge to guide them long after his departure. He expressed that if we do not read the books he has worked so hard to produce, his labor is not fully utilized.
- I am giving so much stress and I am working so hard on this. Because this is my life and soul according to the order of my Guru Maharaja. And by his grace it is to some extent successful. And I took it seriously. I take it seriously still now.
- I am laboring so hard that before I leave this body, I may give you some books who you can enjoy after my death. So utilize it. Read every sloka nicely, try to understand the meaning, discuss amongst yourselves.
- Our book distribution is the most important task in our society. Therefore I am giving so much stress and I am working so hard on this. Because this is my life and soul according to the order of my Guru Maharaja.
A Success Beyond Material Comparison
Śrīla Prabhupāda noted that the results of his mission were not the product of luck, but of serious, focused work. He compared his efforts to the karmīs of the world, noting that devotees work even harder, but for a higher purpose. The rapid expansion of his society in just a few years was a testament to the divine grace that accompanies such sincere hard labor.
- Even Ramakrishna Mission. They are working for the last eighty years, and I have worked only for six years. And my result is eighty times more than them. They also acknowledge. Phalena pariciyate.
- We are not idle preachers, we are working. All, very hard, more than the karmis.
- I worked very hard. Two times lectures, cooking, and meeting and twenty-four-hours writing book, typing. Not a single moment, and still I am not wasting single moment.
Safeguarding the Legacy of Service
Because Śrīla Prabhupāda invested so much of his own life into establishing this "great institution," he was deeply concerned that it might be spoiled. He urged his disciples to avoid the "greatest sin" of backsliding into nonsense behavior and pleaded with them not to use the mission for personal benefit. His ultimate desire was for us to follow his example of tireless service.
- You young men should not simply eulogize my hard working capacity, but I wish that you should also follow my example.
- We are in very good, prestigious position. That is sure. Don't spoil it. So much hard labor. I started with very humble condition. Now it has come to this, such exalted position. You don't spoil it. That is my request.
- 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.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s hard work was the manifestation of his unalloyed devotion. He did not labor for fame or comfort, but to fulfill the mission of his Guru Mahārāja and to provide a path home for all of us. Every book we read and every temple we visit is a product of his sweat and sacrifice. We honor his hard work best not just by offering praise, but by taking his instructions seriously, reading his books diligently, and continuing to build upon the exalted foundation he so painstakingly laid.
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 Hard Work (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.