Understanding the Heart of Prabhupāda through Devotional Service
When we explore the inner feelings and personal instructions of Śrīla Prabhupāda, we discover a wellspring of profound love and spiritual dedication. He deeply cherished his disciples, relying on their sincere cooperation, while remaining eternally anchored to the directives of his spiritual master. By studying these heartfelt expressions, we can forge a direct, personal connection with his vāṇī and find the inspiration to assist in his glorious mission.
Deep Affection for Sincere Disciples
Śrīla Prabhupāda loved his disciples as his own life and soul, recognizing them as precious gifts sent by Kṛṣṇa. His letters reveal a tender, fatherly affection, assuring his followers that even if he could not reply to every letter, they were always situated safely within his heart.
- Of course I do not reply your each and every letter, I always think of you because you are all my heart and soul. I am so pleased to have your association.
- At any circumstances you must not forget Krsna. I love you at my heart and therefore I gave you the name Krsna devi dasi.
- If we can manage successfully, we will be attractive for the whole of India. Our task is very heavy, do not neglect by paltry disagreement. I hope Krishna will bless you to understand my heart and oblige.
- Whenever there is new branch of our society for Krishna Consciousness I become very very happy, and my blessings in heart and soul are with you.
Guided by the Spiritual Master
The instructions of his spiritual master were not merely external rules, but the very heartbeat of Śrīla Prabhupāda's existence. He felt the constant, guiding presence of his master within, which gave him the immense strength required to cross oceans and endure life-threatening physical crises.
- I think that His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is always seeing my activities and guiding me within my heart by his words.
- I should have joined and executed his (My Guru Maharaja's) desire immediately, but due to my ill luck I could not immediately execute his order, but it was in my heart that it is to be done.
- I was at that time a fool, but I opined like this. And I accepted him as my spiritual master immediately. Not officially, but in my heart. That was in 1922.
- I came here with a great mission to execute my Spiritual Master's order but my heart is stabbing me.
The Mission and Sacred Attachments
Though situated in the busiest cities of the world, Śrīla Prabhupāda's heart constantly hankered for the spiritual atmosphere of Vṛndāvana and the service to the predecessor ācāryas. He intimately identified his own life energy with the printing press and the temples, seeing them as the vital instruments for spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- As you know as I have several times mentioned that the press is my heart and soul and it should work constantly to produce literature for wide distribution.
- In my heart I want that KRSNA book in small or large form, should be distributed in every home who are English-speaking people.
- As you are going to restore order in the temple I am always with you because Srila Jiva Goswami's temple is my heart and soul.
- Now here I am sitting, New York, a very great, the world's greatest city, so magnificent city, but my heart is always hankering after that Vrndavana. I shall be very happy to return to my Vrndavana, that sacred place.
Kṛṣṇa as the Witness Within
Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly reminded his disciples that Kṛṣṇa is intimately present within everyone's heart as the supreme witness and friend. Because the Lord sees the genuine sincerity of our desires, He gracefully provides all the necessary facilities for those who wish to serve Him.
- Our business is to chant and glorify the Holy Name of Krishna and wherever we may remain, Krishna is with us, Krishna is within your heart, Krishna is within my heart.
- Information we get from Bhagavad-gita, that God is sitting within your heart. That is a fact. Not only within your heart, my heart, the animal's heart - everyone, sarva-bhutanam. Sarva-bhutanam means - Of all living entities.
- As Krsna sees the sincerity of our hearts, He supplies the facilities. Just like I came to your country with only 40 rupees, and now we have got this huge institution.
- Krishna was very kind to me when He sent you to me for cooperating. My hearty thanks for you when you write to say that Krishna Consciousness is the full perfection of life.
Conclusion
The heart of Śrīla Prabhupāda is a vast ocean of transcendental love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. By reading his personal reflections, we understand that his absolute surrender to his spiritual master empowered him to endure immense sacrifices for our benefit. As we imbibe the spirit of his profound instructions, we are invited to enter his heart by sincerely cooperating together to push forward this glorious mission of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vāṇī
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category My Heart (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.