Prabhupāda's Missionary Activities
Śrīla Prabhupāda's missionary activities were more than just an organization; they were a lifeline extended to a world in need. He shared his journey with his disciples, from his helpless arrival in America to the blossoming of a global movement, always emphasizing that they were the ones making his work possible. Through these reflections, we see the deep bond of love Śrīla Prabhupāda shared with those who assisted him in his mission.
The Heart of the Preaching Work
Śrīla Prabhupāda approached his missionary work with a spirit of complete dependence on Kṛṣṇa. He arrived in the West with no resources, yet he carried the absolute truth of Bhagavad-gītā. He taught his disciples that the goal of their activities was not material expansion, but the genuine awakening of even one soul to the reality of the spiritual world.
- I came to your country completely in helpless condition and Krsna is so kind that He has picked up some serious students like you; and my only hope is that even if I die these missionary activities will go on.
- If we can induce even one person to understand that this material world is not meant for our living, our real home is in the spiritual world, and if we can convince this philosophy to even a single person, that is the success of our missionary activities.
- We take up this missionary work, to preach Bhagavad-gita as it is, without any interpretation and without any motive behind it, as it is, as Krsna said . . . we should present as it is.
- As stated by you, my missionary work is really a great challenge to the western way of life. But Krishna is so attractive that He is accepted even by the Westerners when the consciousness is presented in the right disciplic succession.
Gratitude for Helping Hands
Śrīla Prabhupāda never took the service of his disciples for granted. He saw their helping hands as a manifestation of the mercy of his spiritual master. He often expressed that his thoughts were always with those who assisted him, and he looked forward to a future where each of them would become spiritual masters to carry the mission forward.
- I am also obliged to them (my students) because they are helping me in this missionary work. At the same time, I shall request them all to become spiritual master. Every one of you should be spiritual master next.
- I am praying always to Krishna that the boys and girls who have stretched their helping hand in this country in this connection may always be in good health and continue to assist me in my missionary activities.
- When you are helping my missionary activities I am always thinking of you and you are always thinking of me. That is real association.
- I always thank my Spiritual Master Om Visnupada Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja for His favor by sending me some sincere representative of Him in missionary activities in this part of the world.
Sacrifice for the Mission
The path of missionary work was paved with personal sacrifice. Śrīla Prabhupāda spoke openly about giving up his family and his attempts at business to focus entirely on the mission of his spiritual master. He encouraged his disciples to help in book distribution and other efforts, assuring them that such cooperation was the key to his confidence in the future.
- I have given up my wife and children for this purpose. If I am engaged in family life, then I cannot do this missionary work. I have taken absolute shelter to this work without any disturbance.
- I wanted to become a very big businessman and earn money and spend for this missionary work, but that was not very successful.
- If you kindly help me in distributing these books and literature, it will be a very great help for my missionary activities.
- I am so glad to receive your letter dated 4th July, 1971 from Trinidad and it has encouraged me so much that I am now confident that my missionary activities will go on even in my absence.
Components of Preaching
Śrīla Prabhupāda carefully designed the activities of the mission to include saṅkīrtana, prasādam distribution, and the publication of literature. He saw these as essential tools to reach the educated public and reveal the purity of devotional service. He even described the role of a sannyāsī as a "licensed beggar" who collects funds specifically to be spent on these vital missionary activities.
- The idea of distribution of prasadam is long standing, and I suggested this from the very beginning of my missionary activities, both in New York and in San Francisco.
- It is very satisfying that you have introduced Sankirtana Party procession in the public streets and parks on the occasion of Lord Caitanya's Birthday. It is a good addition to my missionary activities and I thank you very much.
- One of the objects of my missionary activities is to bring to notice of the educated Indian public that devotional service originated from the Indian side in its pure form.
- Regarding collecting money, a sannyasi's name is vikshu, or licensed beggar. Not only sannyasi, but a brahmachary also is required to collect for his Spiritual Master. The Spiritual Master spends for missionary activities.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s missionary activities were the heartbeat of his existence, fueled by an unwavering love for Kṛṣṇa and his disciples. By inviting his followers into the mission, he gave them a purpose that transcended the material world. He proved that through sincerity and cooperative effort, the message of the disciplic succession can overcome any challenge. Today, the continuation of these missionary activities remains a testament to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision and the enduring bond he shares with all those who take up the torch of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
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 Missionary Activities (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.