I Shall - Prabhupāda’s Determination and Divine Resolve
The words of a pure devotee are never ordinary; they are absolute commitments made in the service of the Supreme Lord. When Śrīla Prabhupāda states "I shall," we witness the unfolding of Kṛṣṇa's own plan through His empowered representative. Despite arriving in America with no material assets and in advanced age, Śrīla Prabhupāda used the phrase "I shall" to lay the foundation for a global spiritual revolution. He declared his intentions to defeat illusion, to build temples, to translate massive volumes of Vedic literature, and most importantly, to pray for and protect his disciples. Studying these statements reveals the fierce determination, the profound compassion, and the unshakable resolve of the Founder-Ācārya of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
Absolute Dependence on Kṛṣṇa and Prayers for Disciples
A spiritual master is the eternal well-wisher of his disciples. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently promised his followers that he would personally appeal to the Supreme Lord on their behalf. His "I shall" statements in this regard highlight his deep compassion and his understanding that spiritual advancement is ultimately granted by Kṛṣṇa's grace.
- I shall pray to Kṛṣṇa for your advancement.
- I shall always pray to Kṛṣṇa to give you more and more strength and confidence in this great responsibility and I shall pray for your long life to execute this mission.
- I shall always pray to Kṛṣṇa for your protection. Side by side you also remain always engaged in Kṛṣṇa's service and thus there will be no chance of falldown.
- I shall always pray to Kṛṣṇa that you may come out a successful and eminent scholar so that your writings and thoughts may be seriously taken by the mundane wranglers.
- I shall always pray for your good health and prolonged life because at the present moment you are the only hope to us in the matter of spreading India's original culture, Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Confidence in the Preaching Mission and Defeating Illusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda was absolutely fearless in presenting the Vedic conclusion. He did not compromise with mundane scientists or speculative philosophers. He boldly stated that he would prove the existence of God and expose the foolishness of those who deny the Supreme Lord, relying solely on the authority of Kṛṣṇa.
- Any nonsense can come to me, and I shall prove that there is God; that is my Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
- Because we have to prove that he (scientist) is a rascal to another rascal, we have to take your (Svarupa Damodara's) help. This is our policy. Otherwise, so far we are concerned, if they go on lecturing for millions of years, we shall kick on their face.
- I shall be thinking successful in my mission when you present your Kṛṣṇa Conscious article before the misguided philosophers and religionists of the world.
- First of all let them prove that they are sane men. They are all insane rascals. Why shall I take their words? We are taking words from Kṛṣṇa, who is accepted the Supreme by all the acaryas, all the great sages.
- I am an imperfect person. I cannot give you any knowledge. I cannot manufacture any knowledge. If I do that, then I shall deceive you. I can simply present before you the original knowledge.
Future Plans for Book Translation and Publishing
The most crucial aspect of Śrīla Prabhupāda's legacy is his Bhaktivedanta purports. He constantly strategized how to free himself from the burdens of daily management so he could focus entirely on writing. He envisioned a constant output of transcendental literature to educate the world.
- I am glad that you are typing the remaining portion of KRSNA, and then I shall send the second part of KRSNA also for editing. Your husband wanted from me a specific duty, and I think the best part of his valor can be utilized in editorial work.
- As soon as I see that you GBC members are managing everything very nicely I shall completely retire for writing my books only and I am thinking of staying in Mayapur for six months and in your camp, L.A., for six months.
- I shall begin Caitanya Caritamrta Essays and Text. If I am assisted by one expert typewriter like Neal, as he is doing now, we can publish every three months a book. And the more we have books, the more we become respectable.
- I cannot sleep more than 3 hours at night, and 1 hour in day. So if it continues like that, and if I keep fit, I think I shall have ample time to work writing books.
- At first we shall print just our books, and then if successful, we shall take to printing to the extent of 5000 copies of BTG per month.
Vision for Temples, Centers, and New Vrindaban
Śrīla Prabhupāda was a spiritual visionary with practical plans. He used his "I shall" directives to guide the establishment of farm communities like New Vrindaban, the acquisition of properties in major cities, and the proper standard of Deity worship required to maintain these spiritual oases.
- As soon as New Vrindaban is connected with a link road as well as electricity, very soon it will develop into our idea. I shall personally go and stay there and see it is developed.
- I have now New Vrindaban scheme and I shall try to develop all the important temples of Vrindaban including Radha Damodara temple in our New Vrindaban site.
- Before returning to India, if I am able to run at least three centers like the one in New York, another in San Francisco and the other in Montreal, then I shall feel successful in my mission.
- Wherever a Sankirtana temple will be established, I shall require at least three pictures, namely your Spiritual Master, my Spiritual Master and the Pancatattva.
- I shall be the last man to give up the Hare Kṛṣṇa Land to the rogue Mr. Nair. He has taken our money but tactfully has not given us the conveyance.
Personal Service, Guidance, and Individual Instructions
Despite his massive global responsibilities, Śrīla Prabhupāda remained deeply involved in the lives of his disciples. He promised personal guidance on everything from Sanskrit editing and academic theses to physical health and domestic harmony, showing that he was always available for those who sought his help.
- FIRST YEAR BHAKTISASTRI EXAMINATION, September 4th, 1969. Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Janmastami Ceremony - I shall personally examine the papers, and those who will pass will be sent a certificate of Bhaktisastri in due course.
- For editing the Sanskrit words you can send me a list of the words, and I shall send you the correct diacritic marks.
- I like the idea of yours to continue on for PHD presenting our books and philosophy in your thesis. This will be a great service for you to perform and I shall be very grateful to you if you can do it.
- I am undergoing the treatment of an ayurvedic physician celebrated to be the best there is in the area, and I think I am feeling a little better. Anyway, as soon as I am a little fit, I shall return to you by the Grace of Kṛṣṇa.
- I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 6, 1975 and your invitation to come to your house. I thank you very much for it, and shall be please to come on July 19th. I shall be accompanied with up to six disciples.
The Eternal Soul and the Spiritual Master's Duty
Beyond the external expansion of the society, Śrīla Prabhupāda's ultimate goal was the spiritual perfection of his followers. He spoke definitively about the nature of the soul, ensuring his disciples that life does not end with the body, and he laid out his plan to train them to take up the mantle of spiritual leadership.
- I remember all those existences, although the body is finished. Therefore the conclusion is that I shall exist when this body is finished. That is real knowledge. And it is common sense.
- I am Indian, and after my death I shall become Indian? No. There is no guarantee. Today I am American, and after death I shall become a...? No. That is not in your hand. After death your so-called boastfulness, pride - everything finished.
- I have come with this body given by God, open-handed, without any asset. And I shall pass away from this world leaving this body open-handed. So actually nothing belongs to me. It is simply maya, illusion.
- 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.
- He is my spiritual son and I shall never allow him to fall down. When I return I shall drag him forcibly and make all right again. Anyone who has once come to me has become my beloved son.
Conclusion
When Śrīla Prabhupāda says "I shall," he is not expressing false ego; he is vocalizing the pure determination of a surrendered soul acting on behalf of the Supreme. His intentions were never for his own comfort or aggrandizement. Whether he was planning to write books, establish temples, defeat illusion, or pray for his disciples, his every resolve was completely synthesized with the will of Kṛṣṇa. By studying these powerful statements, we can draw immense inspiration to cultivate that same fearless determination in our own execution 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 I Shall (Prabhupāda). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.