Prabhupāda Teaches His Disciples What They Must Always Remember
The essence of all Vedic injunctions is summarized in one simple directive: always remember Kṛṣṇa and never forget Him. Śrīla Prabhupāda instilled this principle deeply within the hearts of his disciples, warning them that the material world is designed to make the living entity forget their eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord. By training his followers to constantly remember their spiritual vows, the instructions of the paramparā, and the dangerous influence of māyā, he provided them with the absolute formula to pass the final examination at the time of death.
Always Remember Kṛṣṇa
Whether a devotee lives in a busy city or a peaceful forest, the standard of spiritual success is the same: the mind must be constantly absorbed in Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that this continuous remembrance is practically achieved through the chanting of the mahā-mantra. Because the Lord is non-different from His name, chanting ensures that one is always in direct contact with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Actually there is no difference between devotees living inside the temple and devotees living outside the temple. You are right that the important thing is to remember Krsna, whatever is your activity. So try to remember Krsna always.
- Always think like that, that as soon as you are chanting Hare Krsna, you must know that you are touching Krsna with your tongue.
- Just like Prahlada Maharaja always remembered Krishna and that saved Him from the most difficult situations. If we constantly remember to take shelter only at Krishna's Lotus Feet, then we shall always be saved from all sorts of dangers.
- To remember Krishna requires practice, and this is most easily done by chanting Hare Krishna mantra.
The Final Examination at Death
All activities performed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness are essentially practice for one critical moment: the time of death. Śrīla Prabhupāda explained that nature will test every living entity at the end of their life. If a devotee can overcome the pains of the dying body and successfully remember Kṛṣṇa, Nārāyaṇa, or even their own spiritual name, they will conquer the cycle of birth and death forever.
- At the time of death, somehow or other, if you can remember Narayana, Krsna, your life is successful. Therefore, practice, practice, while you are strong, while you are in good life, practice how to remember Narayana, Krsna, always.
- If at the time of death the devotee can remember his own name, such as Krsnadasa or Govinda dasa, he can be saved from the greatest danger. Therefore the change of names at the time of initiation is essential.
- Those who are practicing Krsna consciousness know that their examination will be held at the time of death. If one can remember Krsna at death, he is immediately transferred to Goloka Vrndavana.
- You may be very great devotee. That's all right. But it will be tested at the time of your death, how you remember Krsna.
Remembering the Danger of Māyā
The material world is not a comfortable home; it is a prison house ruled by māyā (illusion). Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly reminded his disciples never to become complacent. Māyā is extremely powerful and waits for any opportunity of forgetfulness to strike. The only safety is to remain entirely within the light of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, for where there is light, the darkness of illusion cannot exist.
- Cancalatvat means agitated mind. We must always remember that we are in a circumstances, material circumstances, where every time, every moment, our mind is agitated. We are not in a very comfortable situation.
- My dear boy, please remember that Maya is very strong. Any one of us can be arrested by her at any moment if we are not strongly attached to Krishna Consciousness.
- These new boys should be taken care of very nicely. We should always remember that we are in the kingdom of Maya and her influence is very strong.
- We should always remember that Maya or darkness and Krsna or the Light are existing side by side. So if we keep ourself always in Krsna Consciousness or in the Light of Krsna Sun, hardly there is any chance of being covered by darkness or Maya.
Remembering the Spiritual Master's Instructions
As Śrīla Prabhupāda's movement expanded globally, many disciples felt the pain of his physical absence. He comforted them by explaining the absolute nature of spiritual association (vāṇī). If a disciple always remembers the spiritual master's instructions and faithfully executes his orders, they are never truly separated. The physical presence is temporary, but the teachings are eternal.
- Always remember that I am always with you. As you are always thinking of me I am always thinking of you also. Although physically we are not together, we are not separated spiritually.
- The essential point to remember is that you should try always to please your spiritual master under every condition. That means to follow his orders and instructions very carefully.
- Please always try to remember me by my teachings and we shall always be together.
- Please remember always the humble teachings that you have received from me, and that will make you always associated with me, and with your other God-brothers.
Remembering Spiritual Vows
The foundation of a devotee's strength lies in their strict adherence to the vows taken at initiation. Śrīla Prabhupāda warned his followers never to take these rules lightly. By always remembering to chant a minimum of sixteen rounds of japa daily and strictly avoiding the four pillars of sinful life, a disciple guarantees their own spiritual protection and attracts the profound blessings of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
- This initiation means the third stage of Krsna consciousness. Those who are being initiated, they should remember that they have to follow the rules and regulations.
- The members of this (ISKCON) Society must always remember that if they stick to the regulative principles and preach sincerely according to the instructions of the acaryas, surely they will have the profound blessings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Just remember under all circumstances to chant sixteen rounds of japa daily, offer your prasadam to Krsna, and do all of the things which you already know, as you are senior disciple.
- These are the six principles we should always remember: enthusiasm, patience, conviction, following the regulative principles, becoming honest, and in the association of devotees.
Conclusion
To conquer the illusory energy of māyā, a disciple must arm themselves with constant remembrance. By training his followers to always remember the holy names, the regulative principles, and the instructions of the paramparā, Śrīla Prabhupāda provided a foolproof method for spiritual perfection. A mind thoroughly saturated with the remembrance of Kṛṣṇa throughout life guarantees a glorious and triumphant return to the spiritual world at the time of death.
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 We Should Always Remember (Disciples of SP). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.