Regarding My - Personal Reflections of Prabhupāda
The personal letters of Śrīla Prabhupāda provide an incredibly intimate and deeply moving window into his daily life as the founder-ācārya of a worldwide spiritual movement. Through his correspondence, we can witness how he completely dedicated every moment, thought, and breath to fulfilling the desires of his Guru Mahārāja. Although functioning on a transcendental platform, Śrīla Prabhupāda engaged in beautiful reciprocation with his disciples, discussing his physical health, travel arrangements, and daily comforts with immense affection. He viewed his followers not simply as subordinates, but as his spiritual children who were lovingly protecting and assisting him. By reading these personal reflections, we can feel his continuous reliance on Lord Kṛṣṇa in all circumstances. His unwavering determination to print books, build temples, and travel despite bodily inconveniences stands as the ultimate example of pure devotion.
Traveling and Depending on Kṛṣṇa
Even when experiencing the natural inconveniences of an aging body and severe heart trouble, Śrīla Prabhupāda possessed the spiritual vigor of a youthful preacher. He refused to stop traveling and spreading the message of Lord Kṛṣṇa, constantly placing his health, his location, and his very life entirely in the hands of the Supreme Lord.
- Regarding my travelling, no, I have not stopped travelling. I am trying to go on like a young man, but sometimes the health does not allow. That is beyond my jurisdiction.
- Regarding preaching tour, it has become a little difficult for me because I have got the same heart trouble as you have, and still I am moving just to encourage these young boys who are working on my behalf.
- Regarding my health, I am keeping well, but after all, this body is old enough, although personally I do not feel old. I feel exactly like your little child, and I am taken care of by my so many fathers and mothers like you.
- Regarding my retiring and resting in Hawaii, if Krsna desires I shall do it. I like Hawaii very much.
The Importance of Publishing and Reading Books
The cornerstone of Śrīla Prabhupāda's mission was the translation and publication of transcendental literature. He tirelessly encouraged his disciples to print high-quality books and emphasized that everyone should be engaged twenty-four hours a day in reading and distributing this spiritual knowledge.
- Regarding Easy Journey to Other Planets if you like this book just edit it nicely and we shall get it printed here with addition of my chanting essay. Now I am trying for printing arrangement and this book also can be nicely printed.
- Regarding my books, everyone should read. I am also reading. Everyone should be engaged 24 hours. That is the sum and substance. How much you should read and how much you should do other types of service, that has to be decided by each individual devotee.
- Regarding printing our books, I may inform you in this connection that I saw one bulletin of "Indian Railways" in which it was specifically advised that every railway servant should see to it that the wheels of the carriages must be moving always.
- Regarding printing work, I am prepared to guarantee for payment to the press if the printing is first class just suitable to the American taste. If Joshiji appears to be not interested why not yourself do the work and I am prepared to pay you.
Loving Reciprocation and Personal Comforts
Śrīla Prabhupāda was deeply touched by the loving service rendered by his disciples, constantly expressing his gratitude for their attempts to ensure his physical comfort. Whether it involved arranging his living quarters, sending simple food items, or respecting his privacy, his exchanges reveal a fatherly affection and a heart overflowing with love.
- I thank you for so promptly sending the dried banana. You are always seeing to my comforts and your service in this regard is much appreciated by me. I also thank you for the nice shirts you have made.
- Regarding my apartment, if it is possible to keep it with no strain on your financial condition it is alright. Otherwise I am not very serious about retaining the apartment.
- Regarding my residence, I have already decided that Los Angeles will be suitable, at least for eight months of the year.
- Regarding my diary, you are right when you say that you would not see my personal belongings, that is a nice attitude, but still I have nothing to close from the eyes of my disciples.
Directing the Preaching Mission
As the leader of a rapidly growing international society, Śrīla Prabhupāda expertly managed men, money, and resources to spread the teachings of his guru. He possessed a grand vision for establishing centers in India and traveling globally to inspire new branches, constantly coordinating the practical details of his massive preaching movement.
- Regarding our Indian centers, we are experiencing some bright glimpse because in Calcutta, as informed to you by Acyutananda, we may get a nice plot of land. So you can save money as much as possible for constructing buildings or Temples in India.
- Regarding my going to Germany, I am actually very much eager to go there and speak in the Indo-German branches about the importance of our Krishna Consciousness Movement.
- Regarding the letter of credit, I beg to inform you that I have got good accounts in some of the very respectable banks in America in which there are branches in Calcutta.
- Regarding my assistance in the producing of your film, if you are producing it in India, it is impossible for me to assist you with manpower. I have no sufficient men in India to give you.
Conclusion
Through these deeply personal letters, we are given the rare opportunity to witness the perfect character of Śrīla Prabhupāda. He beautifully balanced the demanding practicalities of managing a global mission with the profound, loving reciprocation he shared with his disciples. Despite advanced age and physical challenges, his determination to print books, travel, and push forward the mission of his Guru Mahārāja never wavered. Every aspect of his life, from his daily residence to his worldwide preaching plans, was an expression of his complete surrender to the will of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
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 Regarding My... (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.