Anything Can Be Done Very Nicely Provided There is Good Management
This article explores the principles of organizational and social administration as presented in the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda. In both worldly affairs and spiritual institutions, success depends entirely on expert organization. Śrīla Prabhupāda formed the International Society for Krishna Consciousness with a grand vision, but he repeatedly stressed that Kṛṣṇa's unlimited resources would only manifest where there was responsible, cooperative, and spiritually grounded management.
The Management of Human Society
A functional and peaceful society requires a flawless organizational structure. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that modern society is chaotic because it neglects the ultimate administrative guidelines provided in the Bhagavad-gītā. The Supreme Lord perfectly established the varṇāśrama system—dividing society into brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras—specifically to ensure the good management of the human social order. Without adopting these divine principles, true happiness and social stability are impossible.
- How you can expect good society, good management? If you want good society, good management, people happy in this life and next, then you have to adopt the principles given by Sri Krsna Himself in the Bhagavad-gita.
- Krsna says, "It is (varnasrama) introduced by Me for very good management of the social order." Brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, sudra. So Arjuna belonged to the ksatriya family. Therefore his hesitation to fight in the battlefield is not befitting the Aryans.
- So this Aryan system, progressive system, is catur-varnyam maya srstam guna-karma-vibhagasah (BG 4.13). Krsna says, "It is introduced by Me for very good management of the social order."
Practical Devotional Management
Within a spiritual institution, management is not about occupying a prestigious office; it is about facilitating active devotional service. Śrīla Prabhupāda defines a good manager as someone who ensures that every single devotee is fully engaged in serving Kṛṣṇa twenty-four hours a day, without succumbing to idle talk or excessive sleep. Big projects and expansive plans are fully supported by Kṛṣṇa, but they must be built upon the foundation of reliable and efficient administration.
- Whether grhasthas, sannyasa or brahmacari everyone has to be completely engaged all the time in devotional service. That is the meaning of good management, to see that everyone is engaged 24 hours a day, and not sleeping unnecessarily or talking idly.
- I want that all of these big plans should be realized, and there will be no end to the resources Krishna will provide, but first there must be good management.
- If there is no good management, where is the use of office? Simply occupying seats?
- So anything can be done very nicely provided there is good management. I do not see any difficulty. I am present here. If there is any difficulty, ask me. I shall advise.
Qualities of a Good Manager
A spiritual manager must possess both practical skills and deep Vaiṣṇava qualities. Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights that a good manager fosters cooperation and knows how to satisfy the devotees, even those who may be difficult to work with. Furthermore, effective management involves patience. Rather than immediately replacing someone when difficulties arise, a good manager trains and reforms them. Above all, a manager's success comes not from mundane ability, but from submissively following instructions and receiving intelligence directly from Kṛṣṇa.
- Sometimes he may be difficult to live with, but good manager means he is able to satisfy everyone and live in cooperative manner with all the devotees, so if you manage things nicely he can do tremendous work.
- We have to do something, so one man requires little training. But whatever capacity he has got, he is posted, so immediate change, that is not very good management. Let him be reformed and whatever inability he has got, he should be instructed.
- By Krsna's grace you are becoming a good manager. So stick to Krsna's service and He will give you more and more intelligence and more and more managing power. Krsna will be happy and you will also be happy.
- You may not be a good manager, but whatever I say you accept. These are all good qualifications. Others should follow your example and take instruction from you to push on this library program.
- I am confident that you are a good manager. So you do the needful, so by your management I will get good satisfaction. You are a good manager and a devotee also. That is a good qualification.
The Supreme Management
The concept of delegated administration originates in the spiritual world. To manage the vast and complex affairs of the cosmic manifestation, the Supreme Personality of Godhead does not act alone; He expands Himself into various forms and assigns empowered representatives. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that this is the original blueprint for good management. The administrative structure of ISKCON, including the Governing Body Commission (GBC), mirrors this divine system by expanding secretaries to represent the spiritual master and oversee the preaching mission.
- So just like for management we expand some secretaries, or personal representatives, similarly there is good management also in Krsna's affairs. The original person is Krsna, and His expansions, they are also as good as Krsna, but departmental.
- Practically my health does not permit me to take up any active management or administration. I should now retire and GBC should kindly give me relief in this connection. Now our organization is expanding. We must have good GBC management.
- Regarding Chicago that you paid off Dollars 35,000.00 is wonderful. You are a good manager. As GBC please see that the temples are maintaining the standards, and I will be very much thankful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that good management is an essential pillar of spiritual life and societal peace. Without the structured guidance of the varṇāśrama system and the careful organization of Kṛṣṇa conscious institutions, grand ideas remain unfulfilled. By cultivating a cooperative spirit, patiently training subordinates, and submissively executing the orders of the spiritual master, a devotee unlocks divine intelligence. Ultimately, expert management ensures that all resources and living entities are perfectly and continuously engaged in the joyful service of the Supreme Lord.
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 Good Management. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.