How Prabhupāda Instructs His Disciples to Encourage One Another in Spiritual Life
Spiritual life is a challenging journey against the powerful currents of material nature. To ensure the success of his followers, Śrīla Prabhupāda established a culture of deep mutual encouragement within the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. He taught that leaders must never rule by force or envy, but rather inspire their Godbrothers and Godsisters by recognizing their service, facilitating their preaching, and reminding them of Kṛṣṇa's constant internal reciprocation.
The Supreme Example of the Ācārya
A true spiritual leader does not demand service from a comfortable distance; they lead by setting the ultimate personal example. Despite being in his late seventies and early eighties, Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly subjected himself to the extreme rigors of international travel. He explained to his disciples that his primary motivation for touring the world was simply to be present with them and encourage them to remain strong in their spiritual vows.
- I am this old age, I cannot move. Still I am traveling all over the world. I am simply interested that whatever I have done, it may not be vanquished in my absence. Let me go and encourage them.
- I have established so many centers. So I have to go from one center to another just to encourage them. Otherwise I am old enough. I am eighty years. So traveling is not very good job for me, but still I do it just to encourage them.
- I come (to New Mayapura) in this old age to encourage the devotees.
Inspiring Book Distribution and Preaching
The mass distribution of transcendental literature is the most powerful method for changing the consciousness of the world. Because it is a demanding and austere task, Śrīla Prabhupāda demanded that book distributors receive the highest praise and facility. Whenever he received reports of increased book sales or new preaching initiatives, he responded with profound joy, ensuring the devotees felt deeply appreciated for their sacrifices.
- What strength our Movement has now got is due in large part to the enthusiasm we have had to distribute our literatures profusely throughout the world. I have got very, very encouraging reports how my books are being distributed vigorously.
- The book sales are very encouraging, increasing, increasing. It is very good news. Thank you, I want this.
- Your program of travelling in a van from town to town and distributing our books and literatures and having street Sankirtana sounds very encouraging.
- All of my students may not be inclined to study but they are very much eager to give others the opportunity to read my books and this should not be discouraged.
Fostering Cooperation and Banishing Envy
The material world is characterized by fierce competition, where individuals constantly envy the success of others. Śrīla Prabhupāda warned that this toxic mentality has no place in the spiritual society. Because every member is volunteering their life for Kṛṣṇa, management must be based on respect and gratitude. He instructed his leaders to recognize the unique talents of every devotee and actively encourage them to take responsibility.
- We should utilize our talents without being envious of others. You should do your best, but you should not be envious of others. In material life there is simply envy of others progress, but in spiritual life one encourages another.
- All of our members are giving voluntary service, so they should always be encouraged in their service attitude.
- Please be very sober in your dealings with these temple presidents, they are undoubtedly rendering a valuable service and are worthy of respect and encouragement.
- When a man takes his work in his own hand, it is sure to be done. So all of you encourage them.
Encouraging Families, Women, and Children
A healthy spiritual society must provide a peaceful environment for all its members, regardless of their ashram or gender. To protect his young disciples from the intense material agitation of illicit sex, Śrīla Prabhupāda highly encouraged marriage, establishing the gṛhastha āśram as a vital foundation for the movement. Furthermore, he insisted that women be fully empowered to preach and distribute books, and that children be trained with love and affection rather than harsh discipline.
- Instead of being agitated in mind, it is better to become a married man and in peaceful mind execute Krishna Consciousness. That is my verdict, and ever since I started this movement I have encouraged marriage to so many disciples.
- If we train children by developing and encouraging their propensity to love Krishna, then we shall be successful in educating them to the topmost standard. Then they shall always very happily agree to do whatever you ask them.
- I do not know why Kirtanananda Maharaja is encouraging our woman devotees not to go out on Sankirtana for book distribution. Everyone should go out.
- Formerly this (ISKCON women's record of 108 big books) would have been considered impossible, but now by Krsna's grace everything is becoming possible. Encourage them all to increase more and more.
Divine Encouragement from Kṛṣṇa
While the encouragement of the spiritual master and the Vaiṣṇavas is crucial, the ultimate source of strength comes directly from the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda assured his disciples that as they remain pure, tolerate the inevitable disturbances of the material world, and develop a genuine taste for bhakti, Kṛṣṇa perfectly reciprocates. By providing deep internal satisfaction and continuous opportunities for service, the Lord Himself encourages the devotee to return back to Godhead.
- With this taste of Krishna Consciousness, we become more and more attracted, so more and more Krishna gives encouragement, and then more and more we increase in our desire to serve Krishna in pure Krishna Consciousness.
- If you remain pure, then your preaching will be successful and you'll get encouragement. That is the instruction of all Vaisnavas.
- People are receiving this (Krsna consciousness) movement very enthusiastically all over the world, and they are purchasing literature about Krsna consciousness with redoubled energy. But there are both encouragements and disturbances. This was so even in Krsna's time.
Conclusion
The rapid worldwide expansion of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was fueled by the boundless encouragement of its founder-ācārya. By teaching his disciples to banish envy, empower one another, and protect the families and children of the society, Śrīla Prabhupāda created a spiritual haven in the midst of Kali-yuga. When devotees dedicate their lives to uplifting and inspiring each other in the service of the Lord, they invoke the ultimate protective grace of 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 Our Encouragement (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.