I Am Going To See How Things Are Going - Prabhupāda's Tireless Travels
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life was an extraordinary display of spiritual dynamism and ceaseless travel. After taking the perilous journey across the ocean to the West, he did not settle in one place. Instead, he continuously circled the globe, going from continent to continent to ignite the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement in every major city. His letters and conversations are filled with itineraries, flight plans, and train schedules, all directed toward one singular purpose: serving the mission of his Guru. When we read his constant declarations of "I am going to," we catch a glimpse of his immense compassion. He traveled not for sightseeing, but to see his disciples, give them further direction, open new centers, and ensure that the standard of devotion was being maintained. This tireless effort in his advanced age remains the ultimate inspiration for all his followers.
Fulfilling the Supreme Order
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s global journey was not an independent endeavor; it was the direct result of following the instruction of his spiritual master. Leaving the peaceful atmosphere of Vṛndāvana in his advanced age, he traveled to the United States to attempt what others had failed to do, placing his complete faith in Kṛṣṇa's protection.
- Krsna dictated that "You are sitting here (in Radha-Damodara Temple) very peacefully without any botheration. No, you go to the Western countries. Teach them."
- I am going to USA, hopeless, just to make an experiment. My other Godbrothers, they failed. All right, Guru Maharaja asked me. In the beginning I did not do. Let me do it in this old age.
- Tomorrow (1st of August) I am going (from Bombay) to Calcutta to catch my ship M.V. Jaladuta and I am starting for U.S.A. by the 10th of August, 1965 reaching New York after a month.
- I first came in New York. Then I went to Pittsburgh, and for one year I was traveling, and I established this society in July 1, 1966.
Traveling to Encourage His Disciples
The heart of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s touring was his deep, personal care for his followers. He repeatedly explained that his main reason for going from center to center was to see how his disciples were doing, offer them practical guidance, and inspire them in their devotional service.
- I am going from Australia day after tomorrow. I simply came to see my disciples, how they are doing; to give them direction, further direction to improve. That's all.
- I am traveling all over the world. I am going to see how things are going in Dallas or New Vrindaban and another . . . so my touring is natural. I have started this movement. I want to see that it is going on nicely.
- By Krishna's grace, you are very much engaged there. It is very encouraging. I will be going to Hawaii on Jan. 24th via Hong Kong and Tokyo, arriving in Honolulu about the 29th. If you like, you can see me there.
- I am going to Mayapur tomorrow morning, and you are welcome to come to our Sri Candra doya Mandir there and see me.
Pushing the Global Preaching Mission
Śrīla Prabhupāda was a brilliant spiritual strategist, constantly looking for new territories to expand the movement. His letters chart a breathtaking course across continents—opening branches, attending Ratha-yātrā festivals, and meeting with prominent figures to establish the importance of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- I am currently now in Los Angeles. Tomorrow I am going to Mexico. After returning from there I will again go to Portland and this time I will go to London for Rath Yatra.
- I shall be going on to New York where we are scheduled to have our Rathayatra procession down 5th. Avenue on July 18th, then London, Paris, Rome, Tehran.
- You will be glad to know that I have got now 8 branches, in USA, and Canada. Next, I am going to Europe and shall open branches in London, in Amsterdam, Munich, and Sweden, and that is my program.
- 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.
Undeterred by Age and Ill Health
Despite the inevitable physical challenges of an aging body, Śrīla Prabhupāda refused to retire from his active preaching. Whether experiencing heart issues or needing a change of climate for his health, his determination to go on serving and setting an example for his disciples remained entirely unbroken.
- There was a slight indication of heart attack but Krishna saved me. It was not very acute. So long Krishna will keep me fit I will go on working, so you devotees should pray to Krishna that I might go on serving Him up to the last point of my death.
- Due to my indifferent health, for the time being I am going to India; and even if I cannot come back, I will work for an American house there so all you transcendental children can come there and learn and be strong enough to preach this cult.
- My health has gone too bad now so within few days I am going to Kashmir to change the climate.
- In this old age I am going with this party just to set an example to my disciples who have taken recently the Sannyas order.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s constant travels demonstrate the profound depth of his surrender to his Guru and his boundless love for the conditioned souls. He was not meant to sit peacefully; he was meant to awaken the world. By continually declaring, "I am going to," he infused his disciples with an extraordinary preaching spirit. He showed by personal example that the life of a true devotee is one of active, relentless service. Today, his physical travels have ended, but he continues to go everywhere through his books and the ongoing efforts of the devotees. By studying his incredible determination, we are inspired to follow in his footsteps and push forward the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement with the same urgency and care.
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 Am Going To (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.