I Am Sure - Prabhupāda's Absolute Conviction
Throughout his teachings and letters, Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently used the phrase "I am sure" to express his absolute, unshakeable faith in the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This certainty was never born of material pride or mundane calculation; rather, it was the natural symptom of a pure devotee who is fully sheltered by the Supreme Lord and the disciplic succession. He was completely convinced that the simple methods of chanting the holy name, distributing transcendental literature, and honoring prasādam could cure the deepest material conditioning. Furthermore, he assured his disciples that if they remained sincere, followed his instructions, and cooperated with one another, the mission of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu would inevitably triumph. By studying these statements, we can absorb a fraction of his supreme confidence and find the strength to push forward the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
The Infallibility of the Process
Śrīla Prabhupāda had no doubt about the supreme potency of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He was absolutely sure that chanting the holy name could cure severe drug addictions, that distributing prasādam would effortlessly attract the public, and that his books could defeat any opposing philosophy.
- Through the distribution of this literature, we can completely annihilate all the bogus yogi groups in the world. Of this fact I am sure.
- Regarding Randy, I understand that he is addicted to heroin intoxication, and he is taking some medicine to give it up, but I am sure that the best medicine is chanting the HARE KRISHNA mantra.
- Hold kirtanas, distribute prasadam and hold discourses and I am sure that this process will soften the hard stone.
- If anyone is proud of his education, let him come and study our books, understand this philosophy, and I'm sure he'll find satisfying. Don't take it as something sentimental, religious. It is a scientific, educational movement.
The Power of Cooperation
While individual purity is essential, Śrīla Prabhupāda was sure that the ultimate success of his global mission relied heavily on the cooperative spirit of his followers. He frequently reminded his disciples that combining their efforts and working peacefully together was the guaranteed formula for success.
- I request all my disciples to work cooperatively and I am sure our mission will advance without any doubt.
- I am sure if you all my beloved disciples combined together try to preach Krishna Consciousness in this spirit, Krishna will give the necessary strength.
- Go on cooperating in this way, and I am sure this mission of Caitanya Mahaprabhu will be successful. It must be successful because Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted it to be done.
- Let us do something which will bring a peaceful revolution to the whole human society. I am sure I have good assistants like you and if you all cooperate with me I am sure of success.
Absolute Confidence in Spiritual Guidance
Śrīla Prabhupāda did not attribute his success to his own endeavor, but to the mercy of his Guru Mahārāja, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, and Lord Kṛṣṇa. He assured his disciples that if they adopted this same mood of sincere, dependent service, Kṛṣṇa would surely provide them with all necessary intelligence and protection.
- I always think of my Guru Maharaja every moment, although He is not physically present, and because I am trying to serve Him to my best capacity, I am sure He is helping me by His spiritual blessings.
- I am sure our London program will be very successful because you are all sincere workers. In our Krishna Consciousness Movement, anyone who has got full blessings and confidence of the Spiritual Master, and therefore Krishna, his success is sure.
- I am sure that because you are in serious and sincere attitude of service to Krishna, He is giving you all good counsel to propagate these transcendental activities.
- Unflinching faith in Krishna and in the Spiritual Master enlightens a devotee in the progressive march of Krishna Consciousness, and keep this attitude, and I am sure Krishna will give you sufficient intelligence to make your life successful.
The Ultimate Triumph of the Movement
Looking beyond the immediate struggles of establishing his society, Śrīla Prabhupāda possessed the visionary certainty that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement would eventually grow to massive proportions. He was sure that by following the footsteps of the previous ācāryas, this spiritual revolution would conquer the darkness of the material world.
- Just as Arjuna and Krsna were victorious in the Battle of Kuruksetra, this Krsna consciousness movement will surely emerge victorious if we but remain sincere devotees of the Lord and serve the Lord according to the advice of the predecessors.
- I am gradually realizing that my attempt in this country to spread Krishna Consciousness has now taken some root, and I am sure this will grow more and more 'til it reaches the Lotus Feet of Krishna in Goloka Vrindaban.
- By this work not only you will be blessed by Krishna, which is a spiritual gift, but also your name will be recorded in the history of the Krishna Consciousness Movement, which I am sure is to grow to the largest volume of expansion.
- Try to understand this Krsna consciousness movement. It is very easy - it is not difficult - but it is sublime. It is the most sublime movement. It can solve all the problems of the world. That we are sure.
Conclusion
When Śrīla Prabhupāda said "I am sure," he was offering us a glimpse into the absolute reality perceived by a pure devotee. His certainty provides the bedrock of faith for the entire Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. By internalizing his confidence in the holy name, his books, the disciplic succession, and the power of cooperative service, we too can become sure of our path back home, back to Godhead, and serve as fearless instruments in his glorious mission.
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 Sure (Prabhupāda). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.