I Consider - Prabhupāda’s Spiritual Judgment and Priorities
The phrase "I consider" reveals the profound vision and thoughtful deliberation of Śrīla Prabhupāda. As the founder and spiritual guide of a worldwide movement, he was constantly required to weigh options, evaluate priorities, and assess the spiritual standing of his disciples. Rather than making impulsive judgments, he carefully considered everything through the pure lens of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and the instructions of his Guru. He used this phrase to elevate his disciples, humbly considering them as representatives of his spiritual master sent to help him push forward the mission. Furthermore, he used it to clearly define what was most important, whether it was the distribution of his magazines, the training of children, or the pure chanting of the holy names. By studying his thoughtful evaluations, we learn how to prioritize our own spiritual lives and appreciate the deep, personal care he extended to every aspect of his preaching mission.
Humility and Appreciation of Disciples
Śrīla Prabhupāda possessed an ocean of humility. He never considered himself a mundane master or absolute dictator; rather, he viewed his sincere disciples as divine assistants sent by his Guru, and even considered their enthusiastic service as a personal inspiration for his own spiritual life.
- Although officially I am your Spiritual Master, I consider you all students as my Spiritual Master because your love for Krishna and service for Krishna teach me how to become a sincere Krishna Conscious person.
- I (Prabhupada) consider you all as representative of my Gurumaharaj to help me in this helpless condition.
- I came to preach Krsna consciousness, and Krsna has sent so many representatives to help me. I consider like that. Without your help I could not do.
- You have been my student for some time, and I consider that you are one of the big men who are assisting me in this vast work, so I am naturally concerned for your well-being.
Defining Priorities and Importance
In a world filled with countless activities, Śrīla Prabhupāda clearly defined what carried the most spiritual weight. He considered the loud chanting of the holy names, the distribution of transcendental literature, and the education of the youth to be the most vital components of the society.
- I consider your work the most important in the society because you are shaping the future generation of our Krishna Consciousness preachers, and this is not any small thing.
- In spite of these yajnas, the members of our Society performed sankirtana loudly with mrdangas, and I considered the sankirtana more important than the Vedic ritualistic ceremonies.
- It is very encouraging to learn that you are so enthusiastic to sell Back to Godhead. I consider sale of Back to Godhead so valuable because in the beginning I worked for Back to Godhead day and night alone in India. I still remember the hardship for pushing on this Back to Godhead.
- I consider that these western countries are the most important field for our work. So now do this work in a gradually progressive manner, and do not be concerned too much even there may be some temporary setbacks.
Considering Management and Practical Decisions
As an expert manager, Śrīla Prabhupāda did not make hasty decisions regarding the lives of his disciples or the resources of the institution. He carefully considered local conditions, family responsibilities, and the advice of senior men before giving his final approval.
- Forget taking sannyasa order for the time being. Unless your child is born, there is no question of taking sannyasa. We shall consider the matter further when your child is born. So now you should take care of your wife.
- If they require more men later on, we shall consider. To send a man is a very expensive job. The principle is that they should recruit men locally.
- These men are not so important than our institution, so we shall not give them unnecessary publicity by criticizing. We shall consider it later after reading more carefully.
- Regarding preaching in Harlem and taking sannyasa order of life, you may speak to Madhudvisa Maharaja and work with him. He is senior man and sannyasa, so I will consider seriously his recommendation.
Vision for Preaching and Success
Śrīla Prabhupāda's standard for success was purely spiritual, far removed from the mundane metrics of the material world. He considered his mission fulfilled even if only one soul became a pure devotee, and he placed immense trust in those who sincerely worked to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- It is useless to expect a large number of followers. We want only one good follower. If I can get one man to become Krsna conscious, I will consider my mission fulfilled.
- I consider London as our prime center for spreading Krsna Consciousness Movement, so it is very important center and I therefore wanted that you take charge of the affairs and see that things are always improving.
- You are very sincere boy trying your best to serve Krishna and by His Grace you are quite fit for this business, and considering all these points, I have entrusted Back To Godhead in your hand. Because this paper is the beginning of my spiritual life.
- I consider your good self as one of the associates of Srimati Radharani Lord Krishna's most beloved consort. So your prayer to Lord Krishna for success of my mission in the Western countries will surely be heard.
Conclusion
To understand what Śrīla Prabhupāda considered important is to understand the very heart of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. He did not evaluate success by material wealth or cheap popularity; he considered pure devotion, the distribution of his books, and the genuine spiritual advancement of his disciples to be his true wealth. By meditating on these quotes, we are given a blueprint for our own spiritual lives. If we learn to consider ourselves as humble servants, carefully evaluate our priorities to align with his instructions, and place our full faith in the power of the holy name, we will surely be successful in satisfying Śrīla Prabhupāda and 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 I Consider (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.