I Do Not Think – Prabhupāda’s Humble Guidance and Clear Vision
When Śrīla Prabhupāda spoke the words "I don't think" or "I do not think," he was not expressing doubt or hesitation. Rather, he was employing the sharp, decisive vision of a pure ācārya to cut away the misconceptions of the material world. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, these phrases were a profound expression of his absolute humility; he constantly reminded his followers that he did not think of himself as the doer, but merely as the humble servant of his Guru Mahārāja. At the same time, he used this gentle yet firm language to steer his disciples away from the pitfalls of mundane business, complex management schemes, and sectarian mentalities. He wanted their focus to remain undiluted: distribute the books, chant the holy name, and recognize that everything ultimately belongs to Lord Kṛṣṇa. By studying these statements, we gain invaluable insight into how perfectly Śrīla Prabhupāda balanced the deep compassion of a loving father with the strict, uncompromising standards of the Vedic paramparā.
Humility and Reliance on His Guru
Despite being honored as a great saint and scholar worldwide, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s self-conception remained remarkably simple and pure. He repeatedly deflected praise, expressing that his only true qualification was his unyielding faith in the order of his spiritual master.
- I am in due receipt of your letter along with the very nice article, Prabhupada: India's National Hero. I am very grateful to you for your kind words about me, but I do not think I have done anything, but I am only delivering the best message as it is.
- I do not think myself a very learned scholar, but I have full faith in the service of my spiritual master, His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
- I do not think myself an authority. I am just to serve the order of my spiritual master.
- I do not think there is immediate prospect for my retiring. Therefore, as long as Krishna desires, I must go on working, but I am trying to give more time to my writing works.
Focusing on Preaching Over Business
As the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement expanded, disciples often proposed various commercial ventures to raise funds. Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently checked these tendencies, warning that business would become a distraction from their true mission of distributing transcendental knowledge.
- I do not think that the jewelry business should be encouraged. We are after preaching, not money. Their endeavor should be utilized for selling books.
- If you divert your attention to a lot of business, then spiritual advancement will be hampered. So I do not think it is wise to get that big store and start a big business with many departments. That will distract.
- Your ideas for toys are nice, but I don't think that is a very sound proposal. You have to engage your time in that way where you could better be selling magazines and books. That is better utility of your valuable time.
- Regarding your article in Back To Godhead about Ayurvedic Medicine, I do not think this is very worthwhile endeavor. You have shown nice ability for writing so it will be more appreciated if you continue to study Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita and express the same by your assimilation.
Universal Philosophy and Religion
Śrīla Prabhupāda completely shattered sectarian boundaries. He taught his disciples not to think in terms of bodily designations or geographic borders, but to embrace a truly universal vision where God is recognized as the supreme father of all living entities.
- Every religion believes - not believes; it is fact - that there is God. Or any religion will deny the existence of God, is there any religion? I don't think. Is there any religion?
- From my part of view, I do not think there is any East and West; any knowledge is meant for the whole world.
- A little family, a little community, that is your world. We do not think in that way. We include even the animals, trees, plants - brothers. That is our philosophy.
- So on the principle that God is Supreme, God is Great, I do not think there is any difference of opinion between us and the Christians. But the Vedic literatures being older and disseminated by many, many superior acaryas we can find out how God is great.
Practical Management and Devotee Care
When addressing the practical affairs of ISKCON, Śrīla Prabhupāda applied high spiritual philosophy to everyday management. He ensured his disciples treated each other with kindness and constantly reminded them that all properties and assets belonged entirely to Kṛṣṇa.
- There is not question of a devotee becoming ostracized because he has become ill, nor do I think this is being widely practiced. One of the symptoms of a devotee is that he is kind, so if our Godbrother becomes ill it is our duty to help him.
- Regarding the picture, Panca-tattva, I do not think there is necessity of putting them in perspective. Actually they are standing on the same line. Just like a group photo is taken and nobody looks smaller or greater. That is the system.
- Our policy is not to decrease, only increase, therefore I do not think it is a good idea to leave Austin just because you have not got a temple house there.
- If Krsna says "Go away," we shall go away, what is that? Why so much legal implication? Everywhere, although we have got big, big buildings, I don't think we own it. It is Krsna's.
Conclusion
When we review Śrīla Prabhupāda's use of "I don't think," we witness the absolute clarity of an empowered visionary. He did not think in terms of temporary material gain, mundane reputation, or bodily identification. Instead, his thoughts were entirely absorbed in the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa and the instructions of his spiritual master. By continually steering his disciples away from commercial distractions and sectarian limitations, he established a movement built on the pure, universal principles of devotional service. His humility serves as an eternal safeguard for his followers, teaching us that true spiritual advancement is never found in claiming greatness for oneself, but in simply doing the needful to please the Supreme Lord and the paramparā.
Dive Deeper into Prabhupada's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category I Don't Think (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.