I Do Not Wish - Prabhupāda’s Focus and Loving Protection
When we examine the letters and lectures of Śrīla Prabhupāda, his use of the phrase "I do not wish" highlights his supreme spiritual focus and his deep fatherly care for his disciples. Rather than getting entangled in the petty politics of the material world, he used this phrase to draw clear boundaries around his time and energy. He explicitly stated that he did not wish to engage in fruitless arguments, discuss the shortcomings of his Godbrothers, or debate with mundane scholars who misunderstood the Bhagavad-gītā. His primary desire was to dedicate his remaining days to translating the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, repeatedly praying that he did not wish to die before finishing this great work. At the same time, he used these words to push his leaders to mature, insisting that he did not wish to interfere in their management or constantly solve their problems. Ultimately, by analyzing what Śrīla Prabhupāda did not wish to do, we witness his laser-like determination to push forward the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement without any mundane distractions.
Avoiding Useless Arguments
Śrīla Prabhupāda had no interest in engaging in endless debates or fault-finding. He frequently cut off unproductive conversations by stating he did not wish to discuss the misdeeds of others, the politics of his Godbrothers, or the foolishness of mundane scholars. For a pure devotee, time is the most valuable asset, and he refused to waste a single moment on anything that did not directly foster spiritual advancement.
- As you have written in a friendly spirit, I do not wish to discuss this point further. If you will kindly take a little trouble to read this chapter "Lord Caitanya meets Vallabha Bhatta" you will understand the whole situation.
- For spiritual advancement of life, we must go to one who is actually practicing spiritual life; not to some head of a mundane institution, not to one who has offended his Spiritual Master in so many ways. I do not wish to go into all details.
- I do not wish to discuss about activities of my Godbrothers but it is a fact they have no life for preaching work. All are satisfied with a place for residence in the name of a temple.
- The ordinary man who is neither Krsna conscious nor a devotee of Krsna, he cannot explain Bhagavad-gita. Whatever they are explaining, they are simply spoiling their time and others' also, big, big scholars - I do not wish to discuss - simply misled.
Prioritizing the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
The translation of the Vedic literatures was Śrīla Prabhupāda's greatest gift to the world. He repeatedly expressed that he did not wish to divert his attention to other projects, travel unnecessarily, or even leave Vṛndāvana, as his sole focus was on finishing his books. He openly shared his desire to live just long enough to complete this monumental task, showing his total dedication to the orders of his Guru Mahārāja.
- I am trying to live at least up to the time I finish my translation of Bhagavatam. I do not wish to die before I finish.
- Now I am concentrating on translating of Srimad-Bhagavatam and wish to not be any more distracted. But if there is opportunity, I shall be very glad to visit your center in the future.
- At the present moment I do not think the society can invest any money in New Vrindaban, for the reason that we are starting this press, and until this press is all established I do not wish to divert my attention.
- Therefore I do not wish to leave Vrndavana. If by Krsna's desire I survive, then we shall see later on.
Empowering His Leaders
To build a worldwide society that could survive his physical departure, Śrīla Prabhupāda knew he had to train his disciples to manage independently. He often told his leaders that he did not wish to interfere in their duties or make decisions that should be handled by the GBC. This tough love forced his followers to step up, resolve their differences combinedly, and take genuine responsibility for the preaching mission.
- I do not wish to give any decision without the GBC's verdict. My only grievance is that I appointed GBC to give me relief from the management but, on the contrary, complaints and counter-complaints are coming to me.
- I do not wish to interfere. You manage now. I want to see that you are managing without my interference.
- You are experienced man for Calcutta. I do not wish to see things deteriorating there. It is important center, and you have proven that you can manage things nicely, so why you should not be there? I want you to go there immediately.
- No, I don't wish to agitate your mind. I want that if there is any difference, that should be adjusted, and we must preach combinedly. That is my point.
Protecting the Society and Devotees
Beneath his strict management lay a heart full of compassion for his spiritual children. Śrīla Prabhupāda wrote that he did not wish to see his disciples in distress, nor did he want the institutions they had worked so hard to build—such as the Gurukula—to deteriorate. His administrative corrections were always motivated by a deep desire to keep the devotees safe and the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement strong.
- I do not wish that Gurukula should be closed down in Dallas. So you kindly arrange to send your child back to Gurukula. One thing is at least for the time being, you must arrange to pay the tuition for your child.
- I do not wish that the Gurukula should be closed. Please work combinedly and endeavour with great determination to keep it going on nicely.
- I do not wish to see that somehow or other we have built up a nice institution, on account of lack of management it may be hampered. That is my only anxiety.
- I do not wish to put your wife into trouble for the money which she faithfully loaned to the Society. So kindly let me know that you are going to repay her loan. Otherwise I shall send her the money.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s declarations of what he did not wish to do serve as powerful instructions for his followers on how to prioritize spiritual life. By actively rejecting mundane disputes and avoiding the trap of unnecessary management, he demonstrated how to keep the intellect entirely focused on Kṛṣṇa. His fervent desire to translate the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam above all other endeavors teaches us the supreme value of spiritual literature. Concurrently, his wishes to protect the society and empower his disciples reflect the loving foresight of a true ācārya. Ultimately, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches us that true advancement requires not only knowing what to do, but also having the firm conviction and spiritual strength to declare what we do not wish to do, keeping our path to the Supreme Lord clear and unobstructed.
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 Do Not Wish (Prabhupāda). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.