I Have Several Times Explained – Prabhupāda Repeating Essential Teachings
As a patient and loving spiritual father, Śrīla Prabhupāda understood the deeply conditioned nature of his disciples and the general public, knowing well that transcendental truths need to be heard repeatedly to be truly assimilated. When he uses the phrase "I have several times explained," it highlights his immense compassion and tireless dedication as a world teacher. He did not mind repeating the same foundational philosophical concepts day after day, because he knew that hearing the absolute truth continuously is the very process of spiritual purification. Whether he was defining the eternal nature of the soul, warning his followers about the illusions of the material world, or giving practical analogies to clarify complex Vedic wisdom, Śrīla Prabhupāda's consistency was his special mercy. By revisiting these oft-repeated explanations, we can appreciate his deep desire to firmly establish us in Kṛṣṇa consciousness and protect us from the endless distractions of material life.
Prabhupāda on Our Constitutional Position
The most crucial knowledge Śrīla Prabhupāda imparted was the true identity of the living entity. He repeatedly emphasized that we are not these material bodies but eternal fragmental sparks of the Supreme Lord, and that our natural, constitutional position is simply to engage in His loving service.
- In our personal self, we are spiritual spark, fragmental. We have several times discussed this point, that we are all spiritual spark, fragmental part of the Supreme Lord.
- We have several times explained what the eternal occupational duty of the living being is. Indeed, it has been explained by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Jivera 'svarupa' haya-krsnera 'nitya-dasa'.
- The living entity, his real constitutional position is to serve God. We have several times explained this fact, that the part and parcel of God must be engaged in the service of the Lord.
- In the very beginning, you may remember, that the constitutional position of the living entity is to serve. This point we have explained several times. So we cannot change that position. If you don't serve Krsna, then we have to serve maya.
Prabhupāda on Spiritual Principles and Etymology
To prevent his disciples from being misled by sentimental or speculative philosophies, Śrīla Prabhupāda rigorously defined spiritual terms. By breaking down the Sanskrit roots of words like dharma and śiṣya, he scientifically established the absolute necessity of following spiritual authority.
- I have several times explained this word dharma.
- Sasanam means government. Sas-dhatu I have several times explained. Sas-dhatu means ruling. Sas-dhatu. From sas-dhatu the word has come, sasanam. There are many other words. From sas-dhatu is sastra.
- Sisya I have several times explained, sas-dhatu. Who voluntarily accepts the ruling of a person, he is sisya. And otherwise, "You go on talking whatever nonsense you can. I'll do my own business," that is not sisya.
- Part and parcel means helping the whole. As we have several times explained that this finger is the part and parcel of my body, so it is the duty of the finger always serve the body, whole body. It has no other occupation.
Prabhupāda on the Material World and Its Illusions
Śrīla Prabhupāda continuously warned his followers not to be fooled by the glitter of the material world. He explained many times how māyā keeps the conditioned souls bound through mutual attraction, false scarcity, and the degrading influences of the current age.
- Material manifestation is compared with a banyan tree whose root is upward. And that I have explained several times, how the tree can be upwards root. That means it is reflection.
- Woman is captivated by man, man is captivated by woman. This is the tie here in this material world. I have explained several times. The whole material existence means this attraction.
- Kali-yuga is not very good age, simply faults. We have several times discussed that in this age, people's duration of life, mercifulness, bodily strength and so many things, eight kinds of things, will be reduced.
- I have several times explained in this class that nobody has got any food problem. Simply the so-called civilized, advanced in science, these people have got problems of food grains.
Prabhupāda's Practical Guidance and Analogies
Knowing that transcendental subject matters can be difficult for the conditioned mind to grasp, Śrīla Prabhupāda patiently relied on practical examples. He used simple analogies repeatedly so that anyone, regardless of their background, could easily understand the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- I have several times explained that the tongue is the beginning of all senses. So if you can control the tongue, then you can control other senses also.
- The Deity of the Lord and the Lord Himself are identical. Krishna can act through the Deity perfectly. As I have given several times the example, the mailbox can act perfectly as the post office because it is authorized.
- I have given several times the example of the iron rod and the fire.
- Be cheerful and chant Hare Krishna without any lamentation. As I have told you several times that my Guru maharaj used to say that this world is not a fit place for gentleman.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda's method of teaching by repetition was not a sign of redundancy, but a manifestation of his deep spiritual concern for his students. He knew that the material world constantly tries to pull the soul back into forgetfulness, and therefore, the foundational truths of Kṛṣṇa consciousness—our identity as servants of God, the nature of the soul, and the importance of sense control—must be stated several times until they become our natural reality. By embracing these frequent explanations, we follow in the footsteps of a world teacher who prioritized our steady spiritual growth above all else. These repeated instructions form the bedrock of a successful spiritual life, providing the clarity needed to navigate the complexities of Kali-yuga with unwavering faith.
Dive Deeper into Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category I Have Several Times Explained (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.