I Hope - Prabhupāda's Vision for the Future of Krishna Consciousness
When Śrīla Prabhupāda used the phrase "I hope," he was rarely expressing a mere wish; rather, he was articulating a profound spiritual vision. Arriving in America as a solitary, elderly preacher, he initially wondered who in such a materialistic culture would accept the strict path of pure devotion. Yet, by the grace of Kṛṣṇa, that initial uncertainty blossomed into a sweeping, global optimism. Through his letters and lectures, Śrīla Prabhupāda placed his absolute hope in the mercy of his spiritual master, the transformative power of his books, and the sincere hearts of his young disciples. Furthermore, he often used "I hope" as a gentle but powerful fatherly instruction—a way to lovingly compel his followers to cooperate, chant their rounds, and maintain the highest standards of spiritual life. By studying his hopes, we understand exactly what Śrīla Prabhupāda wanted for the future of the world.
The Ultimate Hope: Guru and Kṛṣṇa
Despite his staggering success in establishing a worldwide spiritual society, Śrīla Prabhupāda remained perfectly humble. He taught that a pure devotee does not rely on his own strength, but places all his hope in the causeless mercy of his spiritual master and the Supreme Lord.
- From my personal point of view, I think that I am so sinful that I cannot even approach Krishna to show me any favor. But I have only one hope, my Spiritual Master. He is very kind.
- That is the subject matter of the poetry, that "I have no hope. Who will accept this, especially in this country, so much engrossed in materialistic way of life? And I shall say, 'Give up everything.' Who will take it?"
- I do not know how I can help in great blunder. I can only hope that Krishna will help you.
- I am very much hopeful of my movement. Please keep steady, follow all my instructions scrupulously, chant Hare Krishna and Krishna will give you all strength.
Hope in the "Many Moons"
Śrīla Prabhupāda invested vast amounts of time, energy, and affection into training his disciples. He viewed them as his great hope for the future, praying that these moonlike boys and girls would take up the responsibility of managing the society and preaching the message all over the world, even after his departure.
- Fortunately, by Krsna's grace, many moonlike boys and girls have come to me. You see? Many moons. I was thinking of having only one moon, but Krsna... I am hopeful that there are many moons, and in future they'll be doing very nice. This is para-upakara.
- I came to your country completely in helpless condition and Krsna is so kind that He has picked up some serious students like you; and my only hope is that even if I die these missionary activities will go on.
- I am an old man and I may shift away from the scene at any moment; but I am very much hopeful of my disciples who are so sincerely helping me.
- My future hope is you all good spiritual sons. Still I am taking as much care as possible. My only desire is that you all good boys may take up the matter very seriously.
A Vision for Global Transformation
Śrīla Prabhupāda's vision was unlimited. He expressed immense hope that Kṛṣṇa consciousness could penetrate the most difficult areas of the world, including the intellectual spheres, communist nations, and places deeply entrenched in material illusion.
- With this (Krsna consciousness) mission, I have come to your country with the hope that if the American people take it very seriously, then it will be the greatest contribution to the world.
- When there is a little hope of success in these countries, it encourages me 100 times more than in other places. If they take up this Krishna Consciousness, they'll take it very seriously. This is the perfection of Communist ideology.
- I especially request you to try to open a center in China. So far I have information of the Chinese people and so far I have seen Chinese boys in Hong Kong, I am very hopeful for success in China.
- I hope this noble movement will unite the communists and the capitalists alike for the common goal of life which still remained veiled for want of a sufficiently intelligent class of men.
Books: The Foundation of Hope
To maintain the monumental preaching efforts and secure the society's future, Śrīla Prabhupāda placed his greatest practical hope in the publication and distribution of his transcendental books. He knew these literatures would change the hearts of the world's thinkers.
- Now, find some future main source of income for our institution, and main source is publications. So if we can organize a good sales organization, that is our main hope.
- We are selling books to the extent of sixty thousand dollars daily. That is our only hope, that we shall not be financially in difficulty. People are taking our books very nicely. People are accepting our literature.
- We hope that people will derive the greatest benefit by studying Bhagavad-gita As It Is as we have presented it here, and if even one man becomes a pure devotee of the Lord we shall consider our attempt a success.
- These books are specifically meant for the intellectual class of people in your country and I have great hope in the results of this preaching at the Universities.
"I Hope": A Gentle Fatherly Instruction
In his letters, Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently used the phrase "I hope" not as a passive wish, but as a polite, loving, and firm instruction to his disciples to maintain strict spiritual standards, follow the regulative principles, and cooperate together.
- I am hoping that you will fulfill your promise to chant at least 16 good rounds a day and to follow all of the four regulative principles. These things are of the utmost importance.
- Why do you write such a crazy letter? You cannot write like a normal person? Anyway, I hope that you are following all of the rules and regulations very carefully without any deviation.
- I hope that you are trying to follow the regulative principles and that both you and your husband are chanting your beads regularly daily. These two duties are essential for advancement in Krsna Consciousness.
- In regards to your question about how the relationship between a sannyasi and the temple president should be, my hope is that you will all be able to cooperate together.
Conclusion
When Śrīla Prabhupāda said "I hope," he was planting seeds of transcendental vision into the hearts of his followers. His hopes were not based on material calculations, but on the absolute certainty of Lord Caitanya's prophecy and the power of the holy name. He hoped that his disciples would remain pure, that millions of books would be distributed, and that people all over the world—from Western universities to the villages of India and the depths of communist nations—would awaken to their eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa. As his followers today, reading his hopes should ignite a burning desire within us to fulfill them. By cooperating together, strictly following his instructions, and pushing on this great sankīrtana movement, we ensure that Śrīla Prabhupāda's highest hopes for humanity become a glorious reality.
Dive Deeper into Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives eternally within his instructions. This article is a loving summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category I Hope (Prabhupada). We enthusiastically invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation, immerse yourself in his mercy, and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.