I Like - Prabhupāda's Preferences in Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
While Śrīla Prabhupāda was a pure devotee completely detached from material desires, he frequently expressed his personal preferences to guide his disciples. When Śrīla Prabhupāda states "I like," it is rarely about material enjoyment; rather, it is a compass pointing toward what best serves the mission of Lord Caitanya. His likes were overwhelmingly centered on practical devotional service: translating the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, distributing books, establishing self-sufficient farm communities, and seeing his disciples actively preaching. By studying what pleased Śrīla Prabhupāda, we are given a direct blueprint for how to please him and, consequently, how to please Kṛṣṇa. Even his endearing personal preferences—such as his love for mangoes and gardens—reflect a heart perfectly attuned to the simple, natural gifts of the Supreme Lord.
Prabhupāda on Preaching and Publishing
The core of Śrīla Prabhupāda's mission was the dissemination of transcendental knowledge. He derived immense pleasure from translating the Vedic literatures and seeing his disciples actively engaged in writing, preaching, and distributing books all over the world.
- All my senior disciples are requesting me to revive my translating work and I would like to do so for the remaining days of my life. So you have to help me to get Srimad-Bhagavatam and the other translating work done as quickly as possible.
- I am glad that you and the others are each writing one hour daily essays. That is parampara. All of our previous acaryas on our line have written substantially on the science of God-consciousness, so I would also like all my students to do this.
- I like this idea of distributing books and preaching, that is Lord Chaitanya's plan, and because you are doing it so nicely you are already making the greatest contribution, so what need there is for some special instruction from me.
- Your program of speaking in colleges and other places and getting paid is very much liked by me; in this way, try to penetrate every school and college and introduce our books profusely.
Prabhupāda on Places and Projects
Śrīla Prabhupāda's affection for certain cities and countries was directly tied to their spiritual output. He liked places where the movement was born, where book distribution flourished, or where self-sufficient farm communities were successfully established.
- I also want to stay there for a long time because I like New York more than all other cities. This is because my first attempt was begun there, so I have got some affection for your great city.
- I like Australia very much because of your book distribution. So sell books and secure money and purchase the house and pay BBT conveniently.
- Kindly make this farm project successful so that the majority of my time I can spend there. I like this place. You should work with full energy and endeavor to make this program successful.
- You have got sufficient space. Produce flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains in ample quantities. We should be fully self-sufficient. I like New Mayapur very much.
Prabhupāda on Management and Personal Reflections
In his instructions on how to run the society, Śrīla Prabhupāda demanded efficiency and constant engagement. He also offered rare, profound glimpses into his own life, revealing his complete detachment from material family life and his deep appreciation for the strict discipline of his spiritual master.
- The management must be very first class. If required we can keep some paid men. Amateur management is not always efficient. I approve of your ideas for management. We shall get it passed by resolution meeting. I like the ideas.
- I want to see that you are always busy. Busy-ness. That will give me pleasure. Laziness I don't want. Personally I was never lazy. I did not like laziness.
- I may inform you in this connection about my family life. Actually, I never liked my wife. I was going to marry another, but my father saved me from the danger and he told me that you do not like your wife, that is the grace of Krishna.
- Our Guru Maharaja, so strict... A little discrepancy, he would chastise like anything. But we liked it very much.
Prabhupāda on Food and Nature
Beyond the massive demands of managing a global spiritual movement, Śrīla Prabhupāda occasionally shared his simple, pure appreciation for Kṛṣṇa's natural creations, demonstrating that a spiritual life is also full of joyful, innocent appreciations.
- Everyone knows that I am very fond of mangos. Actually amongst all fruits I like them most. They are considered the king of fruits.
- Mangoes, very good. The mango I like very much. Mango is the king of all fruit. Do you accept it or not?
- In the past you were sending me the dried banana, so you please resume sending me. The day after tomorrow I am starting for Los Angeles, so I would like to receive some of that dried banana from you.
- I may suggest that you make one roof garden. On the top of the house you can put soil of six inches and then plant so many tulsi plants and nice bushes. I like garden very much. Just like here in Los Angeles Temple they have made one very nice garden.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda's expressions of what he likes provide us with an intimate yet highly practical guide to advancing in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By observing that his greatest joys were found in translating scriptures, extensive book distribution, successful preaching programs, and first-class management, we understand exactly how to capture his attention and blessings. Even his personal reflections on his strict Guru Mahārāja and his fondness for mangoes and gardens show us the beautiful balance of a fully realized soul—one who is strictly dedicated to the mission, entirely detached from material illusion, yet fully capable of appreciating the simple, pure aspects of Kṛṣṇa's creation. Aligning our own likes with Śrīla Prabhupāda's is the perfection of a disciple's life.
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 Like (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.