I Make - Prabhupāda’s Dynamic Mission in Action
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life was defined by dynamic, uncompromising action. When he used phrases like "I make," "I am making," or "I made," he revealed the sheer spiritual force he exerted to establish the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement worldwide. He was actively making history: transforming so-called fallen Westerners into pristine brāhmaṇas, making vast global preaching plans, and continually making exhausting travel schedules in his advanced age. Yet, amidst all this phenomenal creation, there were two things he absolutely refused to make: compromises to the pure philosophy of the paramparā, and cheap disciples. His actions were a perfect blend of profound innovation in preaching and strict conservatism in spiritual principle.
Making Authentic Brāhmaṇas and Devotees
Śrīla Prabhupāda performed a modern spiritual miracle by transforming Western youth—often deeply entrenched in materialistic and illicit habits—into pure devotees. Despite intense pushback from orthodox, caste-conscious circles in India, he confidently asserted his authority to elevate anyone to the status of a true brāhmaṇa through the purificatory process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Even in India they protest, because I am making them brahmin. My disciples, they're offered sacred thread. They're regularly made into brahmin.
- In India they sometimes come to fight with me that I am making these papa-yoni, namely, the Europeans and Americans... They are considered by the rigid Hindus as a papa-yoni. "They cannot become."
- Anyone who does not believe in God, he's asura. This is the verdict of the sastra. And this asuric civilization is going on all over the world. So we are making little effort to make the asuras devotees. That's all.
- The brahmacaris and I use very simple clothes here. I am sending you a photograph to show how I live here. I am making the Americans wear brahmacari robes, and shave up. If a brahmacari from India dresses like an American he will not be appreciated.
Delivering the Message Without Alteration
While Śrīla Prabhupāda was infinitely adaptable in his preaching methods, he was unyielding when it came to the philosophy itself. He stressed that his success lay entirely in the fact that he did not make any alterations to the teachings, and he demanded that his followers uphold strict standards rather than becoming cheap disciples.
- If I make some amendment, addition, alteration, in the name of Krsna, guru, then it is spoiled. No. We should receive the instruction as it is.
- They are not my words (in my books and letters and my speaking at meetings), as I have repeatedly informed you that I am simply the bearer of the message from Lord Chaitanya through the disciplic succession and I do not make any addition or subtraction.
- We do not make cheap disciples. Our condition is first of all you must give up these things: illicit sex and meat-eating and intoxication, up to the drinking of tea and cigarette. You have to give up. And gambling.
- Just like I have got many Godbrothers, they are all acting. Similarly, all these disciples which I am making, initiating, they are being trained to become future spiritual masters.
Making Grand Plans for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
As the Founder-Ācārya, Śrīla Prabhupāda was constantly strategizing. He envisioned grand temple projects, planned strategic global headquarters, and foresaw how uniting the resources of the West with the spiritual heritage of India could make a definitive solution to the world's problems.
- I am trying to make a plan out of the description of the plot of our leased land. And the hilly portions may be name as Govardhana. Govardhana-side, the pasturing grounds for the cows may be allotted.
- Our aim of starting a centre in India is to attract Indian youngsters by American devotees. Combined together we shall be able to make a wide circulation of the Krishna Consciousness movement.
- If we take this place then I shall make London my world or European headquarters, and I am applying also for British residential status.
- In future if they follow, they will also be delivered. This is wanted. We have made some plan. We are making. So this will be left. When we shall die this will be left. And anyone who will accept this parampara system will be promoted to Krsna.
The Personal Endeavor of an Ācārya
Behind all the grand plans and philosophical purity was Śrīla Prabhupāda's intense, personal endeavor. Starting his worldwide mission at the age of seventy, he continually made schedules, organized his translation work, and pushed his physical body to travel the globe for the salvation of conditioned souls.
- At the last stage of my life, at the age of seventy years, I made an attempt that... Our predecessors, they wanted, and they wanted me also to do that. So my other Godbrothers they could not do very well. So let me try.
- On my return I shall make practical progress so that both of us may go on compiling Srimad-Bhagavatam and opening different centers in all parts of the world simultaneously.
- When coming from San Francisco I promised to Janaki and other girls that this time when I come back I shall first come to San Francisco. So I shall return by Pacific route and possibly make a break in the journey in Tokyo and Hawaii.
- Let me know when is the best time for my coming there. Of course the mango season is best, so please inform me so I can make out my schedule, and you can make all arrangements.
Conclusion
When Śrīla Prabhupāda stated "I make," he was demonstrating the active, practical, and compassionate nature of pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He did not retire to a forest; instead, he stepped onto the world stage to make devotees out of the unlikeliest candidates, to make grand plans for spiritual communities, and to make relentless personal sacrifices. Yet, his power to make all these wonderful things happen stemmed from his absolute refusal to make any alterations to the pure teachings of the disciplic succession. By perfectly following his predecessors, Śrīla Prabhupāda made a spiritual pathway that will continue to deliver humanity for generations to come.
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 Make (Prabhupāda). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.