I May Inform You - Prabhupāda’s Directives and Personal Guidance
As the Founder-Ācārya of a rapidly expanding global society, Śrīla Prabhupāda relied heavily on correspondence to guide his movement. When he used phrases like "I may inform you," "I am glad to inform you," or "I beg to inform you," he was executing the immense responsibility of managing ISKCON. These statements served as official decrees regarding property, finances, and the appointment of leaders. Yet, this formal language was not merely administrative. Śrīla Prabhupāda used it as a diplomatic tool to impress Indian dignitaries with the success of his Western disciples, to organize his relentless travel schedule, and to deliver uncompromising spiritual instructions. Through these communications, we see the perfect blend of a pragmatic global executive and a deeply compassionate, pure devotee.
Global Management and Authoritative Directives
Śrīla Prabhupāda maintained absolute oversight of ISKCON. He used this formal phrasing to issue clear mandates, approve contracts, establish the authority of the Governing Body Commission (GBC), and ensure that his disciples strictly adhered to his management principles and financial protocols.
- This is to inform you that I, the undersigned, am the Founder-Acarya of the ISKCON, and the world leader for all of its branches. I have appointed 18 direct representatives to manage different sectors of the world, and they are known as GBCs.
- As the Founder-Acarya and final authority on all ISKCON matters please be informed that until you receive authorization from me you may kindly wait in these matters of loans until further notice from me.
- I may further inform you that the MacMillan contract is very important. I have already confirmed the terms, and you are herewith authorized to sign on my behalf.
- I may inform you that in Bombay they have received the sanction for constructing the temple in Juhu. Until further order whatever money you collect should be sent to Bombay.
Diplomacy, Public Relations, and Preaching Strategy
When corresponding with Indian politicians, businessmen, and the public, Śrīla Prabhupāda strategically used this phrasing to announce the glorious success of his preaching. By informing them that Westerners were strictly following Vedic culture, he aimed to secure visas, dismantle prejudice, and inspire Indians to value their own spiritual heritage.
- The Americans are taking interest in the matter of Bhakti cult of Sankirtana movement. I am holding classes of Sankirtana and discourses on the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam and I very glad to inform you that they are chanting the holy name of God.
- I beg to inform you that all my temples and centers here in India are being managed by my foreign disciples. I want that they should be admitted as immigrants.
- I may inform you that although there is no law by which the Temples can bar anyone's entry in India, still sometimes practically I have felt the difficulty in respect of my American and European disciples.
- I beg to inform you of one matter which may be of interest to you, namely that we have now got thousands of disciples and well-wishers in the Western countries and out of them many are desiring to travel to India in the near future.
Travel Schedules and Logistical Coordination
The global expansion of Kṛṣṇa consciousness required meticulous logistical planning. Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly kept his devotees informed of his own travel plans, the dispatching of preachers to new zones like Fiji or Bangladesh, and the coordination of vital resources like Deities and books.
- I thank you very much for your kind invitation to visit Mauritius. I am pleased to inform you that I am arriving at Port Louis from Bombay on the afternoon of September 30th instant. I look forward to meeting with Your Excellency.
- I am writing this letter to inform you that I am now sending Bhagavata dasa brahmacari there to Fiji to be co-manager with your good self. This man is very experienced in the Gujarati communities.
- I am glad to inform you that a party of my disciples will be coming to Bangladesh soon for spreading the message of Lord Caitanya there. They will be stationed at Jessore, but will travel wherever they are invited and hold Sankirtana.
- I beg to inform you that the two pairs of Radha Krishna Deities have arrived in Bombay from Jaipur. So out of the four Deities, two of Krishna and two of Radharani, one Deity of Radharani is broken by the hand.
Spiritual Instruction and Personal Transparency
Amidst the heavy demands of management, Śrīla Prabhupāda used this formal tone to deliver profound spiritual truths. He emphasized his role as a transparent medium for the paramparā, instructed his followers on the necessity of rigid sādhana, and openly shared the personal hardships and physical tolls he endured for Kṛṣṇa's sake.
- 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.
- I may inform you that in order to maintain our status of spiritual strength, everyone of us must very rigidly chant daily sixteen rounds without fail and follow the regulative principles strictly.
- 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.
- Physically and mentally we may be disturbed sometimes, but we have to stand erect on the spiritual platform. I may inform you in the connection that I am at the present moment physically unfit.
Conclusion
When Śrīla Prabhupāda used the phrase "I may inform you," he demonstrated the perfect balance of a world-class leader and a pure devotee. He managed a rapidly expanding international society with precision, using official correspondence to direct his disciples, manage assets, and coordinate complex global preaching strategies. Simultaneously, he utilized this formal channel to navigate diplomatic relations with grace and to deliver uncompromising spiritual truths. Ultimately, these communications reveal a spiritual master who handled the practical affairs of the material world with the utmost care, always with the singular purpose of pushing forward the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement for the benefit of all humanity.
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 May Inform You (Prabhupāda). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.