I Remember - Prabhupāda's Reflections of Pure Devotion
Memory is a powerful faculty, but in the material world, it is often tied to lamentation for the past or illusion about the body. When we examine Śrīla Prabhupāda’s statements beginning with "I remember," we see memory utilized perfectly in the service of Kṛṣṇa. He used his personal recollections not for nostalgia, but as scientific evidence of the eternal soul's journey through changing bodies. He constantly remembered the instructions and the loving chastisement of his spiritual master, using those memories as his guiding light. He also remembered his early struggles in spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which fueled his deep gratitude for his disciples. Ultimately, his memories reveal a consciousness that was never separate from Kṛṣṇa, proving that for a pure devotee, past, present, and future are all beautifully synthesized in devotional service.
Philosophical Proof of the Eternal Soul
Śrīla Prabhupāda possessed an astonishingly sharp memory, able to vividly recall lying on his sister's lap when he was only six months old. He used this powerful memory not to boast, but to teach the most fundamental lesson of the Bhagavad-gītā: we are not the body. He explained that although the baby’s body is long gone, the person who remembers remains, proving that the soul will also survive the final change of death.
- I still remember when I was about six months old; I was lying down on the lap of my elder sister, who was knitting, and I was playing. I can remember that, so it is possible for everyone to remember that he had a small body.
- Fifty-seven years after. (laughs) So the body has not changed? Where is that body? Now I am with stick. (laughter) Then I was jumping. Is not that? I am there; I remember. The body has changed. What is the difficulty to understand?
- All of us had at one time the body of a small baby. Where is that body? That body is gone. Presently I am an old man, but I remember that I was once a small baby.
- I remember all those existences, although the body is finished. Therefore the conclusion is that I shall exist when this body is finished. That is real knowledge. And it is common sense.
Fond Remembrances of His Guru Mahārāja
The life of a pure devotee is defined by his attachment to his spiritual master. Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly remembered the words, the mood, and the instructions of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. Whether he was recalling his guru's emphasis on printing books or fondly remembering being chastised, these memories provided the absolute foundation for his worldwide mission.
- A sincere disciple feels it pleasurable when his Spiritual Master chastises him with calling him such names as fool and rascal. My Spiritual Master sometimes called me in that way and I remember that day always and feel transcendental pleasure.
- I remember the words of my Guru Maharaja when he told me that wherever there was money it should be used to print books, not that we shall have big big temples and then fight in the court.
- I remember that my Guru Maharaja would often send young boys out to sell literature of Krishna Consciousness, and if they would come back having sold only a few issues, Guru Maharaja was very, very pleased.
- Guru Maharaja, he saw this. Now I remember those days, when he was instructing, "Do like this. Do like this." At that time, I could not understand. "Oh, why he's talking to me?"
Recalling the Early Days of the Movement
Before the establishment of a global society with thousands of members, Śrīla Prabhupāda struggled alone. He often remembered his solitary efforts to write, print, and distribute Back to Godhead magazine in India, as well as his humble beginnings in America. These memories amplified his deep appreciation for the young disciples who eventually stepped forward to help him.
- It is very encouraging to learn that you are so enthusiastic to sell Back To Godhead. I consider sale of Back To Godhead so valuable because in the beginning I worked for Back To Godhead day and night alone in India. I still remember the hardship for pushing on this Back To Godhead.
- I remember when I sold the first one volume personally to the Archeological University. I sold them personally long ago. Now you must work conjointly with the other library men in India.
- As you are remembering our old meeting days on the second avenue, when I first started my lectures there, similarly I also remember the incidents and speak to so many friends and disciples.
- I remember the old days in San Francisco. Krsna has been so kind upon me to have sent so many sincere disciples to help me push on this Movement on behalf of my Guru Maharaj.
Transcendental Exchange with Disciples
For Śrīla Prabhupāda, remembering his disciples was a form of eternal association. He assured them that physical distance was of no consequence in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By constantly remembering their service, their sacrifices, and their devotion, he maintained an unbroken, loving connection with them across the globe.
- Even I am far away, as you say you are remembering me, so also I am remembering you, and in that sense we are never separated.
- I am remembering always you and your father, that you so selflessly aided me in my preparation for coming to the western countries and distributing the great gift of Srimad-Bhagavatam to the western society.
- As soon as I remember that you are trying to fulfill my desire of trying to open ten centers, it gives me renewed vigor and life. Please do it nicely.
- Your kirtana program as it is going on is very nice. You have kept the Vrindaban spirit so sublimely that I always remember it and always hanker when I shall go back again.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s memories were not anchored in the material world; they were fully absorbed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. His most profound statement in this regard is, "I do not remember any part of my life when I was forgetful of Kṛṣṇa." By utilizing his memory to teach the science of the soul, to honor his spiritual master, and to express love for his disciples, he spiritualized the very act of remembering. He teaches us that true memory is not about holding onto the temporary past, but about constantly remembering our eternal relationship with Kṛṣṇa and the pure devotees who bring us back to Him.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category I Remember (Prabhupāda). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.