I Went With a Mission - Prabhupāda on His Global Preaching
The journey of Śrīla Prabhupāda to the Western world represents a historic turning point in the distribution of Vedic knowledge. At an age when most individuals retire from active life, he embarked on a perilous sea voyage across the Atlantic, carrying nothing but a trunk of books and a heart full of devotion. Driven by the sacred order of his spiritual master, he arrived in the United States without money, sponsors, or a clear place to stay, yet his conviction in the power of the holy name remained unshakable. His mission was never about religious conversion or personal gain; it was a compassionate response to the spiritual hunger of a society lost in materialism. By traveling tirelessly from New York to the farthest corners of the globe, he demonstrated that a pure devotee is never alone, as Kṛṣṇa provides all facilities to those who sincerely serve His mission. This article explores the early struggles and the global expansion of his movement as recounted in his own words.
Arriving Alone in America
When Śrīla Prabhupāda first traveled to the United States, he did so without any worldly safety net. Relying entirely on Kṛṣṇa, he faced a year of struggle with no money, sponsor, or permanent shelter, armed only with his translation of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
- I started this movement in 1967 in New York, in a small scale. I went there in 1965, and for one year I had no shelter, neither any means to maintain myself. I had some books only, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and some way or other, I pulled on.
- I went in U.S.A. without any sponsor.
- Preaching is independent. If you have got desire, you can preach in any circumstances and Krsna will help you. I have practically experienced. I went to your country without any help, without any money. Alone.
- When I went to America, I went by ship. So it stopped at the Commonwealth Pier in Boston. So I was thinking that if "I say that 'No illicit sex, meat-eating, intoxication, and gambling,' so these people will immediately say, 'Please go home'."
Guided by the Spiritual Master
The incredible endeavor to spread bhakti in the West was not a product of personal ambition, but an act of complete surrender to his guru. He accepted the mission in his advanced age, finding supreme joy in seeing the seeds of his obedience blossom into a worldwide movement.
- When I started for your country, I came to Mayapur. I offered my obeisances to my spiritual master, then I went.
- Guru Maharaja wanted and these Gaudiya Math people did not do anything, so let me try in this old age. The inspiration came, and I went. By his grace it has become little successful, that's all. I have no credit.
- I went to your country also alone, in old age, because of the order given to me by my spiritual master. So I get great pleasure when I see my own disciples from America going to far off places to preach.
- Bhakti is activity. Just like personally, up to seventy years, I was practically doing nothing. But at the age of seventy years, by the grace of God, Krsna, there was inspiration; I went to Western country - not to sit down there silently.
Delivering the Pure Message
Śrīla Prabhupāda did not compromise the philosophy or attempt to attract followers with cheap miracles. He brought the authentic science of the soul, directly introducing people to Kṛṣṇa and elevating their consciousness beyond temporary material designations.
- When I went to America, I did not go there to turn the Christian to become Hindu. No, I never said that.
- I went to your country with this word only. I did not show you any magic, neither I have any knowledge how to play magic. That is not possible. I simply repeat the same thing, that, Here is Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- I went to your country with a mission & you all good souls were sent by Krishna to me. So let us cooperatively work together to vigorously spread Krishna Consciousness, to the suffering humanity at large.
- When I first went to your country in New York, I found everyone imbibed with the idea that God is dead. Now gradually people are understanding that God is not only not dead, but He is factually present with us at every moment.
Traveling the World for Kṛṣṇa
Once the movement was established, his traveling only intensified. Despite physical danger, such as a severe car accident, and the stark contrast between pure Vedic standards and modern Western life, he traveled tirelessly to places like Europe and Africa to cultivate the spiritual lives of his followers.
- From Moscow I went to Paris. Paris is a very nice city, better than London. All historical buildings are here and they are very gorgeous and panoramic. So we have got a very nice center there.
- We have seen last time when I went to Nairobi, so many, Africans, they are making progress very nicely, making nice questions, following rules & regulation. So African people, they are not so much sophisticated or so-called civilized to forget God.
- I went to Mauritius, South Africa and again Mauritius where I met with a major motor accident in my car. All my men got slightly injured and they were saved by Krsna. The accident was very disastrous, but still Krsna saved.
- After leaving your place I went to Chicago and then San Francisco and in both the places the Rathayatra ceremony was very successfully performed.
Conclusion
Reflecting on his expansive travels, Śrīla Prabhupāda highlights that the success of his mission was purely the result of following his spiritual master's instruction and depending on Kṛṣṇa. His personal journey—from arriving alone on a cargo ship to establishing a worldwide society—serves as the ultimate example of dedicating one's life, even in old age, to the rigorous and compassionate work of global preaching.
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 Went (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.