Let Me - The Determined and Compassionate Voice of Prabhupāda
When analyzing the phrase "let me" within the teachings and correspondence of Śrīla Prabhupāda, we uncover the heartbeat of his mission. It is a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the dual nature of an ācārya: the supreme humility of a servant who depends entirely on the mercy of the Lord, and the fierce determination of a leader commanding a global spiritual army. He crossed the ocean with the simple, humble thought, "let me try." He managed his worldwide society with the vigilant demand, "let me know." And when his time in this world drew to a close, he taught us how to pass the final test with the plea, "let me die peacefully." By studying this phrase, we gain intimate access to Śrīla Prabhupāda's determined and compassionate voice, learning how to adopt his mood of unconditional service in our own lives.
Let Me Try – The Courage to Begin
Śrīla Prabhupāda did not arrive in America with a guarantee of success, nor did he possess immense institutional backing. He arrived with faith. When faced with an alien culture and overwhelming odds at the advanced age of seventy, he did not calculate his chances; he simply surrendered to the order of his spiritual master. "Let me try" became the mantra that conquered the world.
- I came here with a service position, that I must give some service to my Guru Maharaja, not that I thought of success. But the spirit was that Guru Maharaja told me I must do something, whatever I can. It may be failure; it may be success - let me try.
- At the age of seventy years, nobody goes out. At least from Vrndavana nobody goes at the age of seventy years. But Krsna asked me. I thought that I must go, Guru Maharaja wanted it, Caitanya Mahaprabhu... Let me try.
- That will be especially triumphant celebration for me, because only five years back I was sitting alone under a tree in your park thinking that perhaps no one will join me, but let me try.
- When I first came to America I never imagined that this movement would spread so far and wide. I thought that my Guru Maharaja has ordered me to try to spread his teachings in the English language, so let me try.
Let Me Be Free – The Priority of Translating
As ISKCON rapidly expanded into a massive international institution, the burden of management grew heavy. Śrīla Prabhupāda's ultimate ambition, however, was not administration, but giving the world the highest philosophical literature. He continually asked his GBC and senior disciples to take over the day-to-day operations, pleading, "let me be free," so he could focus on his translations.
- Let me be free now to translate books, that is my desire.
- So the work is in your (my leaders) hands. Let me be free now to translate books, that is my desire.
- I want now that all of my GBC secretaries do my work. Let me sit tight in Los Angeles and write my books.
- If my mind becomes disturbed in this way, then how can I concentrate on book writing. It is not possible. Better not to inform me anything, and let me sit in Vrindaban.
Let Me Know – Exacting Standards and Management
Despite his wish to step back from management, Śrīla Prabhupāda's love for Kṛṣṇa meant he could not tolerate the mismanagement of Kṛṣṇa's money or mission. He tracked everything from book publication details to visa applications and temple construction. Using the phrase "let me know," he demanded clear communication, honesty, and rapid resolution of problems from his leaders.
- I do not know how things are being managed in this way. Kindly let me know, therefore, immediately what is the fate of this Rs. 6,000 transferred from your Delhi Chandni Chowk Branch.
- Please let me know exactly what is the procedure for exporting books from India, because I have to do it periodically.
- This report is inaccurate and very dangerous and it has concerned me very much. Since your name is mentioned here as making this report kindly write to me and let me know what is the actual fact as to what you said.
- Please let me know how many life members you are making.
Let Me Know – A Father's Affection
Śrīla Prabhupāda's oversight was not merely corporate; it was deeply personal and affectionate. He worried about the health of his disciples, tracked the spiritual growth of his students, and even inquired anxiously about the Tulasī plants across the ocean. His "let me know" often revealed the tender heart of a spiritual father who cared intensely for every living entity under his shelter.
- How are your Tulasi plants in Hawaii? How are they feeling? I am always thinking of them and you. Please let me know how they are growing and how you are taking care of them.
- Please let me know if Kamalasana arrives there in Sante Fe. He has left the temple here all of a sudden, and no one knows where he is. I am very much anxious for him, so please let me know if you have any word from him.
- Please let me know what are the reports given by the doctor. But it is good that you are keeping even greater amount of faith in Krishna, and are chanting 35 rounds daily. Keep up this good attitude and surely you will be saved from all dangers.
- I am very glad to note that you are so much sincere and enthusiastic devotee of Krishna. That is wanted. If I do not do anything else, at least let me produce one such sincere devotee that's all.
Let Me Die Peacefully – The Final Surrender
In his final months on earth, Śrīla Prabhupāda's use of "let me" shifted to a profound instruction on how to leave the material body. Rejecting the futile and often disturbing interventions of modern medical science, he requested only to be surrounded by his disciples and the holy name. He wanted his followers to lift the burden of management from him entirely, so he could transition to the next life in a state of pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- I wish to die without a doctor. I may be seriously, but don't call doctor. Chant Hare Krsna. Don't be disturbed. Everyone has to die. Let us die peacefully, without doctor.
- Never put me in hospital. You can refuse, that "This is our Guru Maharaja's order." Chant Hare Krsna. Bas. Let me die peacefully.
- Only chance you should give me - let me die little peacefully, without any anxiety. I have given in writing everything, whatever you wanted - my will, my executive power, everything. Disaster will happen if you cannot manage it.
- It is stated in the sastra, nivrtta-tarsair upagiyamanad bhavausadhac chrotra... This is the medicine, panacea, for material disease. So kindly let me hear kirtana as far as possible, long as I live.
Conclusion
From the moment Śrīla Prabhupāda boarded the Jaladuta with the prayerful thought "let me try," to his final days in Vṛndāvana asking his disciples to "let me die peacefully," his life was a perfect, uninterrupted sacrifice. His words teach us that a devotee never demands success from Kṛṣṇa, but enthusiastically embraces the opportunity to serve. They show us that true compassion involves both rigorous management ("let me know") and deep personal care. Most importantly, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s voice reminds us that the ultimate goal of all our endeavors, all our trying, and all our management is to reach that final moment where we can peacefully and fully surrender our consciousness to the lotus feet of the Lord.
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 Let Me (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.