Miracle of Faith and Chanting - Starting the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Movement
Starting the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was an act of profound spiritual courage and absolute dependence on the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while the historical start occurred in a humble New York storefront in 1966, the movement is actually an eternal mission revived for the benefit of modern society. By following the instructions of his spiritual master and utilizing the simple process of chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, Śrīla Prabhupāda initiated a global revolution aimed at saving humanity from the darkness of ignorance.
Humble Beginnings and Divine Success
The historical start of the movement in the Western world is a testament to the power of sincere devotion. Śrīla Prabhupāda arrived in America alone, with no money or institutional support, starting the mission with only forty rupees and his books. He conducted a one-man show, preaching, cooking, and chanting, without concern for the size of his audience. This miracle of expansion from a small scale to a worldwide organization was achieved simply by the asset of sincere chanting and the distribution of prasāda, demonstrating that Kṛṣṇa provides all success to one who remains faithful to the process.
- I started this movement alone in a foreign country and Krsna gave me all success. Krsna will certainly help you if you simply remain sincere and try to present Krsna consciousness as it is.
- 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.
- The Krsna consciousness movement actually started with only forty rupees, but now it has more than forty crores worth of property, and all this opulence has been achieved within eight or ten years.
- I made this movement successful simply by love feast. That is the beginning of my movement.
Faith in the Order of the Guru
The true impetus for starting the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was Śrīla Prabhupāda’s unwavering faith in the words of his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. Having received the order to preach in English and in foreign countries, Śrīla Prabhupāda spent decades planning before finally launching the mission in his old age. He views the movement as the fulfillment of the desires of the previous ācāryas and the predictions of Lord Caitanya. This connection to the vāṇī (instructions) of the guru is the spiritual force that ensured the success of the saṅkīrtana movement.
- Believing in the words of His (Caitanya's) spiritual master, He introduced the sankirtana movement, just as the present Krsna consciousness movement was started with belief in the words of our spiritual master.
- My Guru Maharaja passed in 1936, and I started this movement in 1965, thirty years after. Then? I am getting the mercy of guru. This is vani.
- I was ordered by my spiritual master to do this work, so on his order I came in 1965. That is the beginning of this. I came alone with no help, no money. Somehow or other (laughs) I started... My attraction is this chanting. That's all.
- When I was seventy years old I decided, Now I must do and execute the order of my Guru Maharaja. And thus this movement was started in 1965 from New York.
A Standard and Authorized Mission
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that he did not concoct or manufacture the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. Instead, he presented the eternal science of God as it was originally spoken by Kṛṣṇa five thousand years ago and revived by Lord Caitanya five hundred years ago. By strictly adhering to the paramparā system and the authority of the Bhagavad-gītā, he ensured that the movement remained pure and potent. He famously resisted suggestions to rename the mission "God consciousness," insisting that the specific name of Kṛṣṇa is essential for the authentic spiritual revolution he started.
- Actually this movement was started by Krsna Himself in the Battlefield of Kuruksetra. At least five thousand years ago the movement was presented by Krsna in the Bhagavad-gita.
- I started this movement. It is not manufactured by me. Take the words of authorities and spread. There is no adulteration.
- From the very beginning I never described my movement as Hindu religion.
- When I started this mission many friends advised me "Why don't you make it 'God consciousness'?" This is bogus, God consciousness. "Krsna consciousness." Otherwise, they'll put so many gods.
Purpose of the Movement's Inception
The movement was started with the specific purpose of saving human society from a risky civilization characterized by animalism and ignorance. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the mission is to enlighten forgetful living entities and remind them of their original Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By creating an association of sādhus (saintly persons) in the busiest parts of the world, the movement provides an opportunity for people to disassociate from material interests and make solid advancement toward going back to Godhead. It is a philanthropic work intended to deliver even the most envious persons from the clutches of māyā.
- Human society should be saved from such a risky civilization and the danger of animalism by awakening to God consciousness, Krsna consciousness. The Krsna consciousness movement has been started for this purpose.
- The Krsna consciousness movement has been started to deliver the envious persons of the world from the clutches of maya, and even though devotees are sometimes put into trouble, they push on the Krsna consciousness movement in all tolerance.
- It is very difficult to find a sadhu for association. We have therefore started this Krsna consciousness movement to create an association of sadhus so that people may take advantage and become liberated. There is no other purpose for this society.
Pioneering Spirit and Cooperation
The early days of the movement required great sacrifice and a pioneering spirit. Śrīla Prabhupāda encourages his disciples to follow his example of vigorous preaching and personal responsibility. While he started the movement single-handedly, its continued expansion and preservation now depend on the cooperation of his followers. He stresses that the character and behavior of the devotees are what will sustain the mission’s reputation and ensure that the spiritual revolution he began continues to spread to every town and village.
- Follow my example as I did in the beginning at 26 2nd Ave. That is preaching, cooking, writing, talking, chanting everything one man's show. I never thought about the audience. I was prepared to chant if there were no man to hear me.
- Now it is practically in your hands to finish and push on what I have started. I am now getting all respect and honor, so now you must preserve that standard and not dishonor me.
- We have started this movement in a humble way, but we are inviting cooperation of people who are interested for the peace of the world.
- My touring is natural. I have started this movement. I want to see that it is going on nicely. So you kindly help me. Don't deviate. That is my only request. (starts to cry) Then you will remain solid.
Conclusion
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is a divine gift brought to the modern world through the tireless efforts of Śrīla Prabhupāda. From its humble start in New York to its global presence today, the mission remains rooted in the same principles of faith, chanting, and authorized Vedic knowledge. By understanding the miraculous nature of its inception, devotees and the general public alike can appreciate the potency of this movement to transform lives and bring lasting peace to human society. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life and work stand as an eternal invitation to join this spiritual revolution and return to our original, blissful consciousness.
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 Starting the Krsna Consciousness Movement. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.