Near Future - Assurances of Spiritual Success
The passage of time in the material world brings inevitable results. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that whether one is awaiting the dangerous reactions of past material karma or anticipating the glorious perfection of devotional service, the stringent laws of nature and the mercy of the Supreme Lord ensure that outcomes manifest in the very near future.
The Promise of Liberation
Spiritual advancement is not an uncertain gamble. The Vedic scriptures confirm that anyone who sincerely commits to regulating their senses and purifying their heart will swiftly achieve the ultimate goal.
- Those who are free from anger and all material desires, who are self-realized, self-disciplined and constantly endeavoring for perfection, are assured of liberation in the Supreme in the very near future.
- Krsna indicates that when one controls the senses, faith comes in the near future (acirena). Having attained that stage of faith in Krsna, one feels that he is the happiest man in the world. This is our position.
- They (the asuras) can think of the Lord as virat and thus gradually cleanse the dirty things from their hearts in order to become qualified to actually see the transcendental form of the Lord in the near future.
- The tears which flowed down from the eyes of Suniti were all-auspicious. This auspiciousness of the abhiseka ceremony performed by his mother was an indication that in the very near future Dhruva Maharaja would be installed on the throne of his father.
Foreboding Dangers and Destiny
While devotees eagerly await liberation, those attached to the material world must await the strict reactions of time and karma. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that even the most powerful kings and warriors ultimately face the sudden, undeniable forces of destiny that threaten them in the near future.
- Just see, O man with a tiger's strength (Bhima), how many miseries due to celestial influences, earthly reactions and bodily pains - all very dangerous in themselves - are foreboding danger in the near future by deluding our intelligence.
- Maharaja Pariksit knew all this (brahmanas and cows must be protected), and he concluded that his insulting a powerful brahmana was certainly to be punished by the laws of the Lord, and he was expecting something very difficult in the very near future.
- In the very near future, Krsna would vanquish all the members of his family, and in a helpless condition Dhrtarastra would take shelter of Krsna's lotus feet.
- As he (Jarasandha) was returning home with his royal friends, however, they advised him not to retire but to regain strength to fight again with Krsna in the near future.
Patience and Growth in Preaching
Establishing a worldwide spiritual movement requires immense faith and endurance. In his letters, Śrīla Prabhupāda constantly encouraged his pioneer disciples not to be disheartened by initial struggles, assuring them that Kṛṣṇa would bless their efforts with grand success shortly.
- Don't be depressed because there is no sufficient audience at present, but if you continue your service all in cooperation, in very near future it will be a nice center.
- Krishna will send you help in men and money. So do not be agitated. If no one will come then you may live alone with Krishna and I am sure that Krishna will give you all facilities for progress in the very near future.
- I hope in the near future you shall organize a very grand World Samkirtan Party and make a tour all the world over. And if you like, I can also go with you.
- That is our main program, this traveling and preaching just as I am doing. Now you have to keep the institution in living condition in the near future.
Expanding Education and Publications
To ensure the purity and longevity of the institution, Śrīla Prabhupāda continuously pushed for higher standards of spiritual education and mass publication. He laid out ambitious plans that he expected his disciples to enthusiastically execute in the near future.
- It is very important (The Nectar of Instruction) and must be immediately read by all devotees. In the near future we shall introduce the Bhakti-sastri examination for second initiation and this shall be one of the required books of study.
- My first instruction to you is that you must pass your M.A. Examination before any other consideration. Your degree will be a great asset for the society in the near future.
- I think in the very near future you will be required to move from center to center to teach this verse vibration. So in each center, by hearing your tapes and by your personal presence they will become very expert in pronouncing the Sanskrit verses.
- My idea is that we should print at least 100,000 of this magazine every month; if not immediately, then in the very near future. And it will be quite possible to do it easily because we have got our own press.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda utilizes the concept of the "near future" to emphasize both the urgency of spiritual life and the infallible reciprocation of the Supreme Lord. For the materialist, the near future is a looming storm of karmic reactions and unavoidable distress, as perfectly demonstrated by historical figures who faced the swift consequences of their actions. However, for the sincere devotee, the near future is a brilliant horizon of hope. The Bhagavad-gītā guarantees that anyone who controls their senses and strictly endeavors for spiritual perfection will attain absolute liberation without delay. Practically applying this faith, Śrīla Prabhupāda fearlessly propelled his global mission forward, repeatedly assuring his disciples that their struggles in opening centers, distributing literature, and standardizing Vedic education would be crowned with extraordinary success in the very near future. By trusting in these divine assurances and maintaining unalloyed dedication to Kṛṣṇa, the devotees are promised the ultimate victory of pure love of Godhead.
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 Near Future. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.