Personally - The Balance of Humility and Responsibility in Prabhupāda
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s profound humility and dedication are beautifully revealed through his use of the word "personally." Despite single-handedly establishing a global spiritual movement, he consistently denied having any personal qualification, attributing all his success to the mercy of his spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa. He emphasized that he had no personal motives for coming to the West, seeking neither fame nor material remuneration, but only to distribute the science of Godhead. At the same time, he took deep personal interest in the spiritual lives of his disciples, offering direct guidance and training to ensure their advancement. Furthermore, he often reflected on the personal instructions he received from his Guru Mahārāja, especially the mandate to print and distribute transcendental literature. This article explores how Śrīla Prabhupāda perfectly exemplified the mood of a selfless servant while simultaneously acting as the ultimate personal guide for thousands of followers.
Attributing Success to the Spiritual Master
Śrīla Prabhupāda never claimed the glories of the movement for himself. He repeatedly emphasized that he was completely incapable on his own, and that any success was simply the result of his faithful execution of his spiritual master's desires.
- I have no personal qualification, but I simply tried to satisfy my guru.
- Actually, whatever is happening it is due to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada because personally I am completely incapable.
- If personally I (Prabhupada) have any credit in this matter (of Krsna consciousness movement), it is only that I have tried to present Bhagavad-gita as it is, without adulteration.
- Personally I have no credit for myself, but I am trying to act as faithful servant of my predecessors and just presenting without any adulteration the message which I have received from my Spiritual Master.
Devoid of Material Motive
The monumental effort required to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness worldwide was undertaken without a trace of selfish desire. Śrīla Prabhupāda made it clear that neither the assets of the society nor the immense labor of the devotees were meant for his personal enjoyment.
- We do not want anything as personal renumeration. Because nobody can write up this transcendental transaction who will work for material gain. That is the secret of this movement.
- The business which we have taken to work together is neither your business nor my business as far we are personally concerned, but it is the business of Lord Caitanya and His bona fide servants like my Guru Maharaja.
- I have come here in this old age neither for sight seeing nor for any personal interest. It is for the interest of the entire humanity that I am trying to implement the science of Krishna which will actually make them happy.
- I am especially interested in the land which I asked from you within the vicinity of Caitanya Math. This is in pursuance of the desire of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura and Srila Prabhupada. It is not for my personal use or satisfaction of personal whims.
Personal Guidance and Care
While maintaining a detached and humble disposition, Śrīla Prabhupāda was intimately involved in the lives of his followers. He personally trained his leaders, guided the social development of his students, and promised his eternal, guiding presence.
- I wanted that each GBC man spend one month with me out of the year so that I may personally instruct him. When I am in Los Angeles this program should be initiated.
- I shall remain your personal guidance, physically present or not physically, as I am getting personal guidance from my Guru Maharaja.
- Just to save my students, both boys and girls, from sinful activities, I am personally taking interest that they may become good gentleman and lady by marriage.
- You are an old experienced devotee and I have personally trained you in so many things, so now it is your responsibility to train others otherwise what is the meaning of my training you?
Executing the Order to Print Books
The driving force behind Śrīla Prabhupāda's literary output was the direct instruction he received from his spiritual master. He frequently recalled these personal mandates, using them to encourage his disciples to prioritize the publication and distribution of transcendental literature.
- Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati personally told me that publishing books is more important than constructing temples. Of course, those same instructions remained within my mind for many years.
- My Guru Maharaja told me personally that "If you get some money, print books." Therefore I am stressing on this point: "Where is book? Where is book? Where is book?" So kindly help me. This is my request. Print as many books in as many languages.
- I blindly follow my guru maharaj. I do not know what is the result. So I am stressing on this point of book distribution. He told me this personally.
- This is the blessing of my Guru Maharaja. He wanted it. And because we are trying to do this, he is giving us all blessings. He told me personally, "I wanted to sell this marble and publish some books."
Conclusion
Through his teachings and personal example, Śrīla Prabhupāda perfectly embodied the definition of a bona fide spiritual master. By continually deflecting praise and declaring his lack of personal qualifications, he taught his disciples the essence of Vaiṣṇava humility. Yet, his willingness to take profound personal responsibility—whether by intimately guiding his students or vigorously executing his Guru Mahārāja’s order to print books—demonstrates his absolute surrender. His legacy remains a testament to the truth that ultimate spiritual success is achieved not through personal ambition, but through transparent, loving service to the predecessor ācāryas.
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 Personally (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.