Please Try - Prabhupāda’s Humble Invitation to Perfection
When Śrīla Prabhupāda used the phrase "please try," he was exhibiting the pinnacle of Vaiṣṇava humility. He was the authorized representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, yet he approached the world as a humble beggar, asking only for a moment of our time and a small effort of our will. He understood that Kṛṣṇa consciousness cannot be imposed; it must be chosen. Whether he was addressing world leaders, his own disciples, or a casual visitor to the temple, his message was always the same: a simple invitation to "please try" this sublime process. By examining these requests, we see that Śrīla Prabhupāda’s primary concern was not for his own success, but for the welfare of every conditioned soul, urging them to take just one step toward Kṛṣṇa so that Kṛṣṇa could take ten steps toward them.
Humble Requests for Intellectual Inquiry
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s approach to preaching was deeply scientific and philosophical. He did not ask for "blind faith." Instead, he requested that everyone—especially the leaders and the educated class—"please try" to study the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He was certain that any intelligent person who made a sincere attempt to learn this science would find the answers to life’s most difficult questions.
- Any leader of the society, any political leader, any social leader, they should study. Our only request is that "Please try to understand this Krsna consciousness movement."
- I am very glad to see you in this temple. Please try to understand our philosophy of Krsna consciousness. We have got books, and at the same time we have got the simple method, chanting of Hare Krsna, in which even a small child can take part.
- Please try to learn this Krsna science perfectly well and that will give ultimate meaning and perfection in your life.
- Please try to understand the philosophy of Krsna Consciousness in a nutshell: Every living entity has a dormant propensity to love somebody other who is very excellent in his opinion.
Expanding the Mission through Cooperative Effort
Śrīla Prabhupāda had an ambitious vision for a global spiritual revolution, but he relied on the cooperation of his students to fulfill it. When he asked them to open centers in China, organize in Nepal, or secure buildings in New York, he used the words "please try" to ignite their enthusiasm. He taught that even a little labor done for Kṛṣṇa is never lost, and he encouraged his disciples to work hard for the benefit of others.
- I am so much encouraged to learn that you have come to Kathmandu, Nepal. Please try and organize a center there nicely. It will be a great credit for you. Nepalese are mostly Hindus and they will take to this Krishna Consciousness movement very easily.
- I especially request you to try to open a center in China. So far I have information of the Chinese people and so far I have seen Chinese boys in Hong Kong, I am very hopeful for success in China.
- I am very much anxious to get our position as non-government organization in the U.N., please try for it your best.
- You should please try to introduce into every college and university our Bhagavad-gita As It Is. That will surely be a great service.
Developing the Discipline of a Devotee
The path of bhakti-yoga involves rules, regulations, and a daily discipline of chanting. Śrīla Prabhupāda was aware that these could be challenging for Westerners, so he couched his instructions in a mood of encouragement. He requested them to "please try" to chant sixteen rounds, avoid offenses, and read his books carefully, explaining that this sincere effort was the secret of success and the way to remain fixed-up in the face of māyā.
- I humbly request you to chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. This chanting will bring you all perfection of life, please try it.
- Please try and render devotional service very carefully following all of the rules and regulations mentioned in our books. Always chant at least 16 good rounds daily. If you try very sincerely to do these things Krishna will help you.
- Please try to read all our books very carefully, and whenever there is any doubt, you ask me, and be expert preacher. That will make you a great doctor for protecting the human society from being fallen a victim to maya.
- The essential point to remember is that you should try always to please your spiritual master under every condition. That means to follow his orders and instructions very carefully.
A Compassionate Plea to Save Every Soul
Perhaps the most touching use of "please try" was when Śrīla Prabhupāda dealt with the struggles of individual souls. He begged his disciples to "please try" to save a student who had become "foolish" or to rectify a devotee who was having difficulty rather than rejecting them. His global mission was always about the individual—about loving every soul and trying, at any cost, to bring them back to their original position of loving God.
- If Purusottama comes, please try to save this foolish boy. I like him very much; unfortunately he pretends now as the incarnation of St. Paul. Try to save him.
- Regarding Sriman Hayagriva Dasa; it is our duty to rectify him. To create a devotee takes much labor and to reject him in a minute is not to our credit so please try to do the needful in this regard.
- A pure lover of God, he loves everyone. Just like we are. Because we have tried to love God, therefore we are wandering, touring all over the world, and the same message, - Please try to love God.
- Now the Krishna Consciousness Movement is given to you, some selected European and American boys and girls. Please try to maintain it heart and soul with faith in Krishna, and your life will be successful.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life was an embodiment of the phrase "please try." He tried to please his spiritual master, and he spent his final years traveling the world, asking us to join him in that attempt. He never demanded perfection; he only asked for sincerity. His words teach us that the essence of spiritual life is the effort we make to please Kṛṣṇa and His devotees. If we simply take his humble request to heart and "try" our best to follow his instructions, distribute his books, and love God, we will undoubtedly fulfill the ultimate purpose of our existence.
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 Please Try (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.