Prabhupāda's "For Me" - His Needs Only for Kṛṣṇa's Service
When we read Śrīla Prabhupāda's personal correspondence with his disciples, we are invited into the heart of a pure devotee. He did not maintain a rigid or impersonal distance; rather, he shared his feelings of separation, his physical struggles, and his profound gratitude for their help. Every time Śrīla Prabhupāda mentioned something he needed, it was never for his personal comfort or sense gratification. His requests were strictly practical tools for his divine mission—a quiet room for translating, relief from administrative burdens, or a climate that allowed him to keep preaching. By meditating on his selfless mood, we can find immense inspiration to dedicate our own lives to his service, just as he dedicated his entire existence to his spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa.
Deflecting Credit to His Guru
Despite miraculously spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world, Śrīla Prabhupāda never claimed the glory for himself. With deep humility, he repeatedly emphasized that any success was simply the result of strictly following the instructions of his spiritual master.
- Practically there is no credit for me, if there is any credit it goes to my Spiritual Master, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada, Who is helping me by sending so many good souls like you in this movement.
- There is no credit for me, but it is only a teeny attempt, and humble attempt. So if one man could do, if you say, some success, why not all of us?
- Whatever is being done, there is no credit for me, but all the credit goes to my Spiritual Master, because He has arranged everything, and I am simply to abide by His order.
- We haven't got to manufacture. And as soon as you manufacture, fall down. Evam parampara-praptam imam rajarsayah... This manufacturing idea is very, very dangerous in spiritual life. Whatever little success is there for me, I did not manufacture any idea.
Intimate Affection for His Disciples
Śrīla Prabhupāda's love for his disciples was intensely personal and paternal. He openly expressed how much he depended on their cooperation, feeling deep separation when apart from them, and marveling at the sincere care they offered him in his old age.
- My disciples here are Godsend, they are all more than my father and mother, and they are taking so much care for me that I shall never be able to repay the debts.
- Four or five years ago, I came here, I had no student. I was loitering in the street. Nobody was caring for me. Now I have got hundreds and thousands of student. They are executing my order simply out of love.
- I love you all very much, and if you go away and stay independently that will be a great shock for me.
- Just as you are all feeling separation grief for me, similarly I am feeling for you.
Practical Requirements for Preaching and Translating
When Śrīla Prabhupāda requested specific facilities, it was purely to accelerate the mission. Whether he needed a peaceful environment, reliable electricity, or relief from management, his sole objective was to dedicate his remaining time to translating sacred literatures for the benefit of the world.
- As soon as we get electricity, the sooner it will be fit for my coming there. For my translation work I require electricity.
- The newly acquired property I have named as Advaita Bhavan and it sounds very inviting place for me to do my translating work.
- If you can relieve me of worry of management in Mayapur it will be a great relief for me. Krsna will give you more and more intelligence on how to do this if you sincerely endeavor.
- It is very good news for me (Prabhupada) that you are going to have $5300 very soon, and I thank you very much for offering the entire amount to me. I think the whole amount should be utilized for further publication of my books.
A Life Completely Surrendered to the Mission
Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed his own body and energy as the exclusive property of the Supreme Lord. He pushed through poor health and advanced age, making it clear that his very existence was not for himself, but to deliver the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to suffering souls.
- For me, either live or die, I don't mind. But if you are trying for my life, try it very seriously. That is my formula. No negligence.
- So the common sense is that if my hand is the property of Krsna, why it should be used for me? It should be used for Krsna. This is good sense. Suppose something belongs to somebody else. If you use it for your purpose, that is illegal, not lawful.
- Working so hard to please Krsna only out of love for me, so there can be no question of force if love is there.
- For me, I can live anywhere. And I can collect one or two ruti anywhere. It is not for me. It is for you. I have invited. Come here, stay and preach this cult, Hare Krsna movement. That I want.
The Heavy Burden of Management
To ensure his mission would continue effectively, Śrīla Prabhupāda established the GBC. However, he often expressed that administrative complaints and whims were a great taxation on his brain, asking his leaders to manage independently so he could focus on his real work—preaching and writing.
- I set up the GBC with hope that I shall get relief from administration of the mission but on the contrary I have become the center of receiving so many complaints. So it is not a relief for me, rather it is becoming a little troublesome.
- I made the GBC to give me relief, but if you do like this, then where is the relief. It is anxiety for me. This is the difficulty, that as soon as one gets power, he becomes whimsical and spoils everything. What can I do?
- We are now growing in size, therefore, for general administration if you will act conjointly amongst the presidents, that will be a great relief for me.
- It is not possible for me to tax my brain on every detail. The GBC should meet in Mayapur in March, and all details of management should be discussed.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s personal expressions offer us a profound glimpse into his absolute surrender. By examining what he accepted or required "for me," we see that his every breath, comfort, and facility was entirely dedicated to the service of Kṛṣṇa and his spiritual master. His endearing gratitude for his disciples and his unyielding push to translate transcendental literatures show us the perfect standard of pure devotion. He lived exclusively for our spiritual benefit, leaving behind a legacy of pure love and uncompromising dedication to the mission of Kṛṣṇa 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 For 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.