Prabhupāda's Plan for Worldwide Preaching
The expansion of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement was the result of a meticulously crafted plan by Śrīla Prabhupāda, designed to fulfill the order of his spiritual master. By organizing his disciples and resources with expert care, he laid a foundation that allowed the mission to spread to every corner of the globe.
The Blueprint from His Spiritual Master
Śrīla Prabhupāda's entire life was dedicated to a plan he received in his youth. He often spoke of how he was "scheming" and "dreaming" of how to reach the West, specifically New York, to carry out the baggage of transcendental knowledge and give it to the world as directed by his spiritual master.
- I never deviated from this plan. Since I heard it from my Guru Maharaja, I've simply planning how to do it successfully.
- I planned that "I must go to America." Yes. That was the reason. Otherwise, generally they go to London. I did not go to London. I was simply dreaming, "How to go to New York?"
- I was simply dreaming, "How to go to New York?" Actually I thought. I was scheming, "Whether I shall go this way, through Tokyo, Japan, or that way? Which way is cheaper?" That was my plan.
- That was my plan that I shall carry this baggage and give it to the Americans and they will distribute.
Organizational Structure and Management
To ensure the mission remained strong and pure, Śrīla Prabhupāda planned for a decentralized yet unified structure. He introduced the GBC to oversee the movement and insisted that each temple remain independent, allowing him to eventually retire from management to focus on his bhajan and translation work.
- Each GBC man can act as my secretary for one month at a time as I originally planned. In this way you will all be trained up nicely.
- Each temple must remain independent and self-sufficient. That was my plan from the very beginning.
- I want that all of these big plans should be realized, and there will be no end to the resources Krishna will provide, but first there must be good management.
- It is my plan that in my old age I am handing over all matters of temple management to you and you may simply carry on and expand the programs which I have introduced, and in this way I will be free to translate.
Global Expansion and Preaching
The scope of the plan was nothing less than worldwide. Śrīla Prabhupāda set specific goals, such as opening 108 centers, and personally traveled to places like Hawaii, Fiji, and Tokyo to lay the groundwork for new temples and recruitment of local devotees.
- I have a plan for opening 108 centers all over America, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia. I have got at present 26 centers. I have sent some of my devotees in Germany where people are more interested in this Hare Krsna movement.
- I am taking three Sannyasis on world tour. We shall reach to Hawaii first and I shall let you know then definitely what our plans are for coming to Tokyo.
- I have no objection to sending you some men from Los Angeles, but you also should try to recruit some men from amongst the residents of Columbus. That is the best plan.
- Tomorrow we go to Fiji for some time, and the laying of the foundation stone of our new temple there, then on to Hawaii, and by about June 1st, we should reach Los Angeles. After that we are planning to visit Detroit, New York Rathayatra.
The Literary and Artistic Mission
Śrīla Prabhupāda's plan heavily emphasized the vāṇī through books and art. He meticulously planned the translation of Back to Godhead magazine into various languages and organized his artist and musician disciples to create illustrated books and provide the instruments needed for large-scale saṅkīrtana.
- Regarding BTG, my plan is this, that you shall simply translate from our English issues and reproduce the writing and insert it wherever there is writing in the English version.
- We are planning to begin an illustrated book of all of Krishna's pastimes and stories, so a very good, hard working artist will be required. So if you can practice to do this, it will be great service.
- We have a plan for expanding our Sankirtana and we will be needing so many hundreds of mrdangas. So you have got the fiberglass shells there, so I am informing Jayapataka Swami to arrange for one or two Bengali craftsmen to come and stay with you.
- We require so many paintings now as we are planning to print so many illustrated books and there are so many new temples that are opening of our Krishna Consciousness Movement. So as many nice paintings as you are able to do can be well-utilized.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda's plan was a comprehensive vision for the spiritual re-education of human society. By meticulously planning every detail—from the financial management of temples to the manufacturing of mṛdaṅgas and the publication of literature—he ensured that the mission of his spiritual master would be carried out with dignity and success. His focus on training intelligent disciples and establishing self-sufficient centers shows his desire for the movement to flourish long after his active participation. Ultimately, his plan serves as a roadmap for all followers to continue the expansion of Kṛṣṇa consciousness with professional management and deep spiritual devotion.
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 My Plan (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.