Prabhupāda's Preaching
Śrīla Prabhupāda's life is a testament to the absolute power of pure preaching. He did not seek followers for personal prestige, nor did he alter the absolute truth to make it more palatable to modern society. Instead, he simply carried the message of Kṛṣṇa as it was given to him by his spiritual master. For Śrīla Prabhupāda, preaching was not a profession; it was his life and soul. His reflections on his own preaching journey offer his followers the ultimate example of surrender, bravery, and transcendental compassion.
The Mandate of His Spiritual Master
The seed of Śrīla Prabhupāda's worldwide movement was planted during his very first meeting with his spiritual master, who requested him to preach the cult of Lord Caitanya in the West. Śrīla Prabhupāda held this instruction within his heart for decades, eventually taking sannyāsa and traveling abroad solely to fulfill this divine mandate.
- Just before His Divine Grace passed away at Jagannatha Puri, I wrote him a letter asking what I could do to serve him. In reply, he wrote me a letter ordering me to preach in English the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as I had heard it from him.
- My Guru Maharaja ordered me that "You go and preach this philosophy to the Western world." So under his order I came, and I presented Bhagavad-gita As It Is, as you have read.
- I met my spiritual master Late Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami in 1922 and he desired me to preach in the foreign countries the spiritual movement started by Lord Caitanya for enlightenment of all materialistic men all over the world.
- In 1936, my Spiritual Master left this world leaving a message for me that it would be better for me to preach in English language.
The Purity of the Message
Śrīla Prabhupāda knew that his physical presence would not be available forever, so he poured his transcendental realizations into his books. He instructed his disciples that true preaching requires presenting the message exactly as it is, without any manufactured interpretations or compromises.
- That is my preaching. What Krsna said, you say as it is. Don't change. How you can give interpretation?
- In Bhagavad-gita there is no such statement that you take care of the eyes of the people. There is no such statement. That is your manufactured. But we are preaching Bhagavad-gita as it is. That is the difference.
- Without books and magazines, what authority or what basis have we got for preaching?
- Our preaching is: Let one man understand Bhagavad-gita As It Is. We don't want disciples. I never collected disciples. I never compromised that "You can do whatever you like, and you become my disciple."
Absolute Dependence on Kṛṣṇa
When Śrīla Prabhupāda arrived in America, he had no resources or institutional support. Yet, he possessed the greatest wealth: complete faith in Kṛṣṇa. He demonstrated that a pure preacher relies entirely on the Supreme Lord, who provides the facilities, the representatives, and the success.
- Preaching is independent. If you have got desire, you can preach in any circumstances and Krsna will help you. I have practically experienced. I went to your country without any help, without any money. Alone.
- I came to preach Krsna consciousness, and Krsna has sent so many representatives to help me. I consider like that. Without your help I could not do.
- Yes, I am still brave. (laughter) Otherwise how could I come alone to preach Krsna consciousness? I am still brave.
- Within 8 or ten years we have developed so much. Is it humanly possible? It is Krsna's plan. But Krsna says that "You go and preach. Take the credit." Yes. It is His plan. Actually everything is done by Krsna. He gives the credit to His devotee, that's all.
Preaching as the Highest Service
Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed preaching as the ultimate act of compassion and the primary duty of a spiritual master. He taught that to preach is to participate in the work of Kṛṣṇa Himself—awakening the spiritual identity of every soul regardless of their material background.
- A preacher is giving real sense. To awaken this sense, Krsna had to come personally. And he is doing the same work: "Surrender to Krsna." How much great service it is.
- A spiritual master needn't be very enthusiastic for constructing temple buildings simply in the name of so-called spiritual advancement. Rather, his first and foremost activity should be to preach.
- Our preaching is to reinstate the living soul to his original condition. The original condition of living being is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord.
- Preaching is our life. But in order to preach one must become firmly fixed in the spiritual practices otherwise his words will not act. It is the duty of every initiated disciple to try and please the spiritual master.
Expert Management and Versatility
Śrīla Prabhupāda was a master of practical preaching, utilizing modern technology and facilities to spread the holy name. He taught that a preacher must be expert in all departments—from cooking and management to writing and chanting—showing that every activity can be spiritualized for the mission.
- Follow my example as I did in the beginning at 26 2nd Ave. That is preaching, cooking, writing, talking, chanting everything one man's show. I never thought about the audience. I was prepared to chant if there were no man to hear me.
- If we get opportunity, preaching facilities for going on car, on airplane, using typewriter, dictaphone, microphone, we must use it. Because this is Krsna's property, it must be used for Krsna. This is our philosophy.
- Sannyasi simply means to do as I am doing, and sometimes I have to manage, sometimes cook, sometimes go to the bank, keep the money, write books, chant, preach in the class, keep accounts - sannyasi should be expert in every department.
- I used to say to my God-brothers that when I would begin preaching I shall take two trucks, one for Sankirtana Party and one for carrying requisites, and I would go from village to village throughout the whole world preaching Lord Caitanya's message.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s preaching was an unstoppable spiritual force that awakened millions. By studying his personal reflections on his mission, we understand that his success was the result of his pure, unalloyed desire to serve his spiritual master and Kṛṣṇa. He has left the door open for all of us to join him in this glorious work. By strictly following his example—distributing his books, maintaining personal purity, and speaking the absolute truth without compromise—we can continue Śrīla Prabhupāda's preaching and help bring true peace and spiritual enlightenment to the world.
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 Preaching (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.