Prabhupāda's Reflections on His Mission
Śrīla Prabhupāda's mission was an outpour of love and compassion for the entire world. He invited his disciples into this mission not just as followers, but as his own children and partners in a divine cause. By studying these reflections, we see how Śrīla Prabhupāda lived every moment to fulfill the desires of the previous ācāryas and how he looked to his disciples to help him change the course of human history.
My Heart and Your Success
Śrīla Prabhupāda often shared that his success was measured by the spiritual growth of his disciples. He did not come to the West to gather wealth or fame, but to give the greatest gift—the love of God. He viewed every sincere boy and girl who took to Kṛṣṇa consciousness as a sign that his mission was bearing fruit and bringing real happiness to the world.
- I have come to your country with this mission, and if I find one or two boys or girls sincerely have learned how to love God, Krsna, then my mission is successful.
- I am so proud of having beautiful disciples like you who understand the inner meaning of my mission. Actually, I want the people of the whole world to come to God consciousness and be happy.
- I have come to this country not to beg, but to give. That is my mission. And they are feeling, "Yes, we are getting something substantial."
- It is not that we start a mission just to make some money and to fill up our belly, hungry belly. No. It is a mission to see that everyone is happy in Krsna consciousness. This is the mission.
Serving Together for Prabhupāda
The expansion of the movement was a beautiful, cooperative effort between Śrīla Prabhupāda and his followers. He humbly acknowledged that while his intent was sincere, the rapid growth of the mission was due to the help of his disciples. He saw his followers as "part and parcel" of himself, and their service was his constant source of inspiration and spiritual strength.
- My endeavors might be sincere, but without their cooperation I could not have executed my mission so quickly.
- Krishna is so pleased that He has sent me so many nice boys and girls to cooperate with my mission, and I am feeling very happy for this Grace of Krishna.
- I have come to your country with this mission, and if I find one or two boys or girls sincerely have learned how to love God, Krsna, then my mission is successful.
- My disciples they are part and parcel of me. Whole mission is going on with their cooperation. But if he says that I am equal to my Guru Maharaja, then that is offense.
Establishing the Mission in the West
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s strategy was to establish the mission firmly in the West, specifically in America, knowing that the rest of the world would follow that lead. He traveled tirelessly, even in his advanced age, to set up centers and introduce festivals like Ratha-yātrā, ensuring that the message of Bhagavad-gītā reached the younger generation who had the potential to accept it.
- That was my policy from the very beginning, that if the Americans accept, then my mission will be successful. And that is being done gradually, and I am insisting that preach in America vigorously.
- If we can introduce successfully this Rathayatra Festival not only in San Francisco but also in New York and also in Montreal, then it will be a great success of my mission in this country.
- You will be pleased to know that people in this country specially the younger section are accepting the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam as it is and I am hopeful of my mission in this country.
- In pursuance of the cult of Love of Godhead as propounded by Lord Chaitanya 500 years before, I have come to America to preach the same cultural mission on the principles of the Bhagwat Geeta and the Srimad Bhagwatam.
The Order of the Spiritual Master
At the core of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s determination was his absolute fidelity to his spiritual master. He considered his only qualification to be the blessings and mercy of his Guru Mahārāja. Every book written and every center opened was an offering to the paramparā, and he urged his disciples to similarly take up this responsibility as their own life’s purpose.
- My mission has come out a success by the mercy of my guru maharaj who sent me on this mission. That was my only qualification in coming to your country, that I had the blessings of my guru maharaj.
- This preaching work is our mission. It is Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mission, my Guru Maharaja's mission, and my mission. It is through the parampara. As I am trying to discharge my Guru Maharaja's mission, you also try and things will go on nicely.
- I came here with a great mission to execute my Spiritual Master's order but my heart is stabbing me.
- Although my Guru Maharaja ordered me to accomplish this mission, I am not worthy or fit to do it. I am very fallen and insignificant. O Lord, now I am begging for Your mercy so that I may become worthy, for You are the wisest and most experienced of all.
Securing the Future of the Mission
As Śrīla Prabhupāda grew older, his thoughts turned toward ensuring that the mission would continue with purity after his departure. He established the GBC and focused on his books to ensure the movement remained spiritually strong. He expressed a deep desire to see the mission and the missionaries become even stronger, praying that his work would not be spoiled by administrative difficulties.
- I am old man, 73 years old; I may die at any moment. But I am now assured my movement will go on. These boys will carry it. My mission is in that way successful.
- Now I am getting old. So it is little difficult for me to travel. Still I have to do and come and see. I have established my mission so I want to see that it is not spoiled.
- I have no objection to death, I am old man; still I wish to live because I want to see that the mission and missionaries I have started may be still more stronger before I leave. So pray to Krishna for this.
- 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.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission was a revolutionary spiritual movement that he carried on his shoulders with immense love for his disciples and the world. By treating his followers with personal care and sharing his deepest motivations, he inspired them to see his mission as their own. He successfully transplanted the essence of Vedic culture to every corner of the globe, proving that the message of Lord Caitanya is universal. Through his books and the dedication of his sincere followers, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission remains a vibrant, living force that continues to offer the world the greatest hope for spiritual awakening.
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 Mission (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.