Prabhupāda’s Bhāgavatam - His Life’s Work and Mission
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the heart of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission. He considered his translation and purports to be his most significant contribution to the world, often describing them as his "primary strength" and the fulfillment of the specific order he received from his spiritual master.
The Sacred Order of His Guru
Śrīla Prabhupāda often spoke of his work on the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as a direct service to his spiritual master, Śrīmad Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. He did not view himself as the author, but as a faithful servant attempting to present the message of the paramparā to the English-speaking world.
- I (Prabhupāda) am attempting to present Srimad-Bhagavatam in the English language by the order of my spiritual master, Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.
- In my last meeting with Prabhupada in Radha-kunda he advised me to print some books if I get money. I took it very seriously and by His grace we have now published my translations of Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, etc.
- I have written in the first publications of Srimad-Bhagavatam, "The spiritual master lives forever by His divine instruction and the disciple lives with him.", because I have always served my Guru Mahārāja and followed His teachings I am now even never separated from Him.
- I am going to America on the mission of propagating my publication Srimad-Bhagavatam and I am taking with me 200 sets X 3 volumes of books depending solely on the goodwill of Srila Prabhupada.
Early Struggles and Divine Protection
Before the international success of his movement, Śrīla Prabhupāda faced immense challenges. He traveled to America with nothing but his books, and in the early days of New York and India, he personally sold the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam to maintain himself and spread the message.
- I started this movement in 1967 in New York, in a small scale. I went there in 1965, and for one year I had no shelter, neither any means to maintain myself. I had some books only, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and some way or other, I pulled on.
- I was getting some money by selling my Srimad-Bhagavatam, thus I was maintaining myself in New York.
- When I was alone, I was selling this Bhagavata. All the school, college, I was very…, with great delight they were taking, at that time.
- I published second part (of Srimad-Bhagavatam) also. There was sale. Then there was no necessity of money. I was getting money by selling Srimad-Bhagavatam. Everyone appreciated.
A Unique Presentation of Knowledge
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s edition of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam was designed to be a unique contribution to the world. By including the original Devanāgarī, Sanskrit synonyms, and his Bhaktivedānta Purports, he ensured that the knowledge remained unadulterated and accessible to both scholars and seekers.
- If we publish our Srimad-Bhagavatam exactly in the way I have already begun it, it will be a unique contribution. The scholars only require diacritic marks.
- The reading matter of Srimad-Bhagavatam is so arranged with its original Sanskrit text, its English transliteration, synonyms, translation and purports so that one is sure to become a God-realized soul at the end of finishing the first nine cantos.
- They are not my books, since I have simply translated; but my purports for each and every verse from the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam do very much appeal to the people in general as well as learned circles.
- In all of my (Prabhupāda's) other books - Srimad-Bhagavatam, Sri Isopanisad, etc. - the system is that I give the original verse, its English transliteration, word-for-word Sanskrit-English equivalents, translations and purports.
The Desire to Retire and Translate
As the movement grew, Śrīla Prabhupāda felt the weight of management and often expressed a deep desire to retire to the background. His primary goal for the remaining days of his life was to complete the translation of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam for the benefit of all humanity.
- Now I am feeling very much inclined for retiring behind the scenes to translate my Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- I am trying to live at least up to the time I finish my translation of Bhagavatam. I do not wish to die before I finish.
- All my senior disciples are requesting me to revive my translating work and I would like to do so for the remaining days of my life. So you have to help me to get Srimad-Bhagavatam and the other translating work done as quickly as possible.
- So many boys, young boys, you have understood. So do it and give me relief. I remain in the background. Let me finish my Bhagavata Purana and those who are assisting in the writing, I'll be there.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s work on the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam was more than a literary endeavor; it was his life’s breath. From the early days of personal book distribution to the massive global publication of his Bhaktivedānta Purports, he remained fixed on the single goal of presenting this transcendental science exactly as he received it. By delegating the management of his society to his disciples, he sought the time to finish this monumental task, knowing that the Bhāgavatam would serve as the guide for human society for thousands of years. Following his instructions and studying his translations is the surest way for any disciple to connect with his heart and achieve the ultimate goal of life.
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 Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Prabhupāda). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.