Prabhupāda’s Kindly Requests - The Humility of a Pure Devotee
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s authority was Absolute within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, yet his mood was always that of a humble servant. He perfectly exemplified the Vaiṣṇava principle of being "more tolerant than a tree and devoid of all sense of false prestige." By frequently framing his instructions and appeals with the word "kindly," he melted the hearts of those he encountered. He did not force people to surrender to Kṛṣṇa; he lovingly invited them to experiment with the chanting, to cooperate with his mission, and to forgive the shortcomings of his young followers. Through these gentle requests, Śrīla Prabhupāda conquered the world, proving that true spiritual power lies not in demanding obedience, but in awakening the dormant love within the hearts of others.
The Humble Request to Chant and Hear
Śrīla Prabhupāda was convinced that if people would just hear the transcendental vibration and philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, their lives would be perfectly transformed. He approached everyone—from skeptical intellectuals to ordinary citizens—with the simple, polite request to "kindly" give aural reception to the mahā-mantra. He assured them there was no financial charge and no loss on their part, only the immense gain of a purified heart and awakened spiritual life.
- Either you accept it directly or you try to understand through philosophy and science. We have got so many books. So kindly take advantage of this movement.
- Our request is that there is no loss on your part. You kindly take this mantra and chant. Begin chanting Hare Krsna. Then the result will be, gradually, all the misgivings within our heart will be cleansed.
- If you kindly hear about Krsna and your heart becomes purified, the original dormant Krsna consciousness is immediately awakened.
- You just remain in your position. You simply hear. Kindly give your aural reception to this transcendental sound. Very simple process. No charges.
Appeals for Cooperation and Assistance
Carrying the heavy responsibility of spreading Lord Caitanya's movement globally, Śrīla Prabhupāda knew he needed the help of society's leaders, scholars, and men of wealth. He never asked for money for his own sense gratification, but humbly begged for assistance to print his transcendental books and establish temples. He appealed to their sense of duty and compassion, asking them to kindly combine together with him to save the world from materialistic degradation.
- My Guru Maharaja told me personally that "If you get some money, print books." Therefore I am stressing on this point: "Where is book? Where is book? Where is book?" So kindly help me. This is my request. Print as many books in as many languages.
- Don't you think that this movement is glorious both for India and the world? Kindly, therefore cooperate with me in full heart.
- I shall specially request the Indians, especially His Excellency, kindly cooperate with this movement, and try to make successful your life and others' life. That is the mission of Krsna, advent of Krsna.
- We invite all learned scholars, priests, philosophers to combine together and save the world from this falldown, without God consciousness. That is our request. So I think you all respectable priests and Fathers will kindly help me in this mission.
Guidance for Proper Management and Behavior
To his young disciples managing centers around the world, Śrīla Prabhupāda acted as a loving, guiding father. Rather than issuing harsh administrative decrees, he asked them to kindly follow the regulative principles, maintain the temple standard, and cooperate without quarreling. He knew that the success of the movement depended on their purity and unity, and his gentle "kindly" was a powerful reminder that their administrative duties were actually an offering of love to Kṛṣṇa.
- Kindly keep me informed of your zone's activities at least once a week or once fortnightly. In this way I will be encouraged and can give you direction and inspiration.
- Kindly keep up the standard of your temple activities by mutual cooperation, and everything will come out successful and smooth.
- Kindly see that the principles are being followed, deity worship, sankirtan, chanting etc. If we maintain these principles rigidly there is no question of fall down and without any difficulty our progressive march will advance.
- Kindly do not quarrel but go on with your duties progressively.
Compassion, Encouragement, and Forgiveness
Śrīla Prabhupāda was deeply aware that his Western disciples were struggling against immense conditioning. When they made mistakes or offended the public, he stepped forward to humbly apologize on their behalf, asking society to kindly forgive their indiscretions because they had given their lives to Kṛṣṇa. He also prayed directly to the Deities to kindly take care of his innocent, incompetent boys and girls, revealing a heart overflowing with divine compassion and protective love.
- Of course, I do not know the case, what are the circumstances, but kindly forgive my beloved disciples any unkindness or indiscretions on their part.
- Kindly see the things in this light and forgive their small mistakes. The big thing is they have given their life, everything to Krishna - that is never a mistake.
- I prayed to Radha-Krsna that, - I am leaving You, Sir, with these innocent boys and girls. They want to serve You, but they are not yet competent. Kindly take care of Yourself and give them intelligence so that they can serve You.
- Thank you for understanding this Krsna Consciousness philosophy more and more. Now that you have a little taste, kindly keep it as the most valuable asset of life.
Establishing and Protecting the Institution
While his tone was gentle, Śrīla Prabhupāda was deeply serious about protecting the properties and institutions that belonged to Kṛṣṇa. He frequently used "kindly" to instruct his disciples to establish farm projects, maintain the integrity of the Gurukula, and ensure that temple properties were not jeopardized by mismanagement. His kindly requests in these matters were protective measures, ensuring the long-term shelter and spiritual growth of his followers.
- There has been a serious mistake. I do not wish that Gurukula should be closed down in Dallas. So you kindly arrange to send your child back to Gurukula.
- I am so glad to learn that our London Temple is very, very well managed under your supervision. Kindly continue this standard of Temple management--that will make me very happy.
- These management affairs sometimes disturb me. Kindly manage nicely. I want that the properties should not be jeopardized.
- Kindly make this farm project successful so that the majority of my time I can spend there. I like this place. You should work with full energy and endeavor to make this program successful.
Conclusion
The presence of the word "kindly" throughout Śrīla Prabhupāda’s letters, lectures, and conversations is a testament to his perfect realization of spiritual equality. He saw every living entity as a part and parcel of the Supreme Lord and addressed them with the dignity that such a vision commands. His requests were not born of weakness, but of the ultimate strength of a soul fully surrendered to Kṛṣṇa. By hearing his kindly requests to chant, cooperate, manage nicely, and forgive, we are reminded that the path back to Godhead is paved with humility, tolerance, and deep spiritual affection. To respond to his "kindly" requests with our own sincere endeavor is the perfection of our lives.
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 Kindly (Prabhupada's Request). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.