Prabhupāda’s Reading - His Personal Practice and Inspiration for the Devotees
Śrīla Prabhupāda utilized every moment of his day for the upliftment of humanity, and his reading was a vital part of this divine service. By reading letters, reports, and even secular news, he remained deeply connected to his disciples and the pulse of the world, expertly steering the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
Personal Care Through Letters
Śrīla Prabhupāda poured his heart into corresponding with his disciples. By reading their letters, he provided direct, personal instruction on how to chant the holy names, follow the regulative principles, and remain enthusiastic in their devotional service. His reading of their sincere words brought him great joy.
- I (Prabhupada) have read your letter, and it is my opinion that you should return to Santa Cruz. But where ever you stay you must chant 16 rounds daily and strictly adhere to the regulative principles as well as try to study my books.
- By reading your letter, it seems that you are very fortunate. Krsna has given you the best opportunity for developing your Krsna consciousness and certainly He wants to help you. Therefore He has advised you to approach me.
- I was so glad to read as you write to say, "I opened the temple on Thursday and am in the process of fixing it up." It is so much pleasing to me and what can I give you?! I can simply pray to Krishna for your long life and prosperous service to Krishna.
- I thank you very much for the Istagosthi notes, and also your nice letter of Feb. 14, 1968. I have read them over, and the question which was asked about why people did not see Krishna as blue, question no. 5; you can't see Krishna with material eyes.
Encouraging Literary Contributions
Encouraging his disciples to write was a key aspect of his training. When Śrīla Prabhupāda read their poetry and essays, he was deeply pleased, explaining that producing literature in one's own words proves that the profound philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness has been truly assimilated.
- I have read with great interest your article especially the one which is named as "CHALAR PATHE." It is not only very amusing but also instructive. Simple dry philosophical arguments will not be appealing now a days to people in general.
- I thank you very much for your very nice poetry; I am reading it again and again and I shall most probably arrange to publish it in Back To Godhead.
- I was very much pleased to read the essays by our Bali-mardana dasa. So similarly, you also write. Writing means if you have digested the idea, you can produce in your own words.
- I have read the headline prayer. It is nicely written, correctly spelled, which shows that you are a very intelligent girl and you can use your talent and intelligence for serving the Lord.
Guiding the Global Mission
To oversee the vast expansion of his society, Śrīla Prabhupāda meticulously read reports and publications from various centers around the world. He used these reading opportunities to guide his followers on preaching strategies, approve their efforts, and ensure the purity of their philosophical presentations.
- I am glad to read in your letter you are going to the universities to preach. The universities are very important places because there are men who can appreciate our philosophy.
- I have read it, and am glad that you have understood the matter so thoroughly, and have now substantiated your conclusions with so much scriptural proof. Actually, that is our method of preaching, simply to repeat the message as it is.
- I have read your statements regarding opening centers. I am not in agreement with Mr. Altman that we are expanding very thinly. In my opinion, a single sincere soul can maintain a center.
- I have received the German magazine and it appears very nice. Of course I could not read a single letter, but that doesn't matter. It was looking very nice.
Analyzing the Material World
Śrīla Prabhupāda also read secular newspapers and other books to stay informed about the material world. He expertly used these readings to point out the extreme flaws of a godless society, counter false propaganda, and highlight the urgent need for pure spiritual education.
- I have also read the newspaper cuttings in which I understand that people accept our Society as genuine and religious. So it is Krsna's grace that they are giving you permission to chant on the streets.
- I have read all the newspaper cuttings and handbills very attentively, and I very much appreciate the counter presented by us against the vilification by the enemies.
- They do not know the peace formula. They are creating atheistic population and they want peace. How it is possible? Just like I remember, I read in a paper that Archbishop of Canterbury, he said in a lecture that - You want kingdom of God without God.
- One item I was surprised to read that a Christian priest has sanctioned marriage between man to man. That was written there. I do not wish to discuss all those things. But people are degrading for want of this tapasya.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda's reading was a powerful tool in his preaching arsenal. By carefully reading the letters and reports of his disciples, he provided unmatched personal guidance, protected them from illusion, and encouraged their spiritual growth. Furthermore, his critical reading of secular news allowed him to perfectly diagnose the diseases of modern society, proving time and again that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the only real solution for the world's problems.
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 Reading (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.