Prabhupāda’s True Pleasure - The Bliss of Expanding Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
It is a fundamental Vaiṣṇava principle that Śrīla Prabhupāda is the transparent via medium to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, his pleasure is identical to the Lord's pleasure. He often expressed what gave him pleasure or made him very much pleased not as a casual expression of emotion, but as a deliberate instruction to his followers. His joy was ignited by massive book distribution, the opening of beautiful temples, the independent preaching efforts of his young disciples, and their strict adherence to his instructions. By studying the specific activities that brought Śrīla Prabhupāda pleasure, we uncover the exact formula for achieving success in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Supreme Pleasure of Book Distribution
Śrīla Prabhupāda invested his heart and soul into translating the Vedic literatures. Consequently, nothing gave him more joy than seeing these books mass-produced and distributed. He viewed the printing press as the bṛhat-mṛdaṅga (the great drum) whose sound could reach across the globe. When devotees broke distribution records or established the philosophy in foreign languages, his pleasure was boundless, as he knew this was the most effective way to inject Kṛṣṇa consciousness into the masses.
- Please print as many books as possible, this is my real pleasure. By printing these books of our Krsna Conscious philosophy in so many different languages we can actually inject our movement into the masses of persons all over the world.
- Sankirtana and book distribution should go on together side by side. I am always glad when these activities are increasing and my pleasure is always increasing.
- I have heard with great pleasure how in only one month's time you have distributed 50,000 Bhagavad gita As It Is in the Japanese language. I think there has never been a case in history when so many religious books were distributed in such a short time.
- I have noted with pleasure that you are increasing your book distribution and that you have "struck at the very heart of the city of Melbourne."
The Expansion of Kṛṣṇa's Temples and Deities
From his early childhood, Śrīla Prabhupāda was deeply attached to the worship of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa. Seeing this childhood devotion blossom into a worldwide society of temples gave him immense satisfaction. He took personal pleasure in the acquisition of major properties like Bhaktivedanta Manor, the manifestation of his vision for Śrī Māyāpur Candrodaya Mandir, and the prospect of opening 108 branches to provide shelter for conditioned souls globally.
- From my childhood I was very much fond of Radha-Krsna, and now my good disciples are helping me to open so many Radha-Krsna temples all over the world. It gives me so much pleasure.
- I am getting older day by day, so if I can see in my lifetime that all of you have opened at least 108 branches of ISKCON institution that will be a great pleasure for me.
- I have noted the contents with great pleasure and relief, because my special interest is in Mayapur, that we shall make it especially to glorify Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the best manner of programs.
- I have come here at Bhaktivedanta Manor. I am feeling very much happy. Here everything is going on very nicely. It has given me much pleasure.
The Dedication and Maturation of His Disciples
Śrīla Prabhupāda knew that his physical presence on Earth was limited. Therefore, he felt a profound, fatherly pleasure when he saw his young disciples maturing, taking up heavy preaching responsibilities, and managing the society independently. He praised their willingness to leave their comfortable Western lives to preach in difficult, far-off places. He desired to see them always active and busy in Kṛṣṇa's service, finding his own mobility extended through their dynamic efforts.
- I get great pleasure when I see my own disciples from America going to far off places leaving their rich nation with all facilities and their families, to preach. The secret of success in spiritual life is to satisfy one's spiritual master.
- Now I am getting old, so if you can do things without me, that will be a great pleasure for me. You are an experienced devotee and know how to manage things, and you have good men there to help you so I am sure that you can carry on things nicely.
- You are all qualified. I can give you ideas. Now I am doing. So I wanted to see that you are all busy. That I want because now I am becoming invalid. I cannot move very swiftly here and there. But if you move, I take pleasure.
- Nobody in this world likes to be defeated by somebody else, but the father when he is defeated by the son feels more pleasure.
The Ultimate Goal of Pleasing the Ācārya
In the path of bhakti, progress is not judged by material or even mystical success, but by the degree to which the spiritual master is pleased. Śrīla Prabhupāda simplified this process for his followers: pleasure is achieved through strict obedience, mutual cooperation, and an earnest study of his books. He reminded them that the ultimate measure of their activities is not personal preference, but the satisfaction of Kṛṣṇa and His representative.
- You may please me the most by reading my books and following the instructions therein and by becoming fully Krishna Conscious in this life time.
- Anukulyena krsnanusilanam means when you have accepted the bona fide spiritual master, you should work in such a way that your spiritual master is pleased with you. Then your path is very clear.
- We have nothing to do with acceptance and rejection. We have to see whether Krsna or His representative is pleased.
- So in conclusion, it is my request even you do not agree on some points, Giriraja is in charge so please follow his direction and that will please me.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s expressions of pleasure are the compass by which the International Society for Krishna Consciousness must always navigate. He was not a mundane leader seeking personal glory, but a pure servant thrilled by the glorification of his Lord. When we dedicate our energy to distributing his books, maintaining his temples, preaching boldly, and cooperating together, we are directly fulfilling the desires of his heart. By continually striving to bring him pleasure, we ensure our own spiritual safety and rapid advancement back home, back to Godhead.
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 Pleasure For Me (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.