Prabhupāda Appreciates Sincere Disciples Like Them
Within his extensive correspondence and lectures, including his purports to sacred texts like the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, profound gratitude is frequently expressed by Śrīla Prabhupāda for the followers who joined his mission. He considered these sincere disciples to be direct gifts sent by Kṛṣṇa and his spiritual master to help spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Through his loving encouragement, he assured them that their pure lifestyle was the key to delivering the fallen souls of the material world.
Sent by the Grace of Kṛṣṇa and the Guru
While establishing the worldwide movement, personal credit for its success was never claimed by Śrīla Prabhupāda. Instead, he continually emphasized that the arrival of so many dedicated students was entirely due to the mercy of the Supreme Lord and the previous ācāryas. He deeply felt that his own spiritual master had specifically deputed him to find and gather these precious souls. Thus, every dedicated disciple was viewed by him as a vital instrument sent to assist in the global mission.
- By the grace of Krsna this mission of spreading Krsna consciousness is being enthusiastically pushed on for the benefit of the whole world by the assistance of all my disciples, good souls like your self and your good wife.
- In the Western world, Krishna has sent me some good souls like you, and I hope, even in my absence, that the spirit of Krsna consciousness will be spread.
- Practically there is no credit for me, if there is any credit it goes to my Spiritual Master, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada, Who is helping me by sending so many good souls like you in this movement.
- The sentiments that you have expressed in your letter are all due to my Guru Maharaja who has deputed me to pick up all good souls like you in this part of the world.
Pride in Their Sincere Preaching Efforts
When witnessing the enthusiastic services of his young followers, immense transcendental pride was openly shared by Śrīla Prabhupāda. He recognized their willingness to step out of their comfort zones, noting that their dedication was a great defeat to the illusions of māyā. By empowering everyone from small girls to senior men, he cultivated a dynamic preaching force capable of shifting global consciousness.
- I am proud that a little young girl like you is so much spirited in preaching Krsna consciousness.
- Maya saw me very successful within one year, so that I got so many sincere young flowers like yourself and others, so it was a great defeat to the activities of maya.
- 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.
- Both Nandarani and yourself are advancing in Krsna consciousness and that is a great solace for me. We require many boys and girls like you to spread this movement.
Maintaining Purity in a Demonic Society
Standing firm against the degrading habits of modern society, strict adherence to regulative principles was demanded by Śrīla Prabhupāda from all his students. He warned them that materialistic people and godless governments would naturally harbor dislike for those who reject intoxication and meat-eating. Despite this opposition, he urged his followers to remain strictly situated in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, finding true happiness beyond the reach of worldly criticism.
- Even in our country, in India, the government do not like us, because nowadays, everywhere practically, the demonic people being very much increased, the government is also demonic. So they do not like people in divine nature.
- We are preaching, "No intoxication, no meat-eating." So how they'll like us? That is the difficulty. "It is folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss." But still, we are struggling.
- What is this meditation of wine, women and fish? He does not like us because we reject all other bogus philosophy. For that many people criticize me, but why should we accept nonsense. We accept Bhagavad-gita, as Krishna spoke it.
- Just like we, Krsna conscious people, we have given up intoxication. Now, if somebody comes and bribes and offers some money that, "You take this one thousand dollar and drink," you'll not agree, because your consciousness is developed.
The Assurance of Mission Continuity
Recognizing the temporary nature of the material body, absolute confidence in the future of the movement was expressed by Śrīla Prabhupāda. He knew that by properly training his disciples, the missionary activities would continue to expand long after his physical departure. He viewed these dedicated assistants as the vital leaders who would bring a peaceful revolution to human society.
- I came to your country completely in helpless condition and Krsna is so kind that He has picked up some serious students like you; and my only hope is that even if I die these missionary activities will go on.
- I do not know how shall I thank you, but I am confident of my future hopes in the sincere students like you, Brahmananda and others; and now if I die I will die blissful, the work will go on.
- Let us do something which will bring a peaceful revolution to the whole human society. I am sure I have good assistants like you and if you all cooperate with me I am sure of success.
- We can prepare some preachers so that even if I retire, the missionary work will go on under the able guidance of some of my selected disciples, like you, Brahmananda, Rupanuga, etc.
Conclusion
Through his heartfelt letters and instructions, a profound standard of care and empowerment was established by Śrīla Prabhupāda for his followers. He deeply appreciated the sacrifices made by his disciples, constantly reminding them that their efforts were the direct manifestation of Kṛṣṇa's mercy. By validating their sincerity, he ensured that the purity of the paramparā would remain intact for generations to come.
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 Like Us (Disciples of SP). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.