Prabhupāda Encourages His Disciples to Establish Farm Communities on Their Land
To establish a worldwide spiritual society, the acquisition and development of property played a crucial role in the vision of Śrīla Prabhupāda. He viewed real estate not as a material asset, but as an opportunity to build magnificent temples, self-sufficient farm communities, and educational institutions. By securing these spaces, his followers were given the practical means to protect cows, grow their own food, and ultimately save time for their spiritual practices.
Cautious and Legal Acquisition
Acquiring real estate requires strict legal diligence to protect the society from future complications. To ensure that every investment was secure, Śrīla Prabhupāda instructed his managers to thoroughly investigate deeds and titles before transferring any funds. He stressed that all properties must be officially registered in the name of the institution, preventing unauthorized sales and safeguarding the assets for the mission.
- Even if there is a slight doubt in this land purchasing matter, we shall not purchase. There must be no doubt. This man is legal-minded you say, therefore to my mind it is doubtful. It must be very cautiously examined.
- It is not good business to invest money when it is not sure yet that the land will actually be transferred in the name of ISKCON.
- The land should be put in the name of International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Mayapur-Vrndavana Trust, Founder-Acarya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
- I have been informed of unauthorized attempts to sell land there which is legally owned by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Unless transactions are authorized by my duly appointed representative, Mr. Brent Selden, they are illegal.
Constructing Temples for the Public
The primary purpose of securing urban properties was to construct grand temples where the public could easily access spiritual life. Through immense personal struggle and determination, Śrīla Prabhupāda fought to maintain possession of key lands, such as the Juhu Beach property, recognizing them as sacred spaces already occupied by the Supreme Lord. He envisioned these centers as permanent spiritual embassies where generations could congregate and advance.
- For building the temple you can purchase some nearby land and construct. There are so many lands there I have seen.
- We are constructing the Hare Krishna Land project in Juhu Beach and we trust that you and your family members will take advantage of the facilities for generations to come.
- Simply I prayed to Krsna, - My dear Lord, You are seated there on that place (the land in Bombay). If You are removed, then it will be suicidal. You must remain there.
- Mr. Harrison is purchasing 172 acres of land near London, and it is expected that he will construct a temple of Radha-Krishna there. This is also very encouraging news.
Developing Self-Sufficient Farm Communities
Beyond urban temples, there was a deep desire to establish rural projects where devotees could live peacefully and depend entirely on nature. By cultivating these farm communities, Śrīla Prabhupāda wanted his followers to produce their own cloth and foodstuffs, freeing themselves from the artificial anxieties of modern society. He taught that this simple, self-sufficient lifestyle perfectly supports the ultimate goal of chanting the holy names and achieving self-realization.
- I am now organizing in Europe and America many farm lands so that my devotees can live there peacefully, grow their own foodstuffs, produce cloth, and save time for chanting Hare Krishna.
- You have got this land; develop it. Don't go away. Develop it. That is my instruction. Keep cows, as many cows as possible. You don't require practice. Produce your own food, own milk - save time; chant Hare Krsna. This is perfect.
- We want to utilize our land there for raising flowers, vegetables and grains if possible. Jaya Laksmana's suggestions are welcome so please give him all encouragement and facility. Work together cooperatively and develop things nicely there.
- Your proposal for establishing a Krishna consciousness community on the land which you have is very good. Whenever we get some land available we should take the opportunity to develop it into an ideal community as envisioned for New Vrindaban.
Cow Protection and Natural Agriculture
The foundation of an ideal spiritual community relies heavily on the ethical treatment of animals and the proper utilization of the earth. According to the guidance of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the land should never be overused or spoiled with artificial fertilizers, as such practices are forbidden in the śāstras. Instead, he encouraged his disciples to protect cows and grow pure crops, demonstrating how cooperative agricultural work can naturally sustain both humanity and the animals.
- As you say that your land is very suitable for cow protection and for Tulsi to grow, then Krishna is giving you the opportunity to develop this program.
- We shall never use this artificial fertilizer on our farms. It is forbidden in the sastras. If you plant easily grown crops once in the year, then the earth will not become exhausted. Don't overuse the land.
- The idea is that the land is there and Krisans may be engaged to grow food both for men and for the animals, namely the cows.
- We have got so much land even on this earthly planet. I am traveling all over the world. You can produce food grains so in large quantity that you can feed all the population, ten times population.
Establishing Educational Institutions
Large tracts of property also provided the necessary space to implement traditional Vedic social and educational systems. Recognizing the need for structured spiritual training, Śrīla Prabhupāda encouraged the use of excess land to build gurukulas and institutes for vānaprastha members. He saw these expansive communities as the perfect grounds to establish varṇāśrama colleges, creating an environment where all age groups could live according to authorized principles.
- It is a very good suggestion to open the vanaprastha institute. The elderly people can live there according to the Vaisnava principles and worship the Deity and take prasada. I also want to open the Varna Ashrama College there as there is sufficient land.
- It is very good news that there are persons there who want to cooperate to help us start a Varnasrama College Project and that they may supply us land for living as an ideal community producing our own food from the land.
- For the Gurukula it will be very suitable if you spare the front land or back side of your college building. That will be very kind of you.
Conclusion
The profound vision for acquiring and developing property established by Śrīla Prabhupāda provided his followers with the practical foundation to live a deeply spiritual life. By meticulously handling legal matters and focusing the use of the properties on cow protection, agriculture, and temple worship, he ensured that these centers would flourish for generations. His instructions continue to guide the society in creating ideal communities that demonstrate the beauty and sustainability of a God-centered existence.
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 Our Land (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.