Prabhupāda Explains What is Truly Important For Us as Disciples
The success of a global spiritual movement depends entirely on the ability of its members to distinguish what is genuinely essential from what is merely supplementary. In these vital directives, Śrīla Prabhupāda expertly cuts through superficial concerns to reveal exactly what is most important for his followers. He clarifies that while material facilities and organizational structures have their place, the true lifeblood of the society is the purity of its devotees, the wide-scale distribution of literature, and a cooperative, selfless desire to please the Supreme Lord.
Purity as the Foundation
A preacher's effectiveness is entirely dependent on their personal spiritual strength. Śrīla Prabhupāda continually reminds his disciples that before attempting any grand projects, the most important priority is rigidly maintaining their vows, chanting their rounds, and setting a pure example.
- Only a pure devotee can convert others to pure devotional service. It is therefore important for all the preachers in our KC movement to first become pure devotees and follow the regulative principles, refraining from illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication.
- The most important thing is that we must be ideal Krsna Conscious persons, and then we can attract others. This means chanting, reading my books, going on sankirtana, following the regulative principles and worshiping the deity.
- I may inform you that in order to maintain our status of spiritual strength, everyone of us must very rigidly chant daily sixteen rounds without fail and follow the regulative principles strictly.
- I started this movement just in this way. It is not very difficult. The important thing is that you behave nicely, chant all your rounds and follow strictly the regulative principles. Example is better than precept.
The Priority of Preaching and Books
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness was not founded merely to manage real estate; its primary purpose is to save humanity through knowledge. Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that creating devotees and distributing transcendental literature are the most important and urgent activities of the age.
- Back To Godhead is too much important that it must be distributed regularly, as it is the backbone of our mission. So, even it is not printed very expensively and highly, still, it must be distributed even in mimeograph copy.
- In this age, it is more important to create devotees than to construct temples. My Guru Maharaja advised me to give more stress on literary work such as publishing books and magazines in Krsna consciousness, and temple opening is a secondary consideration.
- It is not so much important the quantity of books that we distribute, but that we serve Krishna as best we can, and depend on Him for the results.
- Continue with this program of standing orders. It is very important preaching work. At least if they read our books they will not speak nonsense that kirtana is nuisance.
Pleasing the Spiritual Master
Mechanically following rules without the proper internal disposition will not yield the ultimate spiritual result. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the true, underlying essence of all devotional activities is the sincere desire to please Kṛṣṇa under the guidance of the spiritual master.
- Simply we have to desire to please Him (Krsna), and not desire anything for ourselves. Then we become simply instruments for His will. This is the important essence of Krsna consciousness.
- What is important is that everyone must engage in Krishna's service under the direction of the spiritual master.
- You write to say that it is my satisfaction that is important; my wish is that you all GBC members cooperate and advance the mission of this society. That will satisfy me.
- It is not the method that is important. The real important is how to develop your love of Krsna. If somebody develops love of Krsna, or God, without those methods, there is no objection. We are not limited by the methods or ritual.
Activity Over Opulence
It is easy to become distracted by the external trappings of success, such as large buildings or comfortable living situations. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda grounds his followers by stating that active, selfless work for Kṛṣṇa is the only truly important metric of advancement.
- Building is not very important. Work is important. Activity is important. I started my movement not with buildings, but real activity. So building is opulence. You can do without opulence. You can start anything, even underneath a tree.
- There are no such distinctions of higher and lower on the transcendental platform. The important thing is that we are engaging our time and energy in the service of the Lord.
- One should always be engaged in important work as much as possible.
- Everyone, we are working for this temple. Every one of us, we know that "This temple not for my sense gratification: This is for Krsna." So that is important.
Education and Philosophical Depth
To ensure the longevity of the movement and protect it from deviation, proper education is required. Śrīla Prabhupāda places immense importance on training the next generation in Kṛṣṇa conscious schools and ensuring that all disciples can expertly defend the philosophy.
- The important members of ISKCON should give careful attention to our Dallas school, where children are being taught Sanskrit and English to become perfect brahmanas.
- Another important thing is our theistic school in New Vrindaban. If you can establish a nice educational center, I know many parents of your country will be glad to send their children in New Vrindaban.
- Our program at these colleges is so important, because we are giving all these young people an opportunity to develop real knowledge and make their lives successful.
- You should all read very carefully Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita, and you should be able to answer all questions like this, and only in rare cases approach me. But it is important that our students must be able to answer all questions for becoming preachers.
Cooperative Care for Devotees
Because the society relies on voluntary dedication, the management of devotees must be handled with profound care. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs his leaders that maintaining harmony, avoiding time-wasting disputes, and preserving the spiritual life of every individual are crucial responsibilities.
- I hope you shall altogether consult and do the needful. Not a single moment should be wasted - that is very important thing. We shall not act anything which has no connection directly with Krishna Consciousness business.
- You should always deal things so tactfully that people may not fall away. Every living being is important in Krishna Conscious service, and we must take all precautions that one may not fall away.
- I think in ordinary administration the presidents of different centers may consult amongst themselves and make certain general procedures by mutual agreement. But when there is some more important factor, that must be referred to me.
- These debts must be paid, that is important business. Along with our preaching and propaganda work, we must also give attention to financial matters, otherwise the whole thing will collapse and it will be a farce.
Conclusion
In a world overflowing with distractions, Śrīla Prabhupāda expertly focuses his disciples' attention on what actually sustains spiritual life. He makes it clear that while opulence and structural growth may follow, the truly important elements of Kṛṣṇa consciousness are internal purity, the widespread distribution of books, philosophical education, and loving cooperation. By strictly adhering to these core priorities rather than getting lost in secondary details, disciples can guarantee their personal advancement while pushing forward a powerful, unified movement that is genuinely pleasing to the spiritual master and Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
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 Important For 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.