Prabhupāda Explains to His Disciples Why Describing Kṛṣṇa is the Best Process
In the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, communication is not merely an exchange of information; it is a profound spiritual activity. Throughout his correspondence, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches his disciples that engaging one's words and writing to describe the Supreme Lord is the absolute best process for spiritual advancement. Furthermore, he utilizes the vivid descriptions provided by his followers—reporting on preaching triumphs, temple management, and philosophical realizations—to expertly guide and expand his global society.
The Best Process for Spiritual Advancement
The tongue has two primary functions: to taste and to vibrate sound. By dedicating one's speech and writing entirely to describing the wonderful qualities and pastimes of the Supreme Lord, a devotee rapidly achieves spiritual perfection. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that even if a devotee struggles with material conditioning, simply sticking to the process of describing Kṛṣṇa ensures that they remain anchored in the absolute truth, ultimately leading to complete satisfaction of the self.
- You are very descriptive writer and I enjoy very much your descriptions and use of words. Actually, if we are engaged in writing and speaking on behalf of Krishna, this is the best process for advancing in Krishna Consciousness.
- If we simply stick to describing how wonderful is Krishna, then whatever we may lie or exaggerate, that will not be lie! But other things, lies, they will not help us to train ourselves in truthfulness.
- If you want real satisfaction, as we have already described, that ahaituky apratihata yayatma suprasidati. If you want satisfaction of your self, then you must practice this devotional service.
- There are three stages of chanting. One chanting is with offense, beginning. There are ten kinds of offenses, we have described many times. If we chant with offense, that is one stage. If we chant offenseless, that is one stage.
Presenting the Perfect Philosophy
To effectively preach to the modern world, devotees must be able to describe the science of Kṛṣṇa consciousness with absolute clarity. Śrīla Prabhupāda empowers his disciples by reminding them that, because they represent the paramparā, they possess the perfect philosophical framework. By faithfully describing the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam without alteration, devotees can perfectly defeat opposing arguments and rescue conditioned souls from illusion.
- You cannot describe better than us. Is it not a fact? Because we know our business, therefore we are describing our facts very nicely. You are outsider. So you cannot place pros and cons so nicely.
- The essay is very good and I thank you for it. You have very nicely understood and described the meaning of "Back to Godhead."
- Several times we have described this, that two birds are sitting in the same tree. The two birds means one, the Supersoul, and other, the individual living entity.
- You have described how you once fell down because you saw discrepancies in our philosophy. Actually, our philosophy is perfect, but because there were discrepancies in your mind at that time you may have thought something wrongly about our philosophy.
Reporting the Triumphs of Preaching
As the founder-ācārya of a rapidly expanding movement, Śrīla Prabhupāda relied on the written reports of his disciples to gauge the society's progress. When his followers sent vivid, enthusiastic descriptions of massive Ratha-yātrā parades, successful book distribution, and new centers opening, these letters brought immense joy to his heart. These detailed descriptions confirmed that Kṛṣṇa was actively providing all facilities for the saṅkīrtana movement to conquer the globe.
- Your vivid description of the prearrangement of Rathayatra ceremony was so nice and elaborate that it has moved my heart. I thank you very much for grasping the momentum of Krishna Consciousness, by your advanced service attitude.
- Your description of the parade with 55,000 people viewing is very much encouraging, and it is clear that Krishna is giving you nice opportunities for spreading the Sankirtana Movement throughout Hawaii.
- The description of Krsna Consciousness movement in London gives me a great pleasure with hope and interest.
- From your description I can tell that there is great field for spreading this Sankirtana movement. If you are sincere and determined in your efforts then surely Krishna will give you all facility. So work very hard to make our new branch a grand success.
Guiding Management and Deity Worship
Proper execution of temple duties requires strict adherence to authorized standards. By requesting his disciples to carefully describe their management techniques, altar setups, and daily routines, Śrīla Prabhupāda was able to oversee and correct the society's operations from thousands of miles away. These practical descriptions allowed him to approve new practices, ensure cleanliness, and empower his leaders to manage effectively on his behalf.
- Your description of how you are managing is nice. This is management. The British government was conducting the management of 600 million people with just 200 Britishers. We cannot expect all foreigners to come and manage Mayapur affairs.
- So you describe that you have set up an altar in your home and you are offering prasadam, and this is all approved by me.
- As you have described the placing of my photograph and offering to it Prasadam, that is good. In consultation with Aksayananda Maharaj, just find out some responsible men to stay there.
- The conch shells as you have described may be kept on the altar as decoration, but they must be kept clean. Everything on the altar must always be clean.
Describing the Qualities of Sincere Souls
The strength of the institution lies in the purity and sincerity of its members. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that spiritual literature must clearly describe the strict characteristics of a bona fide guru and disciple. Additionally, when disciples accurately described the sincerity, qualifications, and even the spiritual dreams of new devotees, Śrīla Prabhupāda used these descriptions to orchestrate marriages, assign services, and offer highly personalized encouragement.
- Your book should describe the characteristics of the bona fide guru and the bona fide disciple.
- From your description the girl seems very qualified and sincere, so you continue to train her in our Krsna Conscious way of life and she will work together with you as your helpmate in Krsna's service.
- You write to describe me as a loving servant of the Lord. If you believe me so, then kindly help me in my service. That will help both of us. I want your cooperation fully.
- The description of your dream is very fascinating. It appears that you are constantly thinking of me and Lord Nrsimha has given you the chance to see Him because of your constant devotion. It is very encouraging.
Conclusion
Whether preaching philosophy to the public or reporting the progress of a temple to the spiritual master, the act of "describing" is a vital tool for expanding Kṛṣṇa consciousness. By instructing his disciples to constantly utilize their words to glorify the Lord and accurately report on the society's activities, Śrīla Prabhupāda ensured that their minds remained purified and deeply engaged. Ultimately, this constant descriptive engagement is the perfect formula for remaining truthful, advancing in spiritual life, and bringing immense pleasure to the ācārya.
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 Describing (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.