Prabhupāda Guides His Disciples on Organizing Public Meetings
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is not a reclusive tradition meant for solitary meditation in the forest; it is a dynamic, preaching mission designed to uplift human society. To achieve this, Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently trained his disciples to organize engaging public meetings. By arranging university lectures, hosting weekly temple programs, and confidently meeting with the educated class, his followers successfully introduced the sublime philosophy of Godhead to thousands of seeking souls.
The Core Purpose of Public Meetings
The human being is uniquely endowed with the intelligence to understand spiritual philosophy. Therefore, Śrīla Prabhupāda instructed his disciples that every public gathering must be centered entirely around this higher purpose. Whether arranging a massive public event or simply speaking to a stranger on the street, the devotee's duty is to utilize every meeting as an opportunity to perform kīrtana and preach the message of the Supreme Lord.
- All of you become spiritual masters. Your duty is simply to talk to whomever you meet of Krsna, or of the instructions given by Krsna.
- Because human being can understand the Krsna philosophy, therefore we hold meetings of the human being. But still, whenever we get opportunity, we give protection to the animals.
- If we hold public meetings, we can only hold kirtan, with our usual program of preaching being the main feature of attention.
- We shall take this opportunity to preach. "Crime, Why and What to Do?" We shall give all solution. We can arrange big, big meetings on this point, "Crime, Why and What to Do?" A very suitable heading it is.
- Whomever you meet, you talk of Krsna consciousness. That's, that is the cult of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This is genuine spiritual movement. Or the human society's movement. Spiritual, cultural, religious philosophical, scientific, everything, complete.
Holding Meetings in Universities
The younger generation, particularly university students, are open-minded and actively searching for solutions to life's problems. Recognizing this potential, Śrīla Prabhupāda heavily encouraged his preachers to target college campuses. By organizing large, officially sanctioned meetings at major universities, the devotees successfully introduced chanting and high-level philosophy to thousands of intelligent students.
- Here in Nairobi our program is going on very nicely. There are TV engagements and a very large meeting is scheduled at the University of Nairobi for tomorrow. Many respectful Hindus are inviting us and I am staying in everyone's house for about four days.
- Yesterday evening we had very good meeting in Harvard University, and many students and professors attended. There were nice discussions and they are convinced that our activities are genuine and for the real welfare of the human society.
- Yesterday we had a very successful meeting in the University of Nairobi; the exact words used in the newspaper report as follows: ISKCON SWAMI EXPLAINS PHILOSOPHY.
- Yesterday, at the Ohio State University we had a tremendous meeting, and nearly two thousand students were dancing, clapping and chanting along with us. So it is clear that the student community has a nice potential for accepting this philosophy.
- You had a very successful meeting in the University, and that is wanted.
Meeting Opposing Elements
Public preaching is not a passive endeavor. When disciples step into the public arena, they inevitably encounter atheists, impersonalists, and challenging philosophers. Śrīla Prabhupāda trained his followers to never back down from a philosophical fight. By deeply studying the Bhagavad-gītā, preachers become armed with perfect logic, allowing them to confidently meet all opposing elements and come out victorious.
- If we meet one who is challenging us we should either defeat him or make him our friend.
- Now, because you are on the field work, you have to meet so many opposite elements. And you have to satisfy them or fight with them with conclusive statements from Bhagavad-gita, and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
- The books are there, your intelligence is there, the guidance is there. Because you are preaching, sometimes we have to meet opposing elements. So if you cannot answer properly, that will be disqualification.
- The more one can meet opposite elements successfully the more one is supposed to be advanced in Krsna consciousness. To a sincere heart Krishna gives all intelligence to combat such dialogues. Be sincere servant of Krishna and Krishna gives you everything.
- You read very carefully Bhagavad-gita. You have to meet so many opposing elements, so you have to argue and you convince them.
Inviting the Public and Professionals
To establish Kṛṣṇa consciousness as a respectable, vital cultural movement, the devotees must appeal to the leaders of society. Śrīla Prabhupāda advised his managers to actively meet with businessmen, politicians, and educated gentlemen. By convincing these influential individuals of the movement's pure character-building qualities, the disciples secure powerful allies and necessary resources to expand the preaching work.
- In the matter of discharging our mission of Krishna consciousness we have to meet so many so called gentlemen but we must be very cautious for dealing with them as we are cautious in dealing with serpents.
- My suggestion to meet the business men is to convince them to understand the importance of Krsna consciousness movement and how we are molding the character of younger generation by giving peaceful home, philosophy of life, artistic sense, musical entertainment, nutritious foods.
- Those who are attending this meeting, they have got a little faith: "All right, let us go to this meeting. They are talking about something about God. Let us hear." This is called faith, little faith. So you have to increase this faith. That is required.
- If Americans can take up this movement seriously why not Bangladesh people? Try to meet with educated public & if you can convince them it will be a great service. We are trying to unify the whole population of the globe by this cultural movement.
- We are having many meetings, almost every night, in various places with good notice. Daily our Sankirtana party goes down town where they are followed by hundreds of Indians.
Organizing Regular Temple Programs
While massive festivals draw large crowds, the steady cultivation of new devotees happens within the walls of the local centers. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructed his temple presidents to maintain a strict, regular schedule of public meetings. By hosting weekly feasts, chanting sessions, and philosophical discussions, the local temples serve as permanent oases where guests can gradually associate with the devotees and purify their hearts.
- I (Prabhupada) would request you to join. We have got branches here. We are chanting daily twice. Especially we are holding meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. And you try to understand.
- On the birthday of Lord Caitanya we have installed the deity Jagannatha (in three) in the temple of the San Francisco Branch and the celebration of feasting was nice last night. People are taking interest in the temple and are attending meetings regularly.
- Things are going very nicely here, and the weekly love feasts, more that 150 persons assemble. On the general meeting days, not less than 50 people are assembled.
- Try to organize a meeting and impress upon the people Srimad-Bhagavatam philosophy by explaining.
The True Measure of Preaching Success
In the material world, success is often judged by huge numbers and massive profits. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that spiritual success is measured by sincere endeavor. Even if a public meeting draws only a few guests, or seemingly no one at all, the effort is never wasted. The transcendental sound vibration purifies the very atmosphere, and the Supreme Lord perfectly recognizes the sincere attempt of His devotees to spread His glories.
- By chanting Hare Krsna mantra they (the boys) are becoming God-realized. Even last night we had meeting with the Christian Fathers; they very much appreciated.
- I am so much pleased to hear the wonderful news of your Samkirtan meetings in N.J. It is very good. This sort of enterprise is the most valuable spiritual attempt.
- Mr. Tom Driberg is an intimate friend of Ginsberg and he has already written to him promising all help to us. So by Grace of Krishna there you are meeting nice gentlemen, interested gentlemen, and I hope it will come very grand success.
- My Guru Maharaja used to say if somebody complained that "We go and chant, but nobody attends our meeting," so Guru Maharaja would reply that "Why? The four walls will hear you. That is sufficient. Don't be disappointed. Go on chanting."
- You should not be discouraged if people are not coming to your meetings. We are trying to please Krishna. That is all. We simply must go on with our business, to the best of our ability.
Conclusion
Organizing public meetings is the lifeblood of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. By faithfully following Śrīla Prabhupāda's instructions to boldly approach universities, face philosophical challengers, and consistently host local programs, his disciples ensure that the message of Godhead remains accessible to everyone. Because their singular motive in every meeting is to glorify Kṛṣṇa, their preaching efforts yield the highest eternal success for both themselves and their audience.
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 Meetings (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.