Prabhupāda Instructs His Disciples Not to Leave His Society Under Any Circumstances
The journey back to Godhead requires the supportive shelter of the spiritual community to overcome the powerful forces of material nature. In his heartfelt letters and lectures, Śrīla Prabhupāda makes it unequivocally clear that leaving the association of devotees is the greatest danger a practitioner can face. By demanding tolerance, cooperative management, and strict adherence to the paramparā, he ensures that his disciples remain safely protected within the society.
The Spiritual Father's Concern
The bond between the spiritual master and his followers is far deeper than any mundane relationship. Whenever a student decided to abandon the society, Śrīla Prabhupāda expressed profound grief, comparing the situation to a father losing his beloved child. He repeatedly pleaded with his disciples to remember their eternal connection and not sever their ties over temporary frustrations. For a pure devotee, the spiritual well-being of his dependents is his constant meditation and greatest concern.
- As the father becomes unhappy when one of his children wishes to break family connections I also become unhappy when there is difficulties within our ISKCON family. So please do not consider leaving as you are spiritual children of mine.
- I felt too much aggrieved when some of you left me, but I was confident that all of your would come again, because Krsna consciousness is not a material thing, and cannot be broken.
- I love you all very much, and if you go away and stay independently that will be a great shock for me.
- There is no question of leaving our society. One may think like that but I cannot allow you to leave. That is my inspiration. Those who have left the society I am always thinking of them.
- I understand you have left and it is a thunderbolt for me. How is that? What are your demands? Or have you also been contaminated? Please tell me frankly. Where is your wife and child?
The Great Loss of a Devotee
Bringing a conditioned soul to the platform of pure devotional service is an incredibly difficult task that requires immense sacrifice. Because of the energy invested in their training, Śrīla Prabhupāda considered the departure of any practitioner to be a devastating blow to the mission. He instructed his leaders to recognize the value of every single member. The society simply cannot afford to carelessly lose trained individuals who have dedicated their lives to the Supreme Lord.
- If we neglect somehow or other and if we lose even one Vaisnava, that is very great loss.
- My fear is that after training our men so much, if he's lost, that's a great loss. Then future of society becomes very hopeless.
- Better allow them to live together. What can be done? But we cannot lose them. After training so much, if they are lost, then that is a great loss. This I am giving hint. Now you GBC, you change them. Make process.
- All the devotees should be satisfied. They have given their lives to Krishna, so we should see they are always happy. Their service is voluntary. It is not that we can force anyone to do anything. If we do they will go away and that is a great loss.
- It should be our definite policy that nobody is ill treated that he may go away. We recruit a person to join us after spending gallons of blood.
Avoiding Departure Over Disagreements
In any large, expanding institution, differences of opinion and managerial conflicts are completely natural and expected. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda strongly condemns the tendency to abandon one's spiritual duties simply because of a minor quarrel. Disciples are expected to be mature and cooperative, resolving their issues internally rather than running away. Leaving the absolute path of truth over temporary administrative or personal disputes demonstrates a severe lack of spiritual seriousness.
- The fact that you have left our movement just on account of some minor disagreements shows that you are not actually serious about going back to home, back to Godhead.
- If one moment you are willing and the next moment there is some small disagreement and immediately you all go away, how can I be calm in my mind?
- Sometimes there may be disagreement and quarrel but we should not go away. These inebrieties can be adjusted by the cooperative spirit, tolerance and maturity so I request you to kindly remain in the association of our devotees and work together.
- Even in ordinary family affairs there is sometimes disagreement, but that does not mean immediately the disagreeing members shall leave the family.
- You may go there again and take some responsible post for correcting the situation, that will be your real duty, not that there is some disagreement and I go away disgusted, no. That is not Vaisnava standard.
The Need for Patience and Tolerance
The material world is characterized by constant changes, hardships, and unfavorable situations that test a devotee's resolve. To survive these tests without falling away, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that immense patience and tolerance are required. A true follower must remain enthusiastic and strictly perform their assigned duties, even when circumstances are physically or mentally uncomfortable. Giving up the fight and leaving the association is a sign of spiritual weakness, not advancement.
- Enthusiasm and patience, these things required. If under changing conditions, I lose my enthusiasm, if I cannot endure the difficulties of my duty, therefore I go away. Then how I can be leader?
- We insist our students that "Don't go out." Even you are discomfortable, you should tolerate, but you should not go out of the society. Then you will surely fall down, surely fall down.
- Even there is some difficulty or hardship, or even my godbrothers may not cooperate or there may be fighting, still, I must perform my duty to my spiritual master and not become discouraged and go away, that is my weakness.
- If I have understood the order of my Spiritual Master rightly, then I must perform my duty under any circumstances and never once think of going away under disgust.
- Our Krsna consciousness society is a bhakta-sanga, is a society of devotees. Never try to go away. Never try to go away. Discrepancies there may be. You should adjust.
Do Not Be Disturbed by Others' Faults
It is easy to become critical of others, especially when witnessing the mistakes or shortcomings of fellow practitioners. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that utilizing the faults of others as an excuse to abandon the movement is a foolish trap. An ideal Vaiṣṇava does not spend their time criticizing peers or deserting the mission when imperfections arise. Instead, one must focus on their own service and maintain a steady position regardless of the environment.
- Even if one thinks that there are many pseudo devotees or nondevotees in the Krsna Consciousness Society, still one should stick to the Society.
- The Vaisnava devotee must think like this. We should not find fault with others and criticize and go away, that is not the Vaisnava way.
- Just because some body has made some mistakes does that mean that you should give up your whole career in Krishna Consciousness? What will that accomplish? Simply more rebirth and death.
- You have complained about those devotees who have mistreated their wives and children, but that is not the example. Those who have deserted this movement are not the example.
- Hamsaduta is maintaining his position of service, so why, even if a little fighting, you should go away? We should never give up our duty.
The Consequences of Leaving
Stepping outside the protective circle of the spiritual society immediately exposes a person to the degrading forces of the material energy. Śrīla Prabhupāda vividly describes how disciples who whimsically leave the movement quickly lose their elevated spiritual status and revert to their previous sinful habits. Rather than becoming independent or successful, those who abandon the mission merely become ordinary, suffering workers bound tightly to the cycle of repeated birth and death.
- Yes, we can make rapid advancement in the company of devotees, if we leave the company of devotees then again we become rogues and rascals.
- Some of our students, they think that "Why should I work in this mission? Oh, let me go away." He goes away, but what does he do? He becomes a motor driver, that's all. Instead of getting honor as brahmacari, sannyasi, he has to work as ordinary worker.
- By the grace of Krsna, you have first-class intelligence, those who have taken to Krsna consciousness. Now try to continue it. Don't give it up. Don't be foolish, mudha. Continue. Then you will be happy, and all problems of life will be solved.
- I never believed that again you would go back to your old habits, giving up the Krsna consciousness movement in a whimsical way.
- You should change your habits. You have lost now a good soul, and either he comes back or if you know his address then if he does not like to live with you, he may come at once and live with me personally.
The Lord Never Leaves His Devotees
Even when a conditioned soul becomes bewildered and walks away, the Supreme Personality of Godhead remains endlessly merciful. Śrīla Prabhupāda comforts his followers by assuring them that Kṛṣṇa never forgets the sincere service rendered by His devotees. Once a person has engaged in true devotional practice, the Lord actively works to bring them back to the spiritual path, offering continual chances for rectification and ultimate salvation.
- Please note it carefully that you cannot leave Krishna Consciousness. That is a fact. And even if you want to leave, Krishna will not leave you. That is also a fact.
- I am glad to hear new devotees are coming and do not be worried about some of our members leaving; they will come back. Krishna never forgets the service rendered to him by the devotee.
- One may try to leave Him, but He is not going to leave you. Once come, "No, sir, you cannot go out." Just like our Ajamila. He was devotee in the beginning, and later on, by bad association of prostitute, he fell. But Krsna took him at the end.
- A few cases have happened also that joined, being nice, but all of a sudden drifted from our Society. So Narada Muni advised that even some, sometimes somebody may not continue, but falls down, there is no loss.
- I am so much glad that you have again come to our camp after some time being mislead by Maya. You should take severe warning from this incident and not treat the matter as very light.
Returning to the Association
For those who have wandered away, the door to spiritual life is never permanently closed. Śrīla Prabhupāda warmly welcomed returning disciples, praying for their safe recovery from the influence of illusion. He guided them to learn from their mistakes, to be exceedingly careful in their future practice, and to re-engage in their original status with renewed determination. The ultimate goal is to simply forget the past deviations and resume the process of purification.
- I prayed to Krishna to bring you back. Now, be very careful. Don't make any mistakes. Keep company with Bhavananda. He is very sincere.
- I was very much shocked when I learned from Tamala Krsna Maharaja that you have left our company and were living outside. Anyway, I was always thinking of you and your letter of Jan. 26, 1974 gives me much relief.
- Your going away, I did not take very seriously. I am very glad that you have come back. You should remain with Dayananda. That is your duty.
- You are welcome to join us at any moment provided you do so in your original status. You have to immediately leave India for working outside.
- If you are at all interested, you can return. Your service was there. Why did you leave, and now you are whimsically asking for service. You never asked me before leaving. How can I guide you? If you act whimsically, nobody can make you happy.
The Responsibility of Temple Management
The retention of members is heavily dependent on the quality of local leadership. Śrīla Prabhupāda instructs temple presidents and managers to act with great sensitivity, ensuring their administrative policies do not break the spirits of the devotees. Because the service rendered by the practitioners is entirely voluntary, managers must be expert in adjusting situations so that disciples feel protected and encouraged, rather than repressed and driven away.
- Decide amongst yourselves what is to be done and do the needful. This is management. You have asked about the management of our society, and the position is that management should be done in such a way that people may not break away.
- We have to manage our men in such a way that they may bend to our will but not break. After all, our work is purely voluntary. If they become angry and leave then our work is defeated.
- Make it so that people may not think too repressive so they will not go away—impressive but not repressive, that is the system.
- I have heard also from Brahmananda that he plans to spend 3 days per week at Boston, but I have also heard that during his absence 3 devotees have left the temple. So things should be managed so nicely that our devotees may not leave us.
- His service can be once again very much valuable there in Australia, I know he is very good boy. Do not drive him away, that will be the discredit to all of you leaders.
Keeping Devotees Engaged
An empty mind or an unaccommodating environment can easily lead a practitioner to look elsewhere for satisfaction. To combat this, Śrīla Prabhupāda requires his leaders to actively inquire into the causes of any dissatisfaction and ensure that everyone remains peacefully engaged. Even when individuals struggle to maintain the strict standards of temple life, alternative arrangements must be made to keep them connected to the society and steadily progressing on the path.
- I have already written you one letter of thanks for your taking care of the Vrindaban temple. I note that you are reducing the expenses, but why did the Treasurer leave? Even if you restricted the spending, then why did he leave?
- It is a big establishment and sometimes disagreement happens and I am helpless. I am enquiring from Mayapur why you were asked to leave there. If you want to take initiation from Madhava Gosvami Maharaja I have no objection.
- Regarding the grhasthas living in the temple, I have already discussed with you in detail, so do the needful. The principle is that we make propaganda for devotees to come. Don't ask any of them to go away.
- Kindly inquire into this matter and do the needful. Either Indian or foreign whoever joins us they are not under any obligation, our only tie is Love of Godhead. It should be our definite policy that nobody is ill treated that he may go away.
- These things have to be adjusted. You cannot follow very rigid in case of grhasthas. Some way or other, you have to adjust. We cannot allow them to be lost.
Remaining Fixed in Service
The truest sign of spiritual maturity is steadfastness. Śrīla Prabhupāda expresses great appreciation for those disciples who establish a preaching center and remain tightly fixed in their duties without wavering. Conversely, he criticizes the restless mentality that causes practitioners to whimsically jump from one location to another or abandon active preaching altogether. A serious devotee understands that developing their assigned service is far more important than pursuing solitary comforts.
- I am more impressed if someone has opened one centre and that he has stayed there tightly and developed nicely, not going away whimsically.
- Don't slip down. That is my request. Whatever I could do, I have done. Now it is up to you to spread this movement all over the world. Don't go away.
- At the present moment we see that some of the members of the ISKCON are tending to leave their preaching activities in order to sit in a solitary place. This is not a very good sign.
- They cannot go outside the Krsna consciousness society or movement. Within the society we must try to serve the predecessors by preaching Caitanya Mahaprabhu's cult and spreading His name and fame all over the world.
- 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.
Resolving Marital Issues
Entering family life within the movement is meant to provide a peaceful environment for spiritual growth, not an excuse to abandon one's vows. When marital friction arises, Śrīla Prabhupāda advises his followers not to impulsively leave their spouses or use the situation as a reason to desert the mission. Whether a practitioner remains as an ideal gṛhastha or transitions to strict celibacy, their primary focus must always be on engaging wholeheartedly in devotional service.
- I did not ask my students to marry to become a lost child. I wanted to give them some facility, because you cannot do without wife. But now I am seeing that some of them are slipping away.
- You cannot be irresponsible to your wife and child. That is not allowed. If you can go with your wife to Munich to open a center there certainly I have no objection. That is a different thing. But you cannot leave your wife to go to Munich.
- You write that you are becoming very involved in Krsna consciousness but your wife is not very interested and you want to know from me whether you should leave her. It is not necessary to leave your wife.
- Your wife has left and you are feeling that it is all Krishna's mercy. That is nice attitude. So if that is how you are feeling and you are appreciating brahmachary life, then simply forget your wife and engage yourself wholeheartedly in devotional activities.
- You left Vrndavana on account of Yamuna, but she has left you there also, although you wanted to live with her. Anyway, try to forget all this material attachment and try to be attached to Krishna more and more.
Sticking to the Authorized Lineage
The most dangerous delusion a disciple can entertain is the belief that they can find better spiritual guidance outside of the established paramparā. Śrīla Prabhupāda firmly rejects the idea that a devotee should leave the society to seek out a new guru or follow alternative philosophies. The path to perfection is clearly laid out within the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement, and deviating from this authorized line guarantees that the seeker will simply become lost in the wilderness of speculation.
- Some of our devotees, they left, that "There is no bhajana here," and asking me my blessing to find out another guru. So he wants my blessing for find out a guru. So this rascaldom is no good. So best thing is that mahajano yena gatah sa panthah.
- We have experience that some students come to join us, but because of being biased in some particular type of faith, they leave our camp and become lost in the wilderness.
- Try to convince them to return to our Society and work cooperatively. That they have gone away is not good thing and it is a deviation from our line of parampara.
- Try to convince Gaurasundara and Siddha-svarupa to return to ISKCON and let us forget whatever has happened in the past.
- You mentioned that leaving is the best thing for your devotional service, but you should know that without the instructions of the Spiritual Master that there is no question of devotional service.
Maintaining Strict Standards
While leaders are urged to be compassionate and accommodating, the core purity of the movement must never be compromised. If an individual repeatedly causes disturbances, blatantly violates the regulative principles, or simply refuses to perform devotional service, Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that it is better for them to go away. Maintaining the strict spiritual standards of the society is always more important than retaining members who are completely uncooperative or insincere.
- Yes, if anyone agrees to live with us in the temple he must without any exception follow the four rules and regulations, plus the other regulative principles, otherwise he may be asked kindly to leave the temple and live outside.
- We are very eager to give everyone a chance to become Krishna Conscious, but if someone repeatedly causes a disturbance then he may be asked to leave.
- Some new boys come, and as soon as they are given some work, not very good for sense gratification, they go away. That means they are not prepared. It is better they may go away.
- Sometimes some man comes in our society; after staying for days, he goes away. This is praksepata, thrown away. Unless he's very sincere, he cannot stay with us.
- Keep your movement very pure. You don't mind if somebody goes away. But we must keep our principles pure.
Preparing for the Final Departure
Ultimately, the goal of the entire spiritual process is to prepare the practitioner for the final moment of life. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that by strictly following the regulations and remaining firmly within the society, a devotee adjusts their consciousness perfectly. When it is time to leave the material body, those who have stayed faithful to the mission are wonderfully transferred to the spiritual world, never to return to this realm of misery.
- Every one of my disciples should act in such a way that they may go with me and may not have to come back to take another birth.
- Krsna consciousness means to adjust your condition so that after leaving this body you can enter into the planet where Krsna lives.
- Jayananda's death is glorious. It is very good that he had stated, what is the use of such a useless body, better to give it up. He has left his body very wonderfully, and he has been transferred to Vaikuntha.
- I get great pleasure when I see my own disciples from America going to far off places leaving their rich nation with all facilities and their families, to preach. The secret of success in spiritual life is to satisfy one's spiritual master.
- I take it for granted that you are one of the selected devotees of Lord Caitanya, and therefore from within your heart He has inspired you to go to such a distant place, leaving your parents and home, just to satisfy Krsna.
Conclusion
By studying these profound instructions, it becomes evident that the success of a disciple relies heavily on their determination to remain within the association of devotees. Śrīla Prabhupāda guarantees that by tolerating all difficulties, forgiving the faults of others, and sticking to the authorized process, any practitioner can overcome the tests of material energy. Those who faithfully stay within the society will ultimately achieve the highest perfection and accompany their spiritual master back to Godhead.
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 Leaving (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.