Prabhupāda Instructs His Disciples on What They Should Not Be
Spiritual life requires constant vigilance, not only in knowing what one should do, but also in understanding what one must actively avoid. Throughout his letters and lectures, Śrīla Prabhupāda continually warned his followers against falling into negative physical and psychological states. By consciously rejecting discouragement, false pride, laziness, and material agitation, devotees can maintain steady progress on the path back to Godhead.
Do Not Be Disturbed by Material Difficulties
The material world is inherently a place of suffering, and even practicing devotees are not exempt from bodily pains and circumstantial reversals. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that a true transcendentalist must not be disturbed by these inevitable dualities. Because the soul is entirely separate from the temporary body, a sincere devotee relies completely on the supreme protection of Kṛṣṇa and remains focused on the eternal goal.
- As long as the body will be there, there will only be pain. Pleasure is only a misconception. Do not be sorry if you are in an "unfortunate" situation. It can also be fortunate if you take advantage by becoming serious to become Krsna consciousness.
- Don't think that: "Because I have become a devotee, there will be no danger, no suffering." Prahlada Maharaja suffered so much. The Pandavas suffered so much. Haridasa Thakura suffered so much. But we should not be disturbed by those sufferings.
- Even in our distressed condition we must know that we are being protected by Krsna. We should not be disturbed. Because we create so-called distress and happiness.
- Our Krsna consciousness movement is not meant for, I mean to say, mitigating the so-called sufferings of the body. When there is body, there must be suffering. So we should not be very much disturbed by the sufferings of the body.
- We should not be very much bothered about the body. Trees also live for thousands of years but that does not mean a successful life.
Do Not Be Discouraged by Lack of Immediate Results
Distributing transcendental knowledge can be a difficult task, especially when the general public appears unreceptive. When his preachers faced empty halls or unsuccessful days, Śrīla Prabhupāda reminded them that real success is measured by sincere effort, not immediate material outcomes. Even if no one seems to listen, the simple act of chanting and preaching purifies the atmosphere and pleases the previous ācāryas.
- As in the material world sometimes failure is considered as a pillar of success, similarly in the spiritual order also the same principle can be applied. So don't be disappointed. Maybe Krishna's desire is something higher in this connection.
- Don't be disappointed that the whole day you work, you got no collection, and nobody was interested in Krsna consciousness. No. Don't be disappointed. You have worked sincerely the whole day, that is your credit.
- Enthusiasm does not mean if I attain something immediately the result is immediate. No. The result may be delayed but we should not be disturbed. But we must go on working with enthusiasm. This is called patience.
- 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.
Do Not Be Agitated by Interpersonal Conflicts
Because the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is composed of individuals with varying backgrounds and conditioning, occasional disagreements are natural. Rather than allowing these minor conflicts to derail their spiritual lives, devotees must practice extreme tolerance and forgiveness. Śrīla Prabhupāda explained that petty fights must not disturb the greater mission, and followers must learn to work cooperatively despite temporary differences.
- Don't be agitated by trifle things. Remain steady and go on with preaching work. Krishna will help you in every way.
- I think you should not be disturbed by minor disagreement. If you think that you cannot agree with Umapati, you can stop discussing with him, and if there is any point of judgment, you can refer to me. I am always at your service.
- Maybe there is a little fighting amongst yourselves, that is natural, but you are advanced disciple, don't be disturbed by these things.
- So if there is sometimes slight disagreements between devotees, it is not due to impersonalism, but it is because they are persons, and such disagreements should not be taken very seriously.
- We have to be very sincere devotee of Krsna and He will supply everything. In that position, go on preaching. Don't be tottering. You have taken a great responsibility; go on executing it. Don't fight amongst yourselves for petty things.
Do Not Be Falsely Proud or Puffed Up
One of the greatest dangers on the spiritual path is the subtle trap of false prestige. As soon as a person thinks they have become an advanced devotee, their spiritual progress is immediately halted. Following the profound teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Śrīla Prabhupāda demanded that his disciples remain humbler than a blade of grass, always recognizing their absolute dependence on the Supreme Lord.
- Do not be puffed up but always be more tolerant than the tree. This is the prescription given by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
- Don't be puffed up. Always be careful. You are dealing with Krsna. That is my request.
- If one thinks he is big devotee that is not good, thinking that he is first degree. We should not be puffed up, a devotee avoids it, remaining always in the second degree.
- Just be submissive. Don't be puffed up artificially. You are being slapped always by the laws of material nature. Don't think that you are independent.
- You should not be falsely proud. The whole material world is falsely proud. Their whole program is to defy God. And our program is to declare war against these rascals. Everyone is trying to defy God.
Do Not Be Lazy or Neglectful in Spiritual Duties
The human form of life is incredibly brief, and every moment must be utilized for spiritual advancement. A practicing devotee cannot afford to be idle, gossip, or neglect fundamental practices such as chanting sixteen rounds and studying transcendental literature. Śrīla Prabhupāda urged his followers to vigorously discuss siddhānta (philosophical conclusions) and actively push forward the mission without giving way to lethargy.
- Amongst all our duties surely we must not forget to complete our sixteen rounds. We should not be carried away simply by the Krishna duties which is also regarded as good as chanting, but in all circumstances we shall not forget this duty.
- Don't be lazy to discuss about siddhanta. The more you discuss the factual presentation of Visnu-tattva, maya, and jiva-tattva, sakti-tattva. Then it will be clear what is Krsna.
- If we study all these books, to finish them it will take at least twenty-five years. So you are all young men. I request you to engage your time in reading books, in chanting, in Deity worshiping, in going to preach, selling books. Don't be lazy.
- The Krsna conscious people, they should not be lazy. They should always remember that death is already there.
- We should not be lazy and idle and gossiping. We must fully utilize the intelligence which God has given us, but at the same time, we must completely depend on God. This is called "In God we trust."
Conclusion
Advancing in spiritual life requires a practitioner to systematically eliminate all negative material tendencies. By strictly following the compassionate warnings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, devotees learn exactly what they must not be—proud, lazy, easily agitated, or discouraged. In the absence of these material obstacles, pure, uninterrupted devotion to the Supreme Lord naturally awakens within the heart.
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 We Should Not Be (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.