Prabhupāda Instructs His Disciples to Take Transcendental Risks for Preaching
The execution of spiritual duties often requires stepping far outside of one's comfort zone. The brilliant guidance of Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that willfully embracing danger and inconvenience for the sake of preaching is actually the highest form of devotional service. By boldly taking immense risks to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness, devotees quickly capture the attention and blessings of the Supreme Lord. However, this transcendental bravery must always be perfectly balanced with practical, administrative caution. To ensure the longevity of the movement, the followers are strictly forbidden from taking mundane risks that could jeopardize the society's reputation, finances, or institutional unity.
The Glory of Transcendental Risk
Stepping into the unknown to fulfill the divine will is the ultimate expression of surrender. In his powerful instructions, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that deciding to execute the orders of the spiritual master at all costs constitutes pure devotional service. By adopting the mood of the Gosvāmīs, the dedicated followers perform kṛṣṇārthe 'khila-ceṣṭā, meaning they cheerfully accept all kinds of dangerous positions for the sake of the Lord.
- For Krishna, to take some risk is also devotional service. That is ordered by the Gosvamis: krishnarthe akhila chesta. This means for Krishna's sake to do everything possible.
- If we decide that "Whatever Krsna has said, we have to do it at any risk," that is Krsna consciousness. "Krsna has said. My Guru Maharaja said. We have to do it."
- They are taking risk for Krsna. That is great service. Krsnarthe 'khila cestah. That is one of the valuable service - for Krsna's sake, all kinds of dangerous position.
- I am very glad to learn that Brahmananda, Yourself and all others have the transcendental courage to take all risks for Krishna and this act will enhance your glory in Krishna consciousness.
Facing the Dangers of Preaching
Delivering the absolute truth to a conditioned world is an inherently dangerous task that often invites aggressive opposition. Recognizing this historical reality, Śrīla Prabhupāda encourages his preachers to remain fearless, reminding them that historically great personalities like Nityānanda Prabhu faced terrible attacks. Because these brave individuals take immense risks to establish the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gītā in far-off lands, they become uniquely dear to the Supreme Lord.
- Krsna says, "Anyone who tries to preach this Bhagavad-gita philosophy, nobody's dearer than him to Me." So we, our business is to become a little recognized by Krsna. So we shall go on preaching like this at all risk.
- So when you go to preach, you know the preachers are sometimes attacked. Just like Nityananda Prabhu was attacked by Jagai-Madhai. And when Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, killed... So a preacher has the risk.
- I am encouraged to note that you are working very nicely in Krsna consciousness, despite being there in a foreign land with so many obstacles. This kind of service is especially appreciated by Krishna, that some devotees should take risk for His preaching work.
- Now you are working very seriously and sincerely for Krsna, and you have taken great risk and courage to work in far off place on His behalf, so you may expect that He is giving you His all blessings at every turn.
Avoiding Unnecessary Material Risks
While transcendental bravery is required for preaching, reckless engagement in mundane affairs is strongly condemned. To maintain a simple life, Śrīla Prabhupāda trains his disciples to avoid overly risky business ventures that threaten to disrupt their peaceful spiritual focus. Unless a devotee is extraordinarily strong, taking the risk of deeply handling material things will dangerously divert their attention away from Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Unless we become very strong in Krsna consciousness, it is very risky to handle material things and business.
- We can accept everything for Krishna's service, but not taking the risk of diverting attention to any other thing which will hinder our Krishna Consciousness. That should be our motto, or principle.
- Our motto is simple living, high thinking; we should think of Krishna without being hampered by material disturbances, as far as possible. So too much risky thing is not for us.
- If immigration Visa's burdensome for the Society, then don't take the risk. I think to get immigration Visa is very difficult and therefore you may not unnecessarily involve the society in it.
Protecting the Movement from Jeopardy
The institutional integrity of the society must be fiercely protected from administrative carelessness and legal vulnerabilities. For instance, Śrīla Prabhupāda strictly forbids the use of dishonest methods to acquire government funding, warning that such behavior risks destroying the society's pious reputation. Furthermore, he instructs his managers to avoid the massive financial risks associated with unnecessarily purchasing large buildings or intertwining the sacred assets of the BBT with ISKCON.
- If the government is giving you money, why not use it for Krishna? Only thing we must avoid cheating them or falsely claiming something to get money. Then we are risking our very high reputation as pious people.
- Ramesvara gives the hint that ISKCON may go into liquidation. I cannot think of it. But, anyway, I cannot at any cost risk BBT if ISKCON goes into liquidation. Why risk the BBT by amalgamating it into ISKCON? Therefore I want to keep BBT separate.
- In future through out the society, it is better so far as possible that we should rent. Big house means big responsibility. So unless there are many men, and very big propaganda, buying house is risky and unnecessary.
- We must avoid the risk of a separatist movement, unity is our purpose; just like in London where the Indians are starting their own Hindu Radha-Krsna Temple.
Personal Risks and Family Life
The temple is specifically designed to facilitate renunciation, so those desiring worldly attachments must manage them independently. Frustrated by social disruptions, Śrīla Prabhupāda declares that any devotee wishing to marry must take the full risk of earning an income and maintaining a household outside the āśrama. Similarly, anyone who prematurely adopts the order of sannyāsa runs the severe risk of falling back into family life and utterly disgracing their spiritual prestige.
- Get married outside the temple, take all risk for supporting wife and home, live outside the temple, like that. But they should live nearby and take part as much as possible in temple activities, such as mangala aratrik, sankirtana, etc.
- I am so much disturbed by problems caused by sex life that I am not going to sanction any more marriages. Our devotees must do it at their own risk from now on and they must provide their own income for living together outside the temple.
- Sometimes in our society, ISKCON, a person out of sentiment may take sannyasa, but because his desires are not burned completely, he again takes to family life, even at the risk of losing his prestige and disgracing his good name.
- So I am repeating my spiritual master's order, "Don't wait for another life." That is a very risky, another life. Maybe I am given the chance of taking my birth in a good brahmana family or a rich family, but there is chance of again being spoiled.
Conclusion
The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement thrives on a precise balance of fearless devotion and calculated conservatism. The unparalleled vision of Śrīla Prabhupāda empowers his followers to embrace immense physical and social dangers for the sole purpose of expanding the preaching mission. Yet, while he demands absolute courage on the spiritual frontline, he strictly enforces extreme caution regarding institutional finances and personal material entanglements. By separating mundane liabilities from the core mission, the society's resources remain fully protected. Ultimately, those who risk everything for the Lord while carefully avoiding the traps of illusion guarantee their safe return 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 Risks (Disciples of SP). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience the teachings in their direct, verbatim form.