Prabhupāda Instructs the Boys and Girls Who Are His Disciples
The spiritual awakening of the Western world was ignited by the profound dedication of the young men and women who surrendered to the absolute truth. Through his expert guidance, Śrīla Prabhupāda transformed these boys and girls—many of whom were born into affluent, materialistic cultures—into pure devotees and empowered preachers of the saṅkīrtana movement. By establishing strict spiritual standards, arranging Kṛṣṇa conscious marriages, and encouraging equal participation in spreading the mission, he ensured that these youths would become the glorious future hope for delivering human society from the darkness of illusion.
The Miracle of Transformation
The youth of Europe and America were largely raised in an environment that glorified sense gratification, intoxication, and unrestricted freedom. Yet, upon encountering the pure message of the Bhagavad-gītā, thousands of these boys and girls voluntarily abandoned their destructive habits. Acknowledging this remarkable shift, Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently praised their genuine detachment, noting that their bright, blissful faces were practical proof of the purifying power of the holy name.
- All of these American and European boys and girls, they have had enough of money, they are sons of millionaires and rich men of America, still they do not ask me for one farthing for their work.
- Practically everyone can see that you Western boys and girls, so many anarthas you practice, but as soon as you come to bhakti-yoga, everything is finished.
- These boys and girls and others, they are chanting Hare Krsna practically from early in the morning, five o'clock, till ten o'clock daily, but nobody is feeling any disgust. They like to chant. That is the difference between material sound and spiritual sound.
- These young boys and girls, they do not go to cinema. They do not smoke. They do not go any restaurant or club. Why? Virakti! Don't want this!
- In America, my students, these boys and girls, they have been known as "Hare Krsna People," "bright-faced people." You can compare their face with others, how they are feeling happy and blissful. That's a fact. It is not a story.
Equality on the Spiritual Platform
Traditional orthodoxy sometimes criticized the movement for allowing young men and women to preach and serve together without the rigid segregation found in ancient Indian culture. Defending his followers, Śrīla Prabhupāda explained that because they were strictly following the regulative principles and chanting the holy names, they were operating on the transcendental platform. He made it clear that spiritual qualification is based on pure devotion, not on the temporary bodily designations of male or female.
- Either girl or boy devotees may deliver lecture if they choose to do. We have no such distinction of bodily designations, male or female. Krishna Consciousness is on the spiritual platform.
- Since both the boys and the girls are being trained to become preachers, those girls are not ordinary girls but are as good as their brothers who are preaching Krsna consciousness.
- Sometimes jealous persons criticize the Krsna consciousness movement because it engages equally both boys and girls in distributing love of Godhead.
- Not knowing that boys and girls in countries like Europe and America mix very freely, these fools and rascals criticize the boys and girls in Krsna consciousness for intermingling.
- Since the European and American boys and girls in our Krsna consciousness movement preach together, less intelligent men criticize that they are mingling without restriction.
Spiritualizing Marriage
Understanding the cultural background of his Western disciples, it was necessary to provide a practical and spiritually safe living arrangement for the youth. To prevent illicit relationships, Śrīla Prabhupāda personally arranged marriages for many young couples, emphasizing that the gṛhastha order is not meant for unrestricted sense gratification. Instead, these unions were designed to foster mutual cooperation, ensuring that both husband and wife could peacefully execute their preaching duties and raise Kṛṣṇa conscious children.
- I have allowed my disciples to marry as a concession for having household life, because you American boys and girls are accustomed to mix freely with one another, so what can I do?
- Purposely I have married so many couples, boys and girls, just to see them happy. Without happiness, without being in good mood of mind, you cannot prosecute Krsna consciousness.
- All you boys and girls who are now married, follow this instruction of Lord Caitanya, and show vivid example to the world how man and woman can be united, not for sense gratification but for the service of the Lord.
- We very strictly prohibit illicit sex. Boys and girls who are not married are not allowed to sleep together or live together, and there are separate arrangements for boys and girls in every temple.
- It is a part of my missionary work; I want to see that the Western boys and girls who are very much loose with their sex life should get themselves married and take to Krishna Consciousness seriously and they will be happy both materially and spiritually.
The Joy of Chanting
The modern world often associates spiritual life with dry renunciation or difficult, silent meditation. However, the path introduced by the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is characterized by vibrant, joyful participation. Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that these young disciples did not need artificial gymnastic yoga to realize God; simply by congregational chanting and dancing in transcendental ecstasy, they immediately achieved the highest perfection of mystical practice.
- Factually you'll find our these disciples, young boys and girls, they are not practicing in a secluded place the yoga system. They are chanting Hare Krsna maha-mantra.
- Krsna does not say that you become a sentimental devotee. These European and American boys, they are dancing not by sentiment. That is actual transcendental ecstasy.
- Simply by chanting this Hare Krsna mantra and studying Bhagavad-gita As It Is, how these boys and girls, they are in ecstasy. They are in the spiritual platform. You cannot expect such dancing and such joyful attitude in this material world.
- In our Kirtana there is no need of so called meditation and gymnastic of bodily exercise. It is simple and can be practiced even by the small children and we have practically seen it how small boys and girls do take part in it by chanting dancing with us.
- These boys and girls who have taken to Krsna consciousness movement seriously, they are all first-class yogis because they are always thinking of Krsna. So if you want to develop Krsna consciousness, then you kindly associate with these devotees.
Pushing On the Global Mission
As the society expanded into a worldwide institution, the responsibility of preaching could no longer rest on one person. Passing the torch to the next generation, Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly urged his young followers to aggressively distribute literature, open new centers, and travel extensively. He expressed immense confidence that these dedicated boys and girls would successfully carry the teachings of Lord Caitanya to every town and village across the globe.
- Don't be satisfied that you have understood. No. This should be distributed. In my old age I have come to your country carrying the order of my spiritual master to distribute it. You are all young boys and girls; take this message and distribute it.
- I am counting on you boys and girls to push on this movement and preach vigorously all over the world, and we shall be successful.
- Lord Caitanya wanted this business, so by the parampara system through my Guru Maharaja and my humble self, the matter is handed over to you. Now it is up to you American boys and girls to do the needful.
- Make a strong party of not less than 25 boys and girls. We wish to make a world tour with this Sankirtana Party, that is my ambition.
- The whole world is praising this movement because they see practically that how these European-American boys and girls are so much absorbed in the thought of Krsna.
The Future Hope and Compassion
The deep, reciprocal love between the spiritual master and his disciples formed the unbreakable foundation of the movement. During times of physical illness or heavy administrative burdens, Śrīla Prabhupāda drew tremendous inspiration from the sincere prayers and tireless efforts of his youth. He openly declared that all the credit for the movement's success belonged entirely to these devoted boys and girls, viewing them as his ultimate hope for the spiritual salvation of the world.
- As you are talking of myself that I am your only shelter, similarly I am always thinking that you all boys and girls are only my hopes.
- I am getting to be an old man. I have given you the formula how to preach; you are young boys and girls, our future hope. Now you follow the principles, apply your intelligence, and everything will come out successful by the Grace of our Lord Krishna.
- My dear boys and girls I am so much obliged to you for your prayers to Krishna to save my life. Due to your sincere and ardent prayer, Krishna has saved my life. I was to die on Tuesday certainly but because you prayed sincerely I am saved.
- I always said that if I could get the American boys and girls to take up this movement the rest of the world would join. Now my theory is being proved.
- My dreams have all come true, and all of you nice boys and girls are getting the credit.
Conclusion
By empowering a generation of youth to rise above their material conditioning, Śrīla Prabhupāda achieved an unparalleled spiritual victory. He systematically trained these boys and girls to operate on the absolute platform, completely free from mundane bodily designations and societal vices. Through their joyous chanting, pure marriages, and relentless preaching, these devoted disciples continue to fulfill the ultimate desire of the spiritual master, acting as the radiant future hope for all of human society.
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 Boys and Girls (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.