Prabhupāda Managing His Time
In this article, Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals his profound sense of responsibility toward the mission of his spiritual master. He discusses the strategic allocation of his time, emphasizing the need to prioritize translating books over management and his unwavering commitment to guiding sincere seekers.
The Priority of Translating and Writing
Śrīla Prabhupāda views the publication of transcendental literature as his most vital service. He expresses a deep desire to finish the translation of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and explains that he is willing to sacrifice sleep and comfort to ensure these books are available to the world.
- Time is short and I am aging but I want to publish all of Srimad-Bhagavatam and as you are doing now. Publishing it chapter-wise is very nice and it should be continued and as soon as all the chapters of a canto are finished, we make it into a book.
- I am trying to live at least up to the time I finish my translation of Bhagavatam. I do not wish to die before I finish.
- I cannot sleep more than 3 hours at night, and 1 hour in day. So if it continues like that, and if I keep fit, I think I shall have ample time to work writing books.
- I shall devote my full time to giving you further nice books.
Delegating Management to the GBC
To facilitate his writing work, Śrīla Prabhupāda established the GBC to handle the day-to-day affairs of the society. He appeals to his senior disciples to manage the centers expertly so that he can be spared from administrative questions and concentrate on his literary legacy.
- My idea in forming the GBC is that I may be spared from the management and use my time for translating books.
- I have requested that these type of matters be brought before the GBC instead of me. I am trying very hard to find time to write my books, so I want to be relieved from so many questions.
- If the GBC which I have appointed for this task will kindly now assist me in this way, by handling very expertly and with all good consideration all matters of managing, I shall devote my full time to giving you further nice books.
- So you GBC men now decide how to manage things so nicely so that I (Prabhupada) may spend my time solely for translating my books.
Dedication to Sincere Inquirers
Despite his focus on writing, Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that his life is dedicated to the service of others. He welcomes inquiries from those who are serious about spiritual life and is always prepared to spare his time to explain the philosophy of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- I have got always time to answer the letters of sincere souls because my life is dedicated for their service. So you are always welcome to send your inquiries.
- If they are serious, they must hear the philosophy for some time, and I am prepared to spare my time for this purpose.
- As Krsna conscious devotees, we do not like to converse with Mayavadi philosophers simply to waste valuable time, but whenever there is an opportunity we impress our philosophy upon them with great vigor and success.
- At present, I am very busy and have very little time; still your ideas are very nice. However, unless we meet together, it will be difficult to give you help. Perhaps you can come to see me, as I will be in Vrindavan, at our Krsna-Balarama Mandir.
The Urgency and Value of Time
Śrīla Prabhupāda views time through the lens of spiritual utility. He avoids wasting moments on mental speculation and uses the authority of the Vedas to save time. He also notes how his own life's journey was guided by a higher destiny to use his later years for global preaching.
- The benefit is that whether cow dung is pure or impure, I do not waste my time, but because it is stated in the Vedas, I take it, so I save my time. Sruti-pramana.
- It is clearly written there that "This time he will go across the sea." Just see. The circumstances became so that I have come. So astrology is so nice.
- Fifty years ago I was a young man, but that time has been taken and cannot be returned. The spiritual knowledge I received from my spiritual master, however, cannot be taken away, but will go with me.
- You manufacture ideas and then I have to waste my time. I have given you everything already, there is no need for you to add anything or change anything.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda's management of time is a masterclass in devotional focus. By prioritizing the translation of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and delegating management to his disciples, he ensured that his literary contributions would remain a permanent asset for humanity. His life shows that while time is fleeting in the material sense, every second utilized in the service of Kṛṣṇa and the guidance of sincere souls becomes an eternal investment. His example encourages all followers to value their time and use it strictly for the higher purpose of spiritual awakening.
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 My Time (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.