Prabhupāda Reveals How His Disciples Create Their Own Fortune through Devotional Service
The material world generally measures fortune in terms of mundane wealth, temporary prestige, or bodily comforts. Śrīla Prabhupāda completely redefines this paradigm, revealing that the ultimate fortune is found exclusively within Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He teaches his disciples that true luck is not arbitrary; a person actively "sets up" their own fortune by utilizing their intelligence and natural talents to serve the Supreme Lord. By voluntarily accepting the control of Kṛṣṇa instead of acting independently, a devotee guarantees their own success. This divine fortune extends beautifully into family life. While society considers a good wife, a good son, and wealth as the three standard measures of luck, Prabhupāda explains that these blessings achieve absolute perfection only when centered around devotional service. Furthermore, he declares that the children growing up in the gurukula—who hear the holy names and associate with pure devotees from birth—are undeniably the most fortunate children in the entire world. Ultimately, coming to the shelter of this spiritual movement is the greatest boon of life, an immense opportunity that must never be misused.
Setting Up One's Own Spiritual Fortune
In Kṛṣṇa consciousness, success is never a matter of blind luck. Śrīla Prabhupāda empowers his disciples by explaining that every living entity has the ability to set up their own fortune or misfortune based entirely on how they use their intelligence. When a person hears the absolute truth and seriously decides to use their talents—whether working, writing, speaking, painting, or building—in the service of the Lord, they instantly become highly fortunate. This supreme luck manifests automatically the moment a disciple gives up the illusion of independent action and happily accepts the loving control of Kṛṣṇa.
- When intelligence is used for developing Krsna consciousness, that is fortune. So we can set up our own fortune or misfortune. The fortune means that we must be serious after hearing about Krsna.
- When we simply remember to accept the control of Krishna and not to act independently then all fortune is automatically present.
- It is your good fortune that you can serve Krishna in so many ways - to work, to write, to speak, to paint, to build - all of these talents must be employed in Krishna's service. That will make you perfect.
- Unless one is very fortunate, he cannot come to the shelter of Krsna consciousness. That's a fact. So don't misuse it. That is my request.
The Fortune of a Devoted Family
Even according to traditional Vedic standards, a man is considered fortunate if he possesses a good wife, a good son, and sufficient wealth. Śrīla Prabhupāda elevates these material standards by applying them to the gṛhastha āshrama. He notes that out of these three, having a good wife is the highest standard of fortune, and the Kṛṣṇa consciousness society actively trains its young women to become ideal companions for spiritual life. When a husband and wife serve together with the right attitude, and when Kṛṣṇa blesses them with a son who is gaining strength in devotional service, the entire family experiences a perfect, spiritually wealthy existence.
- A man is considered to be fortunate in three ways. If he has got good wife then he is fortunate. If he has got good son then he is fortunate. And if he has got plenty money he is fortunate.
- These three standards of fortune, out of which, one who has got good wife, he is the most fortunate. So our society will try to make good wives so that the boys, all boys can think himself always fortunate.
- You are fortunate. Go on in this present attitude, serve you husband always and in this way your life will be perfect, and together husband and wife go back home, Back to Godhead.
- I have received word from Satyabhama that your son is doing nicely in New Vrindaban and is gaining strength in devotional service. So you are very fortunate. Krishna has blessed you with a very good devotee son.
The Most Fortunate Children in the World
Mundane education simply binds the soul tighter to material illusion, but children raised in the society's gurukula system bypass this danger entirely. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphatically declares that these students are the most fortunate children in the world. From the very beginning of their lives, they are immersed in the vibrations of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, associating with genuine Vaiṣṇavas, and dancing in ecstasy. He regularly encourages these young students, reminding them to feel immensely glad for this rare opportunity to learn pure philosophy and grow up in the divine association of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.
- From the very beginning of life, they are hearing Hare Krsna maha-mantra. They are associating with Vaisnava, chanting, dancing. Imitation or fact, it doesn't matter. So they are very, very fortunate children.
- These children in Gurukula are the most fortunate children in the world, because right from the beginning they are having the association of Radha and Krishna.
- I am very happy to see that you are learning our philosophy so nicely. You will grow up to be a great devotee of Krishna. You are very fortunate to have the opportunity of attending Gurukula, so don't waste this opportunity.
- I can see from your letter that you are very sincere about Krsna Consciousness and Gurukula. Yes, you should always feel yourself most fortunate and glad that you are in the Krsna Consciousness movement where you can learn sanskrit and English.
The Boon of the Movement and Association
To take birth in a civilized nation or a wealthy family means very little if the soul remains in darkness. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures his young followers in the West that they have achieved the greatest boon of life simply by finding their way to the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. This fortune is amplified by the environment they immerse themselves in. Whether living in a supremely sacred holy place like Māyāpur or simply enjoying the guidance of sincere, dedicated Godbrothers in New York, the disciples who take full advantage of this divine association establish themselves as men and women of first-class spiritual character.
- You all young boys and girls, you are fortunate. I am not bluffing you. Actually you are fortunate. You have come to the right place, where you can learn Krsna consciousness. This is the greatest boon of life.
- Fortunately, however, the Hare Krsna movement has come to America, and many fortunate young men are giving serious attention to this movement, which is creating ideal men of first-class character.
- I have received a note from Advaita Brahmacari reading as follows, "Everything is going very well in New York. I am so fortunate to have such sincere God-brothers like Rayarama, Brahmananda, and Rupanuga to help guide me in Your absence."
- In the whole Nadia, this part is very sacred, Mayapur Candradoya Temple. So by Krsna's grace, you have got this opportunity to live here. Take advantage, full advantage of this opportunity, spiritually fortunate.
Conclusion
By redefining success entirely in terms of spiritual engagement, Śrīla Prabhupāda rescues his disciples from the endless, frustrating pursuit of mundane luck. He teaches them that fortune is not a random roll of the dice; it is the deliberate, intelligent choice to surrender one's talents, family life, and independence to the Supreme Lord. By educating their children in the gurukula and cherishing the association of sincere Vaiṣṇavas, his followers secure an environment of constant spiritual prosperity. Remaining humble and deeply grateful for this unprecedented opportunity, these dedicated disciples perfectly establish their own eternal fortune.
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 Fortune (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.