Prabhupāda Teaches His Disciples the Proper Way to Ask Their Questions
To ensure the spiritual maturity of his followers, Śrīla Prabhupāda carefully outlined how and where they should seek answers to their inquiries. Rather than fostering a dependent dynamic where he had to personally address every detail, he empowered them to utilize the resources he had already established.
Approaching with Submission and Service
The Vedic system dictates that spiritual knowledge cannot be acquired through a challenging attitude. In his letters, Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly emphasized that paripraśna (inquiry) must always be flanked by surrender and sevayā (service). Without this submissive disposition, posing questions to a guru is considered a completely fruitless endeavor.
- If you have surrendered, then you can ask some question. And sevaya. That pariprasna should not be challenge. By seva, by service. This is our process.
- Questions should be put, as it is advised in the Bhagavad Gita, preceded and followed by submission and service. With this, all questions are bonafide.
- Unless you have surrendered, you have no right to question. What is the meaning of such question? Simply waste of time.
- There must be two sides, service and surrender, and in the middle there must be question. Otherwise there is no question and answer. Two things must be there: service and surrender.
- If you question, and don't surrender, don't render any service, then it will be simply waste of time.
Finding Answers in the Books
Having poured his realization into his translations and purports, the founder of the movement provided an encyclopedic resource for his disciples. When inquiries arose, Śrīla Prabhupāda instructed his students to thoroughly study texts like the Bhagavad-gītā and The Nectar of Devotion. He assured them that diligent reading and preparation for bhakti-śāstrī examinations would automatically resolve their philosophical dilemmas.
- All questions and answers are practically given in our books.
- Because I have now given you everything you are able to answer all such questions from what you know, and if there is any difficulty you may consult my books, or you may write me if necessary.
- I have already answered all questions in my books such as Bhagavad-gita, so kindly read them and chant Hare Krishna Mantra.
- You read regularly, Nectar of Devotion, regularly. All these books should be regularly read. That will give you guidance. You haven't got to ask repeatedly to me; everything is there.
- Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti-sastri examinations and all brahmanas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books. Then all your questions will be answered.
Consulting the GBC and Senior Devotees
As the global society expanded, the volume of daily correspondence became unmanageable for one person. To streamline communication, Śrīla Prabhupāda directed his disciples to utilize the Governing Body Commission and senior Godbrothers. By bringing local management issues to these appointed leaders, the devotees learned how to operate cooperatively within a spiritual institution.
- I am always glad to hear from my beloved disciples, but I am finding difficulty to reply so many letters daily, so I want to encourage the disciples to refer their questions as much as possible to the GBC men and other senior students.
- You have asked many questions, but for this question-answering I have created 12 GBC men.
- All these questions should be directed to the GBC members, as my desire is to simply translate, and leave the management matters for them to decide.
- I want that the GBC should relieve me of this management burden and in the future, all such questions should be taken up with the local GBC member.
- When you have any questions you should immediately consult Gaurasundara or some other elder Godbrother or sister, or else you are always welcome to question me directly. It is my duty to guide you as far as possible.
Receiving Guidance from the Supersoul
Beyond external management and literature, the ultimate guide for a surrendered soul is Kṛṣṇa Himself, residing within the heart as the Paramātmā. By maintaining strict adherence to the regulative principles and chanting the holy names, Śrīla Prabhupāda promised that Kṛṣṇa would personally manifest the answers to any lingering doubts.
- If one is always fully engaged in the devotional service of the Lord with full sincerity of attitude, beginning with the tongue, that Krishna will Himself appear to the devotee and all questions will be answered personally by Him.
- If you are sincere to serve continuously and always chanting, all such questions become answered automatically.
- If you simply chant your rounds daily as prescribed and stick strictly to the rules and regulations, all these questions will automatically be answered by Krsna as Supersoul.
- Our only business is to spread Krishna Consciousness to the best of our possibility, and Krishna has given us discrimination and judgment. So, Krishna is within you, you chant and ask Him, Krishna and He will give you proper instruction.
Relieving the Spiritual Master for Translation
The overarching reason for establishing these protocols was to secure the legacy of the movement. Recognizing his advancing age, Śrīla Prabhupāda openly requested relief from the heavy burden of administrative correspondence. By delegating authority and directing questions elsewhere, he was able to dedicate his profound energy to translating the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
- Although there is no GBC man for Far East for addressing your questions, still, as I am now old man and inclined for philosophy and translating, I am asking my disciples to kindly give me some relief from so much administrative work and asking questions.
- Now I am desiring more and more to have time for translating my books, not that I have to become involved in every question. For this reason I have installed the GBC.
- You should ask the president in charge how to answer these questions. I am feeling the inclination for retiring into the background and simply translating my Srimad-Bhagavatam, therefore I have delegated this GBC to manage everything and give me relief.
Conclusion
By establishing a multifaceted system for addressing inquiries, Śrīla Prabhupāda perfectly balanced his compassion for his students with his monumental literary mission. Whether through the submissive study of his books, the guidance of the GBC, or the internal dictation of the Supersoul, he ensured that every sincere disciple would never be bereft of profound spiritual direction.
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 Questions (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.