Prabhupāda Trains His Disciples to Utilize All Assets in Kṛṣṇa's Service
In the material world, people desperately accumulate temporary wealth, false prestige, and fleeting relationships, mistakenly identifying these as their most valuable possessions. Śrīla Prabhupāda shatters this illusion by redefining the true nature of an asset in the context of eternal spiritual life. He reveals that our most precious, irreplaceable asset is the very duration of our life, which must be urgently utilized for realizing the Supreme Lord before death takes it away. Beyond time, our absolute wealth lies in our internal purity, our eager anxiety to perform devotional service, and the transcendental literature we distribute. By consciously dedicating all material skills, academic degrees, family relationships, and financial gains to the propagation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the sincere disciple transforms temporary mundane objects into everlasting spiritual wealth.
The Ultimate Spiritual Assets
While society evaluates a person's worth by their bank balance, a pure devotee understands that true wealth is entirely internal and spiritual. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphatically declares that a disciple's purity of character and their eager anxiety to serve the Supreme Lord are their most powerful, unmatched assets. Additionally, he reminds his followers that their time in this human body is rapidly diminishing and must be carefully invested, while transcendental books serve as the ultimate, inexhaustible resource for the preaching movement.
- Everyone of you should think that every moment, whatever asset you have got, the most valuable asset is the life, duration of life. That is being taken away. That is the law of nature. And the last taking away is death.
- Our unique asset is our purity. No one any where can match it. That will be noticed eventually and appreciated, as long as we do not diminish or neglect the highest standard of purity in performing our routine work.
- If you are anxious to serve Krsna, that is the real asset.
- Krishna has solved all your problems. Print books and sell and get rich; that's all. We have got asset, our books, so where is the question of poverty? So don't be disheartened at any circumstance. Depend on Krishna.
Transforming Material Skills and Wealth
Kṛṣṇa consciousness does not require the artificial rejection of one's talents, education, or worldly possessions; rather, it demands their complete purification through dedicated service. Śrīla Prabhupāda expertly guides his disciples to dovetail their various abilities, whether it is earning a university degree, learning a new language, or mastering a simple craft like weaving, directly into missionary activities. By utilizing these practical assets for preaching and financially supporting the temple, ordinary material qualifications are immediately elevated to the platform of divine devotional service.
- My first instruction to you is that you must pass your M.A. Examination before any other consideration. Your degree will be a great asset for the society in the near future.
- I think there is no need of getting a degree. If you can spare some time, you try to learn Bengali, from Sriman Prabhansu. It will be a great asset for our Mission; and as you have decided to work to get money, I quite approve.
- It is very nice that you are learning to weave. That is a great asset to have.
- You have got so many assets. So you can utilize it for preaching. Dedicate your life. If you think that you are family man, you cannot dedicate twenty-four hours, then earn money and give it to Krsna consciousness movement as other family men.
Devotees as Valuable Assets to the Mission
The global expansion of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness society relies entirely on the cooperative, dedicated efforts of sincere individuals. Śrīla Prabhupāda viewed every devotee as an incredibly precious asset to the movement, going to great lengths to protect them from the bewildering influence of māyā. Furthermore, he emphasized that a cooperative marriage centered on spiritual goals is a profound strength, as husband and wife can combine their unique skills to push forward the boundaries of the preaching mission.
- I have informed Upendra das, who is in Vrndavana, that his ticket is waiting for him in Delhi. So it is good that you have arranged it. And I think that he will be a good asset for your activities there in Fiji.
- It is my opinion that he has fallen victim to the woman. Maya is very strong, but if we try to save him by our combined efforts, because he is a good asset. So I am trying to save him from the victimization.
- She is a good asset for you as your wife, and I want that you two work combinedly. That is my desire.
- You will require a wife who is an expert typist to be your secretary. Such a wife with good typing ability will be a great asset in your writing activities.
Conclusion
By redefining the concept of wealth, Śrīla Prabhupāda protects his disciples from the exhausting, futile pursuit of temporary material accumulation. Instead, he empowers them to recognize the supreme value of their time, their purity, and their eager desire to serve Kṛṣṇa. Whether a devotee possesses academic brilliance, practical skills, worldly wealth, or a cooperative family, everything becomes a perfect spiritual asset the moment it is engaged in the mission of spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Ultimately, by utilizing everything for the pleasure of the Lord, the disciple secures the highest, eternal treasure of going 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 Assets (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.