Prabhupada’s Life Journey of Sacrifice in Service to Kṛṣṇa
The life of Śrīla Prabhupāda is the ultimate example of "simple living and high thinking." While the world sees an elderly gentleman who traveled the globe, his disciples see a pure devotee whose every breath was an offering to Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda did not hide his life from us; he shared his history as a businessman, a father, and a student to show us that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is accessible to everyone. He risked his life on the high seas and in the lonely streets of New York, proving that the order of the spiritual master is more important than physical safety. His life continues today in every book we distribute and every "Hare Kṛṣṇa" we chant.
Early Beginnings and Family Life
Śrīla Prabhupāda often reflected on his youth and his time as a householder. He was raised by a father who wanted him to be a devotee of Rādhārāṇī, and even during his student days and his time in business, he remained a spotless character. He eventually realized that his family life was a temporary stage, and he retired to Vṛndāvana to prepare for his greatest work.
- I was married during my student life in 1918 with Radharani Devi.
- From my life I experience, when I was very little child six or seven years old, I was very much fond of Krsna. And I got the opportunity of this two things. Although my father was not very rich, but he was pure Vaisnava.
- In 1954, I retired from my family life and began to live alone in Mathura Vrindaban.
- I think I have spoken about my own life. You know that I was a married man. So after being married, I did not like my wife. (laughter) Somehow or other, I did not like.
The Order of the Spiritual Master
The turning point in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life was meeting his Guru Mahārāja, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. This single interaction defined the rest of his years. He took the order to preach in the English language as his life and soul, even if it meant being "pulled out" from his comfortable material situation.
- My Guru Maharaja pulled me out from this material life. I have not lost anything. He was so kind upon me. I have gained. I left three children, I have got now three hundred children. So I am not loser.
- Follow the instruction. Then you are secure anywhere. It doesn't matter. Just like I told you that I saw my Guru Maharaja not more than ten days in my life, but I followed his instruction. I was a grhastha, I never lived with the Matha, in the temple.
- My life is simple. I was householder. I have still my wife, my children, my grandsons. My Guru Maharaja ordered me "Go and preach this cult in the Western countries." So I left everything on the order of my Guru Maharaja, and I am trying to execute the order.
- I have gone through variety stages of life. So I have got full experience of this material world. I don't want it. That determination is there.
Risking Everything for the West
At the age of 70, when most people seek rest, Śrīla Prabhupāda began his adventure. He survived heart attacks on the Jaladūta and arrived in New York with no money or friends. He often thanked his disciples' prayers for saving his life during these critical stages, noting that their cooperation was his very sustenance.
- Beginning from today down - Wed. 25 August 1965... (Srila Prabhupada's heart attack on-board the Jaladuta)... Tue 31 August 1965 - Passed over a great crisis on the struggle for life and death. A separate statement has to be written on this crisis area.
- I came to this foreign country without any acquaintance. So Krsna has sent so many fathers to love me. In that way I am fortunate. At the last stage if I live very peacefully, that is a great mercy of Krsna.
- New York, which is the most important city in the world, and if I am able to do anything for Krishna and my Spiritual Master, even I am at the fag-end of my life, at least let me try for it there.
- 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.
Books and Preaching as His Life Force
Śrīla Prabhupāda taught us that "work is our life." He found no joy in idle retirement; instead, he felt his life increase by a hundred years every time a new book was published. He considered the printing press and the distribution of transcendental literature to be his "life and soul."
- Preaching is our life. But in order to preach one must become firmly fixed in the spiritual practices otherwise his words will not act. It is the duty of every initiated disciple to try and please the spiritual master.
- I was very happy to receive the new edition of Bhagavad gita the make up is very nice. Every time I see a new publication of my books it gives me so much enthusiasm that my life is increased by 100 years.
- My primary duty is to publish the Srimad-Bhagavatam and finish it in my life. But preaching in the western countries is also my duty as it was ordered by my Spiritual Master.
- I do not aspire to any more efficiency in printing, but simply the printing must go on regularly. Offer my blessings to all the workers of ISKCON Press because that is my life.
Living Forever in His Instructions
As Śrīla Prabhupāda approached the end of his physical presence, he gave us the most reassuring secret: he is not going to die. He explained that one who does service to the Lord lives forever through their "kīrti" (fame/achievements). He requested us to continue his mission and promised to live in his vāṇī eternally.
- 108 centers during my lifetime - that is my special request.
- It doesn't matter I leave this body. Even in death I'll live. One year before or one year after... Now as far as possible, I have trained you. Try to follow the principles. And go ahead. Don't be set back by maya's tricks. Go ahead, forward, at any cost.
- So I am not going to die. Kirtir yasya sa jivati: "One who has done something substantial, he lives forever." He doesn't die.
- Whether I am present or not present, it doesn't matter. As Krsna is living eternally, similarly, living being also lives eternally. But kirtir yasya sa jivati: "One who has done service to the Lord lives forever"
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life was a grand symphony of devotion, played out on the stage of the twentieth century. He showed us that simple life and high thinking is not just a slogan, but a viable way to escape the cycle of birth and death. By studying his life, we see that no obstacle is too great when one is surrendered to Kṛṣṇa. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s life did not end in 1977; it expanded. Today, he lives in his 108+ centers, in the hearts of his thousands of disciples, and in the life-giving ambrosia of his books. If we want to truly honor his life, we simply need to follow his instructions and help him continue his mission of reclaiming the fallen souls.
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 Life (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.