See Me - Prabhupāda’s Gateway to Personal Association
The presence of a pure devotee of the Lord is a cooling oasis in the desert of material existence. Śrīla Prabhupāda, the world-teacher of bhakti, never presented himself as an unapproachable figure; rather, his life was a continuous series of personal invitations to "come and see me." Whether he was in Vṛndāvana, New York, or Hong Kong, his primary concern was the spiritual well-being of those who sought his shelter. By seeing him, hearing from him, and observing his saintly character, thousands were inspired to surrender their lives to the service of Kṛṣṇa. This personal association is the secret of success in spiritual life, as it allows the disciple to receive the mercy of the paramparā in a tangible, heart-to-heart exchange that transcends formal ritual. This direct connection with the spiritual master provides the necessary strength to overcome the hurdles of material life and remain fixed in devotional service.
Reciprocal Love with Disciples
Śrīla Prabhupāda often expressed his deep affection for his disciples, noting that while they were eager to see him, he was equally eager to be with them to serve their spiritual needs. He made himself available across the globe, inviting his followers to meet him in various temples to discuss their programs and progress in devotional service. Even when his health was a concern, his priority remained the care of his spiritual children.
- As you are very much eager to see me stronger, similarly I am also very much eager to regain my former health and serve you all.
- I have got my temple here. There are devotees. They want to see me. I want to see them. They want to take something, spiritual knowledge, from me, and my duty is to impart.
- Thank you so much for your eagerness to see me. I am doing the work of my Guru Maharaja and similarly you also help me and we will be all benefited in Krishna Consciousness.
- To keep myself under your care will certainly be a great boon. The only thing I am considering about staying in the mainland because the devotees in different centers here can see me if required more quickly then they can do so in Hawaii.
Outreach to Influential Figures
Throughout his travels, Śrīla Prabhupāda extended invitations to thinkers, musicians, and government officials. He believed that if someone would simply come to see him, he could convince them of the truth of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. From meeting George Harrison and John Lennon to debating with scholars, his door was always open for philosophical discussion to benefit the leaders of society.
- Dayananda has told me that Mr. George Harrison is interested to see me, and he is going to stay one week more, and so let us see what happens.
- He (Allen Ginsberg) has promised to me that, "Wherever I shall go, I shall chant." I asked him that if he was there he can see me again.
- Mr. George Harrison appears to be very intelligent boy, and he is by the Grace of Krishna fortunate also. On the first day, he came to see me along with John Lennon, and we had talks about 2 hours. He wanted to talk with me more.
- Fortunately, yesterday evening the chief minister of Assam, Sriman Mahendra Mohan, came to see me and I have requested him to write a letter to Mr. Naik.
Transformation Through Association
Śrīla Prabhupāda taught that seeing the spiritual master is the precursor to seeing Kṛṣṇa. He explained that while material eyes cannot perceive the soul or the Supreme Lord, through the guidance of a realized soul, one can learn to see God face to face. His presence acted as a defeat to māyā, bringing clarity to those blinded by material illusion and inducing a mood of submission and respect.
- Everything depends on me. I can see God. Just like I am seeing you face to face, you are seeing me face to face, similarly, you can see Krsna face to face.
- Maya saw me very successful within one year, so that I got so many sincere young flowers like yourself and others, so it was a great defeat to the activities of maya.
- If they see me they immediately fall down flat.
- The other day one professor came to see me from Khabudvipa(?). He was very submissive, but still, he would argue like this, that "Whatever Krsna is making me to do, I am doing." So I told him, "Krsna is asking you to surrender. Why don't you surrender?"
The Legacy of His Guru
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently recalled the first time he went to see his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. This single meeting redirected his entire life from a potential career as a business magnate to the path of liberation and global preaching. He emphasized that without seeing his spiritual master at that opportune moment, the mission would never have manifested and he would have remained a victim of material ambition.
- Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, after seeing me, said that you all are learned then why don’t you preach the teaching of Caitanya Mahaprabhu in foreign countries, On this I argued with him, I said we are dependent country, who will listen to us?
- Without seeing him (His Divine Grace Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja) at that opportune moment, we could have become a very great business magnate, but never would we have been able to walk the path of liberation.
- Without seeing him (His Divine Grace Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja) at that opportune moment never would we have been able to be engaged in the factual service of the Lord under instructions of His Divine Grace.
- Last time when I was in India you told me that Lalita Prasad wanted to see me and according to his desire I saw him. And the proposal was accepted by him. Now it appears he has changed his mind so what can be done?
Conclusion
The invitation to see Śrīla Prabhupāda was more than a social call; it was an entry into a life of spiritual awakening. Through these personal interactions, he demonstrated that the spiritual master is always accessible to the sincere heart. By remembering his eagerness to meet and guide all living entities, we can find the inspiration to remain fixed in his instructions, knowing that his association is still available to those who sincerely approach his vāṇī.
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 See Me (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.