Send Me - Prabhupāda's Personal Oversight of His Global Mission
Śrīla Prabhupāda established his movement not as a dry institution, but as a vibrant family built on the foundation of personal relationship and constant communication. As an affectionate spiritual father, he took a keen interest in every facet of his disciples' service, often asking them to "send me" reports, photos, and even items of personal care. This oversight was never about control; it was a manifestation of his deep responsibility to his spiritual master to ensure that the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement remained pure, legally sound, and spiritually potent. By inviting this level of transparency, Śrīla Prabhupāda allowed his followers to feel his presence and guidance even across vast distances, inspiring them to reach the highest standards of excellence in their service. To Śrīla Prabhupāda, every detail—from a bank balance to the color of a painting—was an opportunity to refine the offering made to Kṛṣṇa. He viewed the cooperation of his disciples as the mercy of his spiritual master, and his constant requests to be updated were a sign of his deep investment in their spiritual success. By maintaining this intimate connection, Śrīla Prabhupāda ensured that the mission of his Guru Mahārāja would be established on a firm and authentic foundation.
Ensuring Legal and Financial Integrity
Śrīla Prabhupāda was acutely aware of the need to protect the society's properties and funds, viewing them as the property of Kṛṣṇa. He personally scrutinized legal documents and financial reports to ensure that no mistakes were made that could jeopardize the mission's future.
- Deeds must be sent to me for my approval.
- Find out from the bank manager what the balance of these two accounts are and send the information to me immediately. Also, what is the progress with the municipal affairs?
- My architect-disciple has seen the Temple compound and has made plans how to improve it. Now you should make a draft of the Deed of Gift and send it to me.
- Regarding management of the society, I have already described this to you in letters to Brahmananda and yourself. So far as the maintenance fund is concerned, that may be sent to me directly.
Standards of Devotional Art and Media
The presentation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness through books and art was of paramount importance to Śrīla Prabhupāda. He frequently requested samples and drafts, offering direct corrections to ensure that the bhakti and philosophical accuracy were never compromised by mundane artistic styles or errors.
- I am in receipt of the painting you have sent. This is not a good style of painting. It is an artistic style for sense gratification only. I cannot encourage this style - it should be stopped immediately.
- Nitai may correct whatever mistakes are there, but the corrected material must be sent to me for final approval. So reprinting the volumes will have to wait until the mistakes are corrected and approved by me.
- The title cover of Teachings of Lord Caitanya which you have sent to me is very nice. I hope that you have already taken care of the one typographical error on the inside flap, but otherwise, it is completely satisfactory.
- Yes, there is no objection to your casting clay forms of Deities into plaster. I understand you are a nice artist in this medium, so make Deities of Gaura-Nitai and send me photographs of the forms.
The Solace of Constant Correspondence
For Śrīla Prabhupāda, receiving news of his disciples' activities was a source of great spiritual strength. He encouraged them to write frequently, sharing their successes and struggles, and he viewed these letters as an essential link in the chain of spiritual service.
- I have got always time to answer the letters of sincere souls because my life is dedicated for their service. So you are always welcome to send your inquiries.
- Please send me a letter at least once in a week, that will give me a great pleasure. Naturally I am anxious to know how different centers are working, and when I get good reports from them it gives me great solace.
- Since I have come to New Vrindaban I have not received any new letter from you, but your letter encourages me, so please send one weekly to me.
- When you send news of successful kirtana performances as I received it from London also, and so also I experience personally in Los Angeles, I am overwhelmed with spiritual joy.
Recognizing the Disciples as the Mercy of Krsna
Throughout his management, Śrīla Prabhupāda maintained a humble stance, acknowledging that his success was entirely dependent on the help sent by Kṛṣṇa. He often expressed that his disciples were representatives sent by his Guru Mahārāja to assist him in his mission.
- Actually I am the most unworthy servant of His Divine Grace because I delayed to execute His order by so many years. But it was better I began late than never, and therefore He has kindly sent to me so many young hearts to cooperate with me.
- I came to preach Krsna consciousness, and Krsna has sent so many representatives to help me. I consider like that. Without your help I could not do.
- Krishna is so kind that although I left my few children born out of this physical body, Krishna has sent many nice beautiful obedient children for propagating my mission.
- My Guru Maharaja left alone, so he has sent so many gurus to take care of me. You are all my Guru Maharaja's representatives.
Detailed Reports and Practical Requests
Śrīla Prabhupāda's oversight extended to very specific requests for information and practical items. This level of detail shows his focus on the immediate needs of the mission and his desire to remain intimately connected to the daily lives of his followers.
- Please immediately send me the names and addresses of all the foreign devotees in India. Please also their passport numbers and nationality.
- Will you kindly send me a detailed report of your activities regarding Mayapur affairs? Please send me a report every week and oblige.
- I may request you to send me some of that bitter melon that you are growing there. You take some of that bitter and cut into pieces and dry it, then send.
- In the past you were sending me the dried banana, so you please resume sending me. The day after tomorrow I am starting for Los Angeles, so I would like to receive some of that dried banana from you.
Conclusion
The personal oversight provided by Śrīla Prabhupāda served as the glue that held the global ISKCON family together. By requesting his disciples to send him their work, their thoughts, and their challenges, he ensured that the movement remained a living, breathing expression of his Guru Mahārāja's will. This exchange fostered a profound sense of accountability and love, as disciples knew that their spiritual master was personally invested in their success. Ultimately, Śrīla Prabhupāda's "send me" instructions were an invitation into a deeper relationship with the paramparā, where every administrative task and creative endeavor became a purified offering of devotion.
Dive Deeper into Srila Prabhupada's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Send 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.