What Makes Prabhupāda Sorry
As a pure devotee of the Lord, Śrīla Prabhupāda was completely free from personal lamentation. However, his letters and lectures frequently contain the phrase "I am sorry." This sorrow was never mundane; it was the expression of profound spiritual compassion (karuṇā). His grief was stirred by the suffering of the conditioned souls, the misleading nature of modern society, and the struggles of his beloved disciples against the powerful forces of material illusion. He also felt a deep, practical sorrow whenever Lord Caitanya's mission was hindered—whether by internal quarrels, envious outsiders, or delays in publishing his transcendental books. By examining these heartfelt statements, we gain a glimpse into the immense love and urgency with which Śrīla Prabhupāda carried out his global preaching mission.
Compassion for Society
Śrīla Prabhupāda felt deep sorrow for a world misled by false education and fake spiritualists. He lamented that modern institutions and even some Indian svāmis were cheating innocent people instead of delivering the true Vedic culture.
- What do you mean by nature? Just see how foolish they are. They cannot explain what is this nature. Simply say. I'm simply sorry that the so-called institution, education, simply making people all fools and rascals. That is my grief only.
- From India they are coming, but I am very sorry to inform, they are not giving the real, not delivering the real culture.
- I am very sorry to inform you that there are some Indian "Swamis" in this country who are living with so-called "Swaminies," but so far we are concerned we follow strictly the Vedic principles.
- I am very sorry that these people do not want to see their sons develop high character and knowledge in God conciousness, but they want to push them in the stereotyped way of materialistic life.
Sorrow Over Disciples' Difficulties
As a loving father, Śrīla Prabhupāda was highly attentive to the well-being of his disciples. He expressed sincere regret when they faced physical illnesses, administrative hardships, or when they became victimized by the illusory energy, māyā.
- I am very much obliged to him for the service as I am to my other disciples and I am very sorry that Maya has taken advantage of his disobedience and he has fallen to Maya's illusion.
- We shall be sorry for Kirtanananda's plight under Maya and may not waste our valuable time talking about him. The best thing that you have done is that he should no longer speak in our temples. We shall all pray to Krishna for his recovery.
- I am sorry to hear of your wife's poor health. You have tried so many treatments, pills and better climates and visits to doctors, but there is no improvement. I think you can admit her to the hospital on a longer term basis for recouping her health.
- I am sorry to learn that you had to leave your engagement in Indonesia. Anyway, so now you are in Australia, so you can consult with Madhudvisa Swami as to what to do there in Indonesia.
Obstacles in Publishing
The printing and distribution of transcendental literature was Śrīla Prabhupāda's most cherished project. Any delay, financial debt, or unauthorized editing of his books brought him great distress.
- I am very sorry to learn that our press is lying idle, and your remark in this connection that we have purchased the cart before the horse is appropriate.
- I am sorry that many of the important verses in Bhagavad-gita As It Is were left without purport explanations, but the MacMillan Company wanted to minimize the volume of the book. I am not satisfied with this.
- It is understood that the Back To Godhead department is in debt by $52,000.00. I am very sorry that this has increased so much. Therefore I am sending $20,000.00. So please continue to print Back To Godhead magazine without hesitation.
- Now coming to the question of Gitopanisad, I am sorry that the book is not yet ready for printing although I have finished the book I want to get it immediately printed either there in U.S.A. or in India but the editing is not yet finished.
Envy and Uncooperative Behavior
Śrīla Prabhupāda worked tirelessly to unite people in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. It was a source of sorrow for him when godbrothers conspired against his work, or when internal quarrels and envious outsiders threatened the peace and progress of the mission.
- I am so sorry to learn that there is a sort of conspiracy by some of our God-brothers as not to give me a place at Mayapur. I do not wish to argue on this point.
- We are very sorry to say that these people (some so-called Vaisnavas) try to find fault with us, being unnecessarily envious of our activities.
- It appears that you have been poisoned by some rascals. Such rascals cannot do anything to push on the mission of Lord Caitanya but can put hindrances in the path of spreading Krishna Consciousness all over the world. I am very sorry that you have fallen a victim.
- I am sorry to see that you have so many quarrels with my disciples. They are working very hard on my behalf trying to serve Krsna.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda’s sorrows were never expressions of material frustration, but rather the divine anxiety of a spiritual master carrying the heavy burden of reclaiming conditioned souls. Every time he said "I am sorry," it was a testament to his unbreakable commitment to Lord Caitanya's mission. He felt the pain of those who strayed from the path, the tragic waste of modern materialistic society, and the sharp sting of unnecessary obstacles in publishing and preaching. Yet, this sorrow never slowed him down; it fueled his determination. By understanding what made Śrīla Prabhupāda sorry, his followers can learn how to please him—by cooperating together, fiercely protecting the purity of the movement, and ensuring that the printing and distributing of his books never stops.
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 I Am Sorry (Prabhupada). We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.