What They Told Me - Prabhupāda on Instructions and Encounters
The personal recollections of Śrīla Prabhupāda offer a fascinating window into the myriad of conversations that shaped his global mission. Throughout his life, he interacted with a vast array of individuals, ranging from his exalted spiritual master to worldly professors, medical professionals, and his own fledgling disciples. What people told him often served as a reflection of the material world's condition—full of atheism, fear, and practical struggles. Yet, amidst this cacophony of mundane voices, the singular, absolute truth that his Guru Mahārāja told him remained his guiding light. He built the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness on the foundation of those instructions, specifically the mandate to print and distribute transcendental books. By examining these exchanges, we witness Prabhupada's profound reliance on his guru, and his masterful ability to transform every encounter into an opportunity for preaching and spiritual upliftment.
The Core Instruction of His Guru
The most defining moments of Śrīla Prabhupāda's life were anchored in the direct instructions he received from his spiritual master. He was explicitly told to prioritize the publication and distribution of transcendental literature above all other endeavors, a mandate he faithfully executed and constantly impressed upon his own disciples.
- Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati personally told me that publishing books is more important than constructing temples. Of course, those same instructions remained within my mind for many years.
- I blindly follow my guru maharaj. I do not know what is the result. So I am stressing on this point of book distribution. He told me this personally.
- My Guru Maharaja told me personally that "If you get some money, print books." Therefore I am stressing on this point: "Where is book? Where is book? Where is book?" So kindly help me. This is my request. Print as many books in as many languages.
- This is the blessing of my Guru Maharaja. He wanted it. And because we are trying to do this, he is giving us all blessings. He told me personally, "I wanted to sell this marble and publish some books."
Encounters with Atheists and Scholars
In his travels and preaching, Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently met with prominent intellectuals, scientists, and professionals who told him their views on life and death. He expertly used these conversations to expose the spiritual blindness of modern society, contrasting their mundane conclusions with the eternal truths of the Bhagavad-gītā.
- Rascals, do not know this. They do not believe that there is a next life. In Russia a professor, Professor Kotovsky, told me, "Swamiji, after this body is finished, everything is finished." He is a big professor, yet still he said that.
- Next time he may be getting chance. Because he (Dr. Radhakrishnan) was at heart afraid of God. Because sometimes he was, "Swamiji, you pray for me to God." Yes. He told me that.
- One big medical man in Gaya, he told me that "Mr. De," that, "we give very first class medicine to a patient, to my best knowledge. He dies. And I try one small medicine, and he is saved. That is my practical experience." He was Muhammadan doctor.
- One gentleman told me that Professor Einstein, he was also reading Bhagavad-gita daily. Hitler was reading. Such, such big, big men. But I know many scholars, even Muhammadans, they also read Bhagavad-gita.
Receiving Reports from Disciples
As the leader of a burgeoning worldwide society, Śrīla Prabhupāda received constant reports from his managers and followers regarding the practical affairs of the movement. Whether he was told about financial matters, VIP meetings, or translation progress, he handled every piece of information with perfect administrative and spiritual vision.
- Bali Mardan has told me that you have - no inclination to supervise or check regularly on these financial matters, and thus it is left to a Treasurer who is also not very competent.
- 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.
- I am very glad to hear of your translating work there. This is very encouraging. Please continue it with full enthusiasm. I was told by Brahmananda Svami that you have finished 3 chapters of Gita already.
- I have already sent you one note about Pradyumna's hospital bill, and as soon as I hear from you, I shall arrange to send you $500 from my personal book fund. I am told by some of my students here that it is very easy to pay the bills by small installment.
Protecting and Correcting His Followers
When informed about the personal struggles, deviations, or misconceptions of others, Śrīla Prabhupāda responded with deep fatherly concern and strict philosophical correction. He never allowed what others told him to disturb his steady service, using every challenge to guide his disciples back to the pure path of devotion.
- Allen Ginsberg told me, Swamiji, you are very conservative. I said that I am the most lenient. I'm not conservative. You are conservative. You cannot give up your bad habits.
- I am sorry to inform you that your co-founder Hayagriva Prabhu is little disturbed. Sometimes before you told about him participating in intoxication. Then I did not take it seriously, but the same thing is again revived and I am little perturbed.
- If he had no desire to go to London he would have plainly told me like that. It has certainly given me a great shock. He is one of my very faithful disciples and if he does like that how can I prosecute my programmes.
- So far your telling me that some other devotees discouraged you in the past, I also had trouble with some of my Godbrothers, but I never let it affect my service.
Conclusion
Reflecting on what others told Śrīla Prabhupāda provides us with a profound understanding of his spiritual fixedness. While the material world constantly bombards the consciousness with atheistic philosophies, administrative anxieties, and the personal shortcomings of others, he absorbed it all without ever losing his spiritual vision. The singular instruction he received from his Guru Mahārāja acted as an impenetrable shield and an inexhaustible source of spiritual energy. By faithfully executing the order to print and distribute books, Śrīla Prabhupāda demonstrated that hearing and following the words of the spiritual master is the ultimate solution to all the complex problems presented by the material world.
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 Told 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.